“Going once. Going twice. SOLD, to the gentleman in the green anorak.”

“Hello there Darren,” George called. “I know we call you some things but that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you called an anorak. Mind you, given the way you collect records I suppose it might be fitting”

“Oh. Hi there George”, replied Darren. “Didn’t know you frequented the auction houses?”

“I don’t normally. The wife thought I ought to take up a hobby though. You know, something that she thinks will get me out of her way for an hour or so while she gets on with important household duties. Like coffee mornings for the girls. So, as I’m not much into active sports at my age, I thought I’d have a go at this buying and selling lark you were on about the other week. You never know, I might even pick up a bargain.”

“Seen anything you fancy then?” Asked Darren

“Not yet. Saw you just bagged yourself a lot though. What have you bought then?” Queried George.

“I just got me a whole box of old vinyl records of course!” Smiled Darren.

“Oh, so that’s why you wouldn’t say where you got your stock for this on-line record business of yours?

Think I might come and bid against you and bump the prices up?” laughed George.

Darren smiled back although rather nervously as the thought crossed his mind that Georges comment could be a reality.

“There’s plenty of other things to interest you I’m sure.” Said Darren, hoping to deflect George’s interest.

“Auctions are not the only place we manage to get our stock from. There’s second hand and antique shops Private sellers doing yard or garage sales. The occasional jumble or church sale they turn up at. The charity shops don’t seem to want all they acquire so we help them out by taking them from them for a small donation. We have friends and family members all over the place looking out in these places for us.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all worked out and the market pretty well sewn up.” George said thoughtfully.

Darren laughed. “I wish” he said. “The markets a bit big for us to have it all George. I’m just happy we can make a profit from our bit”

“Even so, I think I’ll find something that’s a bit easier to post and I can sell on eBay without a lot of competition from you Mr Anorak” Grinned George.