We should have a plaque to commemorate Malcolm - readers call for icon's legacy to live on after shop closure
‘I think we should have a plaque to commemorate Malcolm, maybe a vinyl record-shaped one’ were just some of the many comments from readers upon hearing that Malcolm’s Musicland in Chorley has closed.
Updating the store’s Facebook profile pic with a picture of the late Malcolm Allen record store that served the Chorley community and alongside his beloved records, writing etched above the image sadly reads “Permanently Closed”.
A reason has not been given for the decision to close ahead of Christmas, but much loved owner Malcolm Allen, who ran Malcolm’s Musicland for over 50 years offering a friendly chat and a supportive ear to all who entered, sadly passed away in July after a decade-long battle with prostate cancer.
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Hundreds of readers were keen to express their sadness while taking a trip down memory lane to recall some lovely memories.
Here are some of them:
Ann Loszczyk: “I remember when he just had a counter in Stewart Porter Electrical shop on Market Street in the 60's. Helen Shapiro paid a visit and attracted crowds. So sad to see it closed but it wouldn't be the same without Malcolm behind the counter”.
Michael Damian Sutton: “Brillant music land”.
Tony Joyce: “So many memories, especially in the Victoria Arcade, collecting northern soul, and other soul disks, people would come from miles around”.
Dave Wayne: “Went there many times in my teens, Great guy was Malc sad 2 see it close”.
Howard Smith: “It will never be the same. End of an era. I think we should have a plaque to commemorate Malcolm, maybe a vinyl record-shaped one?”
Louise Kavanagh: “He was an Icon, the records, CDs, Tapes & the Gigs that I've booked / bought from there. Showing my age now, but a plaque would be a great memorial to a wonderful man”.
Debbie Blacklidge: “So sad, so many happy memories, especially of the old shop in the arcade in the early 80’s”.
Nicolla Moran: “Oh no would have been amazing if they could have got someone else to take it over, Malcolm created a great shop”.
Christine Maylor Gregg: “Wish someone would take it over. Malcolm was a local landmark. Always been there since I was a teenager”.
Deborah Birchall: “So sad, his legacy passed with him, but it wouldnt hve been the same without him behind the counter. Was a great store, many happy memories”.