This is a very informative and geographically interesting thread. I've posted elsewhere about the two brothers who ran a TV repair shop in Rammy from the 1970's and who sold very efficient Aerial Boosters at one time re TV/Radio Reception and also 2 Metres-I still have at least one. Their's was the type of personal service described here and for a long time Residents would get older TV's repaired or buy reconditioned ones [despite modern brands] on the basis of trust. They kept going but had not done any VCR/DVD repairs [for example] for a long time but I did get a very nice DVD recorder from them a couple of years ago for only £20. They would sell me the odd component etc even though they were not a Maplins type outfit. Well remembered.
The shop closed last October and is now [surprise surprise] yet another trendy Ramsbottom Cafe. "Yummy's" Chinese Takeaway [a few door's down and as featured in one of the crime thrillers starring John Simms] is an even more trendy bar with a canopy and outside lighting etc]. We do have a new shop that specialises in alternatives to plastic products which I suppose fits with the vintage basis of the Forum and at least there's only one [so far anyway]. This is all part of a project to turn a small Lancashire Town, which should be more like Skipton, into "New Chorlton" [the district in Vegan south Manchester!]
Graham [post 21*] mentioned a TV Repair shop that is now on an Industrial Estate in Bury. Which one is that? I can't think who you mean
Here in the South East I've found a traditional repairer outlet near Hasting but I won't identify him as he is often very crowded with work as it is and I wait for the limited times that he is open before going round [eg he tends to close from Xmas to March re the back log]
Dave.