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ABOUT US
Past
Times has only just been established (launched
November, 2007) but the proprietor Stephen Bence has
a long and successful history in the manufacture and supply
of framed gift sets to the trade and the general public. Having
been in the print business for many years the idea of selling
framed gift sets came after a lengthy discussion one rainy
day in the pub about pre-decimal currency. Realising that
a new generation had neither seen let alone used the old pounds,
shillings and pence, a small number of sets were produced
to give away as Christmas presents. An excellent response
to the first batch was then followed up by contacting a major
catalogue company to see if they would be interested in purchasing
larger quantities. A sample was sent to "Kaleidescope"
and after agreeing prices a contract was sent through to supply
an initial order of 1000 sets.
The celebrations were quite
short lived when the realisation hit upon the fact that large
amounts of old banknotes and coins had to be found and very
quickly. A visit to a banknote and coin fair at the Cumberland Hotel proved to be very fruitful and the
contract was made and delivered within the month. Over a period
of the next two years Kaleidescope were supplied with over
twenty thousand sets of pre-decimal currency and so what started
as a chat over a few beers turned out to be the start of a
sometimes successful and sometimes not so successful business.
But like all businesses you have to take the rough with the
smooth.
The thoughts of standing on
wet, windy and freezing cold market stalls trying to sell
my wares still lives on in my memory but thanks to the wonders
of technology we now have this marvelous thing called the
Internet to sell as much or as little as you like from the
comfort of your own home.
I hope you enjoy wandering
through my website and if there is anything you would like
to know please do not hesitate to email me at info@pasttimes.biz
Stephen Bence
Past Times
15 Longleat House • Horsefair Street
• Charlton Kings • Cheltenham GL53 8NB
Telephone/Fax: 01242 570029
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