A COLLECTION of more than 300 vintage radios, gramophones and television sets – which began with a single purchase at a car boot sale – is to go on show to raise money for charity.

While most men keep tools in their garden shed, Paul Goodchild has transformed his into a mini-museum of vintage audio-visual equipment.

In fact, the collection has grown so significantly during the past few years as his reputation has spread, he has been forced to expand the outbuildings at his Great Waldingfield home. He is now on the look-out for premises that would enable him to stage a permanent public display.

In the meantime, Mr Goodchild, who is the chairman of Monk’s Eleigh Bygone Collectors Club, which he formed more than 26 years ago, will open his collection for viewing on July 21 and 22 to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

He said: “When I retired, I started collecting farm machinery but I always had a fascination with radios since I used to visit a man who mended them when I was a boy.

“People are really interested in the collection because they can all remember having a radio in their family home during the 1930s and ‘40s – it’s something everyone can relate to. In fact, in my collection I have a 1953 Pye TV which is just like the one I watched the Queen’s Coronation on when I was a boy.”

With a friend who is an electrician, he lovingly restores pieces that have been discarded and are in a state of disrepair – and often gets them working again. The collection has tripled in size during the past year and now includes film projectors, gramophones and 78 records.

The bygone collectors club regularly organises rallies displaying everything from old tractors and steam engines, to vintage cigarette boxes and of course, radios. To see Mr Goodchild’s collection, visit ‘Rosemary’, Lavenham Road, Great Waldingfield between 10.30am-5pm on July 21 and 22.

Anyone with ideas on suitable premises for a museum can call him on 01787 372478.