I found myself in Milton Keynes to pick up a new lapel mic (and yes—more record shopping and pub hopping videos are coming), and it jogged my memory that there’s a very different kind of “charity shop” here: Off The Record. This place isn’t just a rack of dusty donations—it’s a properly turned-out music store with a cool vibe, a steady flow of customers (even on a Monday), and a genuinely impressive spread of formats: used and new vinyl, loads of CDs, and a tape section you just don’t see very often anymore. What makes it special is that it raises money for Willen Hospice, and it does it while feeling like a real community hub. I had a chat with Sandy, one of the team leaders, who explained how the shop supports palliative care locally, how volunteers and donations keep it running, and how they’ve even broken the mould by being allowed to take part in Record Store Day and Black Friday. I also loved seeing the used hi-fi gear—if you time it right, you can snag some serious bargains for a budget system. I didn’t have long (school run duties!), but I still walked out with Santana & Buddy Miles Live and The Rolling Stones’ It’s Only Rock ’n Roll—both very fairly priced. For me, Off The Record is the rare charity retail concept that doesn’t “take the Mickey” on pricing, still supports a great cause, and gives music fans a place they actually want to hang out.