Happy Birthday Simon Vincent: 'Stroud loves you as much as you love us!'

His partner Nadine Phillips, spoke to the SNJ and provided us with some background into the life of this central figure in the Stroud community.

Simon bought the Trading Post in 2001 from Jo Walters the original owner who established the shop back in 1977.

A bold move considering Simon was giving up a 15 year career in banking and all the security that goes with it.

The Trading Post had always been Simon’s favourite shop, he spent most of his lunch breaks there.

At the same time Nadine and Simon moved into Randwick and quickly got themselves stuck into the local community, with both of them joining the WAP committee.

He took on the chairmanship of the WAP in 2008 and, with the support of the committee, did a brilliant job of reenergising and growing the WAP.

This included bringing in new attractions such as world record smartie eating and the unforgettable motorbike display team.

It turned out that there were no bikes in the display, and turned out to be somewhat controversial for a village fete.

With his, and so many others help, there has been increasing support for this event, which benefits a number of village and community organisations.

Simon is really proud to be part of Stroud and has always supported and been involved in community events.

From the Nelson Street ‘Fringe of Fringe’, being invited to be a dog show judge at the Fleece, sponsoring and supporting various local music events and projects, and latterly the amazing Stroud Block Party.

Messages, and photos (see photo gallery), have been sent to the SNJ to pass to Simon on his birthday.

Sara Povey: "Hope you have a really mega happy birthday Mr V! When we first came to Randwick 9 years ago you dragged us remorselessly into the Wap ... and it's been downhill ever since. Looking forward to some seriously degenerate partying to help you celebrate your 50th xx Sara and Graham."

Rachael Lythgoe: "One of the nicest chaps I've ever had the honour to call a friend. And one of the funniest people to not make a living as a comedian.

"Happy birthday Simon, we love you loads xxx"

Toby Keogh:  "Couple of pictures of Simon Vincent and some friends helping us keoghs from gl5 celebrate something at the vine tree all ways a good night made all the more special with the presence of the tall man a true friend 😁,Toby & mo xx"

Alex Hobbis: Kindly provided us with a quote that Simon had once give him for Good On Paper: “I’m very grateful to Stroud for having such a rich cultural appreciative community. I don’t just love music, I love the shop and I love Stroud.”

Joe Dymond "Can't remember when I first met Simon, probably in the Trading Post back up Nelson St.

"I feel like I've always known him, which to me, is a sign of a top fella. Never any beef with anyone, just straight banter and wit (and top musical knowledge) It's an honour to know you Sir and may the force be with you (and everyone else!) on your celebration, as I sense a late one."

Nicola Gamble: "I met Simon on the 7th July 1997 - it's been a bizarre 30 years. I married his best mate, he's lived with us (briefly) and I've washed his pants- our friendship knows no bounds!"

Rodda Thomas: "What to say about Simon? He’s not quite right is he? But a more smashing chap you have trouble finding."

Adam Gamble: "I'll have to dig deep in the archives to find some photos, but in the meantime, have a recent one of this fine fellow who I'm proud to say is my mate!"

Nadine Phillips: "A little something from the Vincent archive.... a big moment for Simon. It’s hard to remember when Simon didn’t own the Trading Post. I’m not one for getting all gushy, but I am incredibly proud of Mr V.❤️ "

Becky Thomas: "Top bloke, top shop - full of love and humour. I love going in for a chat to lighten my day. Stroud salutes you sir x"

Mark Thompson: "Simon is ace. A charming, witty and funny man with a heart of gold.

"Trading Post is ace - a fantastically fiercely independent record shop that serves all kinds of music lovers in these 5 valleys.

"I first met Simon when he took over the shop when it was still up on Nelson Street. I had just bought my first pair of decks and spent many an hour scouring through the records in the store and was helped immensely by Simons enthusiastic knowledge, jokes and fantastic conversation.

"Needless to say most of the vinyl in my collection came from him.

"I think it’s pretty safe to say that Simon - Stroud loves you as much as you love us!

"Thank you for all your hard work, enthusiasm, friendship and support you give the local music lovers, DJs, musicians, fellow businesses and people of Stroud.

"You are a legend."

Annabel Richmond: "I would just like Simon to know that I deeply value his presence and huge contribution to the town’s music scene and in fact to its very special personality... folk come here to live because of that!

"I enjoy just popping into the shop when I’m in town and being expertly helped and ridiculed in equal measures!!

"Adore him. Happy birthday to a Stroud Legend x"

Melanie Little: "Simon is an all round good egg & a very special person.

"I have some real "classic moments" memories of his shinnanigans, the funniest of which was being sat next to him in church when there was feedback on the sound system, which resulted in Simon clamping his hands over his ears whilst exclaiming a very audible 'oh ****!'.

"I did feel his pain but it still makes me chuckle now!"

Marcus Green: "When I moved to Stroud, I was quite interested in the arts scene and popped into SVA one evening, I knew no-one and felt a bit out of sorts. A bloke next to me at the bar said he was Simon, by the end of the evening I knew I'd never feel that way in Stroud again.

A more fundamentally decent fellow I couldn't hope to know!"

Neil Wilson: "One of my best mates, one of the greatest drinking partners I’ve ever known, too many stories none of which are printable but a night out is never dull when you’re with Simon, from running across Stroud town rooftops while the Police are below to ending a night out as the sun is rising and Simon having to open the shop in a couple of hours, thankfully the nights out have slightly calmed down as he’s got older.... or have they?!?!?!"

Michelle Jenkins: "Simon in 001 Spy mode at Tom Kerridge's Pub, where we celebrated Nadine's 40th with them.

"I've known Simon for more years than I care to number, Chris (my husband) even longer as they were at St Peter's High School together, we've been lucky enough to share a number of gastronomic weekends with Simon & Nadine.

"One in particular our dinner conversation was all about creating new & unusal cocktails. Simon was most impressed to receive a letter from this particular restaurant the following week, thanking him for visiting, & stating that should we like to return they would add Jammie Dodger Champagne Cocktails to the menu!

"Simon has been a brilliant friend over the years, best man (more nervous than the groom) at our wedding & God father to our 3 children, who all adore his wacky & entertaining behaviour when he's with them!"

Denise Denz Sparrow: "This guy brightens up my day every day, he brightens up Kendrick Street everyday, he brightens up Stroud everyday!

"A propa gent and a legend... Oooo er missus!!! ❤️ "

Tania Chomicz: "These are the only pics I have, which considering the sheer amount of late night high jinks over the years is a little surprising, but bearing in mind the volumes of alcohol consumed on such occasions is actually maybe less surprising!

"Simon has always got time for a chat, is a stalwart member of the community in which he lives, and the same in which he works. Gregarious, bright, entertaining and big hearted, and also decidedly daft!"

Guy Myers: "Having known simon for about 15 years now, I can honestly say he is a music pimp!

"He has a wonderful skill of honing into his customers individual tastes and managing to lure them into a musical wonder. A lot of my new found favourites can be attributed to Simon.

"He has also become a good friend, and while i may not be a regular in the shop as I once was, whenever I do manage to pop in, I am always greeted with a friendly handshake and a 'have you heard this?', usually resulting in another cd added to the collection!

"Thank you for all you do for the Stroud community Simon."

Adam Horovitz:

Simon Vincent

Says that poems en’t

Poems unless they rhyme

So here’s one for him that (almost) does this time.

"Simon is one of those people who makes you feel enormously comfortable in his shop, from which he purveys plastic containing all the musical teenage kicks a body could need.

"I went to Trading Post as a teenager, and going back in now is, every time, to step back into that state of giddy teenage excitement about the possibilities of music.

"This is helped enormously by Simon's winning way with hilarious anecdotes and outrageous-but-entirely-good-natured innuendo.

"If that's not a public service, nothing is."

Ali Coates: "Keeping it suitable for a newspaper is tricky as my memories are always the weird insane conversations with Simon and Nadine. The two of them are always my favourite company at a party, never know which way the conversation is going to go.

"One of my favourite stories is one told to me by Nadine Phillips. She had left Simon to make himself a snack after a night out and he came upstairs grumbling about stale bread, in the morning you found a perfectly buttered plate with teeth marks in it.

"Always makes me chuckle particularly your description at the effort that had gone into making the butter even."

Will Cookson: "Simon's always been really welcoming and up for a natter 'n' giggle.

"He's been truly supportive of our musical ventures and got behind Stroud Block Party in a big way as a sponsor and a partying participant!

"He's got a really good ear for a tune and doesn't get hung up on any musical snobbery nonsense. More power to him. Bring on the PARTY… "

Tracey Waite: "Can't believe you're 50 Simon. Such a lovely, generous, spirited guy with a big brain and an even bigger heart.

Enjoy the mayhem that will be your celebration We'd love to be there with you. Lots of love Tracey and Pete xxx"

Naomi Hawkins "What can we say? A true gent, a credit to the community, a staunch supporter of our business for 10 years (helped with our holiday fund), a valuable member of our darts team, a great entertainer, The party King... 

"Our only regret is we can't be with you to celebrate your 50th birthday but if it takes as long to get over it as it did your 40th then glad we're staying in Spain. Love ya lots Scott and Naomi x" 

Pavlos Kyriacou: "Brilliant at appearing unhelpful while actually being incredibly helpful x"

Andy Desmond: "When I moved into the village of Randwick five years ago, Simon was one of the first residents to approach me and make me feel most welcome within the community.

"He has been my dear friend ever since.

"A true gentleman and true friend."

Ruth Rickman-Williams: "Here’s wishing Mr Simon Vincent a very very happy 50th Birthday.

A true community minded individual who not only brings a wonderful vibrancy to town, but is a true Runniker, supporting Randwick Wap and bringing that same energy and vibrancy to that too - he also knows how to party!!! Here’s to the next 50 😀"

Uta Baldauf: "I remember when Simon had his opening party after he took the shop over from Jo the previous owner.

It was a great night and I fell of the bar stool. We still laugh about that night."

Clare Honeyfield: "Happy 50th Simon (Catching up fast).

"Thanks for being a true community stalwart. Not only for making your record shop successful in such a small town (no mean feat in itself) but also for being a stand up decent member of society, a voice for reason, always having time to offer a funny anecdote, a listening ear or some sensible advice.

"A visit to your shop is always filled with laughter (often inappropriate) and hilarity (ditto).

"Thanks for bringing Kendrick Street alive with your annual Record Store Day. What a joy.

"If you’d have told me I’d be putting records on at the wrong speed in my 50s with the All Star DJs I’d have laughed in your face.

"A true gent, a proper shop keeper and one of the best. And thanks for the great vinyl. Looking forward to rooting through your 12 inches soon. Oooh errr. Missus."

Tom Berry: "Simon is not only a shop owner but a central figure in the community.

"Stroud Calling events would simply never have happened if Simon didn't hold and sell our tickets for us and we and countless other events organisers are eternally grateful."

Tom Cowling: "I was new in town and buying vinyl. Simon got chatting and started telling me this story.

"It was a Saturday.

"By the Wednesday he was just about nearly done and I was enraptured and I knew everything about every one and every cat in Stroud.

"I never looked back. Top top man."

Tom Savage: "Helping to build collections he will, in my case go way beyond the norm, to find that one gem this is the massive attack one, the Mowax/Unkle collection which I love, wouldn't be half the collection but for his hard work."