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Ex-patrons of Loco Records, Chatham, raise money for Demelza Hospice Care for Children

Music fans are raising money for a good cause to pay homage to a record shop owner.

Garry Turner opened Loco Records in Chatham back in 1992.

Loco Records as it was in Church Street, Chatham.
Loco Records as it was in Church Street, Chatham.

Those who have paid tribute to Mr Turner, who passed away two years ago, have said he was something of a "godfather" for the Medway music scene.

Ross Hutchinson, a former DJ who now works as a special needs teacher, says he owes his career to the record store in Church Street which closed in the early 2000s.

The 43 year old said: "Garry took the time to go that extra step – saying 'if you like that, then you should really have a listen to this'.

"He had a knack of taking what you’d gone in to look for and educating you on where the samples came from and what genres it was derived from.

"It was through him that I acquired a life-long love and fascination for the sample culture that so much music, whether it be hip hop, breakbeat, drum and bass etc came from.

Garry Turner in Loco Records.
Garry Turner in Loco Records.

"I was privileged enough to go on and have a career as a club DJ, playing in this country and abroad and including resident slots at places like London’s Koko and Infinity in Mayfair.

"I also went on to run the Tap N Tin for several years.

"I am certain that without having walked into Loco Records all those years before, none of that would ever have happened."

Ross, who runs the satirical Facebook group Medway Misérables, was inspired after Garry's sons Harvey and Joe posted photos and memories of the store which closed in the early 2000s to his group.

He decided to raise money for Garry's favourite charity – Bobbing-based Demelza Hospice Care for Children – by selling t-shirts displaying the shop's logo.

Ross Hutchinson outside the convenience store which was formally Loco Records.
Ross Hutchinson outside the convenience store which was formally Loco Records.

He said: "When his sons, Harvey and Joe, shared photos of their dad’s shop to this group, it quickly became apparent by the outpouring of fond memories, just how highly respected he was as a member of the community and how many people he has inspired and encouraged."

Two t-shirt designs are available at a cost of £18 (plus £2 postage).

For more information, visit the Medway Misérables Facebook page.

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