Our loss (From Penarth Times)

Our loss

I WAS saddened to hear of the recent death of Carl Murphy who loved antiques and collected everything from stuffed alligators to the false teeth which he would keep in a tin in his pocket.

He could always be spotted at car boot sales and antique fairs and will be sadly missed in Jacobs Antique Market where he had a stall. In the 1970s he would sometimes go to gigs with Shakin' Stevens and the Sunsets as a 'roadie' and loved feeling a part of the group.

But how can we forget Carl's most famous adventure? Some years ago Princess Diana was due at Cardiff Station, and Carl was making his way to the market when he showed someone an antique gas gun he had in his pocket.

He was arrested by the police when they saw the 'weapon'. He was released some hours later when they realised the gun was non-operational and Carl's disability meant he couldn't possibly pull the firing mechanism which needed two strong hands.

I know I speak for Carl's friends when I say we have lost a real character, someone who was always cheerful in the face of great adversity. I am sure he will keep looking for those bargains in his Antiques Roadshow in the sky.

Lorraine Barrett AM Grove Place Penarth