Many things have changed in the thirty six years (gulp!) I have worked at Audio T (formerly Hampshire Audio) in Chandlers Ford. There have been numerous ups and downs in the world of hi-fi but one very positive constant over all these decades has been Tom Barron of PMC. Tom is finally about to begin his well earned retirement, despite encouragement, indeed pleading, that he doesn't go! So rather than focus solely on hi-fi products in this article, I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you and a very fond farewell to Tom.

It was very early in my life sentence (joke!?) in Chandlers Ford when Tom made his first appearance as the new Rotel rep. He soon won us over with his cheery banter and I'm sure ours wasn't the only hi-fi shop in which Tom managed to carry out a sneaky full Rotel stock take on every visit, presenting a 'just sign here' order list for items he assured us we just couldn't do without! He wasn't wrong. Rotel products like the RA820BX amp and RCD965BX CD player were hi-fi bargains and sold like hot cakes.

Tom and I are close enough in age to have both grown up (?) during the heyday of Monty Python. They were simpler and, in many ways, more amusing times. Python's influence was deeply ingrained and I recall many phone calls to Tom along the lines of:

' 'Ello Miss. What do you mean “miss”? I'm sorry, I have a cold... etc'

and (very) occasionally... 'I wish to register a complaint'...

As the millenium approached change was afoot. In 1999 Hampshire Audio was taken over by Audio T. Tom also had a new boss. Founder of PMC, and lifelong friend, Peter Thomas, persuaded Tom to become his first sales manager and Tom was soon clocking up more miles nationwide demonstrating the new FB1 (literally floorstanding box 1), PMC's first domestic audiophile speaker. This was soon followed by DB1, GB1, TB1, OB1, not forgetting Wafers. A Python reference again, of course.

It was always worth phoning PMC just to be put on hold and hear John Cleese ranting 'He's a stiff! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed him to the perch he'd be pushing up the daisies!' So much better than cheesy muzak!

PMC speakers are great, thanks to Peter's brilliant designs, incorporating PMC's trademarked Advanced Transmission Line which ensured open natural sound and extended bass from even the smallest models in the range like the current Twenty5 21i.

However, Peter would be the first to admit that Tom's enthusiasm and dedication to PMC was instrumental to the success of the brand.

Tom's popularity has extended well beyond the PMC dealer base. Anyone who has attended a hi-fi show or store event will almost certainly have come across Tom. His exuberance, passion for music and masterful demonstration skills have ensured that he has been the public face of PMC for many years.

But, time waits for no one. I was sat in The Hexagon recently with my wife and eldest son watching my granddaughter in a concert and reminiscing that the last time I was at this venue was with Tom and his family enjoying a Mary Chapin Carpenter concert, circa 1992. Tom's sons were very young, as were mine, at the time. It's scary to think that both pairs of 'boys' are now as old, if not older, than I was then. Even my work colleague here, Wayne was then only nine years old…

…Where did all the time go...?