Dereham's Norfolk Mantiques And Collectibles shop booming

Before opening Dereham-based Norfolk Mantiques And Collectibles, shop owner Paul Waterhouse said the situation in his garden shed was getting out of hand.

A veteran of the Royal Anglian Regiment and lifelong collector of militaria, Mr Waterhouse had amassed an incredible collection of military memorabilia, both local and from further afield.

Military pieces on sale in Paul Waterhouse's shop Mantiques in Dereham. (Image: Newsquest)

And last November, aged 51, he finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of opening his own collectables shop, which, he said, had been a roaring success thanks to widespread interest from other ex-soldiers.

He said: “I’ve got a large collection of items from the First World War through to the present day, everything from clothing to ration packs to cap badges for former regiments.

“I’ve had a huge amount of interest from former and serving Royal Anglians who like to collect things to do with the regiment, but also American collectors based at Lakenheath or RAF Marham.

“Veterans often reach out on social media too asking if I can source things for them and post it.

Paul Waterhouse with some of the army cadet uniforms he sells in his shop Mantiques in Dereham. (Image: Newsquest)

“I even get cadets coming in looking for uniform items, which I stock, and that’s been really fantastic.”

For Mr Waterhouse, the boost delivered by the military community has reassured him he made the right decision taking “a leap of faith” with the business.

Vinyls on sale in Paul Waterhouse's shop Mantiques in Dereham. (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “You look at the high street and all the empty shops and it's frightening to open your own.

“But the community is incredible and very supportive, and at the end of the day you have to follow your dreams.

“I’m a very proud veteran and collector, and the thrill for me is in chasing the items down and then seeing someone's face light up when they find exactly what they’re looking for.”