A former Microsoft employee who has been collecting computers and game consoles since the 1980s is opening his own retro gaming club this weekend.
Allister Frost is behind Blast From The Past on Beach Street which will open its doors this Saturday, August 26.
The games fan is inviting everyone to enjoy his large collection of retro and modern games.
Mr Frost said: "I’ve always had an interest in computing. I have been in IT consulting for the last 24 years and worked for companies including Microsoft.
"During that time, I’ve acquired arcade machines, vintage computers, retro consoles, and handheld games from the '70s to the present day."
The owner of the retro gaming club has been collecting computers and game consoles since the 1980s and previously loaned two original '80/90s Atari arcade machines, Hard Drivin’ and Race Drivin’, to the National Museum of Computing in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
Blast From The Past visitors will now have a chance to play on Race Drivin', as Mr Frost relocated the machine to his shop.
He added: "I came up with the idea of starting a retro gaming club a few years ago.
"I also founded an organisation called INSIGHT in 2019, which is working on mental healthcare campaigns.
"We also have a double-decker coach that we are converting into a mobile events space. It's due for launch in summer 2024."
The charity founded by Mr Frost campaigns for and supports those who have been struggling mentally and want improved care, legislation and services.
The founder added that INSIGHT’s goal is to bring people together, help them find fun in themselves, and share that with others.
Mr Frost, who cannot wait to welcome the first club visitors this weekend, said: "Beach Street is a vibrant community of small businesses and is an ideal startup location for us to build our club membership, as there are many large events all year round.
"We already held a few ‘Blast From The Past’ events on the Allshapes double-decker bus, and now we’re launching a permanent business with the same name."
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