He commenced in the store now occupied by the “Op Shop” while the present shops of Cuthel’s Menswear and Final Touches were being built for Mary Williams. Many of the older generation would recall that Charlie Williams had his vegetable garden on this land.

When the shops were completed Dad moved into one and Mary opened a Ladies Wear and Gift Shop. For a number of years the shops were a quarter of the size they are today.

I can recall all Dad had for heating was his kerosene heater. How he survived the winters I don’t know. (The shops are still freezing if the heater doesn’t work). I can also remember that the cigarette holder was never out of his mouth.

Ros and I were recalling some of the funny things that happened when we were younger. Someone asked the other day if Dad ever had anyone helping him. Yes Mum! Fridays, Saturdays and the Christmas period in those days were extremely busy. Mum was supposed to be helping Dad but she would walk down and talk to this one and that one and the day would be nearly over by the time she walked though the door laughing and apologising “sorry love, got talking”. She would stay for a while then out the door to the shops. Dad would be cranky complaining “A man is run off his feet while you stop to talk.” As we got older we all had a turn at helping Dad during the busy times.

Back in those days the house telephone was an extension from the shop. There would not be a day go by that we didn’t speak to Mum on the phone, which was never a short conversation. Poor Dad would be waiting to use the phone for a business call, he would then cut in “will you lot get off the phone a man needs to use it”. I might add one of the main reasons for the phone was Dad was the agent for Ansett Airlines and would confirm the bookings over the phone.

Dad was so punctual you could set your clock by his routine. 9am sharp open, 1pm close for lunch, 5.20pm close for the day. The other stores would know when to close without looking at a clock. Cuthy just walked past, time to close. Needless to say he did not pass this trait onto his children. He always made a point never to have a cup of coffee after 5 o’clock, it would spoil the taste of his beer.

After Mum passed away I would come in and help him, and so began the thoughts of who would take over. Brother Michael went away to learn the trade, and as Dad would say “don’t want him not turning up because of a hangover. Go away and work for a tough boss”. Of course as always happened Michael met a girl, married and didn’t come back. It seemed I was the one, as the rest of the family was settled in their respective fields.

So began the next generation of Cuthel’s Menswear. On February 1, 1984 Ben and I took on the ownership of the store with myself running it.

The first thing to improve was the heating. No way was I working in the freeze box. The wood heater was installed, which was a great benefit not only to myself but to customers, travellers and friends just coming in for a chat and a warm up.

In the early days, during the quiet times you could knit, read, do your ironing or just talk, but over the years every moment is filled with paperwork, and it seems there are not enough hours in a day to complete what is required.

On Saturday, May 3 the store will be open all day and I invite you to call in, have a coffee, wine and biscuit, and reminisce with my family. Ros, John, Michael and my own family will be here to say their goodbyes and support me on this final day. Unfortunately, sister Elizabeth is unable to make it.

To those who have supported me over the years I thank you for your custom. It has been a pleasure to look after your needs. I have enjoyed the years but since Ben died it has become a challenge and my heart has not been in it.

Now it is time for me to do what I want, be it work in the garden, around the golf course, look after the grandkids or read a book, I can do it at leisure.

The store will reopen on May 19, (Dad’s birthday) under new ownership, after renovations have been made. I wish them much success, and happiness and hope you support them in their new venture. Without the support of this community, business houses in Bombala will not survive.