PRESERVING
THE GENERAL STORE CHARM Narelle Groenhout
T
here is something quintessentially Australian about the local General Store. Found in small towns and villages, they were once the keystone of rural communities where mobility was limited, so a single shop serviced the entire community. They were the heartbeat of the towns, a gathering spot, respite. Like many readers, I have fond childhood memories of visiting my Nana in regional Victoria where a trip to the corner shop to purchase the essentials like milk and bread always included a bag of mixed lollies. The General Stores of today are more often than not local attractions in their own right, still servicing their local communities but with charm and history that evoke memories of yesteryear, with a modern twist such as a providore section. Across our regions, General Stores still exist, many reinventing themselves to provide modern essentials
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without sacrificing the stores’ significance in preserving a little piece of history. On any given day, the Guildford General Store feels like a scene out of an Aussie television show. Mums with bubs in prams pause for a catch up and a break on the outdoor tables. Older locals meet to chat about the weather and solve the problems of the world, passersby are drawn to stop simply because the façade evokes all kinds of memories and of course the food and coffee is fabulous. Local papers and magazines from across the region share space with pamphlets and cards spruiking everything from local tradies to reiki services. And in the tradition of a true General Store, grocery items are on offer alongside take-home meals and local produce. You can even pick up pot plants delivered regularly to the store by a local garden lover.
A 30-minute drive across to Glenlyon and you’ll find the Glenlyon General Store where memorabilia adorns the walls and history is preserved. Seasonal and local food is appreciated by regulars and visitors and it certainly proves the importance of these little stores for local communities that are a little bit further from a big name grocery store. Beautiful gifts including local jams, honey and chutney share space with local wine and selected produce. There’s a courtyard that often sees breakfast goers staying on for afternoon drinks. At the heart of the store is old fashioned beliefs where community is valued. Locals were invited to grab a slice of birthday cake during lockdown…a small but important gesture to keep the fabric of the small community together.
