One of Harden Murrumburrah's most enduring businesses, The West End Gift Shop, has moved back to Murrumburrah where it started 54 years ago, into a new phase in the Whichcraft building.
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The business was originally opened in 1965 by Hilda Carpenter, a cousin of the current owner, Lorraine Brown.
"I bought the business from Hilda in 1992, and at that stage, she had owned it for 27 years." Mrs Brown said.
"I have now run it for 27 years, so it seems fitting that the business now move into a new phase."
Instead of taking the option of closing her much loved haberdashery business, Mrs Brown decided to think outside the box and become a part of the 'Whichcraft' group.
"I have customers that travel from as far away as Griffith and Canberra to buy their wool, fabric and craft supplies from me." Mrs Brown said.
"I didn't want to leave them without supplies. Also, we have a lot of ladies in town who like to knit and sew and they would have to travel some distance to buy their supplies if I wasn't here. Whichcraft seemed to be the perfect solution."
Whichcraft opens from 10 am to 4 pm in Winter and 10 am to 5 pm in Summer, 7 days per week. It is manned by volunteers from Harden Murrumburrah and surrounding towns and communities.
"it is the perfect place to come and have a cup of tea or coffee, a piece of cake or sandwich and have a look at some beautifully made local craft work." Mrs Brown said.
"There are also several craft groups who use the rooms of Whichcraft to meet and learn their crafts with other like-minded people. Now, if they run out of thread, or some other supply, I am right here"
Mrs Brown and West End Gifts are also helping to support the Whichcraft group, as everything sold earns Whichcraft ten percent of the sale price.
"Moving the business to Whichcraft means that I have a little bit more free time, and the community does not lose another business." Mrs Brown said.
