Ross’ Relics, Yass. Photo by Erin Dando Photography.
Terrianne Boulding, the owner of Country Charm florist and gift shop in Yass, says the most important thing she learned from her predecessor in the business was to be an individual.
It’s evident in the pretty shop she runs with her mother, Cheryl Scorgie, that she took that advice to heart.
Individuality colours a ribbon of retailing from Murrumbateman to Comur Street, Yass, and out to Bowning’s replica 1800s slab hut coffee shop Rollonin Cafe and nearby nursery Mayfield Mews.
Terrianne says her display windows are her best advertisement. Many a traveller has phoned to order an item they have spotted in the window she keeps lit at night as they pass by. One tourist snapped up five items, from African lady statues to candle holders.
Full Circle Serenity’s owner Pam Staines shares her premises with Denise Stansfield, of Inspired Craft. Trading together enables them to open seven days a week. Pam does a great line in perfumed candles, oils and gifts such as Himalayan rock salt lamps.
Stephen Deronne, who emigrated from a fishing village in north west France, came to Yass eight years ago, and makes crepes at the Murrumbateman Village Markets. Stephen imports French butter biscuits and chocolate sardines and tea-towels. A love affair with Turkey drives his other importing business, A Byzance Romance. He is running a pop-up shop in Yass, mentoring children at the local high school and sells his products at the Yass Turning Wave festival in Spring.
Tanya Jeffreys opened TJ’s Embroidery in 2012, and having the Yass High School and Berinba Public School as customers underpins this brilliant little shop, where she also sells her father Richard Wray’s photographs. Taken on his travels, and framed in hand-made timber, they include a pair of striking red-bellied black snakes.
Ross’s Relics’ collection of many thousands of artefacts, bric-a-brac, collectables and antiques in a former petrol station and Ford dealership in Yass is remarkable. Proprietor Ross Lyall says people are reluctant to buy glass or cutlery they have to polish these days, but when they want to mix and match chairs, or need a wardrobe for their children’s flat,
he can help, seven days week.
In contrast, Eric and Lisa Reimer’s Heritage House, a former Cusack’s store, then a restaurant, is a more orderly antique shop that the couple restored 26 years ago. Travellers buy fire screens, nests of tables and more.
Having survived a life-threatening illness 20 years ago, Susan Wade decided to go into retailing, opening Comur House, where she has expanded her wool fashion range including MerinoSnug, alongside homewares and gifts.
Yass’ main street, once the Hume Highway, is enhanced with restored shop top verandahs. In the former Commonwealth Bank branch, Edlins of Yass has kept
the big counter, and buys and sells coins, stamps, gold, silver and collectables. Nearby, volunteers run Yass Art and Craft Co-operative, posting on the door, “we attempt to open 10am-4pm seven days a week.’’
When you’ve put the wallet through a workout, and it’s time to call it a day, you’re going to want somewhere comfortable to rest your weary feet. Check yourself into Abode Murrumbateman just 15-minutes down the road. Relax and unwind in front of the toasty fireplace with a glass of the region’s best – you’ve earned it.
Abode Murrumbateman Pantry – there’s always room for more locally-made goodie’s in the suitcase.
Book your ultimate rustic getaway in February to take advantage of the Abode Murrumbateman opening special, which includes a discounted room rate, a late checkout of 12pm and a bottle of Canberra district wine. Don’t delay, this offer is for a limited-time only – book here!
