UNIQUE Moree store, The Gift Barrel, celebrates 30 years’ trading at its Heber Street premises, and 41 years’ trading since opening its doors to shoppers on November 22, 1983.
The Gift Barrel, a co-operative of sorts, is unique in the way it operates.
Founded by a group of resourceful friends in the early 1980s, the store is managed and operated by volunteers who lovingly create the arts, crafts and treats offered for sale.
The Gift Barrel originally opened in the Imperial Hotel building and has moved a couple of times during the past four decades.
The popular little shop of goodies, treats and giftware is located at 61 Heber Street, on the corner of Roslyn Lane (opposite PR Interiors).
The Gift Barrel this year turned 30 in its current location.
On Friday, it will be 41 years since swinging back the doors for the first time.
The store offers a wide range of home-made crafts, linen, cakes, slices, jams, pickles and spreads, pre-loved books and assorted toys – all made or sourced locally by the people who run the store.
Members enjoy each other’s talents – and company – and the door is always open for more members to join the fold.
The Gift Barrel has been opening five-and-a-half days week for more than 40 years, but has now reduced its operating hours because of falling membership.
Publicity officer, Jacqui Still, said new members are always welcome – and needed.
“We now close the shop on Mondays because we don’t have enough volunteers,” Jacqui said.
“Contributors don’t need to be on the roster but we desperately need more people to work in the shop.”
Jacqui says now is the perfect time to start getting creative, as the countdown to Christmas begins.
Annual membership to join the Gift Barrel team is $30.
“It is up to each member to price their own items, but people can also volunteer in the shop without contributing anything for sale, and we need extra help, especially coming into Christmas,” Jacqui said.
Jacqui said the store operates on a roster system.
“If anyone would like to go on the roster, there are shifts available, and they can choose how many shifts they would like to do per month,” she said.
A small deduction of sales from items contributed goes to the Gift Barrel to help with ongoing running costs, and the balance belongs to the contributor.
The Gift Barrel is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am until around 4.30pm and Saturday mornings from 9am until 12-noon.
Membership numbers, with a committee including president Rob Turnbull, treasurer Ros van Dongen and secretary Maureen Baker, has fluctuated over the years.
“We opened in 1983 with 25 members and moved in 1989 (to the Max Centre) with more than 100 members,” Jacqui said.
“The call-out is now on for more members and volunteers.”
Why not drop by and ask the friendly staff about becoming a member, or give president Rob Turnbull a call on 0427 548622.
