The Hearth of Chudleigh - Our Story.
The cultural importance of the humble general store, as the life spring of a community, wasn’t lost on Mandy Wyer.
Who bought the shop off the internet in January 2019.
Mandy, a self-confessed nostalgist, purchased the 1886 general store in the hope of saving it from closure at a time when large supermarkets had devoured local trade through home delivery.
She knew it had something special. It was more than just a grocery store and café. It was a gathering place, a place to warm yourself by the fire, to break bread, to share a yarn with a friend and take time to enjoy life. It is this aspect of the shop that Mandy is breathing new life into with the launching of The Hearth of Chudleigh, General Store and Café. The shop is in the lush basin of Chudleigh (the village of Roses) at the foothills of the Gog and Magog Mountains. It is surrounded by natural attractions such as: the Mole Creek Cave system, the Walls of Jerusalem, Devil’s Gullet, (the indigenously significant and spectacular) Alum Cliffs, the inland fishing lakes filled with rainbow trout, the Lobster rivulet and Westmorland Falls.
The region is also famed Tasmanian Tiger Country and the nearby Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the captive breeding program to save the Tasmanian Devil, showcases some of Tasmania’s most threatened local wildlife. Being 8km to the nearest town of Mole Creek and 15km to the larger centre of Deloraine; the Chudleigh General Store is an important watering hole along the Deloraine to Chudleigh tasting trail. This takes in 21 Degrees South Salmon and Ginseng Farm; Three Willows Vineyard, two truffle farms, Forager Foods freeze dried fruits and the Melita Honey Farm. It is the only café along this strip. With its recently acquired liquor licence, the store is now also able to showcase local wines and marry them with home style meals and locally grown produce.
The Hearth of Chudleigh also hosts the aptly named Hearth Festival in the week of Valentine’s Day, each year. This is a celebration of love and respect for the earth and the wondrous environment of Chudleigh. An adjacent community camping ground with toilets, at only $5 a night, means travellers can also stop and rest before making their way through to Cradle Mountain or back through to Launceston. Built by J Snellings, the store is in near original condition, externally, and is being restored internally to reflect its original layout. It is one of two general stores that were originally in the town. The other has since become the Melita Honey Farm.
Chudleigh General Store, 1904.
“We live in impersonal times of virtual connection via the internet. I’m hoping my store will offer an alternative for people wanting to meet face-to-face, to take the time for a chat, and bask in the wonderful surroundings. Ever since Moving Pictures released the song 'What About Me?' in 1982; people have been reminded of the cultural significance and nostalgia of the corner (or general) store. I’m no different. I just want to try to live it again in real-time and share the experience with others.”
-Mandy Wyer, Owner.
Surrounded by history and wonderful families that have lived in the area since colonial times; there is much inspiration to draw on and is furnishing the store with old world items from around the area, along with antiques she was given by her grandmother many years ago. The shop is an ideal place to pick up a unique gift, a range of unusual preserves, a few essential grocery items, or a hearty meal. It is also a place to share in a nostalgic experience at one of its many cultural events staged in the store and gardens throughout the year.
Most of all it is a place to stop, forget about the clock and spend quality time with family and friends.