THE historic building that’s been Tamworth’s Old Bell Tower for the past five years has seen some changes over the decades, and today it will bear witness to a new chapter in its long history.
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Lucy and Lou Haslam, who transformed the old church on Marius St into a cafe and gift shop, enjoyed their last day on the job yesterday after selling it to Walcha couple Vicki and John Usher.
The Ushers, with daughter Rylee, take over today, but Bell Tower regulars can rest easy – the plan is very much “business as usual”.
Mrs Haslam said the decision to sell had been based in part on their increasing involvement with the push for medicinal cannabis in Australia, inspired by their late son Daniel.
I'll miss the people the most, I think. It’s a very social place to work. There’s a real sense of community. It’s been nice to be part of someone’s day ... and we’ll miss that. But you can’t do everything.
- Lucy Haslam
The Haslams have co-founded United in Compassion, an organisation devoted to providing safe and affordable access to the drug “for the dignified relief of suffering”. The campaign is gaining momentum on both state and federal levels.
Mrs Haslam said a federal bill was to be considered this week that would make it legal for medicinal cannabis to be grown and supplied.
She will be in Sydney today for an advisory board meeting to further the process at a state level.
Mrs Haslam conceded it may be just as well her mind would be occupied by other things today, admitting it was hard to walk away from something they’d begun.
“I’ll miss the people the most, I think. It’s a very social place to work,” Mrs Haslam said.
“There’s a real sense of community. It’s been nice to be part of someone’s day ... and we’ll miss that.
“But you can’t do everything.”
The Ushers have owned a cattle property near Walcha for the past four years, and said the need for a change was at the heart of the decision to move to Tamworth and buy The Old Bell Tower.
John and Vicki have no previous experience in the industry, but Rylee has a background in administration and hospitality and will be in charge of the office.
Mr Usher said they’d been a bit apprehensive to begin with, but were heartened by the fact all the current staff wanted to remain, helping to ensure a reasonably seamless transition.
For Mrs Usher, who’s been a devoted customer of the business since it opened its doors, today will be exciting, and perhaps even a little surreal.
“I’ve always loved coming here, but I never thought we’d own it,” she said.