AFTER 14 years in the paintball game, the Lye family are moving on - sort of.
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The Tamworth Paintball and Lazer Tag business has been handed over to familiar faces.
Sammy and Bill Lye are cousins of the original owner, Greg Lye, and are thrilled to be taking on the challenge.
"It's definitely nice that it stayed in the family, especially because we've had it for such a long time," Sammy said. "We jumped at the chance."
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When Sammy and her husband Bill purchased the property next door to the paintball business, it all came together.
The couple took over the business on Monday and have been pleased with the interest and public support so far, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
They have two young kids and thought there's no better backyard for boys to play in than a paintball field.
"The boys are so excited, it's ridiculous," Sammy said.
"My husband has played a couple of times, I had never even played before until a couple weeks ago but just thought it's a great opportunity."
"It's definitely nice that it stayed in the family, especially because we've had it for such a long time."
- Sammy Lye, Tamworth Paintball and Lazer Tag owner
The family hails from Tamworth and Sammy said they're looking forward to running the business as a unit and meeting new people along the way.
After 14 years of owning and running the Tamworth Paintball and Lazer Tag centre in Kootingal, Greg Lye said it was time for he and partner Jen to hand over the reins.
"It's still in the family name, the Lye name, we've had it for 14 years so it would have been a real pity to shut it down," he said.
"It's been terrific, we've had a great time.
"But, you do lose enthusiasm a bit for it when you're there every weekend ... but then you pick up a gun and play a game and remember."
He said connections with the public and some of their long-term customers will be missed.
When the deal was done, Greg said he "had a carton of beer" and felt relieved.
But, that's not to say he won't be back.
"We'll definitely still go up there and muck around with the boys," he said.
"We're still family so if they need a hand, we'll give them a hand."
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
