Lochiel Shop reopens for a day as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
On Sunday, June 1, Lochiel General Store’s doors will swing open once again — not for a grand reopening, but for something just as special – a pop-up café and photo gallery in honour of the late John Nicholls, raising funds for the Cancer Council as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Those who grew up on the edge of the pink-hued Lake Bumbunga, know that the Lochiel shop wasn’t just a place to grab a paper and a paddle pop — it was the beating heart of the highway town. I have fond memories of riding my bike to the shop, with a grocery bag of glass bottles slung over the handlebars, excited to exchanged them for fifty cents worth of mix lollies and an ice-cream. It’s where we once collected our mail, picked up some sliced meat, milk and vegetables, and where we would more often than not, run into the town’s unofficial mayor, John Nicholls, who without fail would ask the same cheeky question – “how’s your love life”!
A proud larrikin who knew every inch of the town like it was his backyard, John’s connection to the Lochiel shop ran deep. It was first opened in 1882 by Maria Jane Nicolson, and it wasn’t long before the Nicholls name became part of the shop’s story. Around the turn of the century, J.H. Nicholls started a butter factory in connection with the store, and generations of Nicholls came through the doors in some way or another. John himself bought the closed store in 2003, with a head full of ideas and a heart set on keeping Lochiel’s stories alive.
His family will bring life back to the shop for the one-day pop-up event, serving up a good old-fashioned country morning tea, and a collection of John’s photography on display and for purchase.
The Balaklava High School coffee cart will be on hand, manned by students including John’s granddaughters, Claudia and Lacey — no doubt he’d be proud as punch (and probably ready to grill them on their love life).
All proceeds will go to the Cancer Council in honour of John, who passed away in 2023 after a short battle with cancer.
Whether you’re a Lochiel local, a passerby on the highway, or someone who just appreciates a cuppa for a good cause — pop in, say hi, and remember a bloke who made his town better, every single day.
You can read more about John Nicholls’ legacy to Lochiel here.
Lochiel General Store Pop-Up Café & Photo Gallery
WHEN: Sunday, June 1, 10am-3pm
WHERE: The Augusta HWY, Lochiel
MORE DETAILS: Click here
