IT’S the end of an era at Bothwell, with the closure yesterday of the Super Store after many years of service by the Datlen family. Well-known stalwarts of the Bothwell and districts community, Andre and Leanne Datlen and their children Emma and Jake have operated the business for 16 and a half years, but with the premises likely to be sold by the owner, the family’s lease has not been renewed and February 25 was their last day in business.
Leanne and Andre signed the lease on the Patrick St property on September 2, 2009, and started trading a fortnight later.
The premises had been trading as a petrol station, general store, newsagency and takeaway for many years, on the site of the White Hart Inn, which was destroyed by fire in 1936. Part of the old stable remains, and the surrounding area was once a saleyard.
The Super Store has previously traded under other names including Food Wizard and Centenary Cafe.
The Datlens are well known for their support for, and participation in, many community activities, not least the Bothwell Fire Brigade, where three of the family volunteer. “We have met some brilliant people over the years,” Andre and Leanne said. “We’ve tried different things, reintroduced fuel and added gas and ice. We had a photo machine and Aurora pay-as-you-go when that was a thing.”
They traded for long hours, seven days a week, provided helpful advice, information and support to the many visitors through the town, and sold Tasmanian-made products on consignment. Their service will be greatly missed.
A proposal to convert the property into an IGA supermarket and bottleshop is being considered by the Central Highlands Council.
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