The well-known manager of the historic local store in Williamson Street, Bendigo said he wanted to travel Australia, complete home renovations, restore a motorbike and help his children where required.

He said there had been many good times at the store, which sold everything from petstock to farm supplies, gardening and and hardware products.

“I would not have stayed otherwise,” he said.

“It’s only now I’m getting a little bit of age on me – not that I’m old – that I think that if I don’t do something I might not get to do it. I’d be really upset, then.”

Mr Webb said the historic store would remain operating.

“Even though I am going, the store is not,” he said.

“All of the staff are staying. The only one who will be missing will be me.”

Mr Webb said he would fondly remember the Bush’s Produce customers. Many were regulars who he knew quite well.

“It’s the personal dealings you have with them. There were two who were just in here and I don’t live far from them, so I drop their pea straw off into their yard on the way home,” he said.

“I’ve been around the corner twice already today, taking stuff around to people. We go wherever.

“Everyone who is here knows what I am about. Customer service is the key. That’s why we (Bush’s Produce) are here.”

One of the things that first attracted Mr Web to the store, and that he remained passionate about, was its history.

“I’ve done a bit of study on Albert Bush himself. He started from humble beginnings here in 1857 and kept it going. He created an unreal business,” Mr Webb said.

“So that was an attraction to come here. I like that historic side of Bendigo.”

Related: Look back as Bush’s Produce celebrates 160^th birthday

Mr Webb said the store’s footprint had developed over its 161 year history, but he was proud it had remained in its original location.

“We are still here in a prominent part of Williamson Street where you can come and buy bales of hay and bags of chaff.”

Mr Webb plans to finish up next week.

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