Since he sold the business 15 years ago Mr Medcalf has owned and operated his own motorcycle and hydraulic’s business in Orange and still sells a few bits and pieces from his Lyndhurst store.

His main enterprise though is to bring to Lyndhurst the kind of store that every country town needs, one that not only provides a few sit-down meals but takeaway food and supplies for people heading out to the dam.

Part of his plans are to establish an outside play area that will also include a petting zoo, a children’s playground and extra seating.

Mr Medcalf said that the locals appreciated that he was open seven days a week.

“I’ve put in the kitchen and introduced the gas bottles, bait and the ice because the locals were asking for it,” he said, “The shop really needed to be opened.”