Owner Thelma Anstis said Work Basket was going well, but she wanted to spend more time with her daughter with Alzheimer’s disease. 

“This would be a great business, for someone 20 years younger.” 

Ms Anstis has operated Work Basket for 26 years, having worked for the previous owner for two years before buying it. She only made her mind up to close last week, but is sure her instincts are right. 

“I don’t want to look back in a couple of years and think ‘could, would, should have finished up then,’ and now we can go on a few trips.” 

The first trip will be a cruise to New Zealand with her daughter. 

The shop opened in 1961, when there were 13 specialty wool shops in town. It moved to Bakery Hill in 2011 after the Mair Street shop was knocked down. 

Ms Anstis said she would like to see some of her loyal customers before she shut the doors. 

“They thought I’d be here forever, so I’m not sure where they’ll go now.” 

She has no regrets, though, and said she has enjoyed every minute. 

“I wouldn’t trade the last 28 years for anything, it’s just flown by,” Ms Anstis said.