Keeping up with the Joneses

By Tina Seirlis

While locals and visitors have been savouring the addition of smokehouse dining along the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, many others may be wondering how retirement life is treating Jeff and Glenda Jones following last year’s farewell to their much-loved produce store at the same site.

With 2023 quickly slipping away, and the first anniversary of the closure looming, The Moorabool News caught up with the popular local identities to discover more.

Ms Jones said it has been an interesting transition for a couple that has never had to buy fruit and vegetables for the entirety of their married life.

“We still have a few fruit trees and Jeff spends a lot of time in his veggie patch, but he can be seen on his mobility scooter going through the produce at all the local fruiters for the extras,” she said.

“Saturday night is now a quick run across to The Smokehouse for some yummy brisket or ribs which we thoroughly enjoy.”

Ms Jones highly recommends supporting locally-owned businesses with the view that they are the ones that support local sporting groups.

Whilst undertaking a technology course at The Laurels, Ms Jones said she has maintained purpose in life, with increased time for family, friends and grandchildren, despite her initial feelings of being on the ‘scrap heap’ following the decision to wind up the business. Reflecting back, Mr Jones stated that although he and his son Anthony miss the friendships and the atmosphere of the wholesale market, they certainly don’t miss the 2am starts.

“The things that one appreciates the most is not having to contend with the elements. The summer with hot and windy weather, through to the winters with freezing and wet days were very trying in the corrugated iron shed seven days a week,” he said.

Although the local climate presented challenges, Ms Jones said their customers and staff were as important to them as the produce they sold.

“Our senior staff have just been part of our family and stayed with us for years. Equally as rewarding have been our loyal customers. We have seen three generations of some families and we have loved welcoming the new residents to Bacchus Marsh.”

How it all began

The Joneses had a unique start to life in the Marsh. Mr Jones’ family originating from Melbourne’s east, purchased the former local dairy farm for use as an orchard.

The couple met via the Young Farmers Club ball at Balliang East Hall and were married in May 1970 at Melbourne’s Scots Church. Ms Jones said she had a rude awakening to orchard life.

“A lot of hard work and very primitive beginnings but life was pretty free and easy and we made a lot of great young friends. It was surprising how much fun we had with no money.”

Whilst the couple state that they have no plans for long holidays, they are enjoying going for drives together each week to experience all the nearby places that their past customers have recommended.

“It is lovely to have time to enjoy family, friends, and our beautiful surroundings,” Mr Jones said.

Although life is humming along for the Joneses at a leisurely pace, Ms Jones continues to be a strong advocate for local tourism, hoping to one day see a walking track connecting Moon Reserve to Main Street Bacchus Marsh, along with The Avenue being illuminated between 11 November and 25 April each year “as an acknowledgement of our service people and the imagination of our forebears who left us with this great legacy.”

Meanwhile, the couple continue life through a lens of gratitude.

“Bacchus Marsh has been nothing but positive to the Jones family and we are forever grateful for the lifestyle and the friendships, and hope it all continues in retirement for some time.”