If you have stood behind the counter looking from the inside out
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Or walked the brown brick path which led you out the back;
Peaked through the hole in the wall to see who just walked in
Or answered “Smithursts Pharmacy” when the phone rang
Then come to share your memories and have a laugh
With those who understand what it was to be part of The Smithurst Gang
THIRTY-five staff members travelled from places including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Wagga, Newcastle and the Hunter to attend the reunion.
To be a “Smithys girl” meant you gave your customer your full attention, knowing and using their name and knowing their address without having to ask.
Sometimes the staff member beside you often helped out quietly if you found yourself lacking.
Customer service was a pleasure to give from behind the counter, and I’m sure a joy to receive.
Nan Millerd, one of the organisers reflected on her time behind the counter.
“People talk about working with a team, I say it was like working in a family,” she said.
To have been a staff member of Cyril A. Smithurst’s Pharmacy was to experience the gifts of past times.
Clients ofen shared the wonder of what was behind the glass counters, or of what those big wooden draws contained.
The dispensary wall, along with the beautiful coloured glass and many shelves, is now in the Australian Pharmaceuticals Industries Museum in Sydney.
Of the staff, Peggy Whitton was a much-loved and respected matriarch of the girls, leading and teaching by example, showing us all how to work together, and to make room for each other in arguably one of the smallest working spaces in retail outlets.
It was a great delight on the day to have Mr Smithurst’s daughter Margaret McClelland, with her husband Malcolm, who travelled from Brisbane to join the celebrations and memories.
Cyril A. Smithurst spent 56 years in business in our community and his staff members who attended the recent reunion held at the Services and Bowling Club in Gunnedah, remembered him with fondness and humour.
He was a caring pharmacist who was often consulted for his medical opinion and was patient with his customers who needed extra time to pay accounts.
Many remembered a fair boss who showed great understanding and compassion for his customers.
Often a staff member was asked to accompany a client experiencing hard times, across the road to the old Acropolis Café for a meal, to be charged on Mr Smithurst’s account.
Many stories were told of amusing experiences and fond memories of the wonderful times we all shared through different decades.
One common thread was the boss we all worked for, his dear wife Eileen, and the incredible long list of wonderful people who stepped into our world.
Former Smithurst Pharmacy
staff member Cathy Smith