DAVID Mann, the urbane and ever affable proprietor of the Olde Memories and Treasures antique store on the corner of Orlando and Collingwood streets has announced that the shop will be closing and that he will be moving on to other projects in the future.

The family business grew from David’s passion for collecting things.

His first major collection as a child was of 5000 bottles, which he then sold and began collecting pianos, which had to stop when he had seven stored in the family home.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

At age 12 he had a market stall at the jetty selling bits and pieces, and the family decided to open an antiques shop in the old ply mill on Orlando Street.

David then studied and worked for Hardy Brothers jewellers, managing a number of a-list accounts.

At one point, he even handled the crown jewels of Romania.

Eventually, David returned home to Coffs Harbour and took up the reins of the family business, building a strong connection to the local community.

Staff member and expert in restoration of antiques Anne Kennett said of her boss, “David is a natural buyer and seller of all things old and gorgeous.”

Among the many varied and interesting items that have passed through the shop since opening in 1994 was a Sweeney Todd style barbers chair that had been used in World War One by travelling army dentists for treating soldiers in the war zone, and a Morticians day bed that was used around the end of the 19th century for taking photos of the deceased dressed to the nines and in repose.

David said, “I will very much miss our community connection and the family feeling we have with staff and customers, but the change in the dynamic of Coffs Harbour and in particular the Jetty area has mandated that we either move or close, and we have decided to close this chapter and start an exciting new one.”

The shop will continue to trade with a clearance sale up until September.

For more information visit the shop or connect via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/omtreasures.

By David TUNE