After 50 years behind the counter, Dubbo's sporting jeweller Peter Carolan is putting down the eyepiece and taking up the bookie's bag for good.
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A popular bookmaker and sports supporter for almost as long as he's been working, Mr Carolan is passing over the reins of the family business Whitney's Jewellers to his daughter Gina Brown.
Mrs Brown, along with husband Warren, is the fourth generation to operate the family business, Whitney's Jewellers, which started in Talbragar Street in 1919.
Mr Carolan started work for his 'Uncle Bob' Whitney (son of the business founder Herb Whitney), in December 1954.
Mr Carolon's mother Eileen was Bob Whitney's sister.
Having a strong family connection, Mr Carolan was invited to join the business as a trainee jeweller and watchmaker, aged 16 .
He started work a few weeks before the great flood of 1955, which inundated the store and two of the family's homes in Cobra Street.
"We had a bit of a battle with floods," he said.
"The shop wasn't too bad but the houses with all the furniture copped a fair soaking."
The water rose about two feet (60 centimetres) high through the shop, however all the stock was removed and taken upstairs.
When Herb Whitney died in 1966, Mr Carolan remained with the business and, in partnership with his wife Patsy, took over from Bob Whitney in 1981.
Mr Carolon said he was fortunate to "do his time" with his grandfather, who was a highly skilful engraver.
"It's nearly all done by machine now," Mr Carolan said. "My grandfather taught me a lot - he was a highly skilled craftsman."
Continued custom from generations of families is one of the great rewards Mr Carolan has enjoyed during his time in business - something he credits for much of the business's success.
"We're getting the great grandchildren of Herb Whitney's original customers coming in to buy engagement rings," he said.
"There is a lot of tradition involved and people like to deal with the same business their mothers and grandmothers did."
Mr Carolan said he had no particular reason for retiring except to say he was "tired after 50 years".
"No, that's not entirely true," he said.
"I just think it's time I moved on and let the young ones take over."
