Peggydale couple looking to the future

Peggydale owners Mervyn and Alison Jones will be lowering the flags on a 43-year family...
Peggydale owners Mervyn and Alison Jones will be lowering the flags on a 43-year family association with the prominent Balclutha tourist complex in August. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISON
Running a business that has been more like an ``extended family'' has meant work has never been a chore for Balclutha couple Mervyn and Alison Jones.

Having sold their State Highway 1 tourism complex of 43 years' standing at auction last month, the Peggydale owners are now looking forward to a future away from the ``24/7'' nature of the tourism industry, when the sale goes through on August 9.

Neither sentimental nor jaded about their near-lifetime's dedication to the cause, the locally-born couple are pragmatic, and quietly grateful.

``I've been here since my mother and father [Bill and Peggy] opened up in 1975, and Alison came fully on board in 1993, so I'm not quite sure where those 40 years have gone,'' Mr Jones said.

``Our four children have all cut their business teeth in tourism over the school holidays, and we've also been lucky to have amazing staff who've stuck with us down the years, and become like extended family. That's helped make it so much more fun than just a business. It's been very good to us.''

Peggydale had been sold to a ``local couple'', Mr Jones said, although their intentions for the 9.93ha cafe, function centre and shop complex were unknown.

``Although the nature of tourism has changed over the years, we still do well. We're pleased it's stayed in local hands, but you also recognise that businesspeople need to do what they have to do, and change may be a part of that.

``We're more excited about what's coming next than what's been.''

Despite working in the tourism sector for decades, the Joneses did not regard themselves as natural tourists, with international travel ``low on the list'' for retirement.

``I might do a bit more hunting and fishing, and Alison enjoys reading and gardening. We might poke around New Zealand a bit, but it's not a big priority.''

Mrs Jones said she was looking forward to spending more ``spontaneous'' time with friends and family.

``It will be nice to do what we like, when we like. Peggydale has been 24/7, 365 days a year, so the rediscovered freedom will be a welcome change.''

One thing that would not change was the couple's commitment to South Otago, Mr Jones said.

``I don't think you'll find more warm and genuine people anywhere else in the world. We've seen some of our staff come through their 21st birthdays, get married and start families.

``When you've got friendships as rich as these, why would you go anywhere else?''

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