“That antique table seemed to be so enormous and I have wonderful memories of Christmas at Moomboodool with Mum’s extended family,” she said.

Those happy childhood occasions gave rise to a long-held dream of opening an antiques and collectables store.

But it was a chance encounter over an English tea set that led to the birth of Jindera Village Antiques at the end of 2018.

About six months ago Janelle purchased a porcelain Shelley tea set (in the Daffodil Time pattern) from the owner of an antique store on the NSW coast.

“Because it was fine old English china, I didn’t want it sent in the mail so I went over to Gerringong to pick it up from Uptown Vintage store owner Donna Vinton,” she said.

“One thing led to another and with the advice and encouragement of Donna I decided to open my own store in Jindera.”

It’s no surprise the store specialises in the fine china of which she is so fond – “if you are a Shelley nut then you know your Shelley” – but all items are English and authentic, Janelle assured.

She is working with well-established local dealers including Petersen Antiques at Culcairn and Shawbrook Antiques at Wangaratta to bring a greater wealth of knowledge to the business – and to assist customers with sourcing that “special” piece.

“Robert Petersen has over 50 years local association in the district and is widely known for having restored over 6000 brass beds,” Janelle said.

“Equally respected in the field of antiquities is Shawbrook Antiques, who is an avid exhibitor at fairs held in Melbourne, Canberra and across regional NSW and Victoria.

“Many local collectors would recognise the owner, Gaye Bismire, who regularly displays and exhibits at Albury’s Antique Fair each year.”

Janelle said the store would also be supported by UK-based Royal Doulton experts Christopher Evans and Paul Webster.

Jindera Village Antiques now acts as an agent for the Royal Doulton Collectors Club in Australia and is also a stockist of all Christopher Evans’ books.

From brass beds to eclectic furniture and decorative items including ceramics and glassware, Janelle hopes to add a lovely sprinkling of nostalgia to the burgeoning township of Jindera.

The shop, which currently opens at weekends, also offers restoration work and minor repairs, French polishing and a service to restore antique silverware back to its former lustre.

“I have received lots of positive comments and the shop has been really well supported,” Janelle said.

Taking pride of place in the front window is an item Janelle herself lovingly rescued and restored many moons ago.

But Jack (ass) “the deadbeat donkey” is not for sale.