Susanna Freymark
Remember the ice blocks called Splice?
They had a soft ice cream centre covered with an ice block of lime or orange.
They were quite the treat in the 70s and 80s.
A new coastal boutique called Splice! in Evans Head opened on November 23.
The shop harks back to that retro era with funky eskies, surf wear, home decor, local art and Kodak instamatic cameras in groovy colours (with real film).
Splice! is co-owned by Ella Bryant and Bella Mayne from Sunnyboy cafe across the road, and Sherie and Jeremy Burrows.
”The shop concept is inspired by our childhood summers — bike rides, camping trips, long beach days, fish and chips in the sunshine — perfectly capturing the Evans Head lifestyle,” Sherie said.
”We also drew from those classic memories of saving birthday money to buy something special at the local surf shop.”
The shop is decorated with memorabilia belonging to Ella’s and Sherie’s fathers — Salty and Snowy. There are surfboard fins, photos and little treasures collected over the years (the memorabilia is not for sale).
Staff member Madison Deas, 23, said the response from the community had been positive.
The art in the shop is for sale and is by local artist Kristie Vaughan.
Splice! is open 9.30am-4.30pm on weekdays and 9.30am-1pm on Saturdays. During the summer the shop will also be open on Sundays.
If you want something different for Christmas presents this year, take a look at Splice! — clothing, cameras, plants, leather goods, coffee table books, sunscreen, hats, surf wax, beach gear and more.