ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
GiGGLEFiT GRAMMAR is a secondhand or shall we say pre-loved bookstore in the heart of the Wynnum Central CBD. The business has existed for 35 years give or take and I am the third owner.
The store began life at Wynnum Plaza under the name Rainbow Books and was run by an eccentric red headed Scotsman. The store flourished until for various reasons the business was moved to its’ present location. Shortly after, ex-journalist David Ross purchased the business, changed the name to Bayside Books (but kept the rainbow logo), and remained the owner until his sad passing in 2018 when I purchased the store from his wife Wendy.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED OR WORKED IN THE WYNNUM AREA?
I say I was born here although not technically true, I just can’t remember living anywhere else. I was born in the RBH and moved to Bride Street in Wynnum when I was 7 years old in 1975. My mother was rather transient to say the least and I lived in a total of 6 different rental properties in Wynnum and Manly during my childhood. I went to schools in Lota, Wynnum Central, Wynnum North, and Manly.
I have only worked once in Wynnum but that was for ten years at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club and as Murphy’s law would have it, now that I own a business in Wynnum, I no longer live here. I actually reside in a beautiful valley setting in Mt Cotton.”
WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT WYNNUM?
The people, the places, the myriad of smiling faces. Wynnum is home to even those who have never lived here. For me, Wynnum is that old, comfortable chair I care about so much. It is that song I loved as a child but forgot existed. It is security and warmth and a link to a past that I still wish was present. That’s what I love about Wynnum.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP, DINE OR VISIT?
Wynnum is renowned far and wide for its’ charity stores and thrift shops and I must say I am not averse to a spot of treasure hunting in such places. As for food, Lota takeaway has the best hamburgers around, Mates Restaurant in Edith Street have fantastic lunchtime deals. Vietnam Alley on Bay Terrace has spectacular Asian Cuisine. The Japanese style Beef Curry at Bay Blends is to die for and I have been a customer at the Gum Sing Chinese Restaurant on Tingal Road since they had two stores in Wynnum back in 70’s.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WYNNUM AS A PERSON OR CHARACTER?
Wynnum is a quirky, eccentric Aunt that you just love to visit. She smells of the seaside and sandalwood, baked biscuits and fresh frangipani scented air. She is a little bit antiquated which is just what you need after the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life. You can put your iPad away and turn off your phone and just relax knowing that everything will be alright.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE OF WYNNUM?
As Wynnum moves further into the great unknown that is the 21st century, I look forward to the inevitable changes that will occur around us. We have new opportunities for growth in all aspects of life from residential to commercial to industrial. With Wynnum standing at a crossroads the town must decide whether it wants to pursue a path towards becoming a minor metropolitan hub. With the advent of the cinema complex and the million-dollar renovations at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club, this avenue is completely possible. Or does Wynnum wish to maintain and even enhance its’ quaint village atmosphere that allows city siders to enjoy a brief sea change without travelling for miles. Only time will tell.
Link to GiGGLEFiT GRAMMAR Facebook page.
