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Community rallies as store is in ashes

The site of the fire.

“I was 10 years old when my Dad sat at the end of my bed and asked if my brother and I would want to work for the business if he bought it, ” Clive Woodcock said as he sat adjacent to the ashen remains of his family’s agricultural store.

“My father worked for his brother Wilf, who created the business, along with the local farmers’ co-operative about 60 years ago.

“That’s how long the Woodcock Independent Traders store has been a part of Northampton.

“My Dad ended up buying the business in 1975 so my brother and I would always have employment.”

The agricultural stock supplier has been one of the town’s major service providers for hardware, gas deliveries, fishing, camping and fencing gear and water fittings, among other things.

On Sunday, April 19, the Woodcock family business was razed in a chemical fire which destroyed the North West Coastal Highway business.

The business has provided employment for three generations of Woodcocks as well as locals, which Mr Woodcock said was a tribute to his uncle Wilf and his dad Clive Sr.

“My uncle and father helped a lot of people in town. They worked with other businesses and helped them survive by giving store credit until they were able to pay them back, and they did that for many people in town, ” he said.

“That was something I grew up with as an eight-year-old boy working in the store, and when I continued the business, I kept that business style and it’s something my son is learning.

“Even though we don’t have a store right now, we have been inundated with community support and we will continue to deliver our service to the community once we are cleared to safely assess the damage at the site.”

Mr Woodcock said the family was in limbo waiting for a clearance from police, but for the moment the business would run from his wife’s neighbouring clothing store.

“There isn’t a lot we can do right now until the site is cleared, but, as for community support, it is absolutely overwhelming, ” he said.

“We have had offers from our local competitors and even suppliers in Perth and from other parts of WA to help us out in any way they can.

“This business doesn’t just affect our family, it affects the entire community and it just shows when you have nothing, there is still love and support to hold onto.

“Thank you to all the firefighters and emergency services who risked their lives to try to salvage the business, to the local community for their support and to everyone who is helping, we are really grateful.”

Mr Woodcock said he was humbled to hear local sports teams and businesses, including the Northampton IGA were taking donations to help get the business up and running again.

The family have not yet been notified of the value of the damage caused by the fire.