A grieving town
Thorpdale residents are desperate to retain a “community hub” after a tragic fatal fire destroyed the town’s pub and claimed the life of a much loved publican last week.
Fourth generation publican Johnny Bantock died in the early morning fire that started in an upstairs bedroom of the hotel.
Tributes flowed on social media last week for Mr Bantock who was described as “the epitome of a small town pub owner - loved a beer with the locals, perched at the bar telling stories all night.”
Many people used social media to thank Johnny for always providing a listening ear and a smiling face.
Thorpdale Football Netball Club players wore black armbands on Saturday and formed a guard of honour with Newborough players. A number of Mid Gippsland clubs, including Trafalgar and Yarragon sent condolences to the club last week.
Club secretary and member of the community recovery committee Mandy Durkin said it was a sad time for the community.
“The pub wasn’t just about drinking, it was about having a place to go.
“Johnny’s doors were always open. There would be always someone sitting at the bar who was not there for a drink but for a conversation.
“It is the loss of our community hub and people are asking ‘where are we going to go.’
“We can’t lose that community hub, it’s so important for a small community,” she said.
Ms Durkin said Mr Bantock was an amazing community man who supported and sponsored every organisation that walked through the door.
“He said no to no one – the footy club, kindergarten, cubs, hall… he sponsored everyone.
“A huge hole has been left for all of us in Thorpdale.”
Thorpdale CFA unit was first on the scene of last week’s fire and Ms Durkin said the CFA members were struggling with the loss after they fought so hard to save a person who many had grown up with and was their friend.
Mr Bantock was the fourth generation of the Holden and Bantock families to own the Traveller’s Rest Hotel.
Mr Bantock’s great grandparents Michael and Honoria Holden took over the town’s wine and billiard saloon in 1908 and shortly after obtained a licence to open the Traveller’s Rest Hotel.
The next generation Tom Holden, and his wife Eileen began their married life working in the pub and had three daughters.
In 1936 the property where the hotel now stands was purchased and the new hotel was built in 1937.
Mr Bantock’s grandparents left Thorpdale in 1939 and his mother Marie, who later married Frank Bantock, took over the pub.
The hotel has been in the family for 108 years.
A funeral service for Mr Bantock will be held at Thorpdale Public Hall tomorrow (April 12) at 11am. Johnstone St will be closed to cars and parking will be limited. Police, Vic Roads and Baw Baw Shire will be involved in traffic management.