Sweet on candy love

Ipswich Times

22nd October 2008

By Rob Lockyear

Whether you are nine or 90, your favourite lolly is something you never forget.

The history of our lollies, and what they tell us about Australians, is the subject of local author Toni Risson's new book.

"Lollies have got a lot to say about Australian childhoods," Ms Risson said, who is writing the as yet unnamed confectionery tome for her PhD.

During the past two years she has been collecting the memories of generations of lolly-loving locals - how much pocket money it cost and what was your favourite kind of sweet?

No stone is left unturned to get to the bottom of our long-term and mysterious love affair with sweets.

"There has not been any Australian writing on lollies," she said.

The research process has taken Ms Risson deep into the archives of the biggest names in the business but Boody's owner Dennis Mullins has shared a more local perspective.

"It was a simple corner store that did a few lollies and it just grew," Mr Mullins said, referring to the giant wall of lollies that fills your vision as you enter the Brassall store.

"It just got out of control."

Mr Mullins said his line of more than 400 products was probably half of what was available but he was always on the look-out to expand.

"It is a continuous process of tracking and sourcing," he said.

So what is the childhood favourite of the future doctor of lollies?

The memory of a long wait at the train station and a one cent1c piece would mean only one thing - a caramel cobbler.

"I used to eat the chocolate off, one side at a time," Ms Risson said.

"That cobbler would last nearly half an hour while I waited for the train."