The McDonalds from Melbourne revisited the Ridge after 40 years and remembered a female Justice of the Peace they met in her opal shop.

She told them about Jacky, who would turn up in a new suit of clothes, but before long, would look pretty shabby from the wear 'n' tear of Morilla Street.

He'd simply wander off and come back with opal enough to re-outfit himself.

Locals tried to discover his treasure trove without success.

This day, Jacky was brought in yet again on a drunk and disorderly charge.

‘What am I going to do with you, Jacky?' asked the lady JP.

‘Ah, Mam, just give me 14 days,' came the sincere request.

‘Done!' said she, and he responded in appreciation, ‘May I call you, Mum?'

A few weeks later, 40 visitors were spilling out of a tourist bus, welcomed by the lady JP into her shop.

Jacky lurched past to add his bold greeting, ‘Hello Mum!' Looks of surprise registered on every face but his!

Heritage Cottage Hospital Gallery will not be open this Friday and Saturday.