News, Manchester
Gary WalkerA cobbler retiring after 39 years has said his community’s kindness has been “overwhelming”.
Gary Walker, from Benchill, Wythenshawe, is laying down his tools after nearly four decades running the Walker’s Shoe Repair in Wythenshawe Civic shopping centre.
The 66-year-old, who has been repairing shoes and cutting keys since 1986, has been referred to as a “local legend” by shoppers.
Since announcing his retirement, he has been inundated by messages of support and said it was “nice to be recognised as someone who has worked in the community all these years”.
“To get that response just because I am retiring is a bit overwhelming,” he said.
“It sounds weird, local legend, I’m just somebody who has worked for a living on the centre.
“But I am proud to be from Benchill, I am.”
Gary WalkerMr Walker said the shoe side of the business was once the biggest part.
“In 1995 it was a lot busier on the shoe repairing side, that’s all you did,” he said.
“Then, the keys were in the background but shoe repairing would just take you going all day, everyday.”
The father-of-three said the business had to evolve over the years as shoes fell foul of a “throw away world”, which is why key cutting became more important.
“It is probably cheaper to buy a new pair of shoes than it is to repair them,” he said.
“Shoes are just cheap imports mostly these days.”
But the cobbler said the best part of his job had been “being local” and serving people he knows.
“You chat everyday with different people, you get to know all the faces, your regular customers over the years,” he said.
Mr Walker said many people had asked what his retirement plans were and he intended to spend more time with his family and looking after his daughter who is autistic and has additional needs.
Local carpet shop owner Ben Corrie said Mr Walker would be missed a great deal.
“I’ve used him for years, it’s going to be a huge loss to the precinct,” he said.
“But I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Carina Bradbury, who has been shopping at the precinct for more than 20 years, said Mr Walker was a “lovely guy”.
“He is always there for anyone who needs keys cutting, repairs, anything like that, and he’s really quick at what he does so we are all a bit gutted that he’s going.”
