Much loved Ipswich bootmaker Trevor North and his wife Lesley are closing up shop in Ipswich’s Brisbane Street after more than 20 years of business in the city.
Mr North has been a bootmaker since he was 15 when he saw an ad in his local newspaper just as he was leaving school some 59 years ago.
Mr North has taken a huge decision to close and retire on January 15 2021. Closing in on 75 has in the face of COVID given him clarity on his future life and plans.
Mr North said he looks back on his time in Ipswich fondly and said it’s always been good business.
“I’ve got regulars who have been coming to me for years,” he said.
Since he announced plans to retire, Mr North has been inundated with work.
“Yeah I’ve had a few regulars in, they’re bringing a bag full of shoes to get them fixed before I leave,” he said.
Mr North said his dream for retirement is to finally take a holiday outside of the Christmas season.
“We want to go and see a few things and I want to go up to the reef,” he said.
He thanked the local people of Ipswich for their support.
“Thankyou for your consistency and they just bring in work whenever I need it. They usually bring two pairs at once. I’ve always got boxes of work… it’s been really good,” he said.
Mr North is the BEST shoe repairer I have ever found…. Very sad to see him go, but wish him a very happy retirement.
Oh no! Our best ever bootmaker Mr North is calling it a day. Although I fully understand that he has made a huge contribution to the well heeled well-being of our community I so just wish that some things would never change! But sadly they do, so I wish him a truly wonderful retirement. After 59 years in the industry he deserves it.
Thank you Trevor, you have been an absolute champion, and an even better gentleman. Enjoy your retirement my friend.
Regards
Piper Joe
Thank you Trevor for your excellent workmanship over the years and for your professional yet lay back and friendly attitude. Sad to see you go but I wish you well and a very happy retirement.
Will miss Mr North so much. Always pleasant and helpful. He has resurrected so many if my favourite shoes. A dying art. Enjoy your well earned retirement but very sad to see you go.
Thank you so much for your fantastic work to the community Uncle Trevor. I Wish you and Aunty Lesley nothing but best wishes for the future. Much love.
Thankyou Trevor for many years of repairs. Wishing you and your wife the very best in retirement. God Bless
Mr North Saved our bacon many times with dance shoes.
Great Shoe repairer. Friendly fast service.
Sorry to see him go, but totally understand and I’m really happy for him.
Hope you enjoy the reef!
Blessings to him. May he have a long and happy retirement.
I have been going to Mr North for 18 years what a terrific fellow he is hope you have a well earned rest and holiday all the best from the Cashion Family 😃
I’m sad to see us lose such a unique tradesman and gentleman. My dad was a boot maker for many years in the WA fire brigade and later in his own shop. I would give my eye teeth to own one of these old singer sewing machines. My sister and I would sew on a treadle leather machine when we were very little. Enjoy your retirement.
Will miss you Trevor! A true gentleman. You served our community well with your exceptional workmanship and outstanding customer service. Wishing and you and Lesley all the best. Enjoy the next chapter!
It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the passing of Lesley North in October of 2023 and the passing of Trevor North on the 5-1-2024. He was very loved by all the Ipswich community as The Shoe Repairer. You will both be missed dearly.