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.