Cobbling runs in the Simpsons family veins, dating back to the family’s first shop opening in Berwick in the 1850’s
Ken’s father set up the business in Shildon in the fifties and has enjoyed the patronage of residents from Aycliffe since then, regularly advertising traditional shoe repairing in the Newton News.
Ken has run the shop at 24 Church Street since 1990 having repaired shoes since he left school. He has won the JR National Shoe Repairer of the Year award three times and because he has won it so many times is now barred from entering.
This year’s competition was held in London and Ken came first again. He first entered in 2008 on a whim and because he enjoys competing with others in the trade.
His nephew Adam Johnson who has been trained by Ken, also entered the 2015 competition and took Third Prize.
Adam has been training for the last 2 years with Ken watching over his shoulder making sure everything is up to his high standard. He decided to enter the competition after been encouraged by his fiancée. The shop offers many services including key cutting, leatherwork, engraving and retail of related goods such as belts.
If you require more information call the shop on 01388 777709 or call in and watch a traditional Cobbler at work. Ken is currently exhibiting some old cobbling machinery in his shop window.
