Cobblers in Totley

Your query in a recent issue of the Independent concerning three shoe repairers in Totley presumably refers to that period around the latter part of the Second World War and the years following it. 

During the early part of the War, there were two cobblers in Totley: Jack Stacey, on Totley Rise, occupying the premises now used by the Optician, and Clayton's in the shop by Heatherfield Club.

At some stage during the War, Willars came to Totley Rise and opened a shoe shop just above the Chemist's; thus making the three. However, Willars did not repair shoes on the premises, as did the other two; the shoes that were taken in for repair were taken by Mr. Willars and repaired where he worked at Shoreham Street. 

In 1946, Jack Stacey sold out to Reg Damms who worked the business with his wife until they eventually retired about 16 or 17 years ago. With their retirement, the era when there was a working cobbler in Totley came to an end.

Reg Damms was well-known in mountaineering circles and I believe that he repaired the boots for several prominent mountaineers, including Jack Langland who was Director of Education at Derbyshire C.C. I remember that Reg Damms was quite insistent that the famous 'commando' soles should be riveted to the boot, and not screws, as the manufacturer apparently recommended. Here, then, was the counsel of practical experience in both repairing and rugged use. 

One titbit of forgotten information is that during the War period, both Jack Stacey and Clayton's used to repair wellingtons, using a crepe material. Nowadays, the idea of repairing wellingtons never even occurs to anyone.

J. Handley

February 1993