If you get your shoes fixed at Cobblers Bench in Melksham you’ll be in good company! Nic Clyde who is celebrating 35 years in business this month has fixed the shoes of ‘Poldark’ for the hit TV series and for rock superstar Peter Gabriel.
What started as a Saturday job for Nic at the local shoe repair shop has blossomed into a thriving small business that has been the go-to place in the community ever since for shoe repairs, key cutting and trophies.
When Nic was just 19 years old, the previous owner, Charlie Mortimer, decided to retire and Nic seized the opportunity and bought the business.
“I’d joined Charlie when I was at school working on a Saturday so you could say I’m still doing my Saturday job today!” said Nic.
“I thought I would be there for a few months; I can’t believe it’s now 35 years. One good thing is that I’ve never had to have a job interview!”
Shoe repairs and key cutting are still the main part of the business although extra services have been added including trophies and engraving and the sale of leather goods like handbags and purses.
“Getting shoes fixed has become fashionable again in recent years as people are more concerned about buying new all the time,” added Nic. “We have a lot of customers who have been coming to us for years and years but we’ve also had the occasional celebrity.
“I’ve fixed a pair of boots for Poldark when they were filming at Great Chalfield and I’ve fixed Peter Gabriel’s shoes as he lives down the road in Box. And we’ve also had some unique and unusual projects over the years including a set of custom-made donkey boots.
“We’ve also seen a growth in customers who have bought secondhand or vintage shoes online and need them repaired or adjusted or a heel replaced. It’s great to be able to breathe new life into these pre-loved items.”
Cobblers Bench started out in Lowbourne before moving to Bath Road, initially next to the former Webbs Bakery before moving to their current location 23 years ago.
“As we’re next to the bus shop, we often have people come in who have been searching all day for a new handbag in Bath only to find it here in their own town!” said Nic.
As Cobblers Bench celebrates its 35th anniversary, Nic is grateful for the loyal customers who have supported the business over the decades.
“We’re a real family business,” added Nic. “My mum, Dot, helped me for many years before retiring and now my niece, Molly, helps; and I think lots of customers like to come in for a chat and a friendly face. I’d like to say a big thank you to all our customers who have supported us; without them we wouldn’t be here.”
Pictured: Nic Clyde, centre, with her mum, Dot Gibbons, and Molly Aust.
