NEWS Footwear-OCT20-Grisport_Layout 1 29/10/2020 14:56 Pa
News: Laura West is leaving the Society of Shoe Fitters! STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS
STOP PRESS
Cheryl Taylor, Senior Editor Footwear Today Magazine talks to Laura West, Secretary of Society of Shoe Fitters
Cheryl: “Laura, I hear you are leaving the SSF and CFHR, why?” Laura West: “For nearly 33 years I have been proud to be Secretary to the Society. It has been a labour of love since 1989. Together
with nearly 11 years as Advertising Executive at Start-rite, when they had their factory in Norwich, the trade has been my life. As a royalist I’d always hoped HRH would chop my ears off for ‘services to the footwear industry’ (well zebra crossing assistants only do 15 years so where did I go wrong?). However, I am fast approaching 60, (yes, I know I don’t look a day over 65) and although I’ve got 7 years before I can claim a state pension (so I can buy my ‘purple dress, red hat, summer gloves and satin sandals’), I think Covid has taught many of us to seize the day and reassess our lives. Now the Society is a charity, the role has changed, but so has our industry, therefore it is time for the SSF to go in a different direction”.
Cheryl: So, what are you hoping will happen to the charity?”. Laura: “It may be that another Association or charity would like to take over. However, the important thing is that the skill of professional shoe fitting is championed and kept alive. Anyone with good administration skills, self- employed with an office and storage facilities, can do the basis of the job. Ideally it would be someone within the industry with a strong admin. background who also understands feet and footwear (to answer public enquiries) - although I’m happy to advise. They need to be a fast and proficient typist to get through the work of the day including newsletters, writing PR, invoicing, emails etc. and despite our wonderful Trustees and Council, it also needs to be someone to take overall responsibility.
They need to organise Council meetings and student Workshops, as well as support the exhibitions, so some creative flair would help too. The Society is funded by the well-respected Footwear & Fitting Course and membership subscriptions, but there are many avenues of income yet to be explored. The hours can be ‘all or nothing’ as the work dictates, but it is an interesting and rewarding job that helps thousands of people – both public and industry, and I have loved the past 33 years”.
Cheryl: “If you love it, why leave?” Laura: “ The time is right. Many know how I was attacked by a gang from London a couple of years ago and lucky to be alive. They are now serving 16 years each, but it has had a huge effect on me. I lost so many things that were treasured. Since then we’ve had Covid and I realised my mortality yet again - 60 is a funny age. I always expected to retire at 60 and shocked when the government decided it should be 67. My children are doing very well and self-sufficient, and my husband Nick, a true shoeman with a lifetime in the industry, now has a company – Woteva Ltd. that allows him to do various jobs – more recently property development, so I know I won’t be sitting knitting socks! I still aim to keep busy, just do other things, and if anyone needs a non-exec Director, or consultant, I shall be more than happy to oblige - and I will always do what I can to help the Society of Shoe Fitters too. It really is a worthwhile charity that gives so much to so many and really deserved much greater support from manufacturers.”
Cheryl: “Do you see a future for the charity and the CFHR?” Laura: “Very much so. There are so many things I didn’t get around to doing i.e. funding applications etc., but this is not my area of expertise. The industry may have changed beyond recognition, but the fundamentals are still so important. People will always need shoes, and they always remember the ones that were the most comfortably fitted and looked good longest – and with personal service now a rarity, they will never forget the wisdom and skill of SSF members either. I feel sure some new blood will allow the charity to fly high”.
For more information contact:
secretary@shoefitters-uk.org
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