Telford cobbler Glen hotfooting it into retirement

Glen Rogers, who is 65, started working for Timpson’s shop in Wellington in 1968 as a trainee cobbler.

“When I was taken on I was not allowed to touch a pair of shoes for the first year – I could only mark up the soles where they needed repairing,” Glen said.

Apart from a few years at the firm’s Oakengates branch, Glen has spent all his working life at the Wellington shop, for many years as manager.

He said: “I have seen the town alter over the years, with other retailers coming and going, and I have also seen Timpson change a lot.

“This shop started out purely as a cobblers but now we offer a huge range of products and services."

As for his retirement, he is not expecting to have much time on his hands.

“I have two grown up children and three granddaughters who all have lots of chores for me to do,” he said.

Sally Themans, who is working with a team of volunteers on Love Wellington, a new campaign supported by Wellington Regeneration board and Telford & Wrekin Council to boost the town and encourage more visitors and businesses, said that Glen was a well-known local figure.

“He is much respected in Wellington and will be badly missed by his customers, local people and other retailers,” she said.