Martin’s journey began all the way back in 1964, a time when craftsmanship was king. Over the past six decades, he has been much more than a witness to the trade, he has been a quiet cog behind it. And for the past 15 years, we’ve had the privilege of calling him not only a colleague but a dear friend.
After initially retiring from Church’s, Martin returned to the fold just two months following our buyout. Under the leadership of Jonathan and William Church, he rejoined Cheaney, where he helped steer the brand’s retail arm through a defining new era. Ever the boomerang, ever the grafter.
He’s been a familiar face to many whether meeting customers in our shops, sharing stories at the Burley Horse Trials, or passionately demonstrating our strip-down and repair service at one of many events. Always immaculately turned out, always happy to roll up his sleeves.
Martin's knowledge of Goodyear-welted shoes is not just rare - what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing. He doesn’t just sell shoes; he champions the heritage, the history, the handiwork. And in a world that’s often too quick to discard, Martin has always stood for the buy in store, the well-made, and the worth-keeping.
Though he may be retiring in name, we’ve no doubt we’ll see him again, popping in for a cuppa, working on small projects, and catching up with his many industry friends. Martin is the perfect example of a true gentleman quietly indispensable, endlessly generous with his time, and always just a touch more interested in helping others than in talking about himself.
To say he will be missed is an understatement. Here’s to you, Martin.
