Firm closes doors after 173 years

Edward Healy and Sons, which produces replacement heels and other parts for shoe repairs, has been run by five generations of the same family since 1843.

But after providing materials to thousands of customers across the country, current owners Robin and Tim Healy will close the Wickersley operation when they retire next Wednesday.

The firm, now based at The Tanyard, was set up by the brothers’ great-great-grandmother Mary in Parkgate before spells at three different town centre locations and the move to Wickersley 40 years ago.

Robin (64) said: “Although Tim and I each have two sons, they all have taken different career paths and none of them wish to carry on the tradition. It is time to move on for us. 

“We have also outgrown our current place and it’s a good time to bring it to an end.”

Mary, the daughter of a clog-maker, started the business when she sold materials to other clog and shoe-makers around Broad Street.

She then opened her own shop in the Imperial Buildings around 1903 and the firm then moved to Mansfield Road around 1934 and then on to Nelson Street.

The company takes the name of Robin and Tim’s great-grandfather Edward and their late father John moved the business to Wickersley in 1974.

Robin added: “We have known some of our customers for a long time and we remember them from our childhood. 

“We’d like to thank them all for their business over the years.

“The business has been sold to another wholesaler and will soon be transferred to its new home in north London and our premises in Wickersley, which we have occupied for more than 40 years, will be put up for sale.”