A well-known, long-standing town centre trader with a reputation for customer care has died.
Barry Hazard, who ran George Robinson Shoe Repairs in Newark, died on March 4, following a fight against a cancer diagnosis in 2021.
“ Well known to so many for his outstanding quality craftsmanship and iconic shop in Stodman Street, he will be greatly missed,” said his daughter, Kate Stott.
“He will be greatly remembered for his dependability, a legend of Stodman Street and your shoe saviour.”
George Robinson started the business in Newark in 1920. Barry joined the business in the early Sixties, later meeting his wife Ann, who first started as a Saturday girl.
In 1989, when long-term business partner John Edwards retired, Barry and Ann forged Robinson’s forward into new areas with the changing times.
Alongside the traditional shoe repairs he also began offering key cutting, trophy supply and engraving, footwear sales and a wide range of shoe care sundries.
He took enormous pride in his work. Projecting a professional image was a priority for the shop.
These high standards and dedication saw Barry attain the equivalent of the industry Oscars — winning the National Shoe Repairer of the year competition in 1992. He was also named runner-up in 1994 to 1995 and winner of the Newark Retail Awards 2007 for Long Established Business, to name a few of numerous accolades.
Kate said: “Barry would always have time for his customers, taking an interest in them not just what needed repairing.
“Over the years he worked on all kinds of requests — many a dog-chewed shoe, riding boot, motor cycle leathers, wet suits and even ladies underwear.
“Indeed he was the go-to for numerous works, footwear or not, great or small — Barry was your man.”
Barry retired in 2017, aged 70, and closed the doors on Robinsons after 55 years in the trade.
He went on to dedicate time to his hobbies and interests including gardening, DIY, lawn green bowls, caravan adventures, and above all, his family.
Not one to completely hang up his tools, he continued a side line of repairing shoes for friends from his garage.
In 2022, Barry and Ann celebrated their golden wedding , with a surprise luncheon at the town hall. Family and friends travelled far and wide to share their good wishes.
Barry’s competitive spirit also shone through as he was a very active member of Newark Sherwood Bowls Club, and was Club Secretary for a number of years.
He played to win, but equally keen to enlist new members and mentor — passing on his own experiences.
“Barry was very giving and generous with his time — he was always on hand to assist neighbours and friends in any way or offer practical advice, and was a keen volunteer of the Sustrans Cycle Track, where he would contribute with litter picking and cleaning the dyke,” said Kate.
“He was one of those people who saw a job that needed doing and got on with it to maintain the track, keeping it clean for the community to enjoy.”
He was awarded a certificate for his efforts in February 2022.
He was also a man with a passion for scootering, and owned a Lambretta. He loved to attend rallies and meet ups in Derbyshire, most notably taking part with his wife on annual Christmas Santa Runs.
A memorial service will take place at Newark Parish Church on Wednesday, March 27, at 2pm.
