ONE of Liphook’s oldest businesses – Tweenways cobblers – finally closed its door just two days before Christmas.

Don Cook, 88, a trained cobbler, retired on December 23, after being part of the community for the last 56 years. He set up his shoe repair shop in 1960 in an old converted and unheated air raid shelter, facilitated by a teenage Andrew Luff, whose family then owned the land off London Road.

Family and friends as well as Don’s wife of 61 years, Mable, gathered for a surprise retirement party in the cafe opposite in The Square where owner David Nichols and his daughter Sophie had baked a special “cobblers” cake.

Residents paid their own tributes to Don, remembering past times and long discussions about his time in the services and politics, while getting their shoes expertly repaired, with some even travelling from as far away as Canada.

Liphook Day Centre chairman Paul Robison summed up the sentiment of the village.

He said: “So sorry to hear that Don is finally hanging up his awl and tacking hammer. He was great company and always welcoming. His work was first-class, and worth waiting for.

“I remember a couple of years ago suggesting he tidy up his window display and he said – ‘well I’ll be retiring in 20 years’ time, it hardly seems worth it!’ I am sure we all wish him a long and happy retirement.”