When:         Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th February 2013.

Where:       The Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton,

                       Alcester, Warwickshire. B49 5QQ.

Web:            www.kingscourthotel.co.uk

Hosted by:   Bill Bird Shoes.

Download forms(to follow):

                                                            Invitation leaflet. 

                                                            Application form.

                                                             Programme.

.

We have developed a method of making strong yet flexible orthotic insoles which are designed to give support and comfort.

The experience of making orthopaedic footwear gives us a unique insight into how best to make orthotics that will fit within the customers own footwear. We have developed a range of skills and expertise that enable us to provide a unique service.

So here is how we do it ?

After an extensive consultation which will include gait analysis and foot inspection, the foot is placed in the corrected position within the casting box. This ensures that the resulting cast reflects the way the foot should perform with the help of the orthotic. The impression is then filled with a unique expanding resin to give a permanent cast of the foot upon which to build the orthotic.

The orthotic is then built using materials especially selected to perform best for each specific foot problem. Each layer is laminated to give a strong fianal build yet allow the orthotic to remain lightweight and functional.

Once built, the orthotic is accurately machined to fit into the shoe and then fitted to the client to ensure correct funtion.

Besides orthopaedic footwear, we manufacture Orthotics (special insoles) that can have a dramatic effect on your comfort and mobility yet be able to wear your everyday shoes. The Orthotics we make are unique, they are individually assessed, casted and manufactured then fitted into the shoe to work correctly.

Common uses for Orthotics.

• Chronic foot conditions.
• Sports injuries.
• Accident trauma.
• Long term disabilities

….. or just plain comfort.

And what can we offer you ?

• A full assessment of your needs.
• We will work with your health professional or clinic.
• A same-day service (conditions apply).
• Standard service of 24 hours.
• I will guarantee the lowest price for the specialist service provided.

The orthotics we make are made of a variety of materials all designed to give both support and comfort, whilst at the same time remain lightweight and functional. We do not make rigid insoles, we believe they can cause more problems than they solve, it is important that the foot is allowed to function as normally as possible with the insole complimenting that function.

Our experience making orthopaedic footwear means we fully understand the important role an orthotic insole plays in improving your mobility and well-being. 

This service is only available from our workshop, or by arrangement with your healthcare provider or clinic. Our Nationwide Visiting Service is not available for supplying orthotics.

Orthotics, what do they do ?

An 'orthotic' is a functional support designed to restore the natural function of the foot, ankle and leg. Many common complaits are caused by poor foot function.

Orthotics can help re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, in turn this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body. The end result, you feel the difference with every step you take as the orthotics give more even weight distribution, take pressure away from sore spots and provide real shock absorption and comfort.

Focusing on the solution

The orthotics are manufactured to the highest standards using a variety of materials designed to deliver performance and comfort.

Your first appointment might just be the start of a real change in your mobility and wellbeing. We will work with you to find the best orthotic solution to your specific problem, noting 'off the shelf' or 'quick fix' is good enough. We discuss your needs so that the orthotics being supplied match your lifestyle profile and then set about a course of action that is designed to involve you from start to finish.

Please note

Our footwear and orthotics are made using the highest quality materials and processes that continue to be used in traditionally made bespoke footwear. All the materials we use comply to European Standard EN 344-1.

 
The Cordwainer is registered with the Medical Devices Agency. All our footwear and orthotics comply with Medical Device Directive EN93/42/EEC which states that custom made devices are subject to the classification rules and should not be CE marked.
 
The Cordwainer is one of the most experienced and highly skilled shoemakers in the United Kingdom, however this does not allow us to prescribe an appliance or footwear as shoemakers cannot register with the Health Professionals Council. You will be asked to sign an acknowledgement that you are happy to receive footwear not made to prescription. If you wish to have your appliance or footwear made to prescription you should seek the advice of your hospital or doctor.
 
The best results always come from co-operation between all the health professionals involved with dealing with your condition or disability. The Cordwainer will work with any NHS Hospital, Trust or Clinician to ensure you receive the best service possible.

Finding shoes that fit me well enough to let me walk for as long as I want to has been a problem. Either shoes rubbed my bunions painfully or they were so loose they offered no support. I returned from each attempt at a walking holiday feeling deflated and discouraged and in considerable pain.

I live in the USA and I was not able to find anyone here who could help, so I contacted The Cordwainer instead.

Philip Taylor agreed to tackle the problem and we came to England to get the project started. It took time to get the shoes exactly right as we were only in England long enough for one fitting, but the shoes crossed the Atlantic several times over the coming months for me to check the fitting. But the end result was worth all the time and trouble, we have just taken a three week walking holiday and for the first time in twenty years I've been able to walk all I wanted.

I'm utterly delighted with the shoes and with Philip's skill, patience and willingness to work with me long-distance when necessary. I'm so glad we finally took this step and I wholeheartedly recommend Philip's work to anyone in need of individually crafted shoes.

Tinney S Heath.

Why not combine your visit to the workshops with a short break in the Peak District. You could go home with the shoes you need completed while you relax and enjoy your break.

Private made to measure footwear.

There are very few shoe-makers left in this country who have the skills required to assess and manufacture footwear suitable for people with severe disabilities. The Cordwainer specialises in this work and over the past 15 years we have been able to help many people resolve their long standing footwear problems. We also make footwear and orthotics for people with far less wrong with their feet but who never the less find it difficult to buy shoes that are suitable for them.

The traditional materials and methods of construction we use make it possible to make a wide range of styles and types of footwear, but we are unable to copy much of the fashion styles of footwear because of the technology involved in modern shoe manufacture.

All footwear and orthotics orders are accepted on the understanding that deposits cannot be returned after work has commenced on the order. Please also note the section 'style limitations' relating to orders accepted entirely at the customers own risk. We do not have a catalogue of styles as all our shoes are designed at the time of ordering when consideration can be given to the suitability of style and material for your needs. If you choose a style that we feel is inappropriate or more difficult to manufacture, I will insist that the order is accepted solely at your own risk.

Bespoke shoemaking is particularly difficult because of the need to understand the interaction between the feet and the shoes, further complicated by any problems with the feet. It is for this reason that great care and attention is required to make sure that each pair of shoes fit correctly. Making shoes by hand is not an exact science and I ask my customers to understand that while I aim to achieve 100% success this is not always possible.

Each pair of shoes are made on 'lasts' made from the measurements of the feet. We conduct numerous fittings to ensure your shoes fit correctly and are tailored to your needs. Each new customer will require lasts to be made, however I will alter your own lasts for a small charge.

The 'one-off' payment for the lasts include all alterations made during their lifetime, many clients have more than one pair to allow for different heel heights and styles.

Inevitably there will be occasions when the finished footwear is not completed to the customer’s complete satisfaction. We can not make full refunds on payments paid but will consider a reduction in the cost of the finished shoes to reflect any problems encountered. However I guarantee I will work with you to correct and improve the footwear to achieve the best fit and finish possible.

Hopefully you will enjoy wearing your new footwear and I look forward to welcoming you as a new customer.

Measuring and fittings.

First Appointment:    Measurements and sometimes a cast is taken of the feet. The lasts are made and a "mock upper" made to check the last. Styles and materials are chosen and 1/3rd deposit paid. (allow 2-3 hours).

Intermediate fitting:    After 3-4 weeks the shoes are fitted with the proper uppers but without the sole and heel. The second payment of 1/3rd is made.

Final fitting:    After a further 3-4 weeks the shoes can be fitted with the soles and heels attached. Any final adjustments can be made and the shoes taken away. The balance of the account is paid.

Review appointment:    It might be necessary to have a further appointment to review the comfort and fit of the finished footwear.

Adjustments and alterations are made as and when required and will be made free of charge in most cases.

All given delivery dates are estimated and subject to change.

Home visits.

I offer a limited 'home visit' service to areas where I have most enquiries and customers. I rarely visit Scotland or the far North of England. Where I visit customers at home the above time scale is lengthened depending on how often I can arrange to visit. I try to arrange visits 3-4 times each year and make a charge of between £30-80 for each visit to cover the costs of being away from the shop for these periods.

For existing customers in and around the North West of England I will endeavor to visit as and when required, but will be making one day each month available to visit customers in the area.

Style limitations.

On occasions I might suggest that a style of shoe (in particular ladies court and slip-on shoes) may be more difficult to make work with your particular problem. Although I am pleased to explore ways of over-coming any such difficulties, it must be understood that this work will be accepted entirely at your own risk. You will be asked to sign a form to this effect.

Delivery charges.

Where Royal Mail is used to deliver your footwear, deliveries are by the 'signed for' service. If you wish me to use any other delivery method, please inform me at the final fitting appointment. An extra charge may be made to cover the cost involved.

Further information.

Please read the "information" page of the web site before ordering.

HELP WITH THE COST OF YOUR FOOTWEAR

It is more important that you receive the footwear you need without having to worry whether you can afford the footwear you need. I will always try and work out ways of spreading the payments or other ways of financing your footwear. Over the past few years we have identified a variety of organisations and charities who have helped in specific cases, some of those will only support their own members while other may help more generally. These are a few of the charitable organisations who are able to help people under certain circumstances.

The Barchester Healthcare Association

The Stroke Association

The Hospital Saturday Fund

The Ex-Serviceman's Association

Please ask if you need help with paying for your footwear, or let me know of any other organisations who are able to help.

Remember, you may be entitled to have your footwear provided free of charge through the NHS, please see the 'NHS Footwear' section.

PLEASE NOTE

Our footwear and orthotics are made using the highest quality materials and processes that continue to be used in traditionally made bespoke footwear. All the materials we use comply to European Standard EN 344-1.
 
The Cordwainer is registered with the Medical Devices Agency. All our footwear and orthotics comply with Medical Device Directive EN93/42/EEC which states that custom made devices are subject to the classification rules and should not be CE marked.
 
The Cordwainer is one of the most experienced and highly skilled shoemakers in the United Kingdom, however this does not allow us to prescribe an appliance or footwear as shoemakers cannot register with the Health Professionals Council. You will be asked to sign an acknowledgement that you are happy to receive footwear not made to prescription. If you wish to have your appliance or footwear made to prescription you should seek the advice of your hospital or doctor.
 
The best results always come from co-operation between all the health professionals involved with dealing with your condition or disability. The Cordwainer will work with any NHS Hospital, Trust or Clinician to ensure you receive the best service possible.

* Recommended by my customers

Bradwell

0.7 miles

http://www.bradwellinpeak.f9.co.uk/

A walk among the steep narrow side streets of Bradwell gives the impression that the village has always been this way, it probably has. Well worth a visit is The Bowling Green, a former coaching inn in the hamlet of Smalldale at the southern end of Bradwell.

Hope

1.5 miles

http://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk/hope-c135.html

Much of the village of Hope lies on reclaimed marshland, so the centre of the village is found on the road to Edale, but its cafes and pubs are still worth a visit. The village comes to life every August Bank Holiday when thousands of visitors arrive for the annual Hope Valley Agricultural Show.

Castleton

2.2 miles

http://www.visitcastleton.co.uk

Looked over by the remains of William the Conqueror’s Peveril Castle, Castleton attracts tourists by the hundreds seeking a taste of the Peak District. Many find their way to adventure at one of four underground caverns in the area, Castleton is definitely worth a visit.

Bamford

3.0 miles

http://www.bamfordvillage.co.uk

Bamford occupies a quiet corner of the Peak District, but just up the road is the impressive Ladybower, Howden and Derwent reservoirs and the inviting Yorkshire Bridge Inn.

Hathersage *

3.5 miles

http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/towns/hathersage.php

Hathersage is considered the walking capital of the Peak with a constant flow of visitors dropping down from the splendid Stanage Edge which stands over the town. Little John of Robin Hood fame was supposedly buried here, but visitors would probably prefer a dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool.

Tideswell *

5.1 miles

http://www.visittideswell.co.uk

Tagged “the Cathedral of the Peak” Tideswell lives up to its name in every way. A picture postcard village with all the charm and history thrown in, and a stones throw away from the equally picturesque villages of Litton and Millers Dale.

Eyam *

6.8 miles

http://www.eyamvillage.org

Best known for the plague that decimated the population of the village in 1665, the village is one of the areas top destinations for tourists, it is a village steeped in history. The Eyam Museum is worth a visit, a mention here of the shoe industry in the village around 100 years ago when one in three of the population were employed in the industry.

Chapel-en-le-Frith

9.7 miles

http://www.chapel-en-le-frith.com

Historic Chapel-en-le-Frith is a much quieter place since the bye-pass was built in 1987, but on Thursday’ market day brings visitors galore to the towns cobbled streets  and busy traditional pubs.

Bakewell

11.3 miles

http://www.bakewellonline.co.uk

Home of the Bakewell Tart, the small and beautiful market town is well worth a visit with a selection of pubs and cafes, great shopping and plenty of history to explore. The museum has some further information about the shoemaking history of the Peak District.

Buxton

12.6 miles

http://www.visitbuxton.co.uk/

The spa town of Buxton is the highest in England with its health spa dating back to Roman times, but is now better known for its culture, arts and music festivals. The Crescent, the Opera House and the Pavilion are all well worth a visit.

* Recommended by my customers *

Speedwell Cavern *

3.5 miles

Winnats Pass, Castleton, Hope Valley. S33 8WA

Tel: 01433 620512 

www.speedwellcavern.co.uk

The High Peak's famous underground caverns.

Upper Derwent Valley Visitors Centre

7.6 miles

Bamford, Hope Valley. S33 0XX

Tel: 01433 650953 

www.peakdistrictview.com

The history of the Derwent, Howden and Ladybower Dams.

Chestnut Centre *

8.4 miles

Sheffield Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire. SK23 0QS

Tel: 01298 814099  www.chestnutcentre.co.uk

Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park

Monsal Head, Viaduct & Hotel *

8.5 miles

Great Longstone, near Bakewell, Derbyshire. DE45 1NL

Tel:  01629 640250

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsal_Dale  www.monsalhead.com

Great views and excellent food in this Derbyshire highlight.

Peak Village Outlet *

12.1 miles

Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Nr Matlock. Derbyshire. DE4 2JE

Tel: 01629 735326 

www.peakvillage.co.uk

A real shopping paradise, and not a megastore in sight.

Haddon Hall

13.4 miles

Bakewell, Derbyshire. DE45 1LA

Tel: 01629 812855 

www.haddonhall.co.uk

The 12th century Norman Castle and estate was the home of the BBC's Jane Eyre.

Chatsworth Farm Shop

13.6 miles

Chatsworth Stud Farm, Pilsley, Bakewell. DE45 1UF

Tel: 01246 583392 

www.chatsworth.org

Chatsworth House

14.3 miles

Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire. DE45 1PP

Tel: 01246 565300 

www.chatsworth.org

Stately home with 1000 acres of estate and gardens

* Recommended by my customers

The Travellers' Rest *

Brough, Bradwell. S33 9HG

Tel: 01433 620363

0.4 miles

www.travellers-rest.net

The Travellers' has a fine reputation for its food and the great views from their large beer garden, only a short distance from all the local facilities of Hope, Castleton and Bradwell.

Directions: Situated at the traffic lights on the Hathersage to Castleton road.

Riverside Herb Centre *

Castleton Road, Hathersage. S32 1EG

Tel: 01433 651055

2.2 miles

www.fabulousplaces.co.uk/Derbyshire/Riverside_Herb_Centre

Not just a small garden centre selling herbs, Riverside has a packed gift shop and a great choice of cheeses and breads. And if you like to watch birds and squirrels feed at close range, how about the amazing feeding table just inches away from your table while you enjoy a great cuppa and freshly made sandwich.

Directions: On the road to Hathersage, Riverside is around 200 yards past the traffic lights at Sickleholme Garage.

Rose Cottage Cafe

Cross Street, Castleton. S33 8WH

Tel: 01433 620472

2.7 miles

www.rosecottagecastleton.co.uk

Rose Cottage is a 15th Century building in the heart of Castleton. Its a family-run restaurant and tearooms providing great food and homemade cakes throughout the year with its warm, cosy cottage rooms and outstanding gardens with views of Mam Tor and Peveril Castle.

Directions: As you enter Castleton, the road turns sharp left and then right. Rose Cottage is on the right side of the road, continue another 100 yards for the main car park.

The Peaks Inn

How Lane, Castleton. S33 8WJ

Tel: 01433 620247

2.8 miles

www.peaksinn.com

A wide range of freshly cooked food cooked in an informal and relaxing town centre pub, an ideal start to a few hours in the Peak Districts most popular village.

Directions: As you enter Castleton, the road turns sharp left then right. The Peaks Inn is on the left side of the road, it has its own car park opposite.

Elliots

Station Road, Hathersage. S32 1DD

Tel: 01433 659911

3.5 miles

This café is “dog and muddy boots friendly” but gets rave reviews for its fresh coffee, home made soup and friendly welcome.  They even offer a variety of dairy gluten free products to complement their great service.

Directions: As you enter Hathersage, turn right at the junction signed Grindleford and Bakewell. The shop is 50 yards on the right.

Outside

Main Road, Hathersage. S32 1BB

Tel: 01433 651936

3.5 miles

www.outside.co.uk/customer/hathersage.html

The café is situated above one of the Peak District’s premier outdoor pursuits stores. From top of the range to bargain basement, Outside has something for everyone and the café is just as popular as the shop itself.

Directions: As you enter Hathersage, Outside is on the right just past the road junction to Grindleford and Bakewell.

The Yorkshire Bridge Inn *

Ashopton Road, Bamford, Hope Valley. S33 0AZ

Tel: 01433 651361

3.5 miles

www.yorkshire-bridge.co.uk  

An excellent food pub and conveniently located next to Ladybower Reservoir which is just 5 minutes walk away.

Directions: Passing through Bamford, the pub is 1.5 miles on the left before the A57 junction.    

The Plough Inn *

Leadmill Bridge, Hathersage, Hope Valley. S32 1BA

Tel: 01433 650319

4.1 miles 

www.theploughinn-hathersage.co.uk

The Plough is one of the best and always worth a visit.

Directions: Turning right in Hathersage, the Plough is approximately 1 mile on the left.

The Barrel *

Bretton, nr Eyam. S32 5QD

Tel: 01433 630856

5.3 miles

www.thebarrellinn.co.uk

My favourite, this 400 year old pub is the highest in Derbyshire. Its worth the 5 mile drive for the stunning views and good home cooked food.

Directions: Passing through Bradwell, turn left following signs for Great Hucklow and Grindleford.

The Fox House

Hathersage Road, Longshaw. S11 7TY

Tel: 01433 630374

6.6 miles

www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefoxhouselongshaw

The drive to the Fox House takes you high above Hathersage and over the appropriately named Surprise View and great views back down the Hope Valley. The pub has a range of good beers and good food.

Directions: Driving through Hathersage, follow the signs for Sheffield.

* Recommended by my customers

The Travellers Rest *

Brough Lane Head, Brough, Bradwell, Hope Valley. S33 9HG

Tel: 01433 620363

0.2 miles

www.travellers-rest.net

Ye Olde Bowling Green Hotel

Smalldale, Bradwell, Hope Valley. S33 9JQ

Tel: 01433 620450

1.0 miles

www.yeoldebowlinggreen.webs.com

Thornhill View *

Hope Road, Bamford, Hope Valley. S33 0AL

Tel: 01433 651823

1.0 miles

www.thornhillview.co.uk

Underleigh House *

Edale Road, Hope, Hope Valley, S33 6RF

Tel: 01433 621372

1.8 miles                  

www.accommodationinhopevalley.co.uk

Cheshire House B & B

How Lane, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WJ

Tel: 01433 623225

2.5 miles

www.cheshire-house.co.uk

The Peaks Inn *

How Lane, Castleton, Hope Valley. S33 8WJ

Tel: Tel: 01433 620247

2.5 miles

www.peaksinn.com

Pioneer House B &B

Station Road, Bamford, Hope Valley. S33 0BN

Tel: 01433 650638

www.pioneerhouse.co.uk

The Bulls Head Inn

Cross Street, Castleton. Hope Valley. S33 8WH

Tel: 01433 620256

2.7 miles

www.bullsheadcastleton.co.uk

The Castle

Cross Street, Castleton, Hope Valley. S33 8WG

Tel: 01433 620578

2.8 miles 

www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecastlecastleton

Best Western Lee Wood Hotel

The Park, Buxton, Derbyshire. SK17 6TQ

Tel: 01298 23228

12.9 miles  

www.bestwestern.co.uk

Full disabled facilities.

Kenwood Hall Hotel

Kenwood Road, Sheffield. S7 1NQ

Tel: 01142 583811

13.4 miles

www.principal-hayley.com

                   Full disabled facilities.