27.06.2026.     BAPO Noticeboard

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Welcoming Philip Taylor to the Technician & Support Worker Committee!

We are thrilled to introduce Philip Taylor — a master orthopaedic shoemaker with 60 years in the industry, whose remarkable journey began at the age of just 11.

Having contracted polio at age two, Philip attended specialist schools for disabled children, where his first experience making orthopaedic footwear at Lord Mayor Treloar College, Hampshire, sparked a lifelong vocation.

After working with three major NHS footwear manufacturers, Philip founded his own company, The Cordwainer, at 40 — specialising in complex footwear for clients with the most challenging needs. Now 72 and working half-time, he still produces around 75 pairs a year, including up to 15 for NHS clients.

Philip has taught at Salford University and De Montfort University, championed improvements to NHS supply and contracting, and in 2011 organised a national conference at Leeds University in response to the NHS Hutton Report. He is already planning a follow-up event in 2027 with national disability groups.

In 2020 he published The Orthopaedic Shoemaker, which has now sold over 300 copies worldwide and is being translated into Chinese.

We are proud to have Philip's expertise, advocacy and passion on our committee.

#BAPO #Leader #TechnicianandSupportWorkerCommittee #CommitteeMember

 

01.06.2026.    A Life In Rippledom (Living with Polio).

 

Philip's new book is now available, and is available for sale for £20 plus postage. It's a rare insight into life as a disabled person and the effects that polio can have on everydays lives.​

https://www.philiptaylorbooks.com/product-page/a-life-in-rippledom

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21.05.2026.    Beware False Promises.

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Honesty pays, that's our motto. It's worth checking the credentials of your chosen shoemaker or company before you place an order. When you come to The Cordwainer, we don't need to say 'worked with' instead of 'watched', or suggest everything happens in-house without mentioning how much is done hundreds or thousands of miles away. Be safe and check.

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17.05.2026.    Independent Shoemakers Conference 2027.

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The 2027 edition of the conference returns to Northampton, UK in February of next year. The 2026 conference took place at Northampton's famous Shoe Museum and attracted over 100 shoemakers of all kinds. Full details of the 2027 conference can be found at:

www.shoemakersconference.org.uk

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