Tomorrow (Saturday) marks the end of an era for one of Narberth's long established businesses. For Mr. Gareth Thomas, of T. W. Thomas and Sons Shoe Shop in High Street, is stepping into retirement. When the till rings for the final time, it will bring to end over 80 years of trading in the town. Over the years, the shop has built up a fine reputation for selling all kinds of footwear, and customers have been known to travel from miles around to purchase a pair of shoes. It was back in the mid-1920s that Mr. Thomas's father, Mr. T. W. Thomas, started the business, opening a shop in St. James Street. He then moved to The Globe in Market Square, before opening the current shop at 10 High Street in 1935. Mr. Thomas junior took over from his father when he retired in 1965, with a third generation of the family, daughter Joanne, also later becoming a familiar face in the shop. It is a real family concern for Mr. Thomas's wife Ann has also been actively involved in the shop too. During the Second World War, Mr. T. W. (Thomas William) Thomas repaired army boots for the soldiers stationed at nearby Sodston and Picton. And indeed, Mr. Gareth Thomas carried on the service, repairing shoes and other types of footwear, up until a few years ago. Now, the machinery, including a Simplex out-sole stitching machine (originally operated by hand during the 1940s, but converted to electric in the late 1950s), a 1940 stand finishing machine, plus a skiving machine and sewing machine, have been donated for display at Scolton Manor. When Narberth Museum re-opens at its new home, the Bonded Stores, it is hoped that the machinery, together with other artefacts and information about the business, will make interesting exhibits.