ANYONE recognise this old clog and shoe repair shop which once boomed on the corner of Rutland and Stanhope Streets, St Helens? It still stands, though evidence of its past industry has vanished.

It was once Sam Emery's place, which bore the catchy legend, 'Hospital for Poor Soles' lettered across its display window.

Fred Clare, the Bickerstaffe poet, remembers this nostalgic haunt well and the following is from a piece he has written about it:

'On approaching, a sound of machinery; pulleys, shafts, and belts around Sam Emery.

To enter the doorway, frightening for kids; a high wooden counter, well scored and ridged.

Click of belts and wheels spinning round; the smell of leather, powerful as sound; Sam's portly figure - and large as he stood; sleeves rolled up, behind the counter of wood.

An apron of leather, what else for a factor? Children saw here a silent movie actor; no collar or tie to encumber his work; the mighty figure in a union shirt.

Of that corner shop, a place remains; no yellow painted motto or Sam's name; no sound of machinery or smell of leather; the local clog factory has gone forever.

Past children of Cowley Hill may it recall; others, not knowing, it was never there at all!'