BLACKSMITH John Goodway has shut up shop for the last time after 60 years in business serving the local agricultural community.
Mr Goodway, 74, started working for his uncle Jack Martin in 1940 when the business was based in Gladstone Road, Chippenham. Horses were still in use and tractors were only just appearing on the scene. Farmers were very important during the war. Now there doesn't seem to be the same demand, he said.
He took over the business 47 years ago, and later moved to the old brickyard in Salterford Lane. The business has been going since about 1800 so it is sad to be closing down, he said.
Mr Goodway, of Sutton Benger, paid tribute to his wife Floss, 71, who ran the business when he was having a hip operation. She was driving a forklift, cutting up steel poles, and getting her hands dirty, he said.
He does not intend to let his blacksmithing skills get rusty. I've got tools at home so I'll still be tinkering, he said.
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