By now, possibly everybody in Martinborough (and many beyond) knows Shirley Nightingale, our famous librarian, as much for her charm and skill in the library as for her fabulous footwear. A selection of Shirley’s favourite and most unusual pairs was chosen for an eye-catching display at the local Art & Craft Fair a few weeks ago. The rationale? The fair’s organiser, Glenys Hansen, considered them ‘works of art’ – which indeed they are.
Shirley confesses she doesn’t know how many shoes she owns; but her patient husband is happy to allow seventy pairs to be kept in the family home. The rest are secreted away in their large barn behind the house. Mornings are a bit of a rush in the Nightingale household, so choosing which pair to wear each day requires a quick and determined decision – “difficult, but primarily they have to go with what I’m wearing,” Shirley says.
And what about shopping? Surely shoes like these are hard to find? After work, our library lady is busy with family, chores, and study – another surprise – for a Masters degree, no less. But when these are done, Shirley goes on line. “Trouble happens,” she confesses.
Shirley’s famous electric blue ‘snake’ pair, created by Julian Hakes, were the most expensive to date, but no pair ever costs more than $200. A prime requirement is “looking for a sale bargain,” Shirley states. Her latest pair of retro red and white polka dot sandals was a steal at only $3.00 from the Salvation Army.
A recent discovery is a duo of supremely elegant and currently completely unwearable silver platform soled creations. These will soon be transformed by a master craftsman friend into ‘steam punk’ originals – and wearable!
There’s more to this story too. There are positive spinoffs. Buying from Opshops like the Sallies and thus helping others is one. And our library now has lots of visitors. “One entire family on a North Island holiday in Dunedin made a special diversion to Martinborough” Shirley said. Who’d have thought a simple footwear fetish could bring us fame and fortune? That’s good news for our town!
Maree Roy
