Running a family business started in Dorchester in 1880, Steve White of White and Son Shoes in Fore Street has finally decided to hang up his boots for the last time this week having sold the business to a new owner from Somerset.

Founded by Steve’s grandfather William White in 1880, the family business had survived two world wars (and one World Cup) before Steve took the bold move to relocate the company to our popular seaside town 11 years ago. He won Best Independent Footwear Retailer in 2018 and 2019 he also managed to pick up Footwear Personality of the Year in 2020 at the Footwear Industry awards.

Completely committed to the move, he relocated to Ottery which allowed him to be very much hands on with the store, sadly his wife Gail passed away five years ago.

While in hospital 18 months ago with a relatively minor infection in his toe, to his horror he was diagnosed with an aneurism in his heart and given weeks to live. Facing a life-or-death situation Steve was told that they could not operate on his heart given the infection that had started in his toe, the only chance of operating was to amputate his leg. Not wanting to sign off early, naturally he opted for the amputation and has made a full recovery.

This drastic course of action hasn’t hindered his zest for life and he continues to pursue his sporting activities. Steve regularly competes in rally competitions as co-driver to Julian Birley. The pair were Rally Champions in 1982 and Steve also came first in group in the 1984 Monte Carlo Rally in a Vauxhall Astra. They now race a Talbot Sunbeam and are preparing for The RAC Rally in November, held over five days, racing around Scotland, Kielder and Wales.

The shop will continue under new ownership, and no doubt the new owner will put their stamp on the place, but pleasingly the existing staff will be staying. Steve wishes the new owner continued success and thanks everyone for their support especially his manageress Anne, who has supported him throughout his time in Sidmouth and especially during the loss of his wife and his recent illness.