There were carnations in his private office on Monday for Mr, Walter Tarry, head of the Tecnic Shoe Company, Rushden. A card told him they were a gift from the office girls on his 80th birthday.

The flowers were the only sign of the unusual at the Bedford Road factory, but in the managing director's mind were memories of 67 years in the shoe trade.

Still in full control of the business, he founded, Mr. Tarry is convinced that technical study is all-important, and this was his birthday message: "If I can encourage any youngsters today I would say it is the best thing they can possibly do if they wish to make a career."

Son of a carpenter and joiner, Walter Tarry was born at Yardley Hastings. He went to Northampton as a boy, and at the age of 13 was working as an eyeletter for three and sixpence at week.

He became a clicker and with the intention of becoming his own master, attended technical classes at the old Grammar School.

Moving to Rushden in 1907, he was for two years at Noble's, in Moor Road, and then for five years foreman clicker with William Green and Son. At this time he was studying at the Newton Road, Evening School, where Mr. J. W. Goode was tutor. Appointed a teacher, Mr. Tarry spent three nights each week visiting Raunds, Irthlingborough and Finedon. He also lectured on clicking.

At the end of 1914, with Mr. Horace Wright and the late Mr Fred Hawkes, he founded the Tecnic Boot Co., using a factory in Harborough Road. Thirty-five years ago he had a new factory built in Bedford Road and five years later invented the cushion insole, still a sales-winning feature of Tecnic shoes.

Twice president of Rushden and District Shoe Manufacturers’ Association, he had a long spell of leadership during the last war and was on a committee which planned the production of men's utility footwear. For three years he had a seat on Rushden Urban Council.

A racehorse owner,  Mr. Tarry believes in "mixing a little sport with work." As a bowler Mr. Tarry is a past-president of the N.B.A., Rushden Town, and has played for the county.