Bolton sports shop celebrates one hundred years in enterprise

9 minutes ago

Image caption,

Dougie Tobutt, 73, with his daughter and grand-daughter who also each function in the shop

Owners of a sports shop which is celebrating one hundred years of becoming in enterprise have stated it has been a “rollercoaster ride”.

Tobutt Sports opened in Bolton in 1923 and has survived the Excellent Depression, Planet War Two and Covid-19 lockdowns.

Dougie Tobutt, 73, who has worked in the shop for 58 years due to the fact he was 15, stated “Tobutt determination” need to have been behind its longevity.

His grandfather, expert cricketer Len Tobutt, 1st opened its doors.

His daughter and granddaughter also now function there with him.

Image caption,

Expert cricketer Len Tobutt opened the shop in 1923 following moving to Bolton from Middlesex

Mr Tobutt told BBC North West Tonight that “It need to have been a difficult time” when his grandfather, who died in 1965, opened the sports shop but “he need to have had the Tobutt determination”.

His daughter Mandy Foster, who has worked in the shop due to the fact she was 13, stated: “I have often loved sport and I often knew I would finish up right here.

“I am glad I have stuck with it.”

1 of the shop’s prospects, David Thomason, recalled how his parents purchased specially-created football boots for him from Len Tobutt.

Image caption,

The shop when it 1st opened its doors in the 1920s

Mr Thomason was just 4 and had turn into a factory team’s mascot in the 1950s.

He stated: “They did not sell football boots at that time for youngsters my age but Len Tobutt he sourced exactly where he could get a pair created.

“They are effectively worn down now with the nails sticking out.”

He stated it was “fascinating becoming in the shop as I was football-mad” and he had loved “searching at all the new strips”.

Why not stick to BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story concepts to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk