Boots hung up

By Lia Bichel
HEATHER Pepper is hanging up her boots after three decades of work at a well-known shoe shop.
Ms Pepper said she was looking forward to retirement after dedicating much of the past 31 years to working at Vereys Shoes stores throughout Greater Dandenong and Casey.
“I started working for Peter Verey in a store in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong then worked on Thomas Street then Ringwood, Doveton, Cranbourne and now Fountain Gate (Westfield),” she said.
“I like working here. I enjoy working with children and meeting new people.”
Cim Hogton, who bought the store three years ago with Sue Gazzard, said she was sad to see Ms Pepper leave.
“She has been so great, it’s sad to see her move on,” Ms Hogton said.
“She’s an extremely loyal and dedicated employee. Everyone knows her. It has brought a lot of stability and familiarity to the store.”
As of 1 January, 2011, Ms Pepper will be kicking up her heels and travelling with her husband Frank, who retired a year ago, and spending more time with her first grandchild who was born last week.
The mother of two said she was also expecting a second grandchild in about five weeks’ time.
And, of course, she will be helping pick them out a perfect pair of shoes.
“I don’t have a large shoe collection because by husband would kill me,” she laughed.
“But my granddaughter already has five pairs!”
Ms Pepper said she looked forward to retirement but was a little nervous about leaving the store she loved behind.
“I am worried I will be bored,” she said.
“But I have a lot of things to keep me busy- we are members of Neighbourhood Watch, we want to join a social club, we want to travel.