Interview The East Grinstead Observer Wednesday November 7.

Patina of tiny feet living on

Baby’s first footsteps, first tooth left for the tooth fairy and first ringlet of hair are all mementos treasured by generations of families everywhere. But an East Grinstead entrepreneur is in the business of taking his customers on a trip down memory lane. Observer reporter Allan Hambly met the man who makes memories last.

The Memories company trading as Treasured Footsteps, is one of East Grinstead’s newest companies and could be on the way to transforming the way we remember the first steps of our babies.

“Everyone I have ever known loves cute little baby shoes,” said Colin Balaam – and there began his unusual business venture.

Because Colin, of Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, is in the business of plating baby shoes in gold, silver or bronze to create a long-lasting memory of times gone by when feet measured just a few centimeters.

Colin has lived in East Grinstead for more than 10 years and has worked in the town for more than 27 years.

He said:” The reason for doing this is that my partner and I have always loved baby shoes and everyone who sees them loves them.

“Twenty-two years ago my Dutch wife and partner had her daughter’s baby shoes plated in bronze in Holland and ever since then everyone who has seen them has just loved their cuteness and ability to bring back those very special memories of those early years.

“It’s the ‘Aah’ factor. Nearly everyone I see says: ‘Aren’t they cute?’.

“Everyone is so surprised and pleased when they find out that not only do they get back their original baby shoe but it’s been transformed into a permanent family heirloom and keepsake.

All those special memories captured forever, including all the scuffs and creases as well.

“They are almost as irresistible as those chubby little feet themselves.”

Colin said it is currently impossible to electroplate shoes in the UK, but the complicated processes which are used can be done in Holland – and this is where he sends the shoes.

The 58-year-old explained: ”It is electroplating but the clever part is making the actual shoe able to be electroplated – which I’m not prepared to reveal because it’s a secret.

“They are brilliant gifts for parents and grandparents. Not only does the process make the shoe solid but it retains the creases and scrapes which make it so individual.”

He added that he hopes the business expands, and once it has become established he wants to electroplate a wide range of footwear and other objects.

Colin has even electroplated a rose calling it “ a labour of love”.

He added: “This is just the start of it. In future we are looking at doing other items of footwear and accessories.”

These include baby bottles, golf shoes and balls, boots, trainers and football boots.

The final word goes to Colin: “We want to use the memories’ factor – that’s memory we get when we remember our child’s first unsteady steps.”

“They are almost as irresistible as those chubby little feet themselves.” – Colin Balaam

Factfile

When plated, shoes weigh almost twice as much as the original shoe.

The platings used are 23 carat gold, 99.9 per cent silver and antique bronze

Shoes can be engraved

Shoes will be returned plated within four to six weeks

Shoes will be on display at a craft show at the South of England Showground, Ardingly November 14 - 17

Shoes are displayed at Pennyfarthing Jewellers in the High Street, East Grinstead

For more details telephone or fax Colin Balaam at The Memories Company on:-

01342 323 193 or Email memories@onetel.com - Email Now