THE 2026 TEAM
Heading 5
The aim of the Conference Planning Committee is to ensure that future conference hosts are supported whilst planning each year's event.
The Group will be responsible for providing best practice templates and technical advice, leaving hosts confident that they are not alone when offering to host future conferences.
THE PLANNING GROUP MEMBERS
Philip Taylor - The Cordwainer is a bespoke orthopaedic shoemaker from Derbyshire, UK. He has hosted previous conferences in 2005, 20011 and 2020. Philip is a member of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers.
Mike Watson-Smith - Mike is the serving Trade Warden of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmekers. He retired from the footwear after 44 years including 14 years as Global Sourcing Director at Dr Marten's Shoes.
Jackie Crawford - After attaining a bacxhelors degree in fine art, Jackie went on to a career in graphic design. When her son was born with club feet, Jackie turned her attentions to orhopaedic shoemaking and has just completed the online course with Bill Bird.
Jemitra Hairston - Originally from North Carolina, Jackie now lives in South Wales. Jackie studied shoemaking with James Ducker and Brian Harvey and has also recently completed Bill Bird's online course.
Elizabeth Dugmore - Originally a technical translater, Lizzy now studies shoemaking at Capel College. She has to wear a raise to her shoes and is keen to develop her skills as an orthopaedic shoemaker.