Author Chris and Carol Shaw
George William Reynolds (Shumakker Bill) was born in Southrepps on 5th April 1894, the son of Henry Reynolds and Phoebe Reynolds (née Buxton). The Reynolds family lived in Upper Street, Southrepps and for a time in Suffield Park, Cromer. George married Elsie Blanche Gray, daughter of George Gray, on 7th October 1915 at St James’ Church, Southrepps and their son Percy Leonard was born on 19th December 1915. George enlisted on 13th April 1916 in Cromer in the 119th Brigade Royal Field Artillery as Gunner 124133. On enlistment he was almost 6’ tall and lived at Lodge Cottage, Southrepps.
In 1917 whilst George was away his young son Percy unfortunately died of Broncho pneumonia.
George was seriously wounded in August 1917 resulting in the amputation of his right leg. He was evacuated to the West General Hospital, Newport before being discharged from the Army in July 1918. George now became a boot repairer and worked in a little workshop just into Long Lane. He kept a lot of people’s shoes going for little or no payment.
He had a wicked sense of humour and when a young girl called to collect her mother’s shoes he said she couldn’t have them that day as his wife had gone to Cromer in them!
In the evenings he had a gang of the old boys around for company namely Bertie Larke, his brother Hisser, Billy Sexton senior, Billy Sexton junior (known as Winsorlad) and Naffy Baker. One evening Shumakker said he’d had enough of work and drove his awl into his wooden leg. Naffy went out like a light on to the shed floor much to the amusement of the others.
George died in March 1956 at the age of 61 and was buried at St James’ Church, Southrepps.