Cherry Blossom

When I was 10 or thereabouts - in all probability younger - I was initiated into the secret, male (at least in our household) art of shoe cleaning, as taught by an ex Army Sergeant - my dad!

The modern approach to the task where one takes an applicator with a foam end and applies polish to the shoe which then miraculously turns shiny hadn't been invented. This was the old fashioned method where a tin of Cherry Blossom with the little twist opener on the side of the tin was required. Two brushes and a soft cloth (usually an old cut up jumper) were also needed. The polish would be applied using one brush to the shoe being cleaned, after mud had been removed of course, and allowed to soak in. Then the second brush would be used in an attempt to work up a shine.

This could take quite a long time especially if there was something interesting on TV which I wouldn't normally be allowed to watch. Then, when a sufficient shine had been attained, a final buff was made using the soft cloth at which time the program had ended and the shoes were declared fit to be worn.

My son is 10 and I think it's high time he was initiated into the secret,  male (at least in our household) art of shoe cleaning, as taught by an ex Army Sergeant - his granddad.

And who knows if he's any good at it - he can have a go at mine as well!