Sole to Soul

By Alan Pinkus

Alan Pinkus was a fashion leader of special occasion ladies shoes in Australia.  He was inspired by many creative designers and personalities, both national and international. 

The book highlights the stress and joys experienced by its main character, Albert Le Stache, as he navigates life.

Albert encounters many challenges, including personal traumas, which impact society today.  His personality drives him to become a fervent believer in social justice and responsibility.

Alan brings together a storyline based on fact and fiction, together with his poetry introducing each theme.

The book covers many themes including love, sex, equality, family violence, depression, war, fashion, retail, nature, sport and euthanasia.

This book is a testament of his determination not to accept the status quo on aspects affecting life's journey. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alan Pinkus
• Release date: Mar 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393624387

Alan Pinkus

 “Dubbed the bridal shoe guru by fashion editors” Alan, educated at Melbourne Grammar, was a keen sportsman, eventually playing for the Old Melburnians in the Amateur Football Association, representing the State, then selected as an All Australian. In the 1960’s, specialising in high fashion shoes, including glamorous styles for brides, bridesmaids, mothers, and guests, he opened the first city location named “PINKYS”, followed by a 2-level boutique, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, opposite the Melbourne Town Hall. Alan changed the store name to “Alan Pinkus” highlighting his flair for “theatre” to attract a specific clientele. He became respected as an innovator in the footwear and retail industries in Australia and overseas by his international product development. Myer, a major departmental group, invited Alan and his wife Diana to open concession departments nationally, and then welcomed him as a Fashion on the Fields judge at the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival. He joined the Rotary Club of Brighton in 1975 and was elected President 1986-7. He was presented with an “Award of 40 Years” commendation for dedication to retailing in the city, by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne. In retirement the question often asked; “why have you been involved in the development and design of women’s shoes over 50 years?” Simply, “the personal satisfaction one receives when a female proudly “walks tall” completing a creative vision of the total look, in an exciting pair of Alan Pinkus shoes!”

Book preview

On the chaise lounge, a bridal shoe featuring the famous Louis heel 30 years ago, at Alan Pinkus.

Wisdom – Bereft

Gratitude past heroes, for an indelible quill,

Generations benefit by your inspirational skill.

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Manners maketh man - Does it exist today?

Chiselled in stone, now moulded in clay.

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What we think is what we believe,

Discipline, respect, fade, as societies grieve.

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Have you learnt the art to share and care

Over life’s cycle imperative you must prepare.

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For what I am today is up to me,

Lack of parental love, guidance, many fail to see.

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Life is not a sprint, your journey is the reward

I want it now! World economies ill afford.

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A problem shared, there is much to gain

Stressed, depressed, can alleviate the pain.

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Sensuality ensures titillation, stimulation

Feminists, common sense must prevail over provocation.

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Days of yore silver foxes respected as a sage

Today obsolescence is potent due to one’s age.

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One’s first step in wisdom is to query why it is so

Proceed with each step, but query the status quo.

Terra Australis

1st Fleet 1788

2ndFleet 1790

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2nd fleet sailed around Cape of Good Hope, days of yore,

upper deck passengers dreamt to explore

Van Diemen’s land, to stake their claim,

below deck, scurvy, cruelty, convicts clamped by chain.

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Heat to sleet challenged all, no favour,

free settlers exploited indentured labour,

servitude as slaves, toil, sweat, tears,

cleared virgin bush to allay their fears.

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Convicts, who endured sentence as decreed

joined land owners determined to succeed,

carved their future in topsoil far beyond

beset by harsh times, unify, a common bond.

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We became Australians.

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Aftermath!

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Anglo settlers, freed convicts, forcibly thrived

sadly, indigenous tribes barely survived,

pillaged, raped, forced off their land,

thousands died, lives doomed, damned!

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Sorry?

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GUILTY!

Albert Le Stache a very dear family friend since my childhood became my mentor, and had an incredible knowledge of business, fashion, sex, sport, nature, and current affairs.

He encouraged me to write poetry, especially on topical themes in society, which an inquisitive mind should always query WHY is it so TODAY?

A similar phrase made popular by Professor Julius Sumner Miller in a TV show produced in USA and Australia, from the 60’s.

Be prepared to analyse, and discuss many subjects not socially, or morally acceptable in a specific period of one’s life’s journey, for a majority will just go along with the status quo.

Albert 15 years older recently retired, after selling the family business due to ill health.

A foreboding departure to the place of his father’s birth in Europe disturbed me, though he did say it was purely a sentimental holiday and had been on a personal bucket list for years.

However, I may have been jumping to conclusions due to his belief discussed at length, as to whether on this trip to Europe he would eventually proceed to a nation which legally allows euthanasia.

In Australia, there is an increasing number of citizens who believe very strongly in an expression Dying with Dignity, which the name itself denotes a sensitive terminology as there are many like Albert, being able to choose a time for one’s own death, when all available medical procedures have failed, and you are dying.

Yet at this stage the Medical Board of Australia are not supporting doctors who wishes to give their terminally ill patient suffering unbearable intolerable pain, an opportunity to make an end of life decision, and be able to bid farewell to family members.

Though I would believe because of many friends and acquaintances in America, mainly derived over many years of business travels, may proceed to a State in USA, where euthanasia is legal.

Australia is debating this whole scenario, due to religious lobbying, plus folk who fortunately had not experienced a situation in their family requiring such a distressful decision, sadly not palatable for any loving human being, yet such a relief for their suffering loved one in dastardly pain.

There are none so blind than those who will not see!

Albert naturally will contact me prior, and if physically possible would immediately travel overseas to be by his side, though I would prefer him to return, and whatever time remains be spent with dear close friends and many acquaintances at home.

He firmly believes one’s final hours should be a right of an individual while mentally capable, after consultation with next of kin, and doctor, by specifying when medical assistance is to be stopped before one is unable to participate decisively in one’s end of life decision.

This resolution became a point of discussion with medical and legal fraternities decidedly during the devastating time watching his father die, after dementia stripped him of all dignity, pride, and quality of life.

For two years Albert, his mother, and close family friends suffered grief, and agony, while attending to his father undergoing such a cruel punishment.

Of course, it was a natural reaction for Albert when we were alone, to occasionally speak of personal concerns querying if, and how, dementia can be passed on through one’s genes.

However, before Albert departed on this trip, he did invite me into his office, and opened a door behind the desk, which had 2 rows of 1200mm steel shelves secured on both sides of each walls.

To my surprise neatly stacked side by side were miniature encyclopaedias of life’s experiences. Each file dated with a description of contents, from school, sporting achievements and highlights, early female romances, Air Force 2nd world war being shot down, business career, and meeting the love of his life.

Then I came upon a multitude of files capturing an enthralling exciting period of happiness with Alexa, who became a constant companion, whether socially, travelling overseas on business, or pleasure.

Fortunately, the family business now running smoothly and very successfully delighted both mother and father to see their son regain his pre-war character, encouraged Albert to take his new partner travelling with him on the next overseas business trip, to England and Europe.

He quickly evaluated her skills, input, and ability to assess new trends, who soon became a major contributor to the family fashion company.

It was natural for them both to experience a visitation to countries, and cities, increasing their knowledge on art, and heritage comprising a smorgasbord of historical places discussed and read over past years.

Exotic resorts also appealed to their need, as frankly after a hectic intense trip of seeking new trends in fashion, and developing their line just needed to relax, unwind, and enjoy respite alone on a secluded beach, where they lay back indulging in a book or two always under an umbrella, protected from the sunrays due to Alexa’s influence, guided by knowledge and feminine ingenuity.

After casually viewing his copious notes realized I had located golden threads directing me over many hills, and well - travelled valleys.

I decided with diligent concentration a life story could be written on this fabulous generous human being, who always impressed me with his expression, WHY is it so TODAY?

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In 1920 Albert’s father emigrated believing a future in a relatively young country of Australia would be wonderful to commence a fresh journey in life.

Within a year he met and fell in love with Maria a great granddaughter of the Simpson and Campbell families, who had arrived in 1820’s from Ireland, and Scotland.

In today’s western world Maria one of 22 siblings is unbelievable but true.

They married, and the following year Maria gave birth to her first child a son, named Albert. 

Mr and Mrs Le Stache were very kind, who befriended my mother a young widow just prior to 1940, and encouraged their son to guide and mentor me, as well as being there for my brother Brian, who post war tragically suffered poliomyelitis creating havoc both nationally, and internationally.

The medical profession in this period considered it could have been transmitted by drinking milk direct from cows on a farm where he had spent a week on school holidays.

Yet during this period polio or often called infantile paralysis as it predominately affects children, also became a major concern in all armed forces, though one surely could doubt it came from drinking milk, and most certainly would not have been pasteurized.

I recall Albert taking me to visit my older brother Brian, in a special unit at Frankston hospital, and vividly recall seeing him spread eagled on his back day through night, on a wooden plank, whereas initially in the first year between two metal pipes approximately set apart the width of a child’s body joined at both ends placed on top of a mattress on a bed unable to move at all.

I saw on another occasion children lying motionless in iron lungs sealed as an air tight compartment, and only their heads protruding really resembling metal coffins with portholes at the top. These machines enabled a person to breathe when normal muscles control had dissipated.

Those who could stand up were crippled, trying to walk in splints and callipers.

One hopes today medical science has improved regarding comfort for these patients.

A dramatic visual experience for any human being just to see these small children not able to move at all while in bed, yet when placed in a heated salt water pool their bodies wriggled like tadpoles, but sadly at completion of their exercise and taken out, immediately became stiff and rigid again.

Perhaps due to experimentation by a leading Melbourne doctor in this field Dr Jean Macnamara, children were transferred to another hospital situated near a mountain range considerably colder in contrast to the previous one located on the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay.

During this period Sister Elizabeth Kenny promoted a gentler treatment for these young sufferers, but unfortunately this did not appeal to the medical establishment.

In fact, Sister withdrew from Australia, and took her expertise to America.

Brian allowed home at the final stages of treatment, still had to sleep on his back, and underneath him was a similar timber board as in hospital with a solid triangle between the thighs resting against his crutch. 

My brother’s fighting spirit and will ultimately overcame this disease, and only real noticeable difference in his body being a slight curved spine, plus fingers on both hands were slightly crooked and bent.

He succeeded in living a very happy successful life involved in sports at school, playing cricket, football, and even boxing highlighting his guts and determination, while always being there for me as an older very caring brother.

Rotary International a world organization in late 1980’s partnered with WHO a World Health Organisation Centres for disease Control and Prevention, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), plus Bill and Merinda Gates Foundation, in an incredible effort together endeavoured to eradicate polio.

Hundreds of thousands each year suffered devastating illness, paralysis, and death.

Jonas Salk then Albert Sabin developed vaccines changing lives in most countries, and total eradication globally is now considered a definite possibility, though Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria are still faced with a similar incidence of disability, and death.

Unfortunately, this disastrous disease is still paramount inhabited by millions, due to extremely poor conditions, and primarily resulting from a lack of clean drinking water, and healthy food.

Brian married and had a wonderful family, but another major scourge of humanity took hold once again at forty-two years old.

Sadly, was struck down with bowel cancer which he gallantly fought the diagnosis, but tragically it then spread to his liver, and died in great pain, aged fifty.

Shortly after, our gentle courageous mother died, finally in her eighties succumbing to the inevitable as life became unsustainable following an early death of my father, then step father, and now my brother. I do believe as much as she doted on me, my brother’s barbaric agonising passing was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and to this day still leaves me with a grieving heart.

My own father died when I was two & half years old, and my mother worked extremely hard running the family business based in Fitzroy, while also taking care with all her love, and seeking a quality education for two young boys.

Prior to my teens through the next 60 years Albert discussed and passed on his many experiences in life.

He would say move forward, query all matters, and do not accept the status quo, then finally when you come to rest, accept the inevitable.

School days were fantastic for Albert as he devoured every spare minute during daylight, training and playing in seasonal sports whether football, cricket, or sprinting 100 and 220 yards in school athletics.

In his memoirs, it was obvious how much he enjoyed ice skating at St. Moritz rink opposite St. Kilda beach, and in fact keenly tutored my mother along with yours truly enabling us to enjoy this past time well past the war years.

An earlier public appearance in an Ice Show, I remembered a young dancing girl holding me by the hand skating out to the middle for a Xmas celebration, and unbelievably I still have the once pristine white leather skates.

During Albert’s teenage years when dusk approached on many occasions his mind would be focused on any opportunity to meet and greet his favourite girls initially for conversation, then hoping for a chance to cuddle.

Unfortunately studying became a poor third, and remarkably masters at school in charge of a sport did not discourage him, due to his ability in any ball game, and to be openly honest they just spoilt this young lad.

Albert approaching late teens made a dramatic decision, and in my opinion, affected his future life’s journey.

His parents granted permission to enlist in the Air Force, to join other school friends, who had successfully fulfilled their desire to participate, but at age seventeen in Australia he could not be accepted, so set forth on a journey to Canada and joined up at a facility instigated by England, known as the Empire Training Scheme, as did other countries in the British Dominion.

Fallen Comrades

Stoic, shoulder to shoulder, as sculpt in stone

sombre silence, memories dim, together, alone.

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Ranks rapidly diminish, years fly

will generations know for whom they cry?

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Sadly, over centuries humans suffer grief, pain

zealots, nationalism, religion, guilty, youth slain.

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Global, lives shattered, as struck by bolts of lightning

manipulated masses damned by greed, frightening.

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Take positive action, not another deadly sin

do unto others you wish for yourself, true faith of religion.

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Dedicated to Flight Sergeant Mo M W Shapir,Rear Gunner, Wireless Operator,

Shot down Middle East,

2nd World War 15th August 1942.

24 years old.

ANZAC Day 25th April

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Old comrades march three abreast

heads high mourn warriors’ deaths,

pensively personal, fallen kin

each step echoes, in ritual rhythm.

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Eyes right, Prime Minister’s salute

armed forces at attention resolute,

military band soul stirring, constant

we silver hair, memories poignant.

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Australian anthem sung by all at parade

tomb of Unknown Soldier wreaths laid,

silence, guard of honour, trumpet, last post,

Anzac remembrance all wars, Coast to Coast.

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Old comrades who survived

heaving hearts, tears flowed, cried.

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My memory,

The Australian War Memorial 2016

AlanPinkus

Morris Mo Shapir my cousin joined the Air force in 1940 and arrived in Canada from Sydney Australia to be trained until 1941, and within 8 months was deployed to England as a rear gunner and wireless operator in a Wellington, who only accepted men no shorter than 5 ½ feet tall to a maximum of 6 feet, plus no heavier than 175lbs.

In early 1942, no. 458 squadron was withdrawn from bomber command based in England, and re-assigned to the Middle East, where so many Australians almost completed an entire tour of duty without flying with the RAAF.

Mo educated at Melbourne High School with friend Keith William Bluey Truscott, another young man who joined the Air Force, who  served as a pilot flying Spitfires, but sadly in 1943 died in an accident flying off the coast of Western Australia at age 26.

These youngsters had sporting talent, as ‘’Mo aged 17 played for North Melbourne, and Bluey" at Melbourne, in the VFL.

Albert transferred to England via Canada met Mo who had already arrived, and both became close mates being in the same squadron flying in Wellington bombers as rear gunners in the turret.

I personally discovered from folk who fully understood a gunner in a Perspex bubble in the tail of a plane became an ‘aunt Sally or a sitting duck" for an initial spray of gunfire from an attacking German Messerschmitt fighter. Many young airmen were cut up like mincemeat.

A rear gunner wore electrically heated suits to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, so engineers then would have both Perspex, and protective armour removed from the turret to improve their visibility.

Unfortunately, it did not prevent the Luftwaffe approaching up close without being spotted.

Though I did find out Albert had been shot down in the Middle East managing somehow to survive, but would not discuss this dramatic event and further involvement during the 2nd world war with his family, withdrawing back into himself as to where or how he managed to survive those past 4 years, indicating my mentor was suffering Post Traumatic Stress.

Mo on a