Uncle Alf
Uncle Alf is a close friend (not a true Uncle) of Karl's Dad that was a cobbler. His shoes "lasted forever" because he would put about five soles on shoes when he repaired them. He also owned two televisions - one on which the sound didn't work, and one that didn't have a picture. He would tune to the same channel on both, and watch the picture on one, and listen to the other.
He apparently liked boats, so much so, that he slept in an inflatable rubber dinghy.
Uncle Alf's story was told by Karl on 22 March 2003 and Podcast Series 1: Episode 7.