Tributes to popular Borrowash barber

27 June 2010 6

Tributes have been paid to a traditional and popular Borrowash barber who has died just a short period after ill health forced him into retirement.

Ron Newton cut hair in the village for over 40 years with his traditional salon offering services to people who have grown from boys to men who have then brought in their sons, so continuing the pattern. After spending most of his career on Nottingham Road in the village Mr. Newton, brother of former Forest, Everton and Derby County footballer, Henry, moved to nearby Chapel Row after redevelopment work on the site of his original shop.

Mr. Newton was forced to close his shop temporarily late last year, after a cannabis factory was discovered in a part of the property, forcing him to call in the services of his brother’s property maintenance firm to carry out a clear up.

After suffering ill health, the popular Barber posted a notice outside his shop thanking his customers who had become friends over the years, stating that it wasn’t how he’d intended to hang up his scissors, but the notice posted by Mr. Newton was philosophical, adding that sometimes, things in life happen beyond our control.

As news spread about the shop closure, a steady stream of local men and boys continued to visit the site, only to discover the shutters down, the shop closed and the nearby notice posted – ending over 40 years of traditional barbers in the village.

Villagers later paid their respects, leaving floral tributes outside the Chapel Row premises, after the sad news broke of Mr. Newton’s death. Besides being a popular barber, Ron was well known for his sport, running the London Marathon, amongst other activities including playing golf, which he often talked to customers about. He also liked to work his allotment in the garden at his home village in Sandiacre.

His funeral was held in Sandiacre on July 1st 2010.

Written by: Erewash Sound