Ron Newton – a tribute

28 October 2010 4

Erewash Sound features a tribute to popular Borrowash village barber Ron Newton – the popular hairdreser ran a salon on the main road in the village for decades, until the effects of cancer forced him into a brief retirement before leading to his sad death.

Mr. 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.

After suffering from the effects of cancer, 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.

However, within a matter of weeks, villagers began paying their respects, with floral tributes being laid outside the 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. A fundraising drive was started in late Summer by local hairdresser Debbie Swinhoe with the aim to purchase a set of benches for the village as well as donating any excess to cancer charities.

Written by: Erewash Sound