Still cutting it after 40 years

A barber shop that has been run by a father and son for 40 years will mark the anniversary of its opening today.

The Barbers Shop, Queen Street, Southwell, was opened by Mr David Mccarroll on April 1, 1971.

Since then, it has moved to premises across the road and is now run by Mr Mccarroll’s son, Mr Paul Mccarroll.

To mark the milestone, Mr David Mccarroll will return on Saturday and cut hair for regulars at 1971 prices.

Mr Mccarroll will offer champagne to clients and a barbershop singing group will perform.

Mr Paul Mccarroll said when his father opened the shop, he was one of three barbers in Southwell.

His opening price for a hair cut was 25p for gents and 20p for pensioners and boys, double the price of his competitors.

Mr Mccarroll said: “It was tough getting people in at twice the price, but my dad’s theory was simply he was the best barber in Southwell and that was his fee.

“Slowly, more and more people started to try him.”

Mr Mccarroll and his sister, Miss Angela Mccarroll, followed their father into the business.

Miss Mccarroll started her apprenticeship in 1988 and went on to run her father’s business in Burton Joyce while Mr Mccarroll began working in Southwell in 1991.

Mr Mccarroll said: “Two strong personalities in a small space had its moments but working alongside my dad were the most memorable and best times of my career to date.”

Mr Mccarroll bought the business in 2004.