Derek Parker commutes 90-odd miles so that George Rowe can cut his hair, as he has done for 40 years. That’s well over a thousand haircuts. Ken Cooper talked to them about their enduring friendship
Derek Parker & George Rowe
(photo by kind permission of The Yorkshire Post) |
Derek Parker makes a 180 mile round trip to have a haircut. That’s because he lives in Darlington, and George Rowe his barber lives in Hull. Derek has been having his hair cut by George for 40 years. Wherever he’s been living he’s made the journey. Over the years the two have become good friends, and they've come to know each other, and each other’s families, very well. Derek’s daughter is a hairdresser but he won’t let her touch his hair.
George enjoys the fact that Derek is very extroverted and noisy. "He’s the sort of guy that if you come to work in the morning in a bad mood you’re glad of him because he just brings you round".
Derek hates his natural curls, and he likes George to cut his hair as short as possible, much as he has done for 40 years. "It’s always been a ritual, if you like. It’s always been part of my life, to have my hair cut, and George has always done it. I suppose it’s like getting up in the morning and cleaning your teeth - you just automatically do it don’t you?"
When the two first met Derek was 23 and a bricklayer, and George had just done his apprenticeship as a barber. Derek would come off the building site, pedal the bike down to George who’d cut his hair. George would tidy the salon, and they’d head off to the Minerva and have a few games of pool (which George always won) and a few drinks. Derek would go back to work and Derek would go home.
Derek and George have shared a good deal over the years, both sad and joyful. "I think we have a little bit more than just a client/hairdresser relationship. I think we do feel if we have problems that we can talk to each other. Derek was very supportive when I was having difficulties accepting my father’s death. Although Derek is quite outspoken he’s quite sensitive. The same with some of his problems - he’s had problems in his life with his marriage. I know when to ask questions and when to shut up".
Both George and Derek (who is now a publican) find that in their respective jobs people do confide in them, and share intimate details of their lives.George: "You get so involved with your clients. People that come in that you’ve known for many years. Then they lose their partners, and you’ve that to cope with that...I’ve been in positions when I’ve had to walk out of the shop into the back to mop my eyes".
