Barber Kenny retires after 45-year hairdressing career in Lowestoft

Kenny Carter from Kenny’s Barbershop/ Creative Hairdressing. Pictures: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2015)

Kenny Carter had been working in a shoe factory for 18 months way when he decided he fancied a change.

So in 1957 he got a hairdressing apprenticeship in Oulton Broad and, after proving he could cut it with the best of them, embarked on a glittering 45-year career as one of the town's longest-serving barbers.

Paid £1.25 a week when he first started his training, he worked in Oulton Broad for 10 years and - after a brief spell in London to earn a bit more money and gain some more experience - Mr Carter became the owner of Creative hairdressing in the High Street in 1970.

Before his move, the salon just dealt with women's hairdressing.

But Mr Carter introduced a service for men in the town, who in those days paid about five shillings for a haircut.

The shop has been run by his son Richard, 42, for the past 10 years, with Mr Carter Jnr renaming it Kenny's in recognition of his father.

Mr Carter has continued to work part-time at his namesake shop but retired for good on Friday, May 29 - although he says he will still 'pop back in to the shop and help out if required'.

Of hairdressing styles over the past 45 years, he explained: 'There has been a clear change as time has progressed which I would say has now gone full circle.

'People got bored of the short back and sides style over the years so long hairstyles and the perms were in fashion.

'Now it is back to short hair again and we have had to be more creative with lines and shapes which is completely different.'

Mr Carter, who lives in Gunton with his wife Daphne, said of the barber shop: 'I'm leaving it in very good hands with Richard, Dan and Chris, I am sure of that.'

He said that he had enjoyed the work, including all the changes and meeting different people, as well as the conversation. 'I loved talking about football and politics,' he said.

'I would like to thank every single one of my customers, particularly the ones who have been with me since first started. If I was 100 per cent fit I would have kept going but I have been having trouble with my back recently.

'On my last day, some of the customers came in and brought me retirement cards, shook my hand and said they were sorry to see me go.'

Mr Carter enjoyed a 'little party in the salon' with a few drinks, cake and reminiscing with some old staff members who had worked with him over the years.

He will now find time for some of his hobbies including table tennis and cycling and watching football.

Do you know a long-serving worker who deserves recognition? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk