A ROYSTON barber is retiring - at the age of 86.
Ambrose Emery, of Galway Close, opened his first shop on Midland Road in the early 1950s. He ran the business for 35 years but moved to South Hiendley in 1983 after remarrying his wife Leah, 73.
He kept the shop going until he became the mobile barber at the end of 1985, when he would walk to clients' houses in Royston.
He later bought a moped and then a Mini to travel to homes in Staincross, Shafton, Mapplewell, Carlton and Ryhill.
In the early days, Ambrose cut boys' hair but his clientele consisted mainly of older men wanting 'short back and sides'.
He recalls cutting a man's hair when he suddenly changed his mind and ran out of the shop. Ambrose said: "It was funny at the time."
He and Leah moved back to Royston seven years ago because many of his customers were still there and so they could carry on attending the church and bowling club.
Ambrose thanked all his customers over the years but said: "I'm sorry to retire but I feel now is the time."
The couple are looking forward to spending more time together and with their families and grandchildren.
