When so much bad news dominates the headlines, the story of a Long Jetty barber who cuts the hair of four generations in one family is definitely a feel-good story.
Barber Tony Hancock has been plying his trade for more than 20 years, the past eight in two locations in Long Jetty.
Todd Lyons of Bateau Bay has been a regular for the past four years and when he realised Hancock cut the hair of four generations in his family, he thought it was worth a shout-out.
Lyons’ 85-year-old mother-in-law Edith Atkinson is a regular, along with Lyons and his son Matt and Matt’s eldest son Zephyr.
And joining the team just recently was Zephyr’s little brother Sonny who had his very first haircut three weeks ago.
“We’ve all been going to Tony for a number of years,” Lyons said.
“There’s a real genuine community feel.
“Tony always has a smile and ready for a friendly chat despite some of his own illnesses and health issues.
“Everyone loves Tony and his team.
“Great old fashioned terrific service and handy with the scissors too.
“Every day the news is full of bad news, but here we have a wonderful village atmosphere.
“The more we can do to support our local businesses, the better.”
Hancock was thrilled to hear the praise.
While he acknowledged that tending to the locks of four generations was unusual, he said he has cared for the hair of three generations in one family.
“It’s the first time I have cut four generations of hair in the one family, from their little babies, their dad, the grandma and the dad,” he said.
“They are a lovely family, it’s very kind of them.”
Denice Barnes