No politics, sex or religion - Barber's advice

Traditional barber Phil Hutchinson is about to hang up his scissors after almost 40 years at Paragon Barbers in Hull

Phil Hutchinson is about to hang up his scissors after a career spanning almost 40 years at Hull's Paragon Barbers. BBC News went along to meet him.

"The first advice I was given was don't talk about politics, don't talk about sex and don't talk about religion," chuckles Phil Hutchinson, as he recalls the words of George Pawlett, who took him on as an apprentice in 1985.

"That and always wear a shirt and tie, which I still wear today. You need to look professional."

Back then, the 16-year-old, who was paid £30 a week by his mentor, would have had no idea he would still be here four decades later or that his name would be on the shop window.

George Pawlett, left, with his former apprentice Phil Hutchinson

However, in a few weeks' time, Mr Hutchinson and wife Melody, a cancer nurse, will be forging a new life in Canada, with the shop due to continue trading but under new ownership.

"It's going to be very emotional," he admits, eyes darting around the shop he knows every inch of. "Very hard. Even before being taken on as an apprentice, I came here for a cut."

It is mid-morning and already the board outside the shop proclaims they are fully booked. Inside, on a shelf is a framed photograph of Mr Hutchinson with his former employer turned lifelong friend who turns 90 in November.

Mr Hutchinson, then an apprentice, gives a customer an American flat top haircut

The shop has a rich history.

According to Mr Hutchinson, a Mr Sugar opened the premises in 1942 when his original shop in Chariot Street, also in the city centre, was bombed out during the Hull Blitz.

Mr Pawlett joined Paragon Barbers in 1956, before taking over in 1978. Mr Hutchinson then worked for him for 10 years, before he himself took the reins in 1995.

"I've tried to keep it traditional," says Mr Hutchinson, although the barber's powder bottle he is clutching sits in contrast to the iPad he uses to manage his booking system.

"It's more than just about cutting hair," he explains. "You talk to people , you listen to their troubles - just like a best mate would. Most of the time they know the answers, you just let them lead."

For him, though, that part of the job was the hardest to master.

"I remember George saying to me, 'you're alright at cutting hair, but you need to talk to the customers now'."

He heeded the advice.

"I remember one time cutting a guy's hair and he was telling me how he was being treated badly by his girlfriend," recalls Mr Hutchinson. "He was quite upset. I just listened, offered him a bit of reassurance.

"When he left, another guy who was waiting for a cut told me he was a manager with the Samaritans and asked me if I'd become a volunteer. He said I had handled this guy well."

David Jackson, 77, a regular customer, hobbles in.

He is walking with the aid of a crutch but gleefully tells Mr Hutchinson he is "on the mend" and exclaims he is now "pain-free" after undergoing a knee replacement operation.

"I had it on the NHS," he tells his barber, before quipping: "It's a good job, too, Phil - or another watch would have had to go!"

The pair laugh.

Between snips, Mr Hutchinson tells me: "Over the years these people have become good friends."

David Jackson has been a customer of Mr Hutchinson for about 30 years

Jackie Robinson, who used to own a nearby business, pops her head into the shop to say hello.

She did not know Mr Hutchinson was leaving.

"I'm shocked!" she says. "He's going to be missed. Phil makes everyone feel like family."

Mr Jackson pays and leaves, telling the barber: "Spot on, as always. Not a hair out of place!"

Gordon Readhead, 81, who uses a mobility aid, travels 10 miles to have his hair cut by Mr Hutchinson.

"The usual?" asks Mr Hutchinson. No direction is needed.

Mr Readhead says he has "always been happy" with his barber.

Mr Hutchinson fidgets with a comb, as the customer explains how "proper gentlemen's barbers are hard to find these days".

The customer also spots the fidgeting.

"But, you see, he doesn't accept compliments - only money!" laughs the customer as he reaches for his wallet.

Gordon Readhead says Mr Hutchinson will be greatly missed in Hull

Another customer, Graham Mowforth, 76, a retired builder, comes in.

"He cuts it right," he says. "I don't want all these latest fangles."

Mr Hutchinson translates: "You mean I cut your hair properly with scissors and not just shave it?"

"That's right," agrees Mr Mowforth, who adds: "You have to have a chat when you go to the barbers. You go for a bit of banter."

Over the years, the barber has seen fashions come and go - and, in some cases, return.

"In the 1980s the number one style was the American flat top," says Mr Hutchinson. "Everyone wanted them. You also, of course, had the 'curtains' and the mullet. Nowadays, people want skin fades, where you have bare skin and do the last bit shaved."

Gary Matfin, who owns a music shop next door, says Mr Hutchinson will be sorely missed.

"Phil is an old school barber," he said. "Probably one of the last in Hull. He is also a nice, kind guy with a good sense of humour."

Mr Hutchinson, who is considering "doing a little mobile barbering" in Canada, says his final day in the shop will be 30 November.

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