Barber shop museum makeover plea

It is hoped the former barber shop can be turned into a 'living' museum

A museum wants funds to help renovate an iconic former barber shop run by the same man for more than 70 years.

Jack Wardell, known as Jack the Barber, who is 92, finally hung up his comb and scissors a year ago.

He has donated the premises at Tumble in Carmarthenshire to the Kidwelly Industrial Museum, but the old tin shed needs £3,500 for repairs.

Mr Wardell has also offered to give demonstrations if his old shop gets a new lease of life in the museum.

The building needs money spent on its roof, new windows, and to secure the floors. The museum wants the shop to become a permanent reminder of the social history of Tumble and the Gwendraeth Valley. The building has been moved from its original home in Tumble to the Kidwelly museum, however it is now in need of renovation.

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Jack 'the barber' opened his salon in the 1930s

"We want to return it to its heyday," said Ann Dorsett, Carmarthenshire's county museum officer.

"We would like it to be a place where visitors are able to see how life was in Tumble, to be able to go into the shop, and be able to put Jack's things back there."

If the renovation goes ahead, Mr Wardell has offered to show off his skills in the museum, alongside the scores of artefacts he kept over the seven decades he ran the shop.

"I'm very happy that this is happening," said Mr Wardell.

"All my customers tell me: 'We're looking forward to seeing your place in Kidwelly'.

"That's what makes me happy, that people want it there."

Mr Wardell said he would be glad to step into his old profession from time to time when his old shop reopens for visitors.

"I would like to show these people if I may, if I have the opportunity, how to cut hair properly," he added.

"Because of the hundreds and thousands that I've cut, no two are the same, and that's what makes you a barber - being able to adjust from one to the other."