WORD
Cut
above
Military barber
celebrates 50 years
at Innsworth
Alan Goodwin is an Innsworth
institution – cutting military
haircuts from his barbershop at
Imjin Barracks for half a century.
And the energetic 70-year-old
shows little sign of stopping
just yet. “I love it because everybody who
comes to sit in my seat is different
– and even more so now because
of the multinational NATO troops.”
He first set up business in 1969,
when the camp was still known
as ‘RAF Innsworth’. Today, he
continues to trim the hair of many
of his former air force customers.
“They’ve gone from being clients to
good friends,” he explains
with a smile. Grinning, the proud Welshman
adds: “I had a Canadian in this
morning and was chatting about
the rugby. It’s the same with
the French and the Italians, it’s
fantastic. I love having a chat with
all of them.
30
SUMMER 2019 the imjin
Originally from the Rhonda
Valleys in Wales, Alan came to the
Gloucester area aged ten.
“And I meet the wives with the
children, which is quite funny
because some of the mothers
often can’t speak much English.
But their little boy has been at
school for six months and he’s
translating for the mum. I love that
as well.
After fifty years, he has no plans
to retire just yet. “My kids asked
me that last night. I’d find it very
difficult. I might get somebody in
to help, but I enjoy the banter
too much.”
The smile returns as he adds:
“I am just going to mosey along.”
@HQARRC
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps