What do you think about the changes you have seen over the years in Yarraville?
It was good in the early days and it’s good now. Everything’s changed here in Yarraville; the people, the factories are closed down. It’s just a different good now.
What’s the secret to staying youthful?
I played a lot of sport; football and professional running … and it’s probably in the genes. Activity is the main thing. The more you do, the more you can do and the more you want to do. I keep active in this job and I walk wherever I can. I do have plenty of sleep; I sleep early … before 8pm. And I think everyone should not work seven days. I work six.
Why don’t you have a phone (at the barber shop)?
Because I live in the Dark Ages! You know what though, I’ve never had an appointment in 58 years so I really don’t need one!
Tell me about the extraordinary collection in your shop.
This is my ‘pretend world’. I’ve always had my shops likes this. Most of it’s rubbish, a lot of it is broken. I really like a lot of really old stuff. My favourite item is the (toy) red Rolls Royce; it’s all class. I can’t stand waste. I’d even pick up a bent nail.
What advice would you give for a happy life?
Just get over it. You just have to do the best you can. I only really realised that two years ago. Everyone has their good and bad times. The sooner you wake up to that, the better. As time goes by, things click. Things get easier to cope with.
