John Phelan

I often went to Bishop Auckland for my haircut and clothes. I can remember being shown certain styles at one barbers shop and picking the one that I liked best. When the barber was finished he brought his mirrors out to show me the back and sides etc. Then he said, "All you want now is plastic surgery." I'm afraid it spoilt my day and I never went back to him.

Also in Bondgate there was a boys and gents outfitter called Jack Sackville who could literally sell snow to the eskimos. I remember going in one day for a shirt and coming out with two handkerchiefs and a scarf.