FOR Ron the barber, today this is the day to hang up his scissors and cease snipping as he retires after nearly half a century in business.Ron Jackaman, of June Avenue has cut hair in Ipswich for 46 years, but today he will shut the doors at Rondean's Gents Hairdressing Salon in Bramford Lane for good.

FOR Ron the barber, today this is the day to hang up his scissors and cease snipping as he retires after nearly half a century in business.

Ron Jackaman, of June Avenue has cut hair in Ipswich for 46 years, but today he will shut the doors at Rondean's Gents Hairdressing Salon in Bramford Lane for good.

After a stint in the RAF he took over the shop in 1963 and has snipped, trimmed and cut people's hair ever since.

The 76-year-old said today would be a sad day as he says a fond farewell to his loyal band of customers.

He said: “It is a bit sad really, I haven't been well and my wife is poorly too so the time has come to stop working.

“Standing all day has not helped my arthritis in my hips and legs.”

He said over the years he has seen all the different styles from mods and rockers to present day.

“All those years ago I remember charging ten pence a hair cut and in my first week I took 12 and sixpence,” he added.

“I have very loyal customers, I have just had a chap who comes all the way from Bungay and a chap who now lives in Kent but whenever he is home he comes in to see me.

“One of my customers just asked 'who is going to do my eyebrows now'?”

Mr Jackaman, who named his shop after himself and his son Dean, said he was going to miss everything about working in his shop surrounded by memorabilia spanning the decades, and everybody who used to pop in for a trim.

He is now looking forward to spending quality time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Friend Terry Warwick said Mr Jackaman has become an important focal point for the local community and will be sadly missed by everyone that knows him.

He said: “He has got so many stories about the area changing over the years. He will be sorely missed, he is such a lovely, friendly man. He is a game old boy, he is really great to talk to and we have grown to love him over the years.

“Everyone in the area is going to miss him but we understand it is his time now to relax with his family.”

n. What are your memories of Mr Jackaman over the years? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

November 1963 - President Kennedy shot dead in Dallas

July 1969 - Neil Armstrong steps foot on the moon.

January 1969 - Bobby Robson signed as manager of Ipswich Town

April 2, 1977 - Red Rum wins third Grand National.

1978 - Ipswich Town beat Arsenal to win FA Cup.

1981 - Ipswich Town win the UEFA cup.

July 13, 1985 - First Live Aid concert raises �30million for Africa.

August 1997 - Princess Diana dies in a car crash in Paris.

January 2000 - The world celebrates the new millennium.

December 2007 - Marcus Evans becomes major shareholder at Ipswich Town.

April 2009 - Roy Keane signed as Ipswich Town manager.