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Billy Griggs, 1903-1989
Billy Griggs moved to Wellington Road from Blyth when he was just three years old, and spent almost all his lifetime as a barber, having started as a lather boy when he was ten. When his employer went off to fight during The First World War, Billy gained experience in all aspects of the business. When his employer returned and forced him to take a cut in wages, Billy at the age of 16, decided to strike out on his own.
He opened for business in a wooden hut in Railway Street, where he stayed until it was demolished. He then converted the front room of his home into a shop. Dunston's "Billy the Barber" was cutting hair in this shop until he was 80. Even after retirement he continued to trim hair for his family. In 1983, Billy and his wife Hilda celebrated their Diamond Wedding. Billy died in 1989, aged 86.