Cornish barber providing free hair cuts on Christmas Day
Ben Varnell says it's been a tough year for most and wanted to do something to put a smile on people's faces
A generous barber in Cornwall is opening up his studio on Christmas Day to provide haircuts free of charge to anyone who would like one.
Ben Varnell, who owns False Peacock in St Austell, decided to take up the good-will gesture after a tough year for most people following the covid-19 pandemic and thought it would be a nice way to give something back.
"As Christmas approached, it's not necessarily always such a great time for everyone. It's been a tough year already so I thought I would open the studio and hopefully embrace the chance to make somebody's day on Christmas.
"If they are just knocking about by themselves or feeling a bit lonely, they can come in for a chat and a haircut and hopefully feel a bit better about themselves.
Ben Varnell, Owner, False Peacock
Ben told Pirate FM that he feels it is everybody's responsibility to decide what their purpose in life is and how you want to contribute to your community or society. He says this is the decision he has made on this day, however, he also intends to spend some time with his family too.
"I speak to a lot of people every day who are in my chair and one thing you realise is that it has been tough for everybody in such individual ways. For me, all of my income was taken away as I wasn't able to work, however, the situation is starting to improve.
"It forced me to open the studio which is something I never thought I would do. The response from my clients and the local community has just been amazing.
"I made a conscious decision this year to really try to be a good person and to really embrace being thankful. I've got a lot of things in my life to be thankful for. I'm grateful to everyone in my life that has given me something so I feel it's my turn to give something back."
Ben Varnell
There are still some spaces left if you would like to book an appointment. Head to the False Peacock website here or its Facebook page here to make a booking.