Harry was born in Marsk, the 11th child of twelve. The family barber business was in Station Road Redcar. He gained a scholarship to Redcar Grammar School and started work as an industrial chemist.
The war changed things and he trained as a fighter pilot. This was never completed and he was transferred to the army on his way to the far east where his actions in Palestine led to a promotion to Captain.
On return he became a barber in the family business then ran his own business in Grangetown. A relative Harry Bilton who was involved in running the new town of Newton Aycliffe encouraged Harry to move to open a business here. Harry and his young family set up home in Ann Swyft Road opening a Barbers shop near the old library.
Harry then opened a shop near the Iron Horse, as a Newsagents, Post Office, converting the garage to a barbers shop.
Fourboys made an offer for the shop and Harry moved to the town centre with a Ladies and Gents Hairdressers which became Sylvia and Demitris’. He had a shop in Shildon with hairdressing contracts at Aycliffe Hospital and Aycliffe School.
In 1970 he and his wife Maureen decided to change direction, sell house and business and have a few months rest. Harry worked for Rediffusion and made quite a few friends some of whom came to support him in his next venture the Pub in Byers Green.
An association with Mike Amos of the Northern Echo helped publicity and various ideas flowed to encourage people into the pub.
The formula was simple, good beer, good food and the opportunity to meet people and friends. Harry rarely served behind the bar, concentrating on welcoming and acknowledging people introducing people so they might come back and meet again.
Several Pubs followed on after the sale of The Marquis of Granby. The Brown Jug, The Royal George and The Crown, Great Ouseburn which was run by his son in law and daughter Barbara with their children Alex and Victoria.
Between and during Pub life Harry and Maureen lived at Whiley Hill, Coatham Mundeville, Barmpton Lane and a bungalow near Cockerton which they renovated
The Crown had a house adjacent which was converted to accommodate Barbara and her family and a retirement home for Harry and Maureen which was where Harry died on 29th February 2016 aged 90.
