Diamond geezer John steps down from the limelight (From Gazette & Herald)

Diamond geezer John steps down from the limelight

A diamond geezer is bidding farewell to Malton. John Hazelwood, who has been running Hazelwood Jewellers in Yorkersgate for almost 20 years, is retiring.

Orignially from Surrey, John said he had to overcome the ''accent issue'' when he first arrived, as people learned "to trust a boy from south of the Thames". However, his high standard of service soon won him a loyal customer base.

"It has always been my belief that retailing should be an enjoyable experience for the customer and the staff," said John. "A happy shop is a busy shop, and success can only be achieved when you regard the customer as king."

A past president of the Ryedale Lions Club, John is still an active member and is probably best known in the town for his stints in pantomime and light operatic productions in the Milton Rooms, alongside the late Fred Bower.

"We brought a lot of laughter to a lot of people," said John, who played the 'idiot' alongside Fred's dame.

One year, he donned yellow and red tights to play a court jester called Bimbo.

"Families would come into the shop and the children would say 'Hello, Bimbo'. It didn't do much to enhance the sophistication of the shop!"

At 65, John is planning to take it easy at his home near Scarborough, enjoying his favourite pastimes of golf, operatics, cooking and voluntary work.

He sold the business to ''younger model'' Daniel Colclough six months ago, and has been working three days a week to train him.

"I'd like to think the shop continues with the same quality of customer care we've established, and I'm sure it will," said John.

Updated: 12:33 Wednesday, October 19, 2005