Luton History: Hairdresser Charlie Inglis knew he had spotted a winner
Charlie's shop doorbell rang; entering was a young man looking for work. This encounter sparked a friendship lasting over 30 years.
Charlie was a popular hairdresser situated in Park Street, Luton. He had a reputation for being the fastest shaver in Bedfordshire. He owned two shops in the early 1900s when haircuts cost 2d, and shaving 1d -however that day in 1919 when George Joseph Webber walked through his shop door and Charlie knew this young fellow could achieve much more.
George Webber had recently been invalided out of the Army after being seriously wounded during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. He had spent the last three years in hospital and was discharged with a disability pension. He told Charlie he had worked a short time learning hairdressing before the war, but now he needed the work. The conversation continued with George explaining he wished to become active again after his long recuperation in hospital.
Charlie Inglis (unbeknown to George) had in the past trained Bob Lomas, a long-distance swimmer, and several amateur athletes in Luton. Listening to George's situation, Charlie's instincts felt he had better ideas for George Webber.
Charlie employed him as a hairdresser but at the same time encouraged George to take up athletics. He told him he had the build and determination of a budding athlete. George accepted his offer, and this was the start of a grand and emotional partnership between the two of them.
Charlie trained him hard, sometimes out at 6am running the streets before work. George eventually joined the "Highgate Harriers", proudly signing the forms in Charlie's shop.
His first race was at Wardown Park during the 1919 Peace Day sports celebrations, wehre he won the quarter-mile. This was just the beginning.
Three years on George ran for England against France in the 10,000 metres and won with 120 yards spare ahead of his opponent .
More international events and club matches followed; the three-mile scratch fell to him when he ran in the first British games held in London.
Wherever possible, Charlie Inglis was at the side of the track watching George's tremendous achievements; he said: "George had a style of his own; he was a strong and determined winner."
In 1927, George Webber presented Charlie with a small but warm hearted engraved token showing his esteemed appreciation as his trainer, friend and working partner.
It read: "Presented by George Joseph Webber, English International, 1922-3-4-5 to his Personal Trainer - Charles Inglis .1926."
George Webber died suddenly in June 1950 at just 56 years of age. Charlie, the surviving half of this amazing athletic partnership, lives on with his memories. He recalls the time George beat crack runners from Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium and Italy, including the time he ran at Dunstable, winning five "firsts" in one day.
When George died, Charlie was at his graveside to mourn a great friend and a grand sportsman.
In 1957, Charlie told the local reporter: "He only has the one shop now which his son manages." As they continued chatting, Charlie held up a bunch of newspaper cuttings recalling George Webber's career. He said: "That day he walked into my shop in 1919, I just knew he could run."
How right he was.