“Your hair is too long; you are going to get it cut!”

“March yourself round to Angle Street!”

“It’s back-to-school time, so you know what you have to do.”

“You had your ears lifted.”

Words that every young man from the back of town, or parts close by, have heard growing up. Words that had but one thing in common. Or should I say, one place in common.

Scratchie’s Barbershop on Angle Street.

To be precise, a small single-storey white building at the eastern end of Angle Street, with simple, double-screen wooden doors that have seen multiple generations of Bermudian men and women enter for more than seven decades.

Leather seats on the western wall, facing two classic barber chairs that in reality are not chairs but thrones of Bermudian barbering royalty.

For seven decades, the reigning King and Queen of Angle Street have been Earlston “Scratchie” Lawrence and Theodosia Lambert.

This monarchy has literally touched the heads of and groomed thousands of Bermudians. Their court has been witness to conversations ranging from community issues, family advice, personal grooming, financial planning, local and international sport, politics and everything in between.

One does not go to Scratchie’s simply for a haircut or shave; one goes there for spiritual refuge, political perspective, personal advice, solace and simply to feel at home.

Well, if you wanted to hear all about Devonshire Cougars, win, lose or draw, you could go there as well.

You see, this quaint building, small in physical size, has been gigantic in national reach and impact.

As each person walked through, or in some cases, were dragged through the doors, they sat on that row of leather seats and watched two artistes at work. Sometimes a short wait; other times a not-so-short wait.

No matter how long the wait, there was always avid conversation, debate and discourse, which have served to influence hearts, minds and souls that would go on to shape the path of modern Bermuda.

Over the next few days, we will hear more and more personal stories about the life and exploits of Earlston “Scratchie” Lawrence, who passed on recently. Thousands of all ages will have their own personal testimonies of what Scratchie taught them or what he meant to them.

Chief among those who can tell the legend of Scratchie, will be Queen Theodosia Lambert, the woman who literally stood by his side for decades.

Pushing open those twin screen doors this week, one could find her still holding court, sitting in reverence in the northern throne of Mr Lawrence and recalling a lifetime of memories.

As each person came by, she reminded them that she expects them to attend a very special event this evening, at about 6pm, North Hamilton time, when a royal block party to salute the King of Angle Street will take place.

Back of town, and Bermuda as a whole, salutes King Earlston “Scratchie” Lawrence.

Ole, Ole, Ole. All day.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him at WhatsApp on 599-0901 or e-mail at cfamous@plp.bm