'˜Just because our salon is 50 doesn't mean that we're old fashioned'

It is the mark of an extraordinary business that it can celebrate its 50th anniversary – which is just what the Waterlooville salon is doing this month. The Highfield Parade salon has been nominated in the Lifetime Achievement category in The News Hair and Beauty Awards. Owner Angela Andrews says: ‘I’ve worked here for 17 years and owned it for 14. I bought it because I was in the right place at the right time. ‘I felt so at home. The customers have been coming for years and they really are the best in the world. ‘Several of them have been coming for 50 years. ‘One lady comes all the way from Petersfield. But just because we’re 50 doesn’t mean we’re old-fashioned. ‘We are always trying new things and keeping up with the latest trends.’ Angela says hairdressers Mandy Kinsella and Ann Loader are what make her business so special. ‘They really are fabulous,’ says Angela. Mandy says: ‘This is a very special place. I love working here. ‘In fact, it’s not like coming to work. We’re like family here. A lot of people say that to us.’ When the salon first opened it was known as The Continental. The fashionable hairdos of the time were the beehive, the perm and the Audrey Hepburn French plait. To celebrate the anniversary Angela held an in-house raffle for charity, and was giving away haircuts and styles at 1966 prices. She said: ‘A gentleman has won the chance to have his haircut for two pence while a lady is having a full set of foils, cut and blow dry for £6.’ Over the years Angela has raised a lot of money in the salon for the Piam Brown children’s ward at Southampton General Hospital, Marie Curie cancer charity and The Rowans Hospice. Angela says: ‘I’ve supported these charities ever since my son Daniel’s life was saved when he was 14. ‘He had Hodgkins lymphoma. I made him a co-owner of the business when he graduated. ‘He’s now a furniture designer and has completely redesigned the salon. It has a very modern look.’ There are 12 categories in this year’s awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday. July 2. For more information, and for how to enter, go to jpsouthevents.co.uk. Entries must be submitted by May 20. Sponsors are still needed for the awards – for more information call Liz Parker, events co-ordinator, on (023) 9262 2206 or e-mail liz.parker@jpress.co.uk.