A DALE hairdresser is celebrating 25 years in business this month and is inviting everyone to a party to mark the occasion and raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
Sue Birdsall, who runs the Hair Studio, in Galgate, Barnard Castle, will be celebrating her company’s silver jubilee this month and has organised a traditional style tea party to help boost the charity’s funds.
Mrs Birdsall, who is originally from Piercebridge, opened her hair dressing salon soon after the birth of her second child.
She had previously been working freelance and although a little nervous about making the leap to opening her own premises, jumped at the opportunity after visiting the shop.
She said: “It was a friend who told me about the shop in Barney. At the time I said to her I wouldn’t be able to do it. I was working freelance and I’d just had my son in the August, but by January I had it up and running and I’ve not looked back since.
“I loved it when I first came and I’ve loved every minute of it since.”
She added: “I’ve still got a lot of customers who have been with me from day one.
“I have one customer who lives in Northumberland now, but I have been doing her hair for so long she still comes back.
“I just want to thank everyone for the support over the years and their loyalty and help. I still love running the business and I love coming to work each morning.”
Mrs Birsdall, who has been a committee member of the Teesdale Branch of Cancer Research UK for the past seven years, said she wanted to use the anniversary to help raise more vital funds for the charity.
She said: “When I celebrated the first five years in business I did an event to raise funds for Cancer Research, but that was before I was on the committee. My brother-in-law got cancer and I just wanted to do as much as possible and we did a similar event at The Hub last year.
“This time though I’m going all out and I’m going to have old fashioned cups and saucers, sandwiches and cakes and I want to make it really special.”
The tea party is just the start of her anniversary year fund-raising activities and Mrs Birdsall plans to organise one event per month. A Shamrocks and Shenanigans Ball has been organised for February and she will be completing the Race for Life in March.
The afternoon tea party will take place at the Cricket Club in Barnard Castle on Monday, January 27, between 2pm and 5pm. Tickets for the event cost £10 and are available from the Hair Studio or by ringing 01833 638833.
