Something to celebrate (From Penarth Times)

Something to celebrate

A PENARTH barber is celebrating 30 years in the business with a party for all his customers.

Alan Jones, 52, owner of Alan's, on Cornerswell Road, has been keeping Penarthians in vogue with the latest hairstyles for more than a quarter of a century.

Alan said: "The years have simply flown by. This is a two-fold celebration. It is to celebrate 30 years of being in business, but also to thank all my clients old and new for their support over the last three decades.

"After a very rough year with my health, I didn't think that I'd make it to 30 years in business. But the support I've had from my friends, family, customers and people of Penarth has been simply wonderful.

"I look forward to seeing them all at the party, which will be held on November 29 at the Cons Club on Stanwell Road. Everyone is welcome." Recalling the changing of styles over the years he's been in the trade, Alan said: "When I started back in 1974 men wore their hair long. They were the days of the Kevin Keegan curly perm. Over the years men's hairstyles have gradually got shorter and shorter, although longer hairstyles do seem to be making something of a comeback now.

"Ladies' hairstyles change much more frequently than men's, with new looks coming in every six months.

"Styles now are much more individual than they used to be. Before, a fashion would come in and everyone would go for it, but now it's much freer."

Alan is registered with the Hairdressing Council as a Master Craftsman, and the salon has a loyal following of regular clients.

Alan, whose father was a Cogan coal merchant, started the business with one chair in the building next to his current premises.

He now employs a team of stylists.