A HAIR salon serving Penarth’s community for 54 years is set to re-open, under new, but familiar management following owner Colin Newman’s death from covid-19.

Marc Jordan salon owner, Mr Newman, 76, contracted coronavirus and after returning from a cruise ship in South America he died in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, on April 11 this year.

But now, with Mr Newman’s family’s wishes, Lyn Smith and Mandy Brinkworth, who worked with him for 18 years and 13 years respectively, will re-open the salon in Albert Road, Penarth, on Tuesday, August 11.

Mrs Smith was a client with salon experience, when she joined his team, and Mrs Brinkworth did her apprenticeship with Mr Newman, when she was 16.

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Mrs Smith said: “Colin was a character and there was always banter in the salon.

“He was full of life and all his clients were his friends.

“Colin loved Christmas and he dressed the salon windows every Christmas.

“There were decorations and lights everywhere.

“Children going to school loved it, it was like a grotto.

“Last Christmas the decorations expanded to outside.

“People would drive at night to see it lit up.

“Colin went on cruise in March, he became ill with the covid-19 virus and died on April 11 at the University Hospital of Wales.

“We were all shocked and devastated to hear the sad news and it was particularly hard for us to phone all the clients.

“Only 10 people were allowed to his funeral so his family, the staff, and close friends left tributes in the salon windows.”

Mr Newman’s son's Kerry and Paul didn't have any experience in hairdressing and asked both women if they wanted to take it over.

“We felt that we wanted to open the salon in memory of Colin because we thought that's what he would have wanted and to keep the name Marc Jordan,” Mrs Smith said.

“Some of the clients have been coming since Colin first opened 54 years ago and now we see their children and grandchildren.

“One client coming back will be Nita, Colin’s sister who comes every week from Whitchurch.

“We officially open on Tuesday, August 11 and are pleased to say Sam, Nick, and Hayley will be joining us and can't wait to welcome back their clients.

“We all specialise in traditional and modern hairstylist.

”We have prepared and purchased all our PPE and will supply sanitiser and face masks if required.”

She added: “We will have mixed emotions the first time we open.

“It will be sad seeing the clients for the first time and no Colin.

“We hope to create a happy atmosphere and share good memories of Colin.

“We hope we make Colin and his family proud as we are sure he will be looking over us as Marc Jordan Hair Salon survives.”