They’ve been part of village life for 38 years.
Now Brian Shorter and Robin Billington are retiring from their Meltham hair salon with a host of memories – and having raised many thousands of pounds for charity.
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Brian trained as a hairdresser in Skipton and worked for salons in Huddersfield town centre before opening the Meltham salon, Dimps, in 1976. Shortly afterwards, he was joined by Robin, who helped in the salon and handled business matters for the partnership.
Robin said: “The name Dimps came from Brian’s dimples which clients always notice because of the big smile he gives everyone when they walk through the door.
“We have trained many members of staff over the years and raised a great deal of money for charities. We have held fancy dress events and even did a sponsored walk across Ribblehead Viaduct.”
The salon and its staff have chiefly raised money for Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton, but have contributed to other causes, including schools in Africa and the Meltham Church Tower Appeal.
Brian and Robin have also been mainstays of local community events with the salon taking part in activities such as Christmas festivities and the recent 1940s weekend.
“Meltham is a wonderful village to be part of,” said Robin. “There is a great community spirit.”
Many of the salon’s clients have been regulars for many years. Robin added: “We still have one lady coming in who was the very first customer to walk through the door when he started.”
Dimps has been bought by hairdresser Ville Rantanen, who ran his own salon in his native Finland for 17 years before coming to the UK and working as a top stylist at a Leeds city centre salon. Three stylists employed at Dimps will remain with the business under its new owner.
Robin and Brian, who have lived in Netherthong for the past 30 years, will be on hand at the salon until August 1 – when they will have officially notched up 38 years.
After that, they plan to devote more time to shared interests during retirement, including gardening, travelling and walking.
“We have left the business in good hands,” said Robin. “Ville is going to take Dimps into the future, Existing and new clients will always have a very warm welcome.”
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