Aged treated to affordable dos every week
ROTARY Anns of Beacon Bay have washed, permed, set, shaved and cut hair at Kennersley Park Home for the Aged for the last 40 years.
Every Tuesday, the rush begins at 6am when residents of the retirement village and frail care centre begin to queue up outside Salon Joan.
The team of five Anns, one hair-washer (who is employed by the Anns) and one volunteer get to work at 5.30am and spend the entire morning in the buzzing salon, sharing stories and bringing joy to senior citizens.
They charge a nominal fee of R25 for a lady’s shampoo and set, R60 for a lady’s perm and R20 for a men’s cut. Money raised is ploughed back into Kennersley Park to assist with various needs.
Over the years, they have bought new curtains, crockery, cutlery and helped maintain gardens and even set up a new croquet lawn.
Rotary Anns chairwoman Fay Goedhals said: “We fund entertainment for the residents in the form of sponsored tickets for our annual Mother’s Day picnic.
“We also give them either a Spring Tea or Easter Tea.
“They are also treated to braais during the year and a special Christmas lunch.”
Secretary of the Beacon Bay Rotary Anns, Maureen Dalbock said: “The volunteer Anns find this work very rewarding. Besides us having fellowship working together, we form a special bond with every client, aiming to put a smile on their faces as they leave the salon.
“For many of them, it is the highlight of their day to just have the company and interaction. They are so appreciative of what we do.”
While none of the Anns are qualified hairdressers, they have all learned over the years and each member of the team specialises in a particular aspect of the hair- styling process.
Shelagh Keth, who was getting her hair done when GO! & Express visited the salon on Tuesday, said she has kept coming back for the last 16 years because of their good service.
“They do my hair as I want it and always give excellent service and no nonsense. I would definitely recommend them to my friends. They are all so pleasant,” Keth said.
Muriel Lack, 106, who is the oldest resident at the home, said: “I come to Salon Joan because they are the nearest and easiest to get to and the nurses always help me get here. They are all so good and kind.”
Bev Beard, who volunteers to assist the Anns, said she decided to join because she was a good friend of Fay’s and wanted to assist.
“I felt like giving back and I really enjoy coming and catching up with the ladies whose daughters’ I grew up with,” Beard said.
The salon’s walls are covered with photographs of happy men and women who regularly visit to get their hair styled. The Anns get through about 30 heads of hair every Tuesday and close after the last person leaves (usually at about 11.30am).
If you are able to donate a salon hair drier to assist the Anns, contact Maureen on 082-577-2854.
This service is only offered to residents of Kennersley Park.
