THERE are triple celebrations taking place this month for well-known and well-loved Aberdyfi couple, Gaynor and John O’Neill.
Gaynor was 75 on 23 October, a month which also marks her and John’s 50th wedding anniversary and 50 years of running their hairdressing business together.
Looking back to where it all began, Gaynor said: “We met in 1970 when John was an engineer on the ship City of Leicester where I was working as a hairdresser.
“ I have loved hairdressing since I was a child and knew I wanted to come back to my home village of Aberdyfi to start my own hairdressing salon and John agreed to give up life at sea to come back with me.
“We were able to take on our premises in New Street a week after our wedding and my 25th birthday, on 23 October 23rd. John decided to train as a barber so that he could come and join me working in the shop.
“For 50 years it has worked very well with John upstairs as the barber and me downstairs on the ground floor with my ladies!
“We have been truly blessed during the 50 years in our shop.”
She added: “We have worked hard but have loved every minute of being here and have met so many wonderful people over the years.
“Our clients are like family to me and we have seen different generations of many families coming in through our door.
“My most long-standing customer is Claire Davies who ran the gallery opposite our shop in New Street for many years. She first came to get a haircut and wash when she was just 10 years old!
“My ladies are definitely like an extended family to me
“We’ve all been through difficulties at various times in our lives, but we have always helped each other.
“We’ve talked, laughed and cried together- but mostly laughed I think!”
But has it all been plain sailing?
“The ladies have also acted – if necessary - as referees between John and me if there were ever any slight disputes between us!” Gaynor laughed.
“Any dispute was then quickly resolved and John and I would settle back into our very happy routine.”
She added: “I wouldn’t have changed a thing over these last 50 years. John and I are so lucky to have a very strong and happy marriage. We’ve always had good fun at work with our family of clients and also at home together with our own family.
“I wouldn’t change a day and we certainly have much to celebrate this October!
“We’ve been in business for 50 years but don’t worry, we are not finished yet!”
Long-standing customer Claire Davies said: “Gaynor has been cutting my hair for years and knows every kink and wave.
“Having her over the road in New Street for 25 years when I had the gallery was an entertaining bonus, if only to witness the excitement when a wasp dared to cross the threshold! Everyone who knows Gaynor is well aware of her aversion to wasps! I have heard that in their wedding vows John was made to promise to protect her from wasps!
“Gaynor clearly loves what she does; it’s a real passion. She is thoughtful, kind and caring and as we all know never stops talking! She has a heart of gold and long may she and John continue.”