WADE Day Care Centre in Wokingham celebrated the launch of its new hair and nails salon this week.
First two customers Joyce and Peggy gave it the thumbs up after enjoying hair cuts and styles from hairdresser Anna Luxton.
Due to historic flooding of an original upstairs location, the salon has had to operate for a couple of years from a tiny first aid room.
Its new home is on the ground floor of the Wade’s Grade II* listed building, overlooking the centre’s gardens.
It was launched in April sunshine by vice chair of trustees Sandy Sweet, trustee Karen Mahoney, hairdresser Anna Luxton, and carers Babs and Julie.
The salon is currently open for hair and nail treatments on Thursdays.
“But we are looking forward to offering the service more often as we settle in, and will be inviting students from Wokingham and Bracknell College’s Beauty School to style here,” explained Sandy Sweet.
“We’ve brought the salon downstairs, which makes it much easier for our members, especially those who are wheelchair users.
“They’ve been temporarily having to have their hair done in a very small room so I’m sure they will all be thrilled to be out of the cupboard.
“Now they can enjoy this lovely sunny salon.”
Karen Mahoney added: “The service is available to all our Wade members, with cuts and styling for both ladies and gents
“But it’s not only for our members – anyone can walk in [after making an appointment] for a cut.
“We’d love people to come and have their hair done here and then the discover all the other wonderful activities that take place in the building.”
Funding for the new facility was generously provided by Pargiter Trust and administered by Berkshire Community Foundation.
“We’re really grateful that these two organisations have made this lovely new facility possible,” she continued.
“They have both been brilliant, supporting the refurbishment of this room, and enabling us to put in a new floor, and to plumb in water for a new hair washing seat.
“And a new nail table is coming soon, too.
“Mark from Orchid Building Services has done a great job for us.”
Artwork by Wade members adorns the salon walls.
“These are often made to commemorate a special event at Wade, so the pictures are great memory joggers too – perfect reminders of a lovely day, and good conversation starters,” she said.
First customer, Joyce enjoyed her visit.
“It’s lovely and airy, and you can even enjoy the garden view from your seat while you’re having your hair done,” she said.
As she styled Joyce’s hair, Anna agreed: “It’s great, and easy for the members to get to.
“A number of people can be in here together, sitting and chatting in the sunshine, while waiting.
“It’s a very different and much nicer experience now – so much better than in the previous tiny room, which was really very small.
“It’s great to be out of the cupboard, and into the sunshine.”
For Wade customers, gents hair cuts cost £12, while a beard trim or shave costs £8.
Wade ladies can have a wet cut for £15, wash and set or dry for £20, or wash, set, cut and dry for £25.
Perms, highlights and tints cost Wade members £60, and nail shape and paint is £8.
For non Wade members, prices are:
Gents’ hair cut £15, and beard trim or shave £10.
Ladies wet cut costs £18; wash and set or dry is £25; and wash, set, cut and dry costs £30.
Perms, highlights and tints cost £70, with nail shape and paint at £12.
Wade Day Care Centre supports older people in the borough, providing home cooked lunches, activities, services, and a friendly environment in which to socialise.
The Wokingham centre is open from Monday to Friday, from 9am until 4pm.
Annual membership costs £12, and a two course home cooked meal costs £8.25.
All salon appointments for Wade and non-members must be booked through the Wade day centre, by calling: 01189 787025, or by visiting the Wade office.
For more information, visit: wadecentre.org.uk
