‘Shear’ delight for 92-year-old Bury St Edmunds care home resident and former hairdresser, as she snips into action

 

A Bury St Edmunds care home resident has proven she can still cut it as a hairdresser, as she picked up the scissors and snipped into action once again. 

92-year-old Betty Dunns, a former hairdresser and resident at Care UK’s Glastonbury Court, on Glastonbury Road, was delighted when she was surprised with a hair-raising afternoon cutting a team member’s hair.

Betty, who trained to become a hairdresser in London, spent ten years working across London and Harrow cutting hair, but particularly enjoyed cutting children’s hair. After going on to have a family, Betty stopped work at the salon and instead spent her time cutting her husband’s and other family and friends’ hair.

The team at Glastonbury Court became aware that Betty wanted to experience the joy of hairdressing again and arranged a surprise for her at the home’s very own hair and beauty salon. 

On the day, Betty gave Sophie Johnston, a Lifestyle team member at Glastonbury Court, a stylish cut, taking two inches off her hair, and even giving her some shaping.

The morning was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with their past careers or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Reminiscing about her hairdressing career, Betty said: “I especially enjoyed chatting with the clients while cutting their hair.”

Commenting on the day Betty said: “I had so much fun, and I really enjoyed the chance to cut hair again. The best part was chatting and seeing that I could still cut hair – I was confident and not nervous at all. I miss hairdressing and I would like to cut hair again if there are any more volunteers!”

Sophie said: “I love my new haircut! I’ve already had so many compliments – Betty will definitely be cutting my hair again. She always comments on how long my hair is and says that I need it cut, so after she told me about her hairdressing career, I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity for us both! It’s great to see activities like these bringing such comfort and joy to residents, and bringing back so many fond memories for them.”

Ana Mihai, Home Manager at Glastonbury Court, said: “Betty loves to talk about the years she spent hairdressing when she was younger, so when she shared that she would love to get back into the salon, the team knew they had to make it happen. 

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to reconnect with their careers and interests, or fulfill a dream, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these experiences a reality. Betty had a wonderful time, and she hasn’t stopped smiling since. She is already talking about Sophie’s next chop!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to Sophie at Glastonbury Court for making Betty’s wish come true—and a huge well done to Betty, who really is a cut above!”

Glastonbury Court is a modern care home providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.