MAY FAIR LADY

NEW YEAR’S HONOUR FOR TOWN HAIRDRESSER KAY TYLER

Kay Tyler, owner of Mayfair Hair in Horsham, received the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours list. Here, Kay recalls her early days as an apprentice hairdresser and the fundraising that led to the honour…

I started working as a hairdresser at Mark of Mayfair when I was only 13 and still a pupil at Forest Girls. I worked at the salon on Middle Street (where The Company is now) every Saturday and when finished school, I completed my apprenticeship. I had aunts, cousins and a grandfather who were all hairdressers, so it’s in the genes!

Mark opened a second shop at Caterways in Horsham and for more than 30 years I worked between the two. However, when he became unwell, we were given a few weeks’ notice that the salons were closing. I had to find a shop of my own and opened at Caterways, as Mayfair Hair Studio. It made sense to keep part of the name, as we had regular clients.

After three years, we moved to East Street, where we’ve been since 2005. We have seen many businesses come and go, but we’ve survived as we’re a close-knit team. Jo and Valerie were with me at Mark of Mayfair, as was Bernice, who works here on Saturdays. Some clients have been with us for decades too. As we cater for many older clients, it has been difficult since the pandemic and we continue to wear face masks in the salon. Whereas there used to be a constant stream of clients, we now take more time with everyone. People don’t have their hair cut as often, as they’re not going out and socialising like they were pre-Covid.

My husband Peter worked at Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School in Horsham for many years. took on a cleaning job there and continue to go every day. A long time ago, I started helping Sue Jay, formerly Head of Creative Arts at QEII. Sue staged fantastic productions for the pupils and I helped with fundraising for the shows. I asked my clients for unwanted gifts or bottles and we raffled them for the school. I’ve raised funds for QEII ever since and our biggest project was buying a minibus.

As well as QEII, ‘ve raised funds for good causes including The Salvation Army. Recently, I helped a friend who organised a ball at Horsham Sports Club in aid of Alzheimer’s. Several years ago, we had a collection in the shop for Harry Lawrence, the son of a client. Harry was offered a place at the World Scout Jamboree and we helped him raise the money he needed. Now, we’re helping him again as he hopes to attend the next Jamboree in South Korea.

While fundraising for QEII, I wrote to King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen’s Consort, asking if they would donate a prize. I received a presentation box from Highgrove with champagne and chocolates from the estate. So, last year, I wrote to them again, asking for a donation to an Alzheimer’s Society event. When a letter arrived in the post, assumed it was a prize and was very excited. When I read it and found out I was being considered for the British Empire Medal (BEM) it was a total surprise and a very proud moment. I had to keep quiet until New Year’s Eve, when the honours list was published. There is a backlog in terms of awarding honours, but it’s likely I will receive the BEM from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, then hopefully be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace later in the year.

Fundraising is hard. My friends have helped me, but it’s always a challenge. If anything, it’s getting harder. recently wrote 60 letters to local businesses appealing for donations and only received one reply, from Cote Brasserie. However, there are still people willing to help and my clients have been wonderful, giving what they can. Last year, I lost my sister, Anne, and my nephew is running the London Marathon in her memory, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. So, I’m helping Marc with his efforts. I’m 64 now, but have no thoughts of stopping work and will carry on supporting good causes when I find them.

Further information:

To support Marc’s marathon run, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/marc-scott12

Visit: Mayfair Hair at 12 East St, Horsham. Tel: (01403) 254788