RUFFLES
Ten Years of Ruffles
Ten Years of Ruffles! Fun, frolics and fundraising have been the order of the day for this busy emporium at the Towngate crossroads. The idea of coupling a busy salon with a dress agency had come to Cath Bates on a fortieth birthday bash in Bath, but when she arrived home and talked it over with husband Kev, a heating and gas engineer, the idea gained some traction. With Kev’s help to fit out the shop and salon it was soon ready to open, albeit with empty rails to start off with. Filled with trepidation, Cath opened the doors but any doubts were soon cast to one side as people flocked to the dress agency, the only one for miles around, and bookings started to come in for the salon. Selling designer labels at a fraction of the cost and in a local venue with ease of parking, Ruffles soon became a go-to destination for holiday outfits, clothes for special occasions and for a treat on a grey day. With a welcoming
atmosphere and advice and help in abundance, the agency has thrived and over the last decade has generated in excess of £25,000 for Cancer Research. The salon with six stylists, Phil, Gemma, Rebecca, Annie, Susanne and Laura, bubbles over with laughter – it’s not just a haircut that people have missed over the pandemic but the banter and humour that takes place over the shampoo and colour! Now the team has been joined by longstanding local beautician, Katie. The long months of lockdown gave Cath the opportunity to look at the retail offerings in the Deepings and, noticing the need for a retail outlet stocking cards, gifts, home interiors and jewellery, has again stepped up to the plate and extended the dress agency to enhance the shopping experience for existing customers and to attract new ones as well – especially those new to the Deepings. The team raise a glass to the next ten years! 39
