Lee’s Barbers, based in Hythe Street, Dartford, marks 40 years in business

A hairdressing business is organising a week of celebrations to thank its loyal customers as they mark 40 years in the trade.Lee’s Barbers, based in Hythe Street, Dartford, has been a part of the town since the mid-1980s.Lee's Barber in Dartford has been serving loyal customers for four decadesOwners Julie Wood, 59, and Sharon Matthews, 52, who have worked there for decades, say the milestone is a chance to reflect on the shop’s history and thank long-standing customers.“We’re celebrating the week from April 28 to May 3, and the Mayor of Dartford is coming to visit on April 30 at 4pm,” Julie said.“We’ll have decorations, sweets, a free tombola, and some giveaways for anyone coming in that week.”Julie Wood was just 19 when she first started working at Lee’s Barbers in 1985, just after it was bought by her friend Janice’s parents, Mr and Mrs Van Plew.They had previously acquired it from the original owner, Lee, hence the name.Julie Wood and Sharon Matthews, owners of Lee's Barber in DartfordAfter five years, Julie took a short break to start a family but soon returned, helping to expand the business to include ladies’ hairdressing.Then in 2001, she and her colleague Sharon Matthews decided to buy it.Together, the two women have built up a loyal client base, with some customers returning since those early days.“We’ve got people who used to come in as children with their parents, and now they bring in their own children,” Julie added.“Some of our customers live alone, so popping in for a haircut is also a chance for a chat.“If they haven’t been in for a while, we always notice, and we miss them.”Inside Lee's Barber in Dartford - which has had few cosmetic changes since the pair took it overJulie said running the business has become more difficult over the years, especially after parking charges were introduced in Dartford town centre, which she believes puts some customers off.“If someone wants a colour treatment, two hours at the B&Q car park isn’t always enough,” she said.“Some people choose to go elsewhere where parking is easier.”Julie and Sharon have six children between them, but none have taken up hairdressing.“They just like a free haircut,” Julie jokes.Over the years they’ve had some memorable customers.Julie Wood and Sharon Matthew, owners of the Lee's Barbers in Dartford, want to thank their loyal customers for their support over the years“This one particular lady always asked for canary yellow hair — as bright as you can imagine,” she added.“She just liked people staring at her. You could spot her from across town, maybe even space.“Most people in Dartford knew exactly who she was.”As part of the anniversary week, Julie and Sharon are putting together a wall of photographs showing former staff and memorable moments.“The shop hasn't changed a bit since we opened” Julie said proudly.Unfortunately she lost many of her own pictures in a house fire, but former colleagues have shared theirs to help mark the occasion.When asked about the future Julie adds: “We’ll keep going for as long as we can.“We want to celebrate our golden anniversary here.“Some clients know us by name, others just know our faces,” she added.“It’s a place people come back to.”

A hairdressing business is organising a week of celebrations to thank its loyal customers as they mark 40 years in the trade. Lee’s Barbers, based in Hythe Street, Dartford, has been a part of the town since the mid-1980s. Owners Julie Wood, 59, and Sharon Matthews, 52, who have worked there for decades, say the milestone is a chance to reflect on the shop’s history and thank long-standing customers.

“We’re celebrating the week from April 28 to May 3, and the Mayor of Dartford is coming to visit on April 30 at 4pm,” Julie said. “We’ll have decorations, sweets, a free tombola, and some giveaways for anyone coming in that week.” Julie Wood was just 19 when she first started working at Lee’s Barbers in 1985, just after it was bought by her friend Janice’s parents, Mr and Mrs Van Plew.

They had previously acquired it from the original owner, Lee, hence the name. After five years, Julie took a short break to start a family but soon returned, helping to expand the business to include ladies’ hairdressing. Then in 2001, she and her colleague Sharon Matthews decided to buy it.

Together, the two women have built up a loyal client base, with some customers returning since those early days. “We’ve got people who used to come in as children with their parents, and now they bring in their own children,” Julie added. “Some of our customers live alone, so popping in for a haircut is also a chance for a chat.

“If they haven’t been in for a while, we always notice, and we miss them.” Julie said running the business has become more difficult over the years, especially after parking charges were introduced in Dartford town centre, which she believes puts some customers off. “If someone wants a colour treatment, two hours at the B&Q car park isn’t always enough,” she said.

“Some people choose to go elsewhere where parking is easier.” Julie and Sharon have six children between them, but none have taken up hairdressing. “They just like a free haircut,” Julie jokes.

Over the years they’ve had some memorable customers. “This one particular lady always asked for canary yellow hair — as bright as you can imagine,” she added. “She just liked people staring at her.

You could spot her from across town, maybe even space. “Most people in Dartford knew exactly who she was.” As part of the anniversary week, Julie and Sharon are putting together a wall of photographs showing former staff and memorable moments.

“The shop hasn't changed a bit since we opened” Julie said proudly. Unfortunately she lost many of her own pictures in a house fire, but former colleagues have shared theirs to help mark the occasion. When asked about the future Julie adds: “We’ll keep going for as long as we can.

“We want to celebrate our golden anniversary here. “Some clients know us by name, others just know our faces,” she added. “It’s a place people come back to.

”.