Ipswich: Gary’s back on his ladder as Town star Connor Wickham cuts ribbon
ipswich: Just weeks after a pensioner crashed into Gary Aldred while he was up his ladder painting the front of his daughter’s new salon, it is business as usual.
Ace Hair and Beauty opened the doors of its new home in Sidegate Lane West, off Colchester Road this week.
For owners Rachel Aldred and Clare Owen, it marks the end of a six-year journey to realise their dreams.
On January 20, while the finishing touches were being applied to the salon, Mr Aldred was painting the fascia when a car reversed off the road and mounted the pavement, forcing him to jump to safety from his ladder.
Today he has a new ladder and celebrated with his daughter Rachel as Ipswich Town striker and regular customer Connor Wickham cut the ribbon at the launch.
More than 400 past and present customers showed up to lend their support to the team.
Miss Aldred, 27, said the day was “absolutely amazing”, admitting she was “gobsmacked” by the number of people who turned up.
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“We are ecstatic,” she said. “The new building is perfect, it is everything we could wish for. After six years of trying to fulfil the dream, it has finally come true.”
The team have relocated from their previous premises at Ipswich Sports Club, in Henley Road. They dedicated weekends and evenings since November last year to make sure their vision for the salon became a reality.
Miss Aldred added: “It feels like we are at home. We designed the interior and worked so hard to make it happen.
“We love our jobs and now we have a salon that reflects us. It is something we are so proud of. A big thank you to all our clients and our girls for their harid work.”
After recovering from his ordeal, Mr Aldred was on-hand at the opening, with his new ladder.
n Have you had a dramatic escape? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.
