Four generations keep family salon open for 80 years

A hairdressing salon run by the same family for four generations has celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Chris and Co was opened in 1946 on Bridgwater High Street by Graham and Kathleen Hodgson in the aftermath of World War Two, and is now run by their granddaughter Sara Hill and her daughter Amelie on North Street.

Hill said her grandparents would be "really pleased" to see it is still going.

Amelie said she was really proud to work in the family business, adding: "I never got to meet my great-grandparents, but it's lovely to hear all the stories about them".

Amelie has just completed her qualifications to work in the salon.

"There's a part in the salon where I sit up and my granddad came in the other day and he said, 'Oh, God, you look just like my mum sitting out there in the exact position', and it's lovely to think that the exact same places is where they were," she said.

She is keen to ensure the salon reaches its 100th year.

"We'll be talking to you in 20 years' time - let's put that in now for 2046," she added.

Chris Hodgson, her granddad, was originally in the Royal Navy, but left to be around his children. He then trained at Hinkley Point before settling in the salon to take it over from his parents.

He said he had always wanted to go into the Navy, but found himself talking about the salon at home, which had "had an impact on me".

Hodgson added he was "over the moon" to see the salon hit 80 years in business.

"I think it's fantastic," he said.

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