Community Contributed

Mrs. Sidney Gilroy, a Levin Icon.

Kete Horowhenua2020-03-23T16:54:48+00:00
Celebration for Hair Guru and ' tough teacher.

HOROWHENUA CHRONICLE, Friday,September 28, 2012

Celebration for hair guru and tough teacher'

Sidney Gilroy with former apprenctices, family & friends numbered 1

SURROUNDED BY HER PEOPLE: Sidney Gilroy, seated centre, celebrated 50 years in the hairdressing industry with former
apprenctices, family and friends on Sunday.

By PETER FRANKLIN
It was a day to remember and catch up with people for Levin hairdressing guru Sidney Gilroy, the people she had taken
under her wing and trained as hairdressers.
Mrs Gilroy opened her first salon in Levin at the age of 28, taking on aspiring hair dressers, passing on her knowledge
and experience
At the height of her business career Mrs Gilroy had five salons operating, three in Levin, one in Foxton and Otaki.

Amongst the crowd of about 50 at the celebration were two of her apprentices from those early days, Sue Galley and
Michael Piaggi — both of whom continue to be involved in the industry.

Mrs Galley said that if you mentioned that you were trained by Sidney it was a the best recommendation.
"I have not been out of work for 30 years." She said being taught by Sidney is like having liquid gold at your finger tips."She
was a tough teacher, I don't think her technique would be appreciated these days," Mr Piaggi said.

Mrs Gilroy, now 78, still keeps her hand in, visiting clients living in retirement villages. "Once you start hairdressing it stays in
your blood and you pass it on, as my mother did for me. I have passed it on to (son) Blair," she said.