Hairdresser Geoffrey Hadley explains why he loves the town
Please introduce yourself
Hello, my name is Geoffrey Hadley and I have lived in Sidmouth all my life. My late father, Roy Hadley, was the local policeman, based in Sidford in the early 1950/60s,
We lived in the Police House, with the police office, which was manned by my father 24-hours-a-day. He then ran a driving school, and he taught half of Sidmouth to drive! He then bought and sold properties in Sidmoutlh before retiring to Budleigh Salterton.
I started my hairdressing business in Church Street, called Hair by Geoffrey in 1979, which is now The Art Gallery. I then moved across the road, which is now Devon Air Ambulance. I bought The Hair Studio, High Street, Sidmouth, which I have owned for more than 40 years successfully. I took ten years off, renting out the property, after meeting my partner Pia-Maria.
We toured Italy and France, finally settling in our winter home Conil, in Andalusia, from October to April.
My 88-year-young mother, Beryl Hadley, opened the first ever dress agency in Sidmouth, at The Hair Studio, called The Steps High Quality Good as New Clothes, and now resides in Budleigh Salterton.
What do you love most about Sidmouth?
What I love most about Sidmouth is its stunning location, nestling between Salcombe hill and Peak hill. Whether you’re walking the stunning cliff paths on top, or walking in The Byes, it never disappoints in its tranquillity and its natural beauty!
What’s your favourite memory associated with Sidmouth?
My favourite memory is sailing off the beach in Sidmouth, watching Stan Bagwell and his brother Graham launching their fishing boat Martha D from Port Royal and there are many, many more. It is always so good to come home to; no matter where in the world you travel, I always love to return, and marvel at how lucky I am to have enjoyed this beautiful town. Sometimes you need to leave a town to appreciate how special it is.
How do you think Sidmouth’s town centre compares with other towns in Devon?
Sidmouth is unique. It has retained so many individual and personal shops, restaurants and hotels, which all serve our diverse community. Also, Sidmouth floral displays are spectacular, and encourage more tourism for Sidmouth.
What is your favourite building in Sidmouth and why?
My absolute favourite building has to be Sidmouth’s cricket pavilion, set against the Fortfield Terrace, and the club grounds.
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