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Bridgetown seniors made full use of the opportunity to have their hair cut by renowned barber Warren Theunis, known locally as Mr Barber.
Senior Day, held in Bridgetown every first Wednesday of the month and in Mitchells Plain every last Wednesday of the month, sees Theunis give back to the seniors by offering free cuts, trims and styling. The initiative is one held close to his heart.
Taking his barber bus – a barber shop on wheels – to the community, means he is able to independently cut hair in the converted, newly renovated and fully equipped mini bus.
Partnering with RLabs in Bridgetown, Theunis parked his bus in Kiewiet Street on Wednesday 6 March, cutting more than 20 seniors’ hair. While he anticipated being there from 09:00 to 12:00, he had still finished up the last few heads around 13:00.
Theunis started senior day in Bridgetown on invitation by the mother of his friend Jennifer Petersen who started a seniors club in the area.
“I said when the bus is ready, I will come to Bridgetown,” he says.
She encouraged this because the men of the area are hardly treated, with the women mostly being pampered.
One day before he launched senior day in the area in January, Petersen passed away. In honouring her memory, he continued to host the event, which was a resounding success.
“The community has embraced me and made me feel at home. The sense of community you find in Bridgetown makes me want to come back every week. They have accepted me as if I grew up in Bridgetown,” he says.
Allan Roberts (65) heard about the initiative through a social media group, but was too late to make use of the opportunity last month.
“I wouldn’t mind staying here all day. The conversation is good and you meet people you have not seen in years. This is the best thing I have ever experienced, that people in our community can do such great things and give back to the seniors,” he says.
Ivan Grainger (76) enjoyed the experience, having a cut and eyebrow trim.
“This is something good that helps us,” he says. “This is something good for the seniors. Everyone is friendly and made to feel welcome.”
Thanks to a donation of bread loaves from a local baked goods giant, they were able to serve sandwiches and coffee to the seniors waiting for their haircuts.
The next Senior Day will be held in Bridgetown on Wednesday 3 April from 09:00 to 12:00.
