AN era will come to an end tomorrow (Saturday) at long-established South Street hairdressers Rainer & Rapson as owner Rainer Lindstedt hangs up his scissors and closes the salon doors for the last time.

Rainer started his hairdressing career as an apprentice, in Hagen, Germany, in 1966, and in 1970 made the decision to go out into the big wide world and move to Britain.

He first arrived in Pontypool in Wales, and later settled in Woking in 1972 and was appointed as manager of a salon. In 1974 he was approached by Peter Rapson to open the Farnham salon.

October 29, 1974, Rainer and Rapson opened its door for business, Peter left in 1988 to start a new venture in East Sussex and is still doing well.

The Farnham salon endured two recessions and massive rent increases, but with the continuous support of clients and staff the salon continued to thrive. However, due to the imminent redevelopment of the site the lease has been terminated and Rainer has decided to close the salon.

“We have had 42 very happy years and it’s sad, but I think I’m ready for it, in a weird sort of way. Thanks to all our loyal customers and staff, that’s how we survived. Without being a big head I have always kept my staff for many years, we’ve always acted like a little family” he said.

“I will miss all my customers. I have some people who have been coming from week one, I still have one or two left. It will be 42 years in October so 41-and-a-half years here.

“It has been absolutely fabulous, we’ve been through a couple of recessions, been through one or two horrendous rent increases but due to the clients and loyal staff it’s always been a pleasure to be here.

“I shall miss my people enormously but everything has to come to an end, at the end of the day whether you do it now or next year. I will keep in touch with all my staff, we have already arranged for staff barbecues. My time has been excellent. I will be sad to go.”

Christine who has been working for Rainer & Rapson for 21 years, said: “It’s been lovely, Rainer is such a lovely person to work for, he is brilliant. All the customers say how lovely it is in here- so many of them are upset that we are closing.

“With a lot of them we have had the generations, the children have grown up and they bring their children. On our last day we are going to have some drinks and cakes, for whoever wants to join us.”

Bryan, who has been an employee for more than 13 years expressed his love of the salon and added that Rainer was the “best” boss he has ever had.

Tomorrow’s event kicks off from 10am and finishing at 3pm, there will be drinks and cakes for all those who attend.