80 and still on the job - a true local legend!

This year is a very special one for Joan Toohey as she celebrates her 80th birthday. A milestone for anyone, you might say—but Joan is particularly remarkable because she is still working!

Joan began working as a front-of-house receptionist at Seckingtons Hair Salon on Wellingborough Road in Northampton, shortly after the salon opened in 2009.

She had already been a loyal customer of Johnny Seckington since he began his training in 1999, following him throughout his career.

Although Joan no longer works full-time, she regularly covers other employees’ holidays and remains a firm favourite with customers and staff alike.

Life took a heartbreaking turn for Joan and her husband, Bob, in December 2021, when their youngest daughter, Jane Bishop, died very suddenly. Jane—another much-loved and well-known Northampton character—truly made her mark on the town. She was instantly recognisable for her huge smile and for running everywhere she went.

After such a tragedy, Joan might understandably have considered retiring. Instead, after taking some time to grieve her very special daughter, she chose to return to the place she loved and to the people who love her.

Johnny Seckington, owner of Seckingtons, said: “We simply couldn’t imagine life in the salon without Joan. She is a ray of light—always stylish and full of energy. Her kindness reaches everyone, from the team to our guests, and she always manages to give each person the same care and attention.

“Her husband, Bob, is super handy too. He is always helping me whenever something goes wrong with the building—which happens relatively often!

“The one thing I have learned from Joan and Bob is to keep busy: continue working, stay active and, as far as they’re concerned, drink wine…”

Happy 80th birthday, Joan—a shining star and an inspiration to us all.