At nearly 90, Thornhill Manor’s beloved hairdresser proves purpose never goes out of style

There’s a friendly rhythm in the salon at Thornhill Manor Retirement Village, with scissors snipping and familiar conversation flowing. For many, it’s part haircut, part catch-up, part routine.

At the centre of it is resident hairdresser Margaret Miles, who, at nearly 90, is still working behind the chair she has occupied in one form or another for more than seven decades.

“I would go mad sitting at home doing nothing,” she says. Retirement, for Margaret, has never meant stepping away from purpose – just reshaping it.

Her journey in hairdressing began shortly after the Second World War, when she started training at just 17. What began as a practical skill quickly turned into a lifelong calling.

Over time, she has seen the world of hair – and ageing – change dramatically. She remembers an era of structured sets, perms and pinned buns. Now, she says, styles are far more natural, especially among older adults. But while trends have shifted, her approach has not.

“It’s like a bit of magic,” she says of watching someone leave her chair looking brighter than when they sat down. “I take pride in that.”

Yet what truly sets Margaret apart is not only her skill with scissors, but her gift for conversation. Her salon chair has become something of an unofficial community hub, a place where stories are shared and worries are lessened.

“I love people,” she says simply. “If you come in here, I can chat to you all day.”

Over the years, she has built lasting relationships that stretch far beyond hairstyling, helping to nurture a strong sense of belonging among residents.

Having moved into the village 23 years ago, Margaret has seen retirement living change in many ways over time. However, her outlook has remained constant: Keep busy and stay connected.

“I think it’s very important to still feel useful,” she says. “Being with people makes all the difference.”