So it’s been a while since I wrote a blog, I was in the middle of writing one at the end of February when I received some devastating news...
Rushmoor Council have decided to not reopen the Leisure Centre when lockdown is lifted!
This news has completely floored me and I couldn’t function or think straight for a few weeks and just kept crying. I think I went into shock. I couldn’t reply to your messages as I didn’t have the answers myself - so sorry.
I now realise this was a stage of grief - shock, crying and now comes the angry and the fight👊🏼💪🏼 and boy am I going to fight the council over this...
To say their decision has left me in turmoil is an understatement !! Because of the multiple lockdowns and not qualifying for any support, I have no savings or funds left to get other premises, let alone be able to find anywhere suitable with only 4 weeks notice (legally there is a minimum of 6 months formal notice required and I’m still waiting!!!) I have nowhere to store two salon rooms full of equipment, let alone the money to get a van to remove it !!!
I have written several times to the council without getting a response... It appears they don’t care about the little business that they are killing after 28 years of trading, so find myself with no alternative but to seek legal advice. Maybe they’re hoping I can’t and won’t do anything about this given I haven’t traded for a year and had no funding... To be honest, this is something I don’t want to do but I don’t think they should get away with this... Just some respect, acknowledgement and assistance would nice but that seems beyond the capability of Rushmoor council... Watch this space...
I am going to ask a little favour of you all. If you can find the time to do a email of support for me, I would be very grateful as this can only help my case. You don’t need to say what treatment you have, but maybe how long you have used my services, the impact of me not being around would have on you and how your treatments have helped you in the past.
Now don’t worry.... Plan T is in place and I intend to open from 12th April from a temporary location whilst I look for other suitable premises... For those that visited me in August 2020 for 6 weeks ( another delay due to Rushmoor Council !! ) the location will be set up as before with my usual high standards and professionalism all the way. Address will be on your reminder emails but just to reassure you, it will be in Farnborough a short distance from the Leisure Centre so hopefully as convenient to you all...
I don’t know about you but I feel like I am constantly worrying about the next part of my life without realising I am in the middle of what I used to look forward to ‘time off’
The impact of stress is huge, so to help me switch my brain off for a little while , I have been painting and up-cycling my furniture. If it doesn’t move it gets painted- black- this must be a reflection of my mood. 😧 I have also been training for a marathon walk, up to 24.7 miles now. 🚶♀️This has also helped keep me sane (ish).
So how have you been coping with this lockdown? I think this time around it has taken its toll on all of us. Their is a flicker of hope with the vaccinations (🙋♀️hands up who’s had theirs?).
Fingers crossed we will be on track to open for the 12th April 🤞🏼.
Online booking is now open and filling up fast .
Booking Link here https://www.fresha.com/providers/devine-beauty-efp1n1u4?pId=10657
If your having trouble with the booking system please just send me a text or email and I will book you in.
I am looking forward to seeing and treating you all soon. In the meantime please stay well, stay safe and stay in touch and if you have a spare few minutes please send me a email of support to help my battle with the council.
Alison xxx
Devine Skin