Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Grand Patricia’s a cut above on 100th birthday
Ex-salon owner celebrates
Dean Martin once sang Memories are Made of This and for much-loved Coatbridge native Patricia Ferguson, her past makes for an inspirational tale as the former salon owner turns 100.
Extraordinary Patricia, who shares a birthday – June 7, 1917 – with the ex-Rat Pack icon, was joined by three generations of her proud family including her son – and hairdresser to the stars – Taylor Ferguson as she marked her astonishing milestone.
And it was Patricia who sent Taylor – who counts celebrities including Billy Connolly, Rick Astley, Lulu and David Hasselhoff among his clients – on the road to his brush with fame by opening her own salon in Coatbridge over 70 years ago.
Hairdresser Patricia styled and profiled her way into the hearts of the community with her Patricia Ferguson Salon proving to be a popular destination in her home town, first in Bank Street and then on Sunnyside Road.
Taylor took inspiration from his marvellous mum and joined the family business five decades ago before setting up his own salon in the heart of Glasgow.
Patricia, who now lives in her former holiday home in Inellan near Dunoon, was a “well-kent” face in Coatbridge and thoroughly enjoyed her time working in the town.
Daughter-in-law Anne – Taylor’s wife – also worked in Patricia’s salon and shared her memories of the venue with the Advertiser.
She said: “The Patricia Ferguson Salon was hugely popular in the town; it was a social place to be as well as a business and Patricia knew everyone.
“I started working there when I was just 14 and it was a great place to work; always busy and with plenty going on.
“A lot of the clients became Patricia’s friends and loved coming in and spending time in her company.
“The salon went through the family and eventually Taylor set up his own business in Glasgow.
“Patricia has been so chuffed and proud to see the family business become what it is now; she never imagined it would enjoy such exposure and success and it went above and beyond her expectations.”
Patricia and husband Alan, who sadly passed away at the age of 77, were married in 1940 and became proud parents to Taylor, Alan and Maxine.
Patricia is also regularly visited by her eight grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren in what is always a highlight of her week.
Her proud family were thrilled to help Patricia celebrate her 100th birthday and the astonishing lady was showered with well-deserved love – and gifts – on her extra special day.
Anne said: “She got lots of lovely presents and cards, including one from the Queen.
“Taylor went to her house to spend the day with her with his son Taylor Junior and grandson Taylor; so four generations were all under the same roof on the day, which is very fitting.
“It’s an absolutely wonderful achievement for Patricia to reach her 100th birthday and she’s still going strong; she is a truly remarkable lady and we are all very proud of her.”