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Cefn Fforest barbershop to feature in BBC Two documentary

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 11:45, Thursday February 28th, 2019.

Shirley Walker has been cutting hair for nearly 70 years

A short documentary about a barbershop in Cefn Fforest will be aired on BBC Two on Thursday, February 28.

Shirley Walker, who owns Shirley’s Barbershop, has been cutting hair for nearly 70 years.

Mrs Walker took over the barbershop from her father, Scottie Jones, who first opened the shop in the 1930s  as ‘Scottie’s the Barbers’.

Shirley Walker took over the barbershop from her father

The documentary has been directed by Clare Potter, who is originally from Cefn Fforest.

The 15-minute documentary, called The Wall and the Mirror, is part of BBC Wales’ New Voices From Wales series, which gives people with no directing experience a chance to direct their own documentary film.

The programme is now in its second series.

Ms Potter told Caerphilly Observer: “I have never directed anything before.

“I’m a poet and my father always goes into Shirley’s barbershop.

“I went there hoping to write a poem about the shop, but when I saw the opportunity to make a documentary, I pitched my idea and was lucky enough to be chosen.”

Ms Potter, who now lives in Church Village having spent ten years in the United States, said: “I have no experience of directing so this is a good learning curve.

“I had a mentor with me, as well as a camera man and sound technician. I was able to go into the editing suite afterwards and work there.

“I was involved in every step.”

New Voices From Wales will air at 11.15pm tonight (Thursday, February 28) on BBC Two Wales.

Mei Lewis/It's My Shout
Mei Lewis/It's My Shout

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