Tymbuktu - 40 'fabulous' years young and still going strong

Gillian Holt and Karen Astles are pictured outside Tymbuktu in Oldham

One of central Oldham’s longest-established businesses - the multi-award-winning beauty salon Tymbuktu - celebrated its 40th birthday yesterday (Tuesday).

Gillian Holt and Karen Astles initially started work at the Yorkshire Street base as teenagers, and only a few years later, both aged 20, the popular pair took the plunge and bought the businesses in 1980.

Since then Gillian and Karen, who currently employ five other staff, have built up a large and loyal client base.

For a beauty salon to have been in business for so many years is an enviable achievement.

Gillian and Karen have not only shown resilience to withstand tough financial times over the years, and especially most recently due to the coronavirus crisis, but they have also been able to adapt with trends and fashions constantly along the way.

Gillian and Karen said jointly: "We have had a fabulous 40 years filled with fun and joy.

"We've been blessed with amazing staff and customers.

"We still have customers who were here on our first day and still support us.

"This year has probably been the most challenging year of all, but we have managed to get through it and we can't thank our customers and staff enough."

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