GUEST SPEAKER JULES THRELFALL-RYAN

The Chair John Hunt Introduced Jules Threlfall-Ryan, our guest speaker. As Jules is a hairdresser, and chatting is a crucial part of the trade, John thought he would get the best out of Jules if she was in a hairdressing environment. Volunteers were called for and Louise was the lucky "hairdressee" and microphone holder while Jules was interviewed by John.

Jules (Julie) was born on 21 October 1966 at St John of God Hospital in Warrnambool to parents Marie and Tony Trelfall. Her siblings are Peter and Jane. She grew up in Ballengeih on a sheep/cattle farm and went to Ellerslie Primary School until moving to Warrnambool when she was 10. She attended St Pius Primary School and then St Ann's College. She left school at the end of Year 10 and started a 4 year hairdressing apprenticeship at Barb's Hairdressing doing both men and ladies. At 19 she opened her first salon "Julie's Cut 'n Comb" in Morris Road, Warrnambool.

She married Wayne Ryan at 21 and after 4 years, sold the salon and traveled the east coast of Australia for 14 months, working along the way doing haircuts in various caravan parks. She spent 5 months in Queensland working as a hostess on a cruise boat that did day trips to Sanctuary Cove and private charters for various people, including groups of Japanese - very challenging 22 Japanese people to lunch when they couldn't speak English and Julie couldn't speak Japanese. Ordering meals was entertaining!

Home after 14 months Jules worked with Jane McNeil for 12 months, then back to Queensland for 12 months, then home again. She bought Deejay's Cafe in Kepler Street which they had for 1 years and sold when Jack, first son, was born in 1993. Tom followed in 1994, Will came along in 1997 and Harry in 2001. Always worked from home around the boys.

Wayne and Jules separated 11 years ago and remain good friends.

She re-started Julie's Cut 'n Comb as a complete salon from home 4 years ago on Donovan's Road and does some mobile hairdressing. She does voluntary hairdressing in palliative care that she has been doing for 8 years.

Her 3 older sons all live independently and Harry lives with Jules and her partner of 5 years, Dion Symons.

Following the interview, there was a pile of blonde hair on the floor and Louise looked a treat, proving beyond any doubt that Jules is multi-skilled and can do three things at the same time, talk, cut hair and drink wine! Thank you for sharing your story Jules.