The Future of Fore Bondgate

02/05/2026

I have been painting since I can remember, specifically when I was still at school painting portraits of 60s pop stars for girls in my class, to doing portraits of my workmates on nightshift at Bakelite Plastics, until in 1980 I decided to go professionally. Well I didn’t make that decision, Bakelite made it for me when they moved back to Birmingham. I don’t think it had anything to do with me painting on nightshift, but I can’t rule it out.

So 46 years ago I changed careers and here I am now still painting away, I have to as Lynn keeps finding me work so that I don’t become senile. That is her major worry along with “Don’t Break A Hip”

Now we have decided to create the upstairs gallery to feature my story in art with an exhibition of paintings and stories from my new book of my travels, mishaps, friendships, but mainly funny episodes of my life in art.

I have been talking about writing this book for years, and featured some stories here on Facebook now and then. Well the book is finished and will be available to buy from June 27th when we open the exhibition. I will be there on the day to sign the books and will include a hand painted bookmark from me.

The book is called “A Proper Job” and also includes small sketches from the stories, if you think you would like a signed copy on the day, let Lynn or me know and we will reserve one for you.

More about the exhibition in the next weeks.

Eric

18/03/2026

15/01/2026

Online booking is open 24/7 via the link in our bio 🤍

15/01/2026

Hello 2026 ✨

As we head into a new year, I wanted to share a few important and very exciting updates from the salon.

First up, has officially been promoted to Lead Stylist / Supervisor.
She has worked incredibly hard, shown so much growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. This role is so well deserved and I know she’s going to absolutely thrive.

This also ties in with a small shift for me. Over the coming months, my role will continue to evolve as I move further into education alongside Alfaparf Milano.
From March, I’ll be stepping back from working Saturdays behind the chair, while still remaining very much involved in the salon and supporting the team day-to-day.

From January, the hair side of the salon will be closed every other Saturday.
This change has been made to prioritise the wellbeing of my team and support a healthier work-life balance. On the weeks we’re closed Saturdays, we’ll be offering two late nights instead, so appointments remain accessible and flexible.

As always, thank you for your continued support, loyalty and trust. It genuinely means more than you’ll ever know.
Here’s to a happy, healthy year ahead and we can’t wait to welcome you back 🤍

Michaela x

15/01/2026

Unleash your creativity this February with our highly anticipated jewellery-making courses!

Join expert goldsmith Kate Seow for a day of hands-on learning.

From crafting 3 stunning Silver Stacker Rings in the morning to creating beautiful Gemstone Stacker Rings in the afternoon, you’ll not only gain valuable skills but also create timeless pieces of art to cherish.

With a limited number of spots available (6 to a class), make sure to secure your place now for only £75 per class. Booking is easy, just hop on over to peace-gold.com to register! Don't miss this opportunity to learn, create, and become part of our jewellery-making community!

20/11/2025

Transform your memories into timeless treasures.

At PeaceGold, we believe every piece of jewellery has a story worth retelling. Why not breathe new life into your old gold pieces?

Our expert goldsmiths can remodel your treasured items into stunning designer jewels that express your unique style while preserving your heritage.

Join us on this journey of transformation, where sustainability meets creativity and every design captures your essence!

www.peace-gold.com
Contact us on 0191 406 7716
e-mail [email protected]

16/11/2025

Pop along to the Lost Cause Club to support the lads in this wonderful initiative .
Give their post a share to get the word out far and wide !

11/10/2025

Wow this looks fun !

Exciting news! Bishop Auckland Town Council are thrilled to announce a brand-new addition to this year’s festive celebrations – a spectacular Christmas Parade taking place on Friday 5 December 2025 at 6:30pm, right in the heart of the town. This exciting new event is part of the wider Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town, and is proudly funded and led by the Town Council as a way to bring even more festive magic to the community.

The Council has commissioned Jack Drum Arts, based in Crook, to create a vibrant and inclusive parade featuring, Samba Drumming Elves, Giant Puppets including Santa, dancers, naughty Elves and majestic Ice King and Queen. The parade will travel from the Town Council Office on Kingsway, out onto Newgate Street, and will make its way along to the Market Place, where it will loop and finish outside of the Town Hall. Town Council are funding the parade as well as being a principle partner in the Christmas Town event.

You can get involved by coming along to one of the lantern making workshops you can book a place by emailing [email protected]

23/08/2025

Super pleased to see the girls busy !

BOOKED & BUSY 💥
We’re in that beautiful-but-chaotic place where last-minute slots are basically unicorns — rare and gone in a flash.

If you’ve got a night out, holiday, or your roots are about to stage a comeback tour… get yourself in the diary now.
(We love you, but we can’t squeeze miracles into a packed column 😉)

Massive thanks to everyone who books ahead and gives us plenty of notice for cancellations — you’re the reason we can keep this place running like the glam machine it is.

💇‍♀️ PS: We’re looking for another experienced stylist to join the madness. If you can handle colour, cuts, and our salon banter, email [email protected]

23/08/2025