Lisa Galleozzie, who has owned the hairdressing salon “Wickhead” on Blackwood High Street for the past 16 years. Lisa started her apprenticeship at the salon aged fifteen when it was owned by and named after Ken and Hazel. After qualifying Lisa worked at several other local salons before returning to take control of the business when Ken passed away. Ken and Hazel owned the business for forty years and combined with Lisa’s 16 years at the helm it is now one of Blackwoods oldest hairdressing salons. Five stylists are employed at the salon ensuring the women of Blackwood are are expertly coiffured.
Lisa Galleozzie, who has owned the hairdressing salon “Wickhead” on Blackwood High Street for the past 16 years. Lisa started her apprenticeship at the salon aged fifteen when it was owned by and named after Ken and Hazel. After qualifying Lisa worked at several other local salons before returning to take control of the business when Ken passed away. Ken and Hazel owned the business for forty years and combined with Lisa’s 16 years at the helm it is now one of Blackwoods oldest hairdressing salons. Five stylists are employed at the salon ensuring the women of Blackwood are are expertly coiffured.
Lisa Galleozzie, who has owned the hairdressing salon “Wickhead” on Blackwood High Street for the past 16 years. Lisa started her apprenticeship at the salon aged fifteen when it was owned by and named after Ken and Hazel. After qualifying Lisa worked at several other local salons before returning to take control of the business when Ken passed away. Ken and Hazel owned the business for forty years and combined with Lisa’s 16 years at the helm it is now one of Blackwoods oldest hairdressing salons. Five stylists are employed at the salon ensuring the women of Blackwood are are expertly coiffured.
Lisa Galleozzie, who has owned the hairdressing salon “Wickhead” on Blackwood High Street for the past 16 years. Lisa started her apprenticeship at the salon aged fifteen when it was owned by and named after Ken and Hazel. After qualifying Lisa worked at several other local salons before returning to take control of the business when Ken passed away. Ken and Hazel owned the business for forty years and combined with Lisa’s 16 years at the helm it is now one of Blackwoods oldest hairdressing salons. Five stylists are employed at the salon ensuring the women of Blackwood are are expertly coiffured.
Lisa Galleozzie, who has owned the hairdressing salon “Wickhead” on Blackwood High Street for the past 16 years. Lisa started her apprenticeship at the salon aged fifteen when it was owned by and named after Ken and Hazel. After qualifying Lisa worked at several other local salons before returning to take control of the business when Ken passed away. Ken and Hazel owned the business for forty years and combined with Lisa’s 16 years at the helm it is now one of Blackwoods oldest hairdressing salons. Five stylists are employed at the salon ensuring the women of Blackwood are are expertly coiffured.
The family team of Martyn and Carol Laffan and their son Guy from Laffan Dental Care on Blackwood High Street. Newbridge born Martyn trained at Cardiff School of Dentistry where he met his wife Carol, also a dental student. After qualifying in 1977, he served with the Royal Navy and The Royal Marines before working as a dentist in the South West of England. In 1986 the family returned to South Wales where they purchased a dental practice owned by Dr Graham Pridding on Blackwood High Street. The practice, established in 1913 by the Lewis brothers, is now one of the oldest dental practices in Wales. In 2018 Bryntirion Dental Practice in Pontllanfraith was acquired. The practice offers state-of-the-art dentistry with the most up-to-date treatments and has won numerous awards, including “Practice of the Year” in 2020 when Guy, who was raised in Blackwood, was also voted “Young Dentist of the Year”.
The family team of Martyn and Carol Laffan and their son Guy from Laffan Dental Care on Blackwood High Street. Newbridge born Martyn trained at Cardiff School of Dentistry where he met his wife Carol, also a dental student. After qualifying in 1977, he served with the Royal Navy and The Royal Marines before working as a dentist in the South West of England. In 1986 the family returned to South Wales where they purchased a dental practice owned by Dr Graham Pridding on Blackwood High Street. The practice, established in 1913 by the Lewis brothers, is now one of the oldest dental practices in Wales. In 2018 Bryntirion Dental Practice in Pontllanfraith was acquired. The practice offers state-of-the-art dentistry with the most up-to-date treatments and has won numerous awards, including “Practice of the Year” in 2020 when Guy, who was raised in Blackwood, was also voted “Young Dentist of the Year”.
The family team of Martyn and Carol Laffan and their son Guy from Laffan Dental Care on Blackwood High Street. Newbridge born Martyn trained at Cardiff School of Dentistry where he met his wife Carol, also a dental student. After qualifying in 1977, he served with the Royal Navy and The Royal Marines before working as a dentist in the South West of England. In 1986 the family returned to South Wales where they purchased a dental practice owned by Dr Graham Pridding on Blackwood High Street. The practice, established in 1913 by the Lewis brothers, is now one of the oldest dental practices in Wales. In 2018 Bryntirion Dental Practice in Pontllanfraith was acquired. The practice offers state-of-the-art dentistry with the most up-to-date treatments and has won numerous awards, including “Practice of the Year” in 2020 when Guy, who was raised in Blackwood, was also voted “Young Dentist of the Year”.
Photographer Julian Fulton who has run his Blackwood High Street photography business since 2015. Specialising in wedding, portrait, pet and boudoir photography Julian’s interest in photography started when at Blackwood Comprehensive School and developed later at Crosskeys College where he studied photography. Ten years in the RAF followed before he started his photographic business in his home town in 2015.
Huw Edwards owner of Tidals Furniture Store on Blackwood High Street. The store is one of Blackwoods oldest, having been formed in 1937 by husband and wife duo Tidal and Bunnie Parsons. In their time the store was more of a Woolworths, selling everyday household items but changed to selling furniture when Woolworths actually moved into Blackwood. Huw’s Dad Ian who had worked in the family business of T E Edwards Furniture Store at the bottom end of Blackwood High Street bought Tidals in 1973. Huw has worked in the store for the last fifteen years and is the fifth generation of the family to have been involved in furnishing the homes of Blackwood. 13/10/25
Claire Woolley, who runs Woolleys Florist shop on Blackwood High Street. Claire’s grandfather George William Woolley started the business in 1939 selling flowers from a garden shed on Brynteg Avenue, Pontllanfraith before moving to the shops current home on the High Street fifty years ago. Claire’s parents Colin and Ingrid ran the business during most of this time and Claire herself has been involved for the past 37 years having started as a Saturday girl whilst at school and now takes the helm. 13/10/25
Rodney Screen a Salvation Army stalwart since his youth and a member of Bargoed Salvation Army Corp is a regular Friday fixture on Blackwood High Street where he can be seen raising funds by selling the Warcry magazine.
David Ridley of Ridley Shoe Repairs on Blackwoods Hall Street has been a cobbler all his life having learnt the trade working for his father in his home city of London. David came to Blackwood twenty two years ago having married a Blackwood girl, Helen Powell and has run the current business for nine years. The shop has been a cobblers for many years, certainly since the 1950’s and probably long before that.
Katie, Shirley and Katie, McKenzies Cafe Bar, Blackwood High Street
Patrick Jones of Gus Jones Jewellers on Blackwood High Street. The business is one of Blackwoods most long lived retailers having opened in Blackwood in 1962 after previously trading in a premises in Bargoed which had been opened in 1903 by Patricks Great Grandfather Gus Jones who’s name still adorns the three shops that now constitute the chain in Blackwood, Ebbw Vale and Abergavenny. At one time the business had eleven premises around South Wales. 14/10/25
Jessica Gibbs, left, supervisor for the past four years at Growing Space on Blackwood High Street is pictured with Regional Assistant Jordan Powell. The charity which has been on the High Street for five years supports people with mental ill health, autism or a learning disability through courses that develop skills and confidence. Courses are held throughout the charities many locations around Gwent and The Rhymney Valley and goods produced on the courses are sold in the charities shop in Blackwood. 22/10/25
Gavyn Bolton, owner of McKenzies Cafe Bar on Blackwood High Street. Gavyn took over the business in June 2022 after a career in hospitality.
Andy, rug man, Blackwood Market
Nicola Evans and staff, Baked in Blackwood
Nicola Evans, Baked in Blackwood
Mother and daughter team of Sue Jenkins and Sara Lewis who run the Kismet Gift Shop and Tearoom in The Pier, Blackwood. The business has been in its present location since 2004 but has been trading for 25 years. The family have a long association with retail in Blackwood with Sue’s father Les Davies having run Emilys Indoor Market above what was the Wilko store ( formerly Belle Vue and The Co-op ) on Blackwood’s High Street from 1994 until 2001.
Mother and daughter team of Sue Jenkins and Sara Lewis who run the Kismet Gift Shop and Tearoom in The Pier, Blackwood. The business has been in its present location since 2004 but has been trading for 25 years. The family have a long association with retail in Blackwood with Sue’s father Les Davies having run Emilys Indoor Market above what was the Wilko store ( formerly Belle Vue and The Co-op ) on Blackwood’s High Street from 1994 until 2001.
Mother and daughter team of Sue Jenkins and Sara Lewis who run the Kismet Gift Shop and Tearoom in The Pier, Blackwood. The business has been in its present location since 2004 but has been trading for 25 years. The family have a long association with retail in Blackwood with Sue’s father Les Davies having run Emilys Indoor Market above what was the Wilko store ( formerly Belle Vue and The Co-op ) on Blackwood’s High Street from 1994 until 2001.
Childhood pals Will Davies, left, and Tommi Webb, right who are relative newcomers to Blackwood High Street with their Kitchen Kings food outlet which they opened in April 2025 after starting the business from a burger van near Blackwood Rugby Club. The lads who were brought up in Ystrad Mynach both have backgrounds in catering with Will having worked in his fathers fish and chip shop and cafe in Newbridge whilst trained chef Tommi was a former head chef at The Cross Oaks pub in Oakdale.
Childhood pals Will Davies, left, and Tommi Webb, right who are relative newcomers to Blackwood High Street with their Kitchen Kings food outlet which they opened in April 2025 after starting the business from a burger van near Blackwood Rugby Club. The lads who were brought up in Ystrad Mynach both have backgrounds in catering with Will having worked in his fathers fish and chip shop and cafe in Newbridge whilst trained chef Tommi was a former head chef at The Cross Oaks pub in Oakdale.
Janet Johnston, mother of Hayley Thomas founder of HCT, The Helping Caring Team, charity which helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. Janet runs the charities shop f four days a week. The charity was set up seven years ago by Oakdale born Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals kitchen from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.
Hayley Thomas founder of HCT, The Helping Caring Team, charity which helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. The charity was set up seven years ago by Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals kitchen from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.
Hayley Thomas, right, founder and trustee of The Helping Caring Team Charity, HCT, and fellow trustee Suzanne, left. The Charity helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. The Charity which was set up seven years ago by Oakdale born Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals service from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.Janet Johnston, mother of Hayley Thomas founder of HCT, The Helping Caring Team, charity which helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. Janet runs the charities shop f four days a week. The charity was set up seven years ago by Oakdale born Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals kitchen from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.
Hayley Thomas, left, founder and trustee of The Helping Caring Team Charity, HCT, and Sarah Browne, right, who works in the Food bank HCT Pink Pantry. The Charity helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. The Charity which was set up seven years ago by Oakdale born Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals service from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.
Hayley Thomas, founder and trustee of The Helping Caring Team Charity, HCT. The Charity helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. Set up seven years ago by Oakdale born Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, the Charity has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals service from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.
Hayley Thomas, founder and trustee of The Helping Caring Team Charity, HCT. The Charity helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. Set up seven years ago by Oakdale born Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, the Charity has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals service from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.
Hayley Thomas, founder and trustee of The Helping Caring Team Charity, HCT. The Charity helps the homeless and vulnerable of Gwent from their Hub and shop on Bridge Street, Blackwood. Set up seven years ago by Oakdale born Hayley, whose dad Ian Johnston was Gwent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, the Charity has been at its current location for four years. As well as operating a food bank and meals service from its hub they also run the charity shop just up the street which helps fund the operation.
Street busker Martin Choi from Newport performs on Blackwood High Street most Friday mornings. He can also be found singing in Abergavenny, Monmouth and other Gwent towns.
Shiralee Tucker, Blackwood born and bred and still living in the town, is pictured with her four month old Cockapoo Gwenny. The pair are regulars around town and can often be found together outside McKenzies Cafe Bar where the adorable pooch attracts much attention from passers by.
Street busker Martin Choi from Newport performs on Blackwood High Street most Friday mornings. He can also be found singing in Abergavenny, Monmouth and other Gwent towns.
Al Kent, owner of Heart of The Valleys Records in Blackwood Market Place where he has been selling vinyl records for the past four and half years after previously trading in Blackwood for eleven years. Always a great sound emanates from the shop door as you walk past evoking times gone by as old but familiar tunes drift out. 13/9/25.
