03 Jul 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Simon Cox, manager and owner of Clipso hair salon in The Maltings Shopping Centre.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I can’t say that I walk to think, but I ride and hike to think. I love to moutain bike and when on easier sections I love to mull over the day and future events and prepare my plans.
Plus I love a challenge, as this inspires me, so I’ve hiked Snowden on a number of occasions including guiding a mate out to prepare for a longer hike he was aiming for, plus Pen-Y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons. Every time I go to visit friends I include one of these in my plans.
I have also guided one of my brothers up Scafell Pike in the Lake District. I have one more itch to scratch which is Helvellyn via Striding Edge.
Back to the orginal question – when I’ve achived these hikes and I’m sitting on the summit and taking in the views, it puts everything into perspective and allows me to adjust my ideas and make new plans.
What’s your favourite pub in St Albans?
The Peahen, especially in this glorious weather we are enjoying at the mo, as I love the atmos and the beer garden.
What is your favourite item of clothing?
My selection of Diesel Jeans and my All Saints trench coat.
What items do you always carry with you?
A sense of humour, my keys and my phone. Our phones are our handheld mini computers that allow us to talk to one another.
What object would save first if your house was on fire?
Well this is a difficult one, as I love so much that I have. I’ve had to think long and hard about this, but I’m going to cheat and save two things: my hairdressing kit bag and my moutain bike.
Sorry to all my other stuff:(
Are things better or worse?
A no-brainer, always better, as one of my traits is to look on the brighter side of life. You cannot control what is coming your way, but you can control the outcome by the way you decide to deal with it, so it’s only a problem if you don’t deal with life’s unexpected curveballs.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Don’t make my earlier mistakes, but for all the other stuff hit it harder and do it faster. Never regret what you have done because you will have the knowledge that if you did not like it you will choose not to do again. You will only regret what you have never done – because If Only!
Do you have any phobias?
Hell yes. One… SPIDERS. I blame my late father. BeforeI go on, if he was watching me publicly admiting this he would be laughing his socks off. When I was young and my family were on holiday – and this would only happen when away – whilst making fresh salads, he would twist the top off beef tomatoes and throw at me saying, “aaarrr spider” and I’d freak out, much to his amusement and the family’s.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Well I’m no Imelda Marcos, but at work I love my Dr Martens – sooooo comfy – and my high-top and low-top leather Converse. Going out I have two cool sets of ankle boots half leather half suede. Hiking I have a summer low and high top plus a winter high top. Mountain biking I have a set of low top and high top.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Well this is easy… Just me. Ageing is inevitable, but growing up is a choice and I’m not growing up any day soon!
