Where there’s a wig, there’s a way.
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For nearly 20 years, the New England Wigs and Headwear Library served cancer patients, alopecia victims, and other women who have lost their hair, from late president Enid Rutledge’s property in Bundarra Road.
When Ms Rutledge died in November, and her home went on the property market, the Library found itself looking for a new home.
Today, the Library opened the doors of its new premises – 91 MacDonald Drive – and its first client had her wig fitted.
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“We cover the whole New England health region,” secretary Jan Day said. “We go as far north as Tenterfield, and as far west as Moree, and as far south as Bendemeer or Kootingal, and then Walcha is in our area.”
Before the Library was set up, women had to travel to Newcastle, Sydney, or Brisbane to get wigs. Local chemists and shops only sold scarves, beanies, and unfashionable hats – so many women stayed home until their hair grew back.
Enid Rutledge was one of the first patients to receive chemotherapy treatment in Armidale, back in 1998. When she lost her hair, and found it difficult to track down a suitable wig, she and her friends determined to meet a need in the community.
Today, the Library has around 290 wigs – some made from human hair, most made from an artificial fibre – and serves women of all ages.
"The youngest that we've catered for is 18 months; the oldest was 96,” Jan said. “We have also catered for the occasional man, but because men need a special glue on their bald head, we haven't opted to have the male hair. We've just stuck with female wigs.
“Those women who need wigs usually come to Armidale Hospital for their chemo, so we try and fit them that day, so they they don’t have to travel long distances all the time.”
Wigs cost around $300, and clients are expected to pay a $50 donation.
"It's theirs to keep,” Jan said. “We encourage them to donate it back to us if they no longer want it, but many keep them, just in case.”
The Library Committee works throughout the year to subsidize the cost. The members raise funds with raffles and market stalls. . Member Gwen Hodgson, of Guyra, runs a plant sale in October.
“I get wonderful support from everybody in the region with plants,” Gwen said. “I arrive home, and there'll be a box of plants sitting there.
“We're lucky that we live in a rural community, really. A lot of people know somebody close who has suffered cancer. It might be only be their next door neighbour, but everybody's aware of somebody. They're very supportive of anybody that helps.”
Regional Australia Bank and Tour de Rocks also donate funds.
“It'd be lovely to get some new members to help us,” Jan said. “We're all ageing, and none of us know how long we're going to be around, so we don't want to get really down below the number we're at now.”
The New England Wigs and Headwear Library is located at 91 Macdonald Drive, Armidale. Open by appointment only. Call Gwen Hodgson on 02 6772 6524. Customers need a referral from their GP or oncology unit.