Bryony Higginbotham, who lives in the Stannington area, is going all out to inject a hirsute twist to the most glamorous date on the country's greyhound calendar next week. The owner of Ecclesall Road's Verduci hair salon is charged with ensuring the bouffants are as eye-catching as the hats at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium's Ladies Day event on Tuesday night. The event is in aid of St Luke's Hospice.

Sportsman Tavern tickets (including chicken and chips/Pimms reception/admission/programme/hat competition entry/disco and late bar) cost £12 each. Tel 234 3074 or see www.owlertonstadium.co.uk.


St Luke's Hospice
I have supported St Luke's Hospice for many years and get involved when and where I can. When my gran was diagnosed with cancer, the hospice helped enormously. I don't know what we'd have done without them. They helped so much with the needs of both my gran and my grandfather. It's such a worthwhile cause and when I was approached to join in with the Ladies Day fundraiser I jumped at the chance. It never fails to amaze me how many patients and families they continue to help.

Owlerton Stadium
This venue conjures up such fond memories. I frequented Owlerton Stadium a lot when I was growing up. I remember going to lots of big, family events – I think we'd troupe down there nearly every week. One of my fondest memories is feeling extremely grown up as I stood in the bar with all the grown-ups. My parents used to put cheeky 50p bets on for me and I was so thrilled if I won anything!

Sheffield artists
Since buying my first house a few months ago, I have found a new love for art, especially home-grown talent.

I have admired the work of several artists for years, my favourite being rising star Pete McKee. I now have five pieces of his work, the most recent of which the Oasis 1994 tour poster which he kindly signed for me.

It has pride of place in my living room. I also love works by Melissa Gormley, which can be seen in the salon.
I intend to further my newly found art interest with visits to the city's Great Sheffield Art Show and Art in the Gardens events later this summer.

Sheffield antiques shops
Another new passion which has surfaced since buying my house is a love of antiques. Not the big expensive kind, but I seem to fall for anything quaint and old – anything that's not from IKEA! Sheffield Antiques Emporium in Broadfield Road and Antics on Ecclesall Road are my favourites. It's a real trip down memory lane when ever I visit them. The smell gets me every time - like my nan's attic! Toys and stuff I had as a child always grab my attention. Its very nostalgic!

Ecclesall Rd/ Sharrowvale
An obvious choice as my salon is on Ecclesall Road, but I love the variety that both places have, whether it's a quick bite to eat, a few drinks or some serious shopping, it has it all. Not many places have all that and the fantastic, sprawling Endcliffe Park thrown in for good measures.

The Stonehouse pub, Church Street
I have to say this place because all my favourite nights out over the years have either started or ended here!
In its heyday it was unlike any other pub in Sheffield, playing new styles of music and attracting a very diverse mix of people. My friends and I still reminisce about "the good old days".
The Stonehouse has now closed and being made into a shop, which I feel is a real waste.

Shopping in Sheffield
Well I'm only human! Like most girls, when I'm not working I take great solace in hitting the shops. I love Division Street, as you can start at Within Reason for some great little household goods and then shop and have a few afternoon cocktails in The Forum. Meadowhall is another favourite. I'm not sure Sheffield is quite up to Manchester's and Leeds' standards, but were getting there.

Leopold Square
As well as it being an impressive redevelopment, I love all the new bars and restaurants they have under there, Wagamamas being my absolute favourite. The whole place has a really chilled out vibe, its a great place to meet up with friends for a drink after work and it's what the city centre has been crying out for. Along with West One and the Peace Gardens, Sheffield is really starting to offer some quality in the city centre.