heights.

Because the Island's barbers will cut a dash to Stonington Beach Hotel next month to attend an Oscars equivalent for hairstylists.

Pembroke haircutter Ricky Spence organised the lunch ceremony, set for Remembrance Day, November 11.

Stylists at Bermuda's 40 barber shops are already buying up tickets -- a snip at $25.

And Mr. Spence, 38, is organising enough awards for everyone who attends.

The idea is to start a new co-operative spirit between Bermuda's barbers.

He wants new arrangements to be forged so hairdressers refer their customers to other barbers if they are away or too busy.

The event could also help barbers learn new techniques from each other.

Mr. Spence said: "Very often, black barbers don't really know how to do white heads and white barbers don't really know how to do black heads.

"But this is something which could help us all learn from each other. We're not all in tune with each other but we can be and this could really help.'' Mr. Spence, who runs Ricky's Barber Shop on Glebe Road, North Shore, said the event would start at 1 p.m. and feature a comedy show by Earlwin "Bootsie'' Wolffe.

"I'm hoping as many of our barbers as possible will turn up,'' added Mr.

Spence, a barber for 24 years, since age 14.

And he said it was time for barbers to "stop being isolated''.

"It's about being connected,'' added Mr. Spence, who last organised a barbers' convention in 1995. "If I'm off sick, I want to know there is someone I can rely on to look after my customers.

"I'm sure there are other barbers who would like to enter into those kinds of arrangements.

"But it's hard work. Sometimes perhaps people don't realise the long hours you have to put in, especially being on your feet for such a long time.

Barbers can contact Mr. Spence on 292 7046.

BARBER'S CHAIR -- Ricky Spence, who runs a committee organising a special awards ceremony for barbers. He and fellow haircutter Donavin Mallory trim George Masters (left) and Jonell Huwey.