Opticians Celebrates Anniversary by Helping Donkeys That Help People
ONE of Beccles’ leading stores celebrated two years of service and more than 50 years of experience in the town on Saturday 23 September.
The Specsavers store, located on The Walk, marked its two-year anniversary by raising money for a local charity.
Specsavers in Beccles fundraised more than £1,000 for Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing.
By visiting community groups, voluntary organisations, dementia groups or special needs groups, the charity uses its mood-boosting donkeys to help people with their wellbeing.
There were prizes to be won at the store’s anniversary celebrations, including a tombola and hamper raffle, as well as a chance to meet the donkeys who came to visit the store.
The stores clinical manager, Deanna Miles, says: ‘We had a great time on Saturday to celebrate our second birthday, and to raise £1,055 for a charity that is close to us in store and in the community was really special.
‘We had donations for our fundraiser from the local businesses here in Beccles, and we are ecstatic with the results.’
While the store is only two years old, the combined experience of the team of seven is over 50 years. Store director Hillary Hayes qualified in 1999 and worked in several stores including Ipswich, Stowmarket and Diss.
She says: ‘I am very proud the store and all of our team. We wouldn’t be here today without them.’
The dispensing optician, Maxine Starling, has been qualified since 1998 and will be celebrating 25 years of working with Specsavers later this year.
Maxine says: ‘I can’t believe it’s nearly 25 years. It’s gone by so quickly. Clearly I’m enjoying it.’
The store also has three team members who have just completed or are training, in their Cert level 3 and 4, to be dispensing opticians.
Hillary adds: ‘We are very pleased with all our team members. They are excelling in their roles and we can’t wait for another two years.’
If you can’t visit one of Specsavers’ 1,000 locally-owned stores unaccompanied, due to disability or illness, it also offers access to eye health for all via its Home Visits service, which covers more than 90% of the UK.
For further information, call the store on 01502 440609 or visit