‘Nowhere else we’d rather be’ - South Shields opticians celebrates its 100th anniversary
A South Shields opticians celebrates provides 100 years of eye care in the town.
The local community has come together to celebrate the 100th anniversary a beloved South Shields independent opticians.
Healthcare professionals, local businesses, patients and members of South Tyneside Council joined together at S Walton Eyecare Opticians, on Stanhope Road, on Wednesday, July 15, to mark the occasion.
Initially called Sidney Walton Opticians Ltd when it was founded by Sidney Walton in 1926, the business has taken over by a local optometrist, Herbert Marsden, in the 1950s.
Following Mr Marsden’s death in 2006, the business had closed down and put up for sale before it was purchased and reinvented into what it is today by optometrist Kaye Winship.
Kaye has ensured that the store has continued to thrive and has expanded its offering to include advanced eyecare services not available on the NHS, as well as hearing care services.
‘There’s nowhere else we’d rather be’
Speaking about the business, she said: “I think what has really set us apart from other opticians in the area and has been key to our success is the fact that we really take the time to spend more time and to listen to our customers.
“Our eye tests typically take twice as long as our competitors, as we really take the time to go into detail with our customers and help solve their problems.
“We have also tried to build on the legacies of Sidney and Herbert by continuing to give back to the local community, assisting local charities in their work, and sponsoring local rugby teams and MMA champions.
“We also provide NHS eye tests to the homeless through our work with EMMAUS.
“We are incredibly proud to be a South Shields business with deep roots in the town.
“There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.”
Praising the South Tyneside Pledge
The opticians is among more than 400 organisations to be part of the South Tyneside Pledge, which commits to boosting the local economic and improve life across the borough.
Kaye has praised the support that the business has received through the Pledge to help it to continue to thrive.
She added: “None of this would be possible had it not been for the support we’ve received from organisations such as South Tyneside Council and TEDCO over the years and getting involved in initiatives such as the South Tyneside Pledge.
“Over the last few years, we have secured a grant for a new website, received business coaching and have attended events to help grow the business, all of which have been key to helping us continue moving forward.
“It’s lonely being a business owner at times, but the fantastic business support ecosystem we have here really brings us together and has hopefully helped ensure we can continue trading for another 100 years.”
A visit from the Mayor of South Tyneside
Cllr Stan Wildhirt, Mayor of South Tyneside, has congratulated the opticians on reaching the impressive milestone.
He commented: “It was great to join Kaye and the team to mark the 100th anniversary of S. Walton Eyecare.
“At a time when high street businesses are really feeling the pinch, it is fantastic to see historic independent businesses like S Walton continuing to invest in their towns and providing such a crucial service for local people.
“The company is a true South Tyneside success story.”