Two well-known Geralds helped cut the ribbon at the official opening of a new high street store.
Chipping Norton’s new Specsavers store, the 1,010th in the UK, was officially opened on May 8 with a launch event featuring Gerald Cooper of Clarkson’s Farm and Instagram gardening sensation Gerald Stratford famed for his giant veg.
Guests were treated to sweet and savoury refreshments, including slices of a celebratory cake.
Sundeep Rana, optical director at Specsavers Chipping Norton, said: “We were overwhelmed with the support we received as part of the official opening.
“It was fantastic to celebrate all of the hard work that has gone into getting the store ready to open.
“Making sure we are supporting and playing a part in the local community is something that is extremely important to us.
“Yes, we want to provide the very best eye and ear care service, but making sure we are giving back is also part of who we are as a business.”
The new store is operated by optical directors Mr Rana, Trevor Robinson, and Cathy Mullen, alongside audiology director Sebastian de Scarfo.
The store team has close community ties and sponsors Chipping Norton & District Cricket Club and Chipping Norton Swifts FC.
Representatives from both clubs, as well as charity partner Age UK, were invited to the launch event.
To mark the opening, the team donated £2,000 to Prostate Cancer UK.
Mr Rana, Ms Mullen, and Mr Robinson also run Specsavers Witney and collectively have more than 80 years’ experience in optical care.
Mr Robinson, optical director, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people to our launch.
“It felt like the culmination of lots of work behind the scenes, and to have so much support shown to us and the whole team was just brilliant.
“Now we’re looking forward to making sure we look after all the eye and ear care needs of the community as well as continuing to support the local causes and initiatives that are important to us.”
The store offers audiology appointments seven days a week in addition to its full range of eyecare services.
It also hosts a monthly ‘Chatterbox’ event at Lower Town Hall on the second Tuesday of each month in partnership with Age UK.
Specsavers Chipping Norton at 19 High Street, is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
