*
banner

The Musician's Optician eyes National title

Allegro Optical — 'The Musician's Optician', is celebrating having reached the finals of the prestigious Optician Awards for the fourth year running.

Allegro
  Allegro Optical's Kim Walker has been spearheading the NHS initiative

Allegro Optical, the Meltham and Greenfield based opticians is looking to add another 'national' to their ever-growing list of accolades following the announcement that Dispensing Optician Kim Walker has been shortlisted for one of the industry's most prestigious awards.

Arts specialist

Allegro Optical are the world's only performing Arts specialist optician. In 2018 they became the only optical group in the UK to gain registration with the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company continued to provide its essential services in line with strict protocols and regulations and played an important role with their specialised knowledge and expertise in delivering eye care to the local community as well as supporting musicians having to perform in very different circumstances.

NHS staff

This included dispensing safety eyewear to local NHS staff. Working with Bolle safety eyewear, a team headed by Kim, have been dispensing PPE eyewear to the staff of The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust, St James's Hospital Trust, and starting this month, Calderdale & Huddersfield Hospital Trusts.

Managing Director Sheryl Doe Bsc FBDO told 4BR: "The team wanted to help the NHS workers and led by Kim they have worked long hours in all the hospitals, seeing up to 50 patients a day.

Even on Kim's day off, she has gone to work and sometimes stayed overnight due to bad weather. It's through her hard work that has led to her being deservedly shortlisted for the prestigious Dispensing Optician of the Year award."

Double

Allegro Optical's outstanding work has already claimed numerous accolades, with Sheryl herself winning the award in 2019.

The business also hopes to make it a 'double' after being nominated in the SME News, 'West Yorkshire's Most Trusted Family Run Eye Care Clinic' category for the second year running.

Kim has been working on the project since January and has really made it her own, enabling the project to expand its reach from the initial clinics in Wakefield to three more hospital trustsAllegro Optical

Delighted

Joint Managing Director and Kippax MD, Stephen Tighe told 4BR: "We are delighted that Kim has been shortlisted. It's a testament to her work and dedication.

Kim has been working on the project since January and has really made it her own, enabling the project to expand its reach from the initial clinics in Wakefield to three more hospital trusts".

Find out more about Allegro Optical and book an appointment



If you would like to book a comprehensive performing arts specialist eye examination call Meltham 01484 907090 or Greenfield 01457 353100.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


ISB and Fodens

Friday night Gregson spotlights

October 10 • You will be spoilt for a Gregson choice between the ISB and Ian Bousfield and Foden's and Mike Lovatt if you are in London this evening.


World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Swiss

What's your National knowledge like?

October 10 • The Swiss brass band website 'Brass Band News' is testing your knowledge of the winners of the National Championship title to see how many you can name in the right years since 1900.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


Audley Brass

October 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 3 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd