*
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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd