*
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    


Tourist

Could a tourist tax benefit brass bands?

October 31 • The Cultural Policy Unit and MPs back a tourist tax to support cultural attractions, creative districts and grassroots venues.


Isobel Daws

Daws focus to help musicians plan for a better playing future

October 31 • The critically acclaimed trombone soloist Isobel Daws has launched 'practice with focus' to help musicians develop their playing in a more effective way.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

October 31 • The latest episode of the Radio 3 programme will be aired this Sunday.


Tredegar Band

New signings at Tredegar as 150th celebrations come closer

October 31 • Four new signings join the Welsh band as they look to celebrate 150 years of proud history.


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd