Specsavers teams up with town festival
Since first opening its doors last year on Victoria Square in Ashbourne, the local Specsavers store has firmly established itself as part of the community, reaching out to local causes. Most recently, Specsavers sponsored Ashbourne’s Picnic in the Park
“AS a local business, we’re passionate about supporting our town,” says Ashbourne Specsavers store director Andrew Wells.
Victoria Square, where the store is based, came alive during Ashbourne’s Streetfest when food stalls pitched on the cobbles as part of the two days of outdoor performances. Streetfest is the opening event of the Ashbourne Festival, which brings 17 days of activities to the town, celebrating the arts in all forms.
“It was wonderful to have the buzz, the delicious smells and the chatter on the square,” Andrew adds. “I spoke to the Ashbourne Festival team about what we could do to help support this brilliant event.”
The festival takes place every June and July, bringing an eclectic blend of the best possible classical and contemporary arts to the town. It’s now established as one of the town’s unusual mix of traditions, which includes Shrovetide football and the Christmas Lantern Procession.
PICNIC IN THE PARK
At the end of the 17 days, the festival team organises a Picnic in the Park, open to everyone at Ashbourne
Park. This year, Ashbourne Specsavers sponsored the event, donating towards the cost of the jazz band, Hot House Jazz, a group of young musicians, brought together by the Derby Hot House music school.
The picnic followed a fun run and half marathon, organised by the local running club.
Specsavers team members, optical assistant Angela Marshall and store manager Tara Ward attended the picnic and gave balloons to children while enjoying the atmosphere and talking to people about eye care.
Even if you haven’t noticed a change in your eyes, Specsavers recommends that everyone should have their eyes tested every two years, or sooner if you notice any problems.
Regular eye examinations are an important health check and can help pick up underlying problems before they become a major issue.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Ashbourne Festival is a registered charity run solely by volunteers, and the team is always on the lookout for new recruits, as well as financial support to help fund the festival and other events.
“It’s great to have a company come new to the town and offer their support,” says festival organiser Jacqui Marsh.
“We couldn’t put on these wonderful and varied events without the time and effort of volunteers and money we receive from businesses and individuals throughout the year. We always need more people to help out so please get in touch if you’d like to get involved.”
To contact Ashbourne Festival, call 01335 348707 or email info@ ashbournefestival.org
For more information, visit Specsavers at 3 Victoria Square, Ashbourne, Derby, DE16 1GG, call 01335 348538 or go to www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ ashbournederby
As a local business, we’re passionate about supporting our town. Store director Andrew Wells