Edney takes leave of Batemans

Batemans Opticians in Ryde on the Isle of Wight has recognised 25 years' service by its optometrist Ralph Edney. The company treated him to a celebratory lunch at the Sea View Hotel. Mr Edney had always been 'reluctant to retire' and has continued to work in the practice despite officially retiring in April 1999. He assures his colleagues that he is now 'hanging up his ophthalmoscope for good'. He is pictured being congratulated by Batemans managing director Nicholas Bateman.