rawlings celebrates 111 years

Rawlings Opticians, the eight-practice company based in the south east, celebrated its 111th year with a charity ball at Winchester Guildhall at the end of January.

The ball, in aid of Vision Aid Overseas, celebrated a business which was established in Croydon in 1895, where Rawlings continues to trade to this day.

At the ball, Richard Rawling (right) managing director - and one of the fourth generation of the Rawling family involved in the profession - presented a cheque for 1,000 to Peter Mills, a VAO trustee.

'The ball was a wonderful opportunity for all practices to gather together,' said Rawling, 'not only to celebrate 111 years of history but also to promote a very worthy cause.' The charity has long been connected with Rawlings, with staff joining VAO teams for projects in Uganda and Ghana.