After last year's Jubilee celebrations I thought there may be a bit of a lull in royal activity. No so. Not only is the nation looking forward to the first royal baby in some time but Queen Elizabeth II also celebrated the 60th anniversary of her coronation.That day also saw the Royal warrant holders lunch at the Hilton to which Optician was invited by Roger Pope, the holder of the Royal warrant for optics.
It might have been assumed that the thrust of the day would be about elite provision of the very best available. In fact the tone echoed very closely the sentiments of the independent optical sector.
The themes were all about design, craftsmanship, service and human scale working. The day saw a range of presentations and awards including the scholarships made by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust.Trades and crafts can trace their links with the monarchy back to the twelfth century, indeed they are the forerunners to the City's livery companies.
QEST continues that tradition and so far it has awarded £2m in scholarships to almost 300 craftsmen and women.
