Winners of the Thompson Opticians Northumberland & Durham Fire Brigade Golf Championship. Held at Blyth Golf Course 7th September 2004.
Champions: Mick Cairns (left) and Garry Wilson (right)
Alnmouth Coastal Race
Thompson Opticians sponsored the 14 mile Beadnell to Alnmouth Coastal race on Sunday July 18th.
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Trip Of A Life Time
A Journey to the North East by a group of children from Chernobyl became the trip of a lifetime recently, thanks to the fantastic generosity of patients of Thompson Opticians.
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Claire Fleming performs an eye test on one of the children |
Sixty-two children, ranging from 7 to 16 years of age, travelled to the region in July to enjoy a short break from their own region of Belarus, which continues to face turmoil following an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in April 1986. High radiation levels, have had a devastating effect on the health of millions. Life expectancy in the region is only 32 years and all of the children who visited the North East have at least one form of cancer.
Thompson Opticians' involvement began with a request for eye-tests on the children from the Charity Chernobyl North East. Then, a request for help, from patients of Thompson Opticians resulted in endless gifts, clothing and assistance in organising events.
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Kevin Thompson - Managing Director of Thompson Opticians greets the children before their eye tests. |
Marion Fleming at Thompson Opticians said the response from the patients was "unbelievable". She added: "We asked for clothes and other items for the children and received literally van loads." Marion described how other donations led to day trips, meals out and a final night party hosted by Metro FM presenter Wayne Tunnicliffe.
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MetroFM presenter Wayne Tunnicliffe gives the children a party to remember |
Following the eye-tests at Thompson's Chester-le-Street branch, fourteen children were provided with glasses. Ruth Bond, co-ordinator with local charity Chernobyl North East, said that this contribution alone was of great importance because of the lack of eye-care facilities in Belarus.
However, both Ruth and Marion agreed that what was best about the whole event was being able to see first hand how much fun and happiness it had given the children. Both expressed their gratitude to all the staff and patients who gave donations or offered their time.
Thompson Opticians plans to continue supporting the children of Chernobyl, making the cause its "charity of the year" and said it will "do it all again" next year.
Keep watching this space for more updates.
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The children sing a traditional song |
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Rennington Scarecrow Festival
Thompson Opticians sponsored this years "Rennington Scarecrow Festival" with what we believe is the largest spectacle wearing scarecrow this side of the yellow brick road.
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