All eyes on former Mayor and Mayoress who relaunch Walthamstow opticians

Post on 8th August 2025

A Walthamstow opticians looked to a local couple to officially launch its relocated store.

Robert, 80, and Wenda Belam, 78, have been customers of Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care for 40 years and they were asked to perform the honours at the new unit in 17&Central shopping centre on Selborne Road. The couple received a gift to mark the occasion and in recognition of their loyal custom, as well as their commitment to the local community over many decades.

The new larger and brighter store features the latest digital eye examination equipment, including an OCT (optical coherence tomography) scanner and an updated range of frames, including a larger selection of the latest designer names.

Branch manager Louise Dourish said: “We have invested in the store and wanted to mark its upgrade and relocation in style. Robert and his wife Wenda have entrusted us with their eye and hearing care for many years, and I’ve had the pleasure of looking after them since I joined the branch 10 years ago.  They are so friendly and we always look forward to their visits – they always have wonderful stories to share about their latest travels.”

The couple, who have two children and three grandchildren, have lived in the Waltham Forest area since they married in 1969. They were Mayor and Mayoress in 2003 and Robert was an elected councillor for 20 years, which included serving as cabinet member for the environment. Despite officially being retired, he still keeps busy in the community as a police committee member, trustee of the Wadham Lodge Sports Trust and London Mayor Association membership secretary. And what’s left of their free time is spent travelling – either cruising on seas and rivers or enjoying local getaways.

Robert said: “Being involved in the official reopening was a really special occasion, and we enjoyed every minute.

“We’ve been going to Scrivens for more than 40 years, and we keep going back because the service is always second to none.

“The team is so knowledgeable and always makes us feel very welcome. We wish Louise and the team all the best for the reopening and continued success!”

Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care is a family run business which was established over 85 years ago in 1938. It has 166 high-street stores in towns and cities across England and Wales, with 1,000 employees.  For more information, visit scrivens.com.