Duke of Westminster toasts 100 years of Waltons
The Duke of Westminster joined in the festivities with colleagues from Waltons of Chester at a sparkling centenary celebration.
His Grace attended a Champagne reception at the Eastgate shop, where Waltons staff from the jeweller’s four shops celebrated 100 years of excellence.
To mark the occasion, Richard Hogben, General Manager of Waltons of Chester, presented the Duke of Westminster with an Edwardian silver sugar caster with a Chester hallmark from 1909.
Speaking at the event, The Duke said:
“Happy birthday. I wanted to come here to demonstrate what I think businesses are to Chester – Waltons are what businesses are all about. It is an astonishing achievement to have survived 100 years and in the case of Lowe’s since 1770. Waltons have been a hallmark of excellence in Chester for so many years.
There is a risk that Chester might lose its pre-eminence of shopping experience in the North West – but if we follow the example of Lowe’s and Waltons, Chester has a great and prosperous future. Isn’t it nice to have a solid flagship business for Chester. No business can survive without an outstanding staff – that is the DNA of any business. You are an astonishing example. Nothing is better, being a customer myself, than knowing the person who is serving you – you get that attention at Waltons.
More recent years have tried the patience of all businesses. Having survived and prospered, Waltons can look forward to a prosperous future.”
Richard Hogben added:
“We are delighted that His Grace can join us for our 100th celebration in the shop. Waltons is one of the few independents in a prime location left in Chester. It is impossible to guess the number of wedding rings purchased from Waltons. We have seen five different monarchs, two World Wars and are in the middle of the worst economic climate. Waltons is delighted to be part of the Chester Renaissance.”
Waltons of Chester, which has 33 members of staff, was founded by Bertram Walton in 1909, during the reign of Edward VII. Waltons has a combined staff service of 450 years, with David Lee, Manager of 45, Eastgate Street, Chester, being the longest serving member of staff with 35 years service.
The second Waltons store was opened at 45, Eastgate Street in 1919 and the Wrexham Shop was opened in 1935. In 1951, Waltons became a limited company. In 1988, Lowe & Sons, which has been part of Chester since 1770, was bought by Edward Walton.
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Photos (300dpi plus) and further press information available at Marketing Projects’ web site in the press office for Waltons of Chester at
http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/news/waltons-of-chester
CAPTION:
The Duke of Westminster receiving an Edwardian silver sugar caster with a Chester hallmark from 1909, presented by Richard Hogben, General Manager of Waltons of Chester.
Waltons of Chester was established in 1909 and is one of the best and most respected jewellers in the country.
Waltons of Chester offer a fabulous selection of watches, diamonds and jewellery, backed up by experienced and friendly staff who provide all the services expected of a high-class county jeweller.
Waltons, whose head office is Eastgate Street, Chester also have shops at The Cross in Chester, Hope Street, Wrexham and Lowe & Sons, Bridge Street Row, Chester. Waltons of Chester sell watches by Jaeger LeCoultre, Brietling, Omega, IWC, Rado, Chanel, Raymond Weil, Longines and Baume & Mercier, clocks and jewellery brands include Mikimoto, Faberge and Lalique.
For more information please visit www.waltonsofchester.co.uk
Press Contact:
Press information: Phil Brotherhood Marketing Projects PR
Mobile and out of hours: 0788 44 93370
Email: phil@marketingprojects.co.uk
Office: 01244 330000
Company Contact:
Richard Hogben General Manager of Waltons of Chester
45, Eastgate Street
Chester
CH1 1LR Tel: 01244 325972
Website: www.waltons-the-jewellers.co.uk
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