Page 7

Company History

Circa 1910 Mr Richardson started the practice in North Parade, Halifax. In the 1930’s, Willie Wadsworth bought the practice and moved it to its present site in Regent Street. He and his family lived above the practice in what is now the workshop, ladies frame room and second consulting room.

In 1949 Mr George Gutsell bought the practice and in 1961 he was joined by Mr Alan Mackereth, who became a partner in the business in 1965. In 1975, they bought Mr Leach’s optical practice in Queens Road and merged it with Regent Street.

In 1976 George Gutsell retired and Mr I Wilcock became Alan Mackereth’s partner for two years before leaving and being replaced by Mr Steven Horsfall. In 1988, the practice was extended to cope with demand.
In 1990, Mr Horsfall left and Mr Andrew Gibson joined the practice. Mr Gibson and Mr Mackereth worked together until 1997 when the practice became part of the Whitakers group – Mr Mackereth continued to work part time within the group until September 2000.

Professional Staff

Mackereth Opticians has two full time Optometrists:-

Mr Jeremy Topliss BSc(Hons) MCOptom – qualified in Bradford in 1981

In charge of Dispensing at Mackereth Opticians is Mr Martyn Bury FBDO. Martyn qualified in 1979 whilst working at Whitakers in Sowerby Bridge under the supervision of Stanley Topliss. He has worked for several practices within Yorkshire and has come full circle to again work within the Whitakers group. Working with Dispensing Assistants, they will give advice on all aspects of frame and lens selection. This enables us to provide a thorough and professional service.