Familiar face retires from local opticians

Ann, who has been serving the local community for the past twenty six years as a receptionist at the Western Road opticians, retired on 31st March.

Ann said: "I am trying not to think about how much I will miss work, seeing my colleagues and all the patients that I have got to know so well."

However, like husband John Dowling, who worked for the Bexhill Observer for over 47 years, Ann will be kept busy in retirement.

Ann and John are committed to working for the League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital, in addition they regularly take care of their two grandchildren and enjoy gardening.

Keen walkers, the couple are also looking forward to spending more time together and plan to travel more, visiting National Trust properties and other places of interest.

Ann has enjoyed her time at Barraclough and Stiles and said it has been a "fantastic firm to work for", adding:

"They genuinely care for their staff and patients. I have never been unhappy to be heading into work despite having to keep up with all the computerisation and NHS rules and regulation changes."

Born and bred in Bexhill, Ann feels passionate about the town. After leaving school she spent fourteen years working at the Town Hall, which is where she met John.

Later Ann became secretary to the Rector at St Peter's Church and worked in a local estate agents prior to joining Barraclough & Stiles. Company MD, Jeremy Heynes said they are sorry to see her go:

"Ann will be greatly missed by customers and colleagues alike. She has been such a reliable and cheerful team member and has played a valuable role in building a practice that prides itself on friendly customer relationships by ensuring we have plenty of time with each person. In particular her incredible ability to put names to faces has been a real asset.

"She will be a hard act to follow."