A Monmouth optician that was forced to relocate in the wake of Storm Claudia last winter has officially celebrated its return to its Cinderhill Street home, bringing together patients, local residents, suppliers and supporters to raise money for charity.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Rob Barrell officially marked the reopening of Monnow Eyecare’s newly refurbished practice.

The team was forced to temporarily relocate to smaller premises at Singleton Court Business Park while extensive repairs were carried out in the wake of the devastating flooding last November.

Despite the challenges, the team continued providing essential eye care services to patients throughout the disruption. This week’s celebration event also provided an opportunity for Monnow Eyecare to give something back to the community that supported the team during the difficult period.

A charity raffle raised more than £800 for Monmouth Aid, with Monnow Eyecare topping up the total to make a £1,000 donation towards the charity’s work supporting people still affected by the floods.

Practice Director and Clinical Lead Helen Tilley said: “Coming back to Cinderhill Street was always about far more than reopening a building. This practice means an enormous amount to our team, our patients and the wider community, so being able to celebrate our return with so many of the people who supported us has been really special.

“The flooding was an incredibly difficult experience, but it also showed us just how strong and supportive our community is. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who continued to support us while we worked from our temporary premises, and to everyone who has helped us get back home.

“Raising £1,000 for Monmouth Aid felt like the perfect way to mark our return. We know there are still people dealing with the consequences of the flooding, and we’re delighted that our celebration could help support them.”

Suzy Mills of Monmouth Aid said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Monnow Eyecare for choosing to support Monmouth Aid. Nearly a year on from the floods, there are still residents who have not been able to return to their homes, while many others are still battling insurance claims and the financial impact of what happened.

“We continue to hear from people who need help and assistance, so every penny raised helps us continue supporting those in our community who need it.”

Monnow Eyecare would like to thank all those who donated raffle prizes, including Usk Show, Tree Spectacles, Amplify Hearing, Rodenstock, Essilor, Pro Design Denmark and Moscot.

Thanks also go to Peep Club Eyecare, Thea, Scope and The Eye Doctor for providing gifts for guests’ goodie bags.

The newly refurbished Monnow Eyecare practice features new flooring, upgraded consulting rooms and modernised facilities, providing the team with a welcoming space from which to continue serving patients in the heart of Monmouth.