Duke of Westminster joins 100th birthday celebrations for Chester jewellers Waltons

THE Duke of Westminster joined in the festivities with staff from Waltons of Chester at a sparkling centenary celebration.

The Duke attended a Champagne reception at the Eastgate Street shop, where Waltons staff from the jewellers’ four shops celebrated 100 years of excellence.

To mark the occasion, general manager Richard Hogben presented the Duke of Westminster with an Edwardian silver sugar caster with a Chester hallmark from 1909.

The Duke said: “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.

“No business can survive without an outstanding staff – that is the DNA of any business.

“More recent years have tried the patience of all businesses. Having survived and prospered, Waltons can look forward to a prosperous future.”

Mr Hogben said: “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.

“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.

The company has a combined staff service of 450 years, with David Lee, manager at 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.