This month’s Great Bedfordian is Poonam Shah, the owner and optometrist at Humphriss & Burgess, a family-run optician on Mill Street.
The practice has been part of Bedford’s community since 1946, when Deryck Humphriss and Fred Burgess first opened it on Bedford High Street.
In 2012, Poonam and her husband, Rakesh (Raks) Shah, took over after moving to Bedford with their young children. Sadly, that same year, Raks was diagnosed with myelodysplasia (MDS), a rare blood cancer. Despite receiving a stem cell transplant in 2014, he passed away in December due to his advanced condition.
Since then, Poonam has been a passionate advocate for the Anthony Nolan Trust, raising awareness and funds for stem cell donation.
Today, Poonam continues to lead Humphriss & Burgess, building lasting relationships with loyal patients and their families.
Name: Poonam Shah
Occupation: Optometrist and Owner of Humphriss & Burgess, Bedford’s oldest opticians, based on Mill Street. I took over the business just over twelve years ago.
Born here or blow in? Blew in, and I thank my stars every day that I did! My children and I have made lifelong friends here.
Best breakfast in Bedford? I don’t often have breakfast out, but if I do, I’ll head down to Riverside Square to Bridges Espresso Bar or Albero Lounge.
Best boozer? Hands down, it has to be Noble Rot!
Best coffee or cuppa? I tend to keep it local to work, so I either head to You for Coffee at The Arc, Frescoes or The Mill Yard Cafe. Always keen to support a fellow independent local business.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? I love the summer concerts in Bedford Park, and local artist, Alfie Templeman is definitely a favourite.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? No – a bit ashamed to say I haven’t but wil add it to my list! Not sure it’s light-hearted holiday reading though!?
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? Of course – and chocolate toothpaste! But I have to admit, I usually opt for more healthy options.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? Not sure it’s off the beaten track but I love walking or cycling to the Danish Camp. Also our little boat club in Oakley. Anywhere by the water really.
Best Bedfordian? Fellow mum, businesswoman and all-around lovely lady, Sophia Soul (Sophia Forrester).
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Welcoming, home and hmm, ok it’s not one word or even three…. The most beautiful riverside location.
Humpriss & Burgess, 28a Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3HD | 01234 354343 | humphrissandburgess.co.uk
