1970
In January 1970, Chris started his journey in hearing care, when he joined Amplivox in their premier office in Grosvenor Street, London. Chris passed his Hearing Aid Council exams at the first sitting
1976
Chris, working as South East Area Manager for PC Werth, was supporting Mrs Guilby of Coulson's Chemists Hearing Aid Centre, which had been set up in the 1950's
1982
By 1982, Mrs Guilby was looking to retire and sell the business. An employee of P.C Werth for over 6 years, Chris Carr decided to go into business as a sole trader, under the name Carr Hearing. With the assistance of Peter Werth, Chris agreed a purchase of the good will of the business, and officially took over in January 1983.
1983
Chris acquired an office in Mill Road, Cambridge, and arranged for audiological training for Mrs Patricia Woods, his then receptionist, whilst he undertook the Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists Fellowship exam. Both passed!
1984
In 1984, Chris employed a third audiologist, Derek Charlwood, who was based in Bury St Edmunds.
1986
In 1986, Chris' father, Maurice, joined the company as part-time receptionist and book-keeper, and was a great help to the business. Maurice was very much liked by our clients for his friendly and helpful approach.
1989
In 1989, Chris' late wife, Mary, joined the company and introduced a range of computer systems, as well as our (still in existence) Battery Club.
1989
In 1989, Carr Hearing acquired an office in Peterborough, which was attended twice a week by both Chris and Pat..
1995
In 1995, Carr Hearing moved away from Mill Road, and into High Street, Chesterton, a more suitable location for its access to customer parking, larger consulting rooms and space for an earmould lab. After a refurbishment to meet Carr Hearing's needs, the official opening took place in June 1996.
2000
In 2000, Carr Hearing employed a full-time audiologist in Peterborough, Alan Gleeson, who looked after the office and grew the business within the surrounding areas. Sadly, Alan passed away in June 2002, after contracting esophageal cancer, in the same year that Mary also passed from a sudden heart failure. 2002 was a difficult year for all involved, and for a period after this double tragedy, both Chris' son and Alan's daughter joined as trainees, although neither decided that it was the career for them, and ultimately chose new directions.
2004
In 2004, Chris met and eventually married his wife, Conny, who has played an instrumental role in Chris' life, both personal and professional.
July 2012
Our resident front of house expert, Miss Carolyn Brewer joined Hearing Healthcare Centre. After a career in retail management and a stint in audiological services, Carolyn's experience was vital for the new transition of Hearing Healthcare Centre.
2013
In January 2013, Chris' step-son, Andy took up the challenge of Office Manager, and we started a well overdue refurbishment to the whole premises, as well as new IT systems, an overhaul of procedures and recruitment of new staff. It was then that Carr Hearing, previously a sole trader, then a partnership, became Hearing Healthcare Centre, a Limited Company. With Chris, Conny and Andy in the ranks, Hearing Healthcare Centre was officially a family business again.
March 2014
In March 2014, Hearing Healthcare Centre celebrated its 50th Year Anniversary, in the presence of the then Deputy Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor George Pippas, with a week of Open Day events with Help 4 Heroes charity fundraising. Hearing Healthcare Centre clients were invited to join in the festivities. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres were on offer.
September 2014
In September 2014, Daniel Bainbridge joined the team as a fully qualified and experienced audiologist, with extensive training at UCL in both adult and pediatric audiology, including balance work and tinnitus treatment. Daniel has become an extended member of the family, showing a great attitude and dedication to work. Daniel shares his time between Cambridge and Peterborough.
July 2015
In July 2015, Hearing Healthcare Centre decided to expand in to Saffron Walden, a quaint, old fashioned market town in Essex, and home town of both Conny and Andy, and a town where we had many existing clients. We made the decision to open in Saffron Walden to be closer to some of our clients, as some were finding the commute to Cambridge difficult. Later that month, we welcomed the newest addition to the Hearing Healthcare Centre team, Dani Sanchez. Dani had prior experience of audiology, and immediately proved his worth as our resident earmould and wax removal technician, before later deciding to undertake the Anglia Ruskin Audiology course.
August 2015
In August, Hearing Healthcare Centre's Saffron Walden branch was officially opened, and was celebrated with a Grand Opening, attended by Mayor of Saffron Walden, Councillor Heather Asker, as well as team members, and members of the public. It was a great success, and the start of many years in our home town.
October 2016
In October 2016, Luke Saunders joined Hearing Healthcare Centre as an Administrative Assistant (IT) and has shown a very keen interest in the business and the industry itself. Luke has applied his IT skills to many aspects of the company, including our website, which is currently receiving an update, as well as various other projects, including a new YouTube channel.
