What an amazing past year we have had with the charity going from strength to strength, bringing a full return to ‘normality’ after the horrors of covid which disrupted everybody’s lives.
Our fortnightly luncheon club continues to grow and become more successful than ever thanks to the enthusiasm of Margaret Williams and her volunteers.
Margaret has organised trips to local pubs for lunch whether at the Rose and Crown for fish and chips or at The Bell in Astwood Bank.
Other trips out continue to be enjoyed by our members with those to The Palace Theatre beening well attended, with up to 40 people at a time going to see various musicals such as: 42nd Street, The Wizard of Oz and Shrek the musical.
Wonderful Jackie Cornish has organised these along with most successful parties at Webheath Village Hall, notably The Queen’s Jubilee party in June, an Autumn party and the Christmas party. All have been fun and with great entertainment. Again, support from trustees and volunteers made the parties work so well.
Over the past couple of years, we have lost two trustees who have a great contribution over many years: Paul Brookes and Eileen Brereton. Their deaths have reminded us all how wonderful they were. On a sad note, too, we mourn the loss of two former mayors: Gareth Prosser and Pat Witherspoon. They made a real difference to us. However, we are truly grateful to our current Mayor Ann Isherwood who continues to support our work by attending our parties and networking for us.
To Ann we send a big Thank you.
I would like to take the opportunity to say another big thank you to both Morrisons and Tesco’s for allowing us to undertake collections at their stores, and with this a huge thank you as always to the people of Redditch for their continued kindness in donating even in this current difficult financial climate, thank you.
Thank you to our excellent Secretary Jane Rose who organises collections maintains administrative continuity which all charities rely on, and to our Treasurer Graham Morgan who keeps all the finances in order and Pat Pemberton for her work on updating many areas of our governance.
Thank you, too, to all our trustees for their work, wisdom, and support. They make things happen.
I can say that this last year has been a great success and I am optimistic about the times ahead!
Bill Payne,
Chairman – Redditch Association for the Blind