We have had another wonderful and very successful year. Thanks must go to trustees and volunteers who have worked tirelessly on behalf of our members.
Our finances are extremely healthy due to the wise work done by our Treasurer Graham Morgan. He has maximised our income and investments.
Our ongoing fundraising has seen us hold collections at Morrison’s, Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s, and received grants from three local councillors whom we would like to express our gratitude in their ongoing support of our Charity. We also held a Ukulele afternoon in March with members of the Bromsgrove Ukulele Club providing a wonderful afternoons entertainment, this was organised by John (who played Ukulele) and Kay Bradley and raised a significant amount of money, thank you both.
Thank you to the Redditch generous people. Their kind donations we are able to continue our work in helping to reduce the impact of social isolation.
Jackie Cornish has organised multiple parties at Webheath Village Hall and in 2023 we had an Easter party, a Coronation party and, of course, the Christmas party. All parties had an entertainer, full buffet and raffle.. In addition, Jackie has taken groups to the Palace Theatre in Redditch for musicals and pantomimes with Evita and Alice In Wonderland being especially enjoyed.
The fortnightly luncheon club is our flagship event, it is held on a Tuesday at Webheath Village Hall twice a month. Over 20 members attend regularly and enjoy sandwiches a dessert and a quiz and raffle. Margaret Williams is the organiser with her band of enthusiastic volunteers. She also takes the luncheon club members to the local Rose and Crown for a fish and chips lunch and we also had a lovely day out to Hillers Garden centre. The luncheon club is important in reducing social isolation for many of our members.
We are very sad to say that our Vice Chairman, Pat Pemberton, is stepping down from her role as trustee but will continue to support us as a volunteer helping out particularly in the luncheon club alongside Margaret. She has been the driving force in updating our policies on data protection, risk management, safeguarding as well as organising visual impairment training for trustees and volunteers and first aid courses. Thank you, Pat.
One of our trustee, Barbara Bakewell, is nearing her 102nd birthday and has served the Association as Chairman and luncheon club organiser for many decades. A wonderful ambassador for the charity, still, thank you Barbara.
We must also mention Janet Graham who has worked tirelessly for the Association for 50 years. What wonderful service. Thank you, Janet. Many thanks, too, to our excellent Secretary, Jane Rose, who makes sure our Association runs smoothly and is the contact for many of our members and those outside our organisation.
We maintain a good rapport with The Sensory Impairment Team of Worcestershire Social Services, and, also, Sight Concern Worcester, who are based in Worcester but also groups in varying parts of the county including Redditch.
We, as a Charity continue to thrive and if there is anyone local who would like to help us please contact us. We remain a positive force in a difficult world and promote all that is good in supporting visually impaired people in Redditch and caring for our fellow citizens.
Thank you again and Happy Easter to everyone.
Bill Payne, Chairman
Redditch Association for the blind.