Redditch Association for the Blind
Chairman’s Report 2025/2026
I would, firstly, like to thank all the trustees and volunteers for their hard work in making this such a successful year and one we can be proud of in supporting visually impaired members.
After a few years of decline, numbers are picking up largely due to The Sensory Impairment Team in Worcestershire sending us more referrals. Most of these referrals are for our fortnightly lunch club which acts as a focal point for members to meet and socialise.
The lunch club has had trips to the Rose and Crown pub in Webheath where up tp 35 have had a two course meal and a drink fully funded by the Association. We have also undertaken several parties at Webheath Village Hall at Easter; for the V.E Day celebrations, in the Autumn and at Christmas.The parties entertain up to 60 guests with a full buffet and entertainer. Again, thanks to our trustees and volunteers for making these such wonderful occasions.
Special thanks to Jackie Cornish ,our events coordinator for all the work in arranging these, and for organising trips to The Palace Theatre in Redditch where members saw Flash dance, Christmas Carol and Aladdin.
Our excellent treasurer, Graham Morgan, has overseen our finances which are very healthy and his wise investments have ensured we can provide our full services.
We have bought cricket equipment for our blind England cricketer Luke Sugg as well as giving every member a small cash gift each at Christmas, I am grateful to all the continued donations to able us to do this. Collections at Morrison’s, a significant grant from Redditch Masons and generous legacies, and other fundraising events have maintained our income stream. We aim to keep our charity in the local spotlight and took part in the Redditch Older Person’s forum at The Ecumenical Centre.
On a sadder note, one of our trustees and well-loved colleagues, John Bradley died. He will be sorely missed as he was the driving force in our very popular Ukelele events which raised funds for our charity. He was not the only friend and member who passed away this last year and they all will leave behind fond memories.
Our lunch club is thriving but after many years of superb leadership by Pat Pemberton and Margaret Williams, we are looking for a new person to take this post on. Trustees have, meanwhile, provided continuity amongst themselves to ensure things continue.
We must mention our Vice President Barbara Bakewell, a stalwart trustee for many years who for decades ran the lunch club. She has just reached 104 years of age and regularly attends the lunch club and trustee meetings and offers her welcome advice and wisdom. We would also like to thank our President Simon Thomas, of Thomas Brothers Funeral Directors, for his practical help and support.
All of the activities need a secretary to tie the organisation together and we thank Jane Rose for her support and internet skills.
Do have a look at our website to see our latest news and activities, and for links to other websites which may be useful to people who are experiencing vision problems, and for friends and family who are looking to see how they can help.
I am confident that Redditch Association for the Blind will continue to provide local Redditch people who have a visual impairment with support, advice and social activities to enrich their lives.
Thank you again and Happy Easter to everyone.
Bill Payne, Chairman
Redditch Association for the blind.