4:41pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Michael Pickard
Dedicated volunteers from the Watford Social Centre for the Blind have been nominated for an award.
In recognition of their tireless work for the members of the Cross Street club, who are blind or partially sighted, they are now being considered for an honour in the Best Support Service category by the Macular Disease Society.
The group was nominated by member Ruth Shone.
Chairman Susan Harper said: “It's a place to meet with friends and social interaction for people with sight problems. That's terribly important. We don't treat them. You can still lead a complete and fully normal life if you have a disability.”
The group meets every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for games, keep fit sessions, talks from visiting speakers, and computer and Braille lessons.
It also organises regular outings and holidays for its 60 members, with Weston-Super-Mare, Bognor Regis and Eastbourne among the seaside destinations visited this year.
“Each person has very different symptoms but they come here and talk to each other about it. It all helps. Otherwise, you're in a world of your own.”
Watford Blind Centre was established by the Watford Round Table in the 1940s, with volunteers making tea for blind people above a shop in Queens Road.
Two houses in Cross Street suffered bomb damage during World War Two so the site was turned into a purpose-built hall for the group, with money for the construction costs raised through concerts and street collections.
It officially opened in 1952, with Mrs Harper's parents Reg and Rene Milton key members of the organisation.
Mrs Harper said: “It's very well used. It's a smashing group.”
Anyone who can volunteer two hours each week to provide computer lessons for members should telephone Susan Harper on 01923 264689.
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