A centre for people with visual impairments that marked its 70th anniversary with a royal visit laments that not enough people are aware of its existence.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester visited Watford Social Centre for the Blind, accompanied by Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss, last Wednesday to celebrate 70 years of providing support to the visually impaired.
Jenny Marsh, chairman of the trustees and lead volunteer, introduced Prince Richard and Mr Voss to members and volunteers taking part in activities from darts to knitting before enjoying a light lunch.
HRH Prince Richard then unveiled a plaque to commemorate the dedicated service of volunteers over the last 70 years.
Mrs Marsh said: “We find that a lot of people don’t know we are here – and yet we are the only active club in the area!
“The last year has been especially difficult for those with a visual impairment and to be able to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to help celebrate our 70th anniversary has been something we have all been looking forward to.
“We were delighted that he was able to join in some of the activities, including a game of darts, before unveiling the plaque.”
Watford Social Centre for the Blind, which is self-funded and volunteer led, provides a twice weekly social club for anyone with a visual impairment in the local area and is an Associated Macular Support Group.
With 12 deaths over the past year, five due to Covid, the centre currently has 45 members ranging between the ages of 50 and 70.
The charity has a long history of providing a social meeting place for people with a visual impairment.
Towards the end of the Second World War when the existing meeting place in the Watford area was in a cramped room above a shop, volunteer helpers from Watford Round Table and Ladies Circle decided to try and find a more suitable place.
A site where two houses had been demolished by a bomb in Cross Street was suggested and fundraising started.
In June 1951 the hall was officially opened by the Bishop of St Albans and the club has been in Cross Street ever since, with a full modernization of the hall taking place in 1997.
Mrs Marsh, who took over her role at the centre from her mother and grandmother, added: “The centre is such a vibrant place, you can feel the buzz when you enter!”
Mr Voss, who won the darts tournament, said: “It was a great pleasure to be able to accompany HRH The Duke of Gloucester to Watford Social Centre for the Blind to celebrate their 70th anniversary.
“What an enjoyable experience with so many wonderful members and volunteers.
“It was fun for everyone, especially winning the darts tournament. Thank you to Jenny and her team for an excellent visit.”
For more details about the sessions run by the charity, email Jenny Marsh at contact@watfordblincentre.org
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