Golden Jubilee
2008 is a special year for the Morecambe Blind Centre as it is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, 50 years of service to local blind people. Tony Kimpton is calling on our members and volunteers, along with local companies and organisations, to help him raise £50,000 for Galloway’s during the next twelve months. In January and February, this figure has reached £7,600. Can you help Tony to make this challenge become a reality!
Spring Fayre
Let’s make this the biggest and best Spring Fayre we have ever had. The Fayre will be held at the Morecambe Blind Cetre on Saturday, 5th April, starting at 1:00pm with admission 50p, including refreshments. All the usual stalls: bric-a-brac, cakes, tombola, fruit and veg, talking books and much more. Everyone from Galloway’s, family and friends are all welcome. If you are unable to be with us, perhaps you might consider making a donation, cheques should be made payable to Galloway’s. Any suitable items for the event can be left at the Centre.
Hospital Support Worker
Hopefully, by the end of this month, Steve Rayner will be offeiring help, advice and information to visually impaired people who pass through the Eye Clinic at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Similarly, if you are admitted into hospital, Steve would be more than happy to visit you on the ward. Steve is keen to support you and can be contacted at our Morecambe Centre by phoning Morecambe 414846.
Making Your Money Go Further
Did you know that the Chorley Building Society has launched a series of Affinity accounts which offer competitive rates of interest and at the same time benefit Galloway’s? Give Stuart a ring on 01772 753700 for details about the Galloway’s Instant Access, Galloway’s Regular Saver or Galloway’s Notice Accounts.
More Help
Are you worried about money? Are you in debt and anxious about mounting bills? Not sure about what to do with your savings? Or would you simply like to get 'on line' so you can manage your money and bills safely via the internet? Please contact Tony for a leaflet giving further details.
Sight Information Day
This is to be held on Thursday, 29th May at the Hexagon Theatre, Lancaster and Morecambe College, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Many of the country’s leading suppliers of equipment will be there – so if you need help to manage everyday tasks, then you may find the day helpful. Transport will be available.
Outdoor Activity Programme
Canoeing, low level, medium and high level walks, as well as environment projects. All ages and abilities are welcome so give it a try. More details from Tony.
Free Will Making Service
Should you wish to make a Will, Galloway’s runs a free will-making service with Solicitors throught the district. The Society has to rely on public contributions and Legacy income in order to continue its work with local blind people.
Holidays and Courses
14th/16th April – Open Doors, Lancashire College, Chorley “Canal Heritage”. Phone Linda McDonald (Admin) 01257 516302.
4th/8th August, holiday to Dunblane Hydro, Edinburgh – Cost £349. NOT SUITABLE for those of you who cannot climb steps as the holiday includes a visit to the Edinburgh Tattoo.
21st/28th September – Cumberland Hotel, Scarborough – Cost £360. Bookings for holidays through Maddie on 01772 753704.
Loose Change Boxes
Our Loose Change Boxes are a good way of supporting Galloway’s. Please let us know if you would like a new one.
Energy Saving Bulbs
The bulbs are in packs of 4, 2x60 and 2x100 watt bulbs. Available free of charge so don’t forget to ask.
Walking the Bay
Arnside to Kents Bank, the Galloway’s Cross Bay Walk, Saturday and Sunday, 28th and 29th June. Your Guide of course, Cedric Robinson. The walk takes three hours and is 8 miles. Sponsor forms available from Tony, a great day out and a real experience.
Flat Green Bowling
Would you like to “Have a Go” at flat green bowling with members of the Preston Blind Bowling Club. The game is for people of all ages and the amount of sight you have really doesn’t matter. If you would like to give it a try, phone Henry Edwards on 01772 435566.
Low Vision Clinic
Galloway’s is concerned that no Low Vision Clinic is currently in operation at the Lancaster Infirmary. Galloway’s is campaigning for this service to be reinstated and we would ask that you lend your support by writing to Mr. Tony Halsall, Chief Executive, Westmorland General Hospital, Burton Road, Kendal LA9 7RG. The Society believes that to be referred for assessment at the Low Vision Clinic should be an automatic choice within eye care procedure.
How Can We Help?
Why not request a copy of our weekly programme? Groups are held at Morecambe, Lancaster and Over Kellett. You may like to receive Talking Books and Newspapers, Church Publications and Magazines. Our Audio tape service is available free of charge. Ask for our Talking Book and tape list.
Advice – information and equipment is available from Galloway’s. There are many items in the Sight Advice Centre which could make life easier for you on a daily basis. You could have the Easy Reader demonstrated to you. This is a special magnifier which links up to your own television, making it easier for you to read letters, bills, cooking instructions or medication.
Computer Classes, Benefits, Housing and Employment
Staff from Action for Blind People are at the Morecambe Centre each Wednesday running an employment group, computer classes and advice on such issues as benefits and housing. Action have staff who specialise in these areas.
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