A public meeting in Preston's Corn Exchange in 1867 established organised welfare work for the Blind in Preston and marked the beginning of our Society.

	Howick House, Galloway's Headquarters in Penwortham

Throughout the years the services and the work undertaken by the Society has adapted and changed according to the political and social climate of the time, but perhaps more importantly it has developed to meet the needs of those people using the services offered.

The Society has operated from a number of premises in the Preston area over the years, notably the Derby School for Partially Sighted children in Fulwood and Howick House, it's present headquarters. Howick House has been used as a resource for blind people since 1949 after a legacy left by William Wilding Galloway.

The Derby School for Partially Sighted children was closed in 1988. The school buildings and offices in the Fulwood area were subsequently sold and activities were transferred to Howick House in Penwortham.

A major refurbishment was undertaken to modernise Howick House and this now provides an excellent facility as the Charity headquarters. The building now provides a centre of excellence for services across Lancashire, the Society also has premises in Morecambe and Chorley.

On 4 July, 2000 the Society changed it's name to the Galloway's Society for the Blind, formerly the Preston and North Lancashire Blind Welfare Society. The new name being much shorter, is distinctive and easier to remember. It also acknowledges William Wilding Galloway, the Society's greatest benefactor to date.

The Society is keen to develop Howick House both for use by people with a sight loss and also as a Voluntary Sector Resource Centre. To this end a number of local and national voluntary groups share the accomodation such as Action for Blind People and the Guide Dogs for the Blind. The Society is an ideal venue to hold meetings, seminars and training events, this new initiative is providing much needed income to support the Society's various services. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.