ABOUT US

We are a self-help group of blind and Vision Impaired people in the Leigh area; we are located in the centre of Leigh and serve Leigh and the surrounding districts.

The group was started in May 2002, when it was realised there was a need for a social club for blind and Vision Impaired people in the local area. We have 24 members and would warmly welcome any new members.

Meetings are relaxed and friendly, they are held in the Conservative Club Railway Road Leigh, on the 2nd 3rd & 4th Tuesdays of each month from 1.00 - 3.30pm.

The next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday 8/11/2011

Subs are just £48.00 for the year, payable in monthly installments of £4.00 per month and includes some subsidised trips. Tea /coffee and biscuits are available at a cost of 50p.

The bar is open for those who may wish to purchase a drink.

Members of the group will enjoy a variety of activities and outings during the year.

Here are some of last years events.

April we had a Coffee morning at Kingsleigh Methodist Church to raise funds for the group. Thank you very much to all at Kingleigh who helped make the day a success.

26th May we went to Southport for a breath of fresh air and a stroll along the famous Lord Street.

15th June Hannah from Wigans History shop came and reminisced with the members about day's gone by in Leigh, most enjoyable it was.

21st July we had Sonny from the Guide Dogs Association come and give us some information about Guide Dogs for the Blind. What a valuable asset they can be.

August 4th we went on a day Trip to Chester.

The 31st of August we had our annual Garden Party we had a great day socialising with our friends from The Optimists. I'm not sure how but the weather was sunny.

9th September we went to the Lyric Theatre at Salford Quays to see a performance of Evita. What a great performance & the most comfortable seats ever.

15th September we are of to Windermere for the day, let's hope the weather is fine.

20th September Peter Jackson will be visiting us to tell members about Age Concerns Handy persons service for older & disabled people.

30th September we had a trip to Carnforth followed by a guided tourof Leighton Hall with afternoon tea, i must say what an enjoyable afternoon we had at Leighton Hall. Our members were most impressed when the Lady of the house greeted our coach and welcomed us inside. The birds of Prey flying display was a great hit with some our party.

9th November we had a trip to Blackpool with a meal and entertainment at the New President Hotel.

16th November Charlotte from the Carers Resouce centre came and told us about the new Emergency service for Carers who need help for the person they care for in an emergency situation.

22nd November we had our Christmas Party with guests from the 3 other Vision Impaired groups from the Wigan Area and what a great afternoon we had with them. It is so good to be able to socialise with the other groups in the area.

13th December we are of to the Talbot Hotel Southport for our Xmas meal.

AS A VOLUNTARY GROUP
We gratefully accept donations however small, we also accept donations of equipment that may be of use to our group. If you would like to donate anything to our club we can be contacted via the e-mail address on the Home page.

We would like to say a big THANKYOU to Grassroots Funding for the Funding they have given us this has allowed us to do so much more for the Blind & Vision Impaired people we help.

MISSION STATEMENT

The objectives of the group are:

To be a source of support, friendship and information to blind and partially sighted individuals.

To raise awareness, within the wider community, of issues relating to blind and partially sighted individuals.

We aim to achieve the above objectives by means of the following:

· Holding regular meetings
· Organisation of social/recreational activities and events
· Development and maintenance of links with outside groups and professionals
· Development of information sources and links wherever practicable
· Maximising the potential of individual members whenever practicable

(This is the agreed mission statement of the group known as The Visionaries
at 18/11/03)