Spring Forward!

Spring has finally sprung and it’s brought with it some good news which will help us to move forward. We’ve recently been accredited as an “Approved Provider” of volunteering services by the Mentoring and Befriending Association. This award recognises volunteer schemes that are well managed. The achievement is due to a stirling effort by our Volunteer Coordinator, Ana, who steadfastly worked through all of the procedural requirements of the award and ensured that we adopt good practice in all aspects of our service. It also recognises the value of all of our excellent volunteer home visitors in Oxford and Banbury, ably led by Ana, and our Banbury Coordinator, Janet. You may remember in my last article that I highlighted the accomplishments of our marvellous volunteers and I’m delighted that this award officially recognises their generous contribution to improving the quality of life of blind and partially sighted people in the county.

I can also announce some further good news. We now, once again, have two Patrons of the Association. The Countess of Macclesfield, who has generously supported us for many years, is now joined by Robin Birch, one of the Deputy Lord Lieutenants of Oxfordshire. The Trustees, the team and I are delighted to welcome Robin, who already has strong links with us through his work as a member of the Oxford Rotary Club. Robin is also familiar with the sight impairment professions as, when he was a senior civil servant, he set up the nationwide network of Low Vision Services Committees (LVSC’s). These committees comprise members of the different agencies supporting visually impaired people, working together for the benefit of people in their county. O A B is represented on the Oxfordshire LVSC, and this is one of the main ways that we link with: the hospital ophthalmic services; Social and Community Services; the Education Department; and other local groups. I’m pleased to say that Robin has straight away embraced the role of Patron and keen to offer his support and guidance.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to let you know that, following a very enjoyable event last year, we are going to hold another Summer Garden Party, at Wadham College, on 4th July. If you’d like to attend, please see the application form for tickets on page 5. Unfortunately, we only have limited spaces, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

I would also like to give you advanced notice that we will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 7th September, at 2pm, at the North Oxford Association Centre in Summertown. We’d be delighted to see as many of you there as possible and, if you would like to propose any nominations or motions for the agenda, please do let me know in advance.

I’d also like to remind you that, as well as supporting blind and partially sighted people, O A B is also keen to support carers of visually impaired people (and visually impaired people who are themselves carers). If you are a carer and you would like some advice information, or just an understanding “listening ear”, please do contact us and we will do our best to assist you. We are also planning on setting up get-togethers for small numbers of carers, to share experiences and offer mutual support, so if you are interested in this, do let us know.

Finally, I’d like to sign-off by thanking all those of you, who do so much to help O A B. Whether it’s by volunteer visiting, doing some DIY for us, collecting stamps or used mobile phones, making a donation or remembering us in your will, we are immensely grateful to you. We know that we could not undertake our work without your assistance, and every contribution, in whatever form, gives us encouragement to continue to develop our services. Thank you.

Colin Cure