Tribute to Joy Campoli

It was with much sadness that we learned earlier this year of the death of our dear friend Joy Campoli, at the age of 97.

Joy was a keen supporter of O A B and much loved both here and at the Thame and District Society for the Visually Handicapped, where she regularly attended group meetings and outings.

Joy was born in York in 1912, but grew up in Thame. Whilst working in the BBC in 1937 she met her future husband the world famous concert violinist Alfredo Campoli and after they married, in 1942, she took on the business of arranging Alfredo’s hectic touring schedule.

Those who knew Joy, were immediately struck by her kindness and compassion. Despite her own visual impairment and other health issues in later life, she was always thinking of other people.

She was extremely keen to see O A B flourish and a strong supporter of our aim to help as many blind and partially sighted people as possible. It is true to say that, without Joy’s considerable help to us, we would not be in the favourable position that we are in today.

We will miss Joy, but always remember her generosity and thoughtfulness. Colin Cure.

Tribute to Enid Busby

It was also with sadness that we heard of the passing of a lady who voluntarily supported the blind people of Oxfordshire for many years.

For over 20 years Enid Busby was a tireless worker for those less fortunate than herself, she assisted with the running of the Chipping Norton Friends of the Blind club and she was so generous as to accompany and provide support for blind people on the bi-annual Oxfordshire Association for the Blind holidays. Her deeds of kindness were carried out quietly and largely unreported, little deeds such as helping a blind lady purchase new shoes, visiting those who could not get out and about and every year she would invite blind people to her house to spend Christmas with her.

Enid was also an active member of the League of Friends at Oxford’s Radcliffe Infirmary, helping out 3 times a week and more if needed.

In 2001 her volunteering works, generosity and loyalty were recognised when she was invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Oxfordshire Association for the Blind has lost a good friend and Oxfordshire has indeed lost a lady of huge consideration, kindness and selflessness.

Mary Gregory, our Welfare Officer, who worked with Enid said of her “She did so much good work; she really was a marvellous lady”.

David Thompson