The past 30 years have been very happy and fulfilling years, but before I start about my time with the Blind Association, I will tell you a little bit about myself. I was born in Ascot and when I was only five years old my family and I moved to Shinfield, as my father’s work had come this way. My school years were spent as St Mary’s Church of England at School Green, Shinfield. I left school in August 1946 at the age of 14 and went to work on my family’s milk round. In February 1947 I started an apprenticeship at Holmes the furnishers in St Mary’s Butts, Reading. There I was making curtains, lace covers, lampshades, carpets, sewing and going out with the fitters to do any sewing work that needed to be done on the job. After mattresses were remade they had to be sewn, not like today where they would be thrown out and new ones bought. Lastly, I corded chairs. This was the first time I had used a circular needle but I managed alright after some time. When I started there I only got a sixpence an hour but I still felt well off. My mother took some money for my keep and I always had to put some money away in the bank; then the rest of it was for me.

I have always been very keen on all craft work. After leaving school some of my friends and I went back for night classes. These were run by the Workers Education Act. The subjects we did were leatherwork, cooking, patchwork, embroidery and, last but not least, basketwork, which changed my life. Our tutor for this was Miss Mullins. Both she and her father worked for Booked who were the agricultural stockist in Reading for baskets. A lot of them worked in the Rural Life Museum at Reading University. This was my first try at baskets and trays. I have never stopped doing basketwork since. I would have loved Miss Mullins to have known how what she taught me changed my life. I have also held the handicraft club several times and the cookery one once at Shinfield festival.

Now we come to my time with the blind. Shortly before my husband and I got married September in 1981 we saw in the paper Reading Association for the Welfare of the Blind, as it was known then, wanted teachers to help with their handicraft classes. I applied and was interviewed by Paddi Lilley who was chairman at the time. I went to her home as we didn’t live far apart. As I haven’t any certificates, it was decided that I was to work there as a helper.

Walford Hall was opened March on 1st 1969 by Alderman Mrs Edith Morris. It was erected by C. F. Taylor as one of the charitable trusts. Before Reading association for the Welfare of the blind acquired its own hall it made use of offices in Gun Street. In 1992 Mayor Pam Faud opened another room which was to be the Resources room. On Friday 25th March 2011 the mayor of Reading opened the new computer suite, within the Resources room. Some while back we had a lottery grant as a result of which new offices and the craft storeroom were built at the end of the Hall. There is also an upstairs just at the end. We have had the kitchen refurnished. Where the fire exit was is now the disabled toilet and the fire exit was moved to a different door.

The doors to Walford Hall were opened to me by Eileen Barker, the wife of Tom Barker, who he was later one of our chairmen. I will list at the end all the different people I can remember, chairmen, treasurers, office managers, visiting officers, general staff and volunteer helpers. The Mayor of Reading is our president and comes to A.G.M meetings and takes the chair.

Eileen Barker worked in the office. She told me there was a new secretary starting with her the same day. She took me to meet the two Bettys, Jones and Metoon, who was the teacher as the teacher who was there had gone to look after her mother away from Reading. On the other side of the Hall was the sewing table where Els Knight, who was Dutch, and one or two helpers were doing patchwork and making cuddly toys. You would pin the work and they would sew it where the pins were.

I was usually on the basketwork but sometimes went and threaded needles for sewing. Later we got some had needle threaders and they could manage by themselves. It wasn’t long before June Hudst arrived to take over the basketwork as a teacher. This took the pressure off the Bettys. Betty Metoon was very artistic and filled little baskets with silk flowers. I used to go with them to High Wycombe to a flower warehouse. It was a lovely place, but sadly it’s no longer there. We had tried dried flowers but going out to sales they got damaged. Silk ones were much better travelling to sales. Although they cost more they still sold. We produced all sorts of baskets, wastepaper, workbaskets, large linen baskets. The linen baskets were stopped unless they were ordered as they cost too much to make. We turned out all styles of trays, bedside tables, stools, little chairs done with sea grass or cord. Cane chair seating was started when George Mill came to teach, George always said he would teach me but never did.

Nearly always when a new member comes they say ‘I’m blind, I can’t do anything.’ After a little talk you ask if they would like to try a plastic dish with plastic cane. They are shown what to do. You find out how much sight they have because gradually a little basket appears. Some like doing these and make more of them as presents for family. The next step is a little cane pot plant holder, for which they cut the canes. Usually with the first basket we put the cane in and do the first 3 rows of wailing while they are cutting bystakes. When I’ve got to the top sea grass of beads their first basket is made. You should see the pleasure on their faces. When the basket goes home nobody believes they’ve done it. Lots of workbaskets were made; either June or I lined them. They always went well at sales. We had an order for a basket to hold a large umbrella to go on an old banger that was in the London to Brighton car race. This was done with great success. Another order was for a baby’s cradle. June got some thick cane as used for linen basket, plus a base, and gradually a basket for the baby emerged. June padded and laced it. It was beautiful. Other people who ordered one were thrilled and promptly ordered another for a friend. We completed orders for bicycle baskets and we also made some for sales which sold well. You name it, we’ve done it.

As soon as members come in they hardly have time to drink their coffee before wanting to start their work. It was Nelly Sayers and Betty Maskell who used to serve the drinks in those days. We did lots of sales. Ones I always used to enjoy were those at Lightwater county fair in Surrey.

 
June lived at Camberley and had contacts there. The first year we only did one day but the following years we did two days. After the members had gone home and the minibus was back we would pack it with all our goodies. The next day Bob Bard would pick up us helpers and off we would go. June would always meet us after we had set the stall up, then we would have a cup of coffee, ready for the rush of people. This was always a very busy sale. In the years when we did two days, I stayed overnight with June, who were helping on the second day while others would come out in cars. Prices of stalls went up so we started doing a tombola after getting the okay from the county fair. Some people brought caravans and made a weekend of it. After all the people had gone home we made our stall ready for the next day. We were always in a marquee, with a security guard on duty there overnight. At this fair there was a prize for the best dressed stall and stall holders. One year we went as gypsies with long skirts and another year with long skirts, blouses and poke bonnets. Another time it was hats made with cane and decorated with flowers. We never won anything. When you saw some of the other stalls and costumes they were really lovely.

While June was with us she had us all out to her house, in the summer for garden parties, at which her family and neighbours helped. One of these parties was tinged with sadness because Els Knight was leaving us after this party as her husband’s work was going to move to Shropshire. I’ve been in touch with her right up to last year; she must be 90 or over now. It was Els who, with the members, did the quilt which now hangs over the stage for all to see. She also did clowns which were great and made from scraps. It was while at Lightwater one year that June told me she was leaving as she found it too much travelling and had got a job nearer to home. She suggested that I put in for her job, I mentioned not having any qualifications, but she told me how I could do it all. A little later I was asked to take over and enjoyed all the years I was doing it.

When Shire Hall was opened, (now Foster Wheeler’s) was opened by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, a lot of us went to see them. We were very much honoured to be asked to make a small basket which was woven by Ruth Supple and Betty Metoon filled it with fresh flowers. Sadly I don’t remember who presented it. As they were leaving our basket was placed in the back of the car, on its way to Buckingham Palace.

I found an old diary the other day and saw the amount of blackberries my husband and I had picked from our field and the Shinfield Gravel Pits. The year was 1989. I know I made over 100 lbs of blackberry and apple jam that year and it was sold at Walford Hall for funds. Our neighbour next to the field gave me a lot of apples as she had trees. After the blackberries had gone I did ginger and apple chutney. This was a recipe of a great-aunt of mine and it had curry powder in, which was quite a hit with everyone. Mr and Mrs Denny had us all to their home in Goring for garden parties. Ginny Hoare, who was one of our helpers, had been their children’s nanny. They were now all grown up, but Ginny still went there a lot. Ginny told Mrs Denny of my jam making and came back from there loaded with apples.

One time we had someone from the R.N.I.B come to the Hall. They said there was to be a nationwide competition for basketwork and other crafts, and so would we enter something. George Palmer made a shopping basket which was sent off to London. We didn’t get it back as it was sold for funds. We were delighted when we got an invite to the prize-giving. George had won first prize in his class, which was a talking clock. We went in our minibus. I think 5 went to the R.N.I.B, the rest went shopping in London. The second year we entered, this time a lined workbasket. George made the basket again and his wife Hilda lined it. She was a helper and did a lot of sewing for me. Again we were invited to the R.N.I.B. This time it was second prize, but I don’t remember what the prize was. I didn’t go that time, as I was ill. I was sorry to miss it. His daughter went with them that time. They didn’t have any more competitions, which was a shame; there was a lot of lovely work there. We were very proud, as this was a national competition, to think we had won twice. Other things made at the hall were large doll cats. One of our ladies asked if she could make a doll’s pram. After a lot of thought on how we could do it, the wheels were fixed to the plywood base. The handle for pushing was basket cane, which was on shopping baskets. It was Muriel Wallace who did this. Many years we did blankets for Oxfam, made with squares; there were 90+ squares that went into one blanket. Then I thought and got the idea, why not knit little jumpers to the Oxfam pattern used. They were very straightforward, but it was no good because they couldn’t read the patterns, so I recorded them on tape and they were all happy about it. We had some lovely jumpers come in. Hilda helped me sew up and so did Edith Piercy, another helper. Now Oxfam doesn’t take things like they used to. Another knitting thing to do was toys, but this had to be stopped as you shouldn’t use wool for toys because it’s not fire proof, an EEC regulation. The Association could be fined if they were sold. Thinking caps on again, we made a lot of knitted tea cosies. I invented a little house and padded the walls and roof, sewing flowers up the walls to hold the padding in. Now I’m no longer in charge of crafts, I can do what Marion wants me to do. Just recently I started teaching some of the things I can do to the helpers; hopefully it will be carried on into the future.

When Pat Davies was with us she taught Braille with Kathy Williams, Wendy Clayton and Isabel. Valerie Kaime, who was one of the office managers, came in and taught Moon, which is something like Braille. Going on to Pat Davies, she organized our outings. I don’t expect I will remember them all as we had so many really lovely ones. Often we went to Wisley Gardens. One time when we went, we were taken by American Express. After spending time in the gardens we were taken to a hotel for a meal, which was all very nice. On one occasion we went to Waterperry in Oxfordshire, where, while we were having tea, Rowan Atkinson and his wife came in. Of course we recognized him. I felt sorry for him, there he was, with his wife trying to have a quiet day out and we came along and spoilt his peace. We have been to Kew of course. Mellets farm garden and craft has always been our favourite and we would come home with cakes and their goodies. Another exciting day out was Poole Pottery where we had a go at throwing a pot, which was great fun. They were not fired, just carefully taken home and when really dry, they are carefully painted, decorated and varnished. Some years before I had been to Reading tech and studied pottery. The people, who didn’t have study pottery, had a go at throwing and smashing pots and some did painting; everyone had a really good time. Another time we went to Longleat Safari park. The weather was so bad we rode around in the coach so we didn’t get wet. On a nice fine day we would visit Arundel Bird Sanctuary, where a lot of the birds would eat out of your hands, which pleased everybody. Now to London again, this time to the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Another day, in best bib and tucker, we went to the Houses of Parliament. Tony Durrant made this possible, while he was MP for Reading. We went all through where all the MPs sit and we were allowed to have a brief sit on the green leather of Commons. Then on to The House of Lords, where it is all red leather. We also went into Westminster Hall; this is where a lot of Royalty lies in state. Another day in London was in the Royal Mews, where we saw all the coaches and carriages that royalty use, which was very interesting. The same day we went to the Royal Observatory at Richmond, which was also very good. Sometimes it was by coaches, other times it was by our minibus and cars.

Seaside outings were quite a hit when members were younger, but age catches up with us all and a saunter round the garden is better when there are seats. We have had trips on the river to Child Beale, also Henley and Windsor. One time we had a coach trip to Windsor then we walked over the bridge and had lunch in Eton. This proved to be a bit much for some. We’ve also been to Yeovilton in Somerset and Hendon in London. We saw the helicopters and there was a flight simulator, which some went on. Another trip, on a bitterly cold day, was to the Tower of London; sadly everyone was too cold to enjoy it. Another visit, still in London, was to Chelsea Museum, then on to Chelsea hospital where all the men were having their afternoon nap. There were no ladies there in those days. Our members were disappointed not to see the men. We have been on the Watercress Line from Arlesford to Alton and back but our members were late for getting on at Arlesford, so we were diverted to Rapley as the train couldn’t be held up any longer, because it was a proper train service and had to be kept to schedule. We got held up because of traffic going to the Duke of Wellington’s Country Park. When we got back to Arlesford there was a lot of lovely watercress to buy. An outing near home was to Downey Wood, near Maidenhead, where we went strawberry picking, and everyone came back with baskets of strawberries. We have been to the Rainforest at Yattendon, which was very interesting in some parts. It was very hot, and some people didn’t like the heat. Another lovely garden is Exbury; this is the home of the Rothschilds. When we went there once the Rothschilds waited on us at tea, as we had an invite into the big house. On this estate there is a little train running round on a track. There is also a dotto train running round, where you can get on and off as you want. There are many acres of flowers and shrubs, which include tulips, daffodils, snowdrops, all spring flowers, roses and all flowers in their season. In autumn there are all the changing colours. In the big storm, lots of trees were blown down and each ring inside the tree says what happened each year. Around by the town, there are lots of different animals made from moss and ferns, all looking so realistic. I thought I was looking at a stag with antlers but no, it was made with moss and ferns. Around the corner, you come to all the graves of the family pets, which have been there for years. There is a large cafeteria, where you can get all sorts of food. The usual gift shop, with plants for sale.

We were invited to the Mayors Parlor for tea; I don’t remember who was Mayor back then. I have a feeling it was Phoebe Cusden. We were shown all the town’s silverware and had a good look at the Mayoral chain of office with all the names on who had been Mayor. Not far to go and a very interesting talk.

Forbury Garden had been re-landscaped, not the last time but many years ago. The Blind Association had a small garden, with a lot of scented flowers and seats. In the middle was a small well, where money was tossed in, we had a small amount from it. It was opened by Janet Bond, who was Mayor for that year. My husband and I have sat in it a few times when we’ve been listening to the Sunday afternoon band concerts in the summer. Its all been landscaped again and I don’t think it’s there anymore.

Just looking at one of my walking sticks, I have a shield of the poppy factory, I got when we went there. This was London I believe. Most of us had a go at making poppies. There were a lot of disabled and blind men and women making poppies, they went so fast. We were then taken to another room where all the wreaths were made ready to be laid on Remembrance Day at the cenotaph. When you are close to them they’re really big. To see them on TV, you don’t think they are so large. No wonder when Royalty lay them down, they are handed to them. There were some there that they said would be taken to sea and thrown overboard when the sailors had their service on Remembrance Day. Quite a few times we were invited by Basildon WI to a tea party with them. This went on several times, I never went to it though.

I know I’ve missed telling you all where we have been, but since Dawn has been with us; we have been to Studley Grange craft center in Swindon. It was another rainy day, this time our driver was Henry B, he got us as close as he could to the door to go in. a lovely place to go, which was well worth the visit. Another day we had an outing to Reading football Madejski stadium. We were met by one of the staff members, who took us all round the stadium, telling us all that happened with the Reading team and London Irish when they play rugby. We went back to Walford Hall where lunch was waiting for us. This year, for the first time the club hasn’t been classed for summer holidays, but open one day a week either and outing or something in the hall, for example; a tea dance, bingo, more work for the staff and voluntary helpers. Very good for members, as some when away from Walford hall don’t go anywhere else.

Now we come to some of the parties we have had over the years. Two or three times we have had Easter parties as the weather has been bad at Christmas. Another special one was the Queens Golden Jubilee. When we have parties, there’s always entertainment, we have had Shinfield hand bells and Church Choir. We had bagpipes from St Andrews; they were a bit noisy in a small hall. It would have been better if not so many came. We have had different singers, someone reading poetry, I’m sure there were others but I don’t remember them.

At the end of term days we always have a bring and share meal. The kitchen staff sorts it all out and it’s put on plates, a lovely selection we always have. Sandra Fulwel’s children came several times with their Pangbourne school choir and sang carols. Sandra was an office manager, on our last days, some Fridays in term time, Mr Sharp used to come and play the piano and everyone would have a sing along to all the old songs and some new ones. On Wednesdays we had a member after he had done some canework would play the organ that we had at that time. He was very good and played anything you asked for. This was Archie Knapp. Years ago when we had parties, I used to help in the kitchen, making sandwiches and rolls. Several of us went in early to get tables up and got things ready. Usual helpers were Betty and Ron Maskell, Joy Holt, Gladys Mace, Nina Barnes, Gaulden Johns the driver’s wife. Some of us had done cooking at home, I usually did ginger cake, Betty did mince pies, Nina did meringues, Gladys did lille cake and Mary Gaulden always did square cakes to cut up with icing on. Then when the members came in we would fill the plates up with the extra. Every table always had a table decoration on it and each table had one chair marked and whoever it was had the decoration. A lady from Caversham made them all; there would be a silver birch bit of wood at the bottom, then Father Christmas, snowmen baubles, holly cones, they were really lovely. She always turned up at Christmas with them. I don’t quite know who she was. Betty always made a large Christmas cake, all iced so everyone had a piece. Nearly always everyone had a doggy bag to take home.

Now a bit more about the ladies and gentlemen of the kitchen. They have all been dedicated to their work, many years ago it was said and overheard that they get paid, so let them do the work. This is quite untrue, they have never been paid but are always there to feed and waiter the members, with a cheery smile and hello. Many years ago Betty and Joy used to do jacket potatoes and you could take a filling in or just have butter or scrape. This went on for a while then some grumbling about how they didn’t get their own potato back. It wasn’t as big as the one they brought in, so it was stopped. It was then Barbra Lylet started doing rolls, she was registered blind in 1987 and was doing handicrafts. Then Elizabeth Holland asked if she could help in the kitchen, making rolls. She would come round the hall and ask what you would like; white, or brown bread and lots of different fillings. Then by lunch time they were done and packed up with your name on. Not long after the soup was started. When it was cold a big large pan full could be smelled as you passed the kitchen, which would make you feel hungry. The soup and rolls still goes on today, as well as cakes and biscuits. Nicky comes for your order today. As I have said before; a very dedicated lot of helpers. I believe Betty Maskell was in the kitchen just over 30 years. Later she helped on the serving table. The same thing happened to Peggy, she was in the kitchen a long time, and then came out to the serving table. While Kathy Williams was with us, we made Easter Bonnets with the members. Twice I have done some lovely creations. Kathy made some top hats for men from cardboard. Everyone had a hat, it was great fun. We all had photos taken. Another thing she did was a knitted village. Everyone did some part; some made pompoms, they were made into trees.

The farm animals and people were made from pipe cleaners. Barn houses, churches and the inn were made from polystyrene and covered with knitting. Our minibus was outside the inn and a lot if ramblers were getting out ready for their pub lunch. There was a tractor ploughing the field and the fields were all embroidered and the stream. It took ages to make but everybody enjoyed doing it. Another thing she did was living paintings, some talk and music, then pass around some plastic cards where people could feel what they were being told about. It was about this time it was decided to have quizzes, cards and puzzles. As we were getting so much canework in stock and it was hard to move it. When cheaper baskets come from abroad the sort we did didn’t wear out and cost a lot more. Margaret Skinner, another teacher on basket work, is a very keen gardener and would bring in small flowers for us to see and smell from her garden. She was also a keen rambler and would tell you all the names of the wild flowers. Another teacher was Wendy Whitehead, she did all the cards for a good many years. She is now a visiting officer. Any cards, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and get well soon cards. Members bring them in and they are taken to pieces and cut to size, new cards emerge from the old ones, as they are stuck and decorated to make new ones. They’re so good and really recycling. These go really well at sales and to all members in the hall, as they are under 50p a card. In the shops cards are so expensive and it is nice to know the money is going to our charity. We have a resource centre; this was built on the hall in November 1992 by Pam Faud, then the Mayor of Reading opened it. Now the resource has moved to a smaller office and the computers are going to be in there. I’m hoping to be able to learn how to use one. That’s if my old grey matter will catch on to the new ideas. I’m looking forward to it. Someone said you are never too old to learn, I hope they are right.

Just recently there has been another change, Dawn our centre manager has moved offices, so she is near the front door. The visiting officers are now in what was her office. Some years back we had a lottery grant, when the now visiting office and store room was built and we had an upstairs room built. This was for teaching Braille; it meant going upstairs, which turned out to be not suitable. I’ve never been up there. We now have Reading 4U radio station there, so it helps with the money. We don’t see them much but sometimes we can hear their little dog.

At the back of the hall we now have a small garden, with thanks to Janet Hayward and Mick Paige for doing it all. We have tables and chairs and umbrellas, so you can go and sit outside. It gets very hot out there, nice first thing in the morning. There are lots of flowers and shrubs, a small apple tree which the first year had an apple on it, so it was raffled, Margret Masea won it and the money went towards getting new plants. I’ve taken quite a few photos; I didn’t know what to buy Ron and Betty Maskell for Christmas so I had one of my photos put on two mugs for them. Many thanks to Janet and Mick, we won first gold prize in Reading in Bloom 2010 for small gardens. A lovely achievement for all the hard work they have done. It seems every time you go out there, there is something new to see. Sadly we were vandalized and stuff was taken, those who did it, I believe should be punished.
There are a lot more clubs apart from the Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday clubs for handicrafts. The social club, which meets on a Tuesday afternoon, once a month. It was started by Barbara Lyler and Elizabeth Holland in 1988. Ruth Dipple was chairman, Charles Jagger was treasurer and Barbara Lyler was secretary.

(A note by Julia Canham)
When it started Barbara used to have dinners at her house and have a craft stall to make money for the outings. I don’t know how they get the money for this, they always have a raffle and entertainment and cups of tea now from Julia Canham. When Barbara gave up, Vi Haun took over, her husband Ron used to come to the handicraft classes. Then sadly he became ill and died, so she gave up. Then Pam Buckland took over, her husband was visibly impaired and both used to go on rambles. She ran it till 2008 when her husband became very ill.
Then Julia Canham with the committee Dennis Batamall, Norah Boates, Kathy Williams and Charles Jagger carried on for a while but was advised it would be better if we went in with the association rather than a separate club.

In October 2009 we had our 21st anniversary. Starting off with a party, we were entertained by Molly Denton dancers. We had a celebration cake with balloons and wording Congratulations 21st Social Club. There was plenty of food and drinks, which were all enjoyed. The cake was cut by Teresa Hardy and Charles Jagger. We then shut down until June 2010, whilst legal requirements took place to merge with the association. We then all enjoyed a Christmas party which was postponed from Christmas because of bad weather. From then on I have been running and booking all entertainment with the help of Kathy Shepherd arranging transport, which is greatly needed and Jane Griffiths steps on when ever needed to make teas and coffees. We tried for a while to change from Tuesdays to Wednesdays; this did not work and saw numbers dwindle to 4. So asked to move back to Tuesday afternoons once a month. Now we get between 24 to 30 people. We have lost a few members and gained a few new ones. So now we hope to continue in strength. I’ve bookings up to December 2011 for entertainment and have a lot of contacts to December 2011. Committee members through the years are Norah Boates, Julia Canham, Nessie Barkuis, Dennis Catermull, Walter Stoud, Kathy Williams and Charles Jagger.

Thank you to Barbara Tyler and Julia Canham for their help in this about the social club. Several times we have been invited to Mike and Paddi Smiths home in Winnersh, this has always been a very enjoyable time at their garden parties.

Another club is the Rambling group, which was started by Pat Davis, but was taken over by Tom Barker. This has gone from strength to strength. They walk in the mornings, have a pub lunch, which they all enjoy, then do a shorter walk in the afternoon. They have helpers with sight to be able to do this. One special ramble was going to Nettlebed to Paddi Lilley’s brother’s farm, where he had shire horses and a cart. He would take them around the blue tree woods on the cart. They have rambled all over the place.
In 2001 Tom Barker and Ron Maskell went to the Houses of Parliament to receive the award for Voluntary Endeavour Rambling Group, for the South East Region, from Nationwide Bank. Quite an achievement, rambling still goes on today enthusiastic walkers. In fact, they have had a few days in and on the South Coast and Wales. Usually once a year Tom Barker has a tea party at his house when they break up for the summer break.

I will now hand you over to Lisa, who runs the younger people group called Young at Heart. Thank you Lisa.

I always knew that Walford hall was there, I only live down the road. Little did I know how much Walford Hall would ever mean to me? I am married and have 3 beautiful daughters and if you saw me you’d never know that I am in fact registered as disabled. I am deafblind and have been for most of my life, since adolescence. My burden is Ushers Syndrome, my eyes weakened to Retinis Pigmentosa and my hearing didn’t develop properly, but this is the point; Walford Hall saved my life when under the clutches of depression I reached out for help. The moment I walked I the door I knew I’d found what I was looking for.

Four years later I am still here, Walford Hall is my place of safety. Everyone’s in the same boat, we all help each other and the wonderful volunteers make our time at the hall very special. I have been on all sorts of trips, going to places I’d never thought possible. I have climbed the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, gone to a horse race meeting at Towchester (Yes I lost all my money) and Paolo Nutini at the Royal Albert Hall. Walford Hall made that possible and many doors and opportunities have come my way since I walked through the doors.
Walford Hall sort of grows on you; it is to me a very special friend and like a good friend is always there to help. I did need some help with benefits a little while ago and Reading Association for the blind pointed me in the right direction. What RAB don’t know about is not worth knowing. I pray it will always be there for those who need it.

Lisa Hendy

February 2011

Another group not long started is … I will leave Dawn to fill you in on this.

The out and about group. I believe I’m right in saying this was started by Tom Barker. The mini bus with loads of people went to different places, not too far from home, such as, Millett’s Farm, Rural Life Museum at Reading University, The Herb Farm and many more. These outings were always enjoyed. Tom has now retired from this and Kevin Deacon has taken over. So far I’ve only been on one outing. Even though my sight is good I have to use a wheel chair and need someone to do the donkey work of pushing me around. The one I went on was to RNIB in London, a most enjoyable day. The weather was awful.

My 30 years with the blind will be in September. I shall always have many happy memories for the rest of my life. Just because it’s 30 years I don’t intend to stop going, I feel I can still give help when needed. This week five of us went to the Royal Albert Hall to see Blasical Spectacular; it was out of this world, something never to be forgotten.
As I come to the end I must say a big thank you to Dawn, for typing and answering so many questions, also to Barbara Tyler and Julia Canham for the social club, Tom Barker for ramblers, Lisa Hendy for young at heart, Betty Maskell and Paddi Lilley for general thoughts.
I hope I haven’t missed anyone. If I hadn’t had help, this would not have been possible.

Thank you all.

Josie Stacey 2011

Chairmen,
Brian Bumford, Charles Tuker, Dennis Batamull, Hayden Richards, Ossie Gibbs, Paddi Lilley, Tom Barker, Vice chairmen Brian Bumford and Bob Morgan.

Treasurers,
Brian Walker, Brian Bumford, David Griffiths, Frank Carstars and Mike Smith.

Office Managers, Secretaries,
Dawn Singleton, Joan Lewis, Mary Grant, Maria McGreggor, Sandra Fulwel, Valerie Kaine, Verney, Eileen Barker and Kathy Sheppard.

Vice Officers,
Anne Callen, Elizabeth Holland, Joyce Benham, John Wells, Janet Hayward, Margaret Masca, Mary Ohare, Rachel Barker, Sue Holley, Wendy Whitehouse and Ron Maskell who just visits.

Teachers,
Dawn Singleton, Gladys Mace, George Mill, June Hurst, June Neate, Josie Stacey, Kathy William, Margaret Skinner, Marion Omahony, Wendy Haton, Sletta Oroake, Wendy Whitehouse and Isabel.

Minibus drivers,
Bob Card, Derek, David Griffiths, Ernie Holloway, Ernie, Gordon Roberts, Mick Paige, Ossie Gibbs, Paul, Ron Newman, Robert Jefferies, Jerry Boyington, Tim Brewer escorts Jim, Vi Newman.

Car drivers,
John Gaulden, Jack, Mick Paige and Taseis Cleaners.
Mr and Mrs John Derek, Urma and daughter.

Helper’s handicraft,
Ann, Betty Jones, Betty Metson, Betty Maskell, Cissy, Christine, David, Edith Percy, George, Hilda Palmer, Jan, Jo, Joan, Marjorie Weatherall, Mary Banks, Mandy, Mick Paige, Nelly Beale, Nicky, Peter Canham, Kitty Knapp, Susan.

Ladies and Gentleman of the kitchen,
Betty Maskell, Betty Tucker, Barbara Tyler, Churse, Bessie, David, Don, Felicity Uboolom, Gustoff, Ivy Holt, Jim Wallace, Joan, Josephine, Marjorie Weatherall, Mathew Stephens, Moira, Nelly Sayers, Peggy, Paula, Rene, Sheila and Wendy Gibson.