Seahouses WI, Meeting

View across to the Farnes from Seahouses Harbour Picture by Jane Coltman

The first evening in November was rather chilly when we held the meeting of North Sunderland and Seahouses WI, with 21 members present.

Mrs Minto introduced guest speaker Helen Rogers, representing the Royal National Institute for the Blind, of which Queen Victoria was patron in 1868.

Helen advised us of fund-raising, donations and Christmas festivities. She also told us about the problems facing a blind person, including isolation, how it affects relationships, and the day-to-day “getting on with life” and negotiating street furniture.

Helen told us that each day 100 people will become blind, and that not all blind people can read braille.

She produced several pairs of spectacles to pass around. These were designed to show us what it feels like to have macular degeneration, diabetes advanced stages, glaucoma and tunnel vision, or advanced cataracts.

Modern technology is a great help, giving a lifeline.

Mrs Val Hart gave the vote of thanks.

After refreshments we went on to the business part of the meeting.

Future events include our Christmas lunch on December 9. The resolutions for 2017 will all be discussed later. The group meeting is in Seahouses on April 26. Our next pub lunch is on November 26, at The Ship Inn.

Other events include Christmas at the Abbey on December 15, carol singing at Heighley Gate on December 20, and a snowman beetle drive on December 7 at Cresswell House. April 3 is the final for the darts and dominoes competition, and April 8 is the council meeting in the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.

The results of the competition ‘B’ were: 1 Mrs McLaughlan, 2 Sandra MacFarlane, 3 Nora Mileham. The raffle was won by Brenda Ord.

Our next meeting is the Christmas party on December 6. A pooled supper will be served and entertainment is planned so do come along.