Rochdale Blind Welfare Society celebrate 75th anniversary

Coordinator Keith Swift, Treasurer David Hazel, Trustee Councillor James Gartside, Joan Pask and Trustee Martin Coupe

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Members of the Rochdale Blind Welfare society celebrated their 75th anniversary on Tuesday 17 December with a combined Christmas and birthday celebration.

The Rochdale Blind Welfare society began in 1938 with the help of Sir Samuel Turner JP and currently has 40 members attending each week.

Coordinator of the society, Keith Swift said: “We have been in this building for 75 years now so we wanted to celebrate.”

The society meets at High Barn Close every week and gives members who are registered blind or who are suffering from Muscular
Degeneration the opportunity to spend time with others who are suffering from similar difficulties.

“This society is satisfying a need that is out there,” said Keith.

The party was attended by members as well as trustees of the society. Councillor James Gartside who is a trustee said: “It is amazing
that this has been running for 75 years. We currently have 40 members and if you think of how many people that is over the 75
years then it has helped a lot of people.”

The party included a Christmas dinner, a raffle and Christmas songs. Keith added: “This is our annual Christmas party but it is a double celebration today.”

The Rochdale Blind Welfare Society is an independent charity within Rochdale. “I don’t know if we’ll be here for another 75 years because they are close to finding a cure for muscular degeneration but we’ll see,” said Keith.

Anyone who is interested in the society should contact Trudi Garner at the Sensory Team of Rochdale Social Services.