January & February 2009 Bulletin

January & February 2009

Trustees Committed Despite Recession

"In response to the economic recession," Martin Pallett, Chief Executive says, "Cornwall Blind Association is looking very carefully at all its costs and justify these carefully.

"No-one quite knows exactly how long the recession will last and how severe it will be. Certainly there will be an impact on all charities and in particular on their investments and funding sources.

"There is a strong commitment by the Board of Trustees to continue to support visually impaired people throughout the county and to keep providing the important support that we do.

"We do not want to alarm our clients who depend on us but we are not complacent about the economic climate either. We believe that we really do make a difference to the lives of visually impaired people and that the public will continue to support us through these difficult times."

Extra benefit for some

Have you received your £10 Christmas Bonus? Are you aware that you may be in line for an additional one-off £60 payment?

It is payable to customers in receipt of a qualifying benefit in the week commencing 22 December 2008 and will automatically be paid between January and March 2009.

If you are unsure which benefit qualifies, please contact Ruth on 01872 266711

Update From West Cornwall

There are one or two changes at Penwith Sight Centre in Penzance. The computer skills tuition and cookery are temporarily on hold but it is hoped funding can be found for these activities to continue in the future.

There are still vacancies for counseling at the centre should anyone wish to make use of this professional service.

Also, the local Cornwall Blind Association network is still small but includes some volunteers with some good ideas.

For further details contact Heather Collings on: 01736 352007

News from North Cornwall

Volunteers at Bodmin Hospital Desk are due to start being available on Wednesday morning eye clinics, since we have been told this is a busy time. We are very grateful to Ruth Thomas and Alison Clapham who will be starting their duties in the near future.

Volunteers needed in Caradon

Our Benefits, Low Vision and Access Technology service workers continue to make home visits in the Caradon area.

Volunteers are desperately needed to help with all the planned activities. If you, friends or family could spare a few hours a month then please contact Pat Fawcett at Truro Sight Centre on: 01872 266710.

Fundraising Update

Our challenge to engage with individuals, communities and organisations remains crucial to the success of our fundraising strategy. Our work over the past year is bearing fruit and we are seeing successes.

More and more people are supporting us, community groups are asking us to give talks and raising funds for us, companies are selecting us as their chosen charity and trusts are recognising the good work that we are doing and funding our projects, finally our membership is also increasing.

Trust and Grants

We are delighted that the Dunhill Medical Trust awarded us £52,500 to complete the funding we needed to continue the Welfare Benefits and Advocacy Service over the next three years. This funding is complimented by funding from the Rank Foundation made in October last year. In addition The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust awarded us £750 for our Advocacy volunteers training and expenses.

The Percy Bilton Charity have awarded us a donation of £3,764, this has meant we have now raised the £10,400 we needed for new demonstration aids and access technology equipment in various locations across the county.

The Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund have awarded us £2,000 to continue to support the Truro based computer club for another year.

• And, in response to our appeal, local Town and Parish Councils have so far contributed over £1,000 to help with the rising transport costs for our escort drivers service.
• Community Update
• Community

Requesting a Talk

We are keen spread the word about our services and the difference we make to the lives of blind and visually impaired people living in Cornwall. If you, or your friends and family, are a member of a group and you would like to book a talk.

Please contact Kerry Keast on 01872 266708 kerrykeast@cornwallblind.org.uk

Fundraising Volunteers Needed Urgently

We urgently need volunteers to help us at the many store collections and shows that we have planned, so if you can spare a few hours and are happy to help please give me a call. 01872 266709

Debbie's Diary

Friday 20th March - The Great Firewalk Challenge.

Do something extraordinary this year - walk barefoot over a bed of hot coals! Or just come along and support us.

Details from: Debbie 01872 266709 dhenshaw@cornwallblind.org.uk

Store Collections

• Friday 3^rd and Saturday 4^th April - Morrisons, Bude
• Friday 15^th and Saturday 16^th May - Morrisons, Bude
• Friday 12th June and Saturday 13th June - Morrisons, Bude

Barn Dance

Saturday 4^th April 8pm-11pm

Kea Community Centre, Playing Place, Truro.

Bring & Share Supper, Caller Howard Burrows. Raffle. Entrance £4 Details from: Carol Horth 01872 862099 Howard Burrows 01872 863917

All day fun at the White Hart St. Keverne

Sunday 24^th May Starts at 2:30 until Late (stalls 2:30 - 5:00pm) (Bank Holiday Weekend).

Event includes snooker / pool contest. Male voice choir in the evening BBQ. Details from Debbie Henshaw 01872 266709

Cream Tea and Garden Party.

13^th June 10am-2pm

At the home of Mrs Carol Horth 10 Chycoose Parc Point, Truro. Entrance £5 Details from: Carol Horth 01872 862099

Don't forget to tell us about your events and send in your pictures!

For more fundraising activities and events visit the fundraising section.

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