THE Chairman, Maureen Williams, welcomed new members to our ever expanding group. Maureen gave details of the forthcoming 50th anniversary party on 26th October and the Christmas lunch to be held at the golf club on 16 December.

All of the groups continue to flourish and the music group have been busy giving concerts during October. They would still like to have new singers in the group. Sylvia Stanley has retired from the committee and members were asked to consider joining the very happy, lively committee. Sylvia was thanked for her past contribution to the Guild.

Our Speaker for October was Shirley Sheriden who is partially sighted and spoke about the wonderful help and inspiration given to her by “Sight Concern” and The Bradbury Centre in Worcester. Shirley had type 1 diabetes as a child but it didn't stop her playing, cycling, working out at the gym and socialising. When she had been married 6 months she woke one morning to find that she was virtually blind with limited sight in one eye only. She had laser treatment but when the Consultant told her that he was going to register her as blind she realised that no further medical treatment was available to her. Shirley's husband became he carer and she spent 14 years feeling stupid, useless and a burden. She became very bored because she had nothing to do and was very frightened of the outside world. Then, thankfully, when she moved to Worcester she was put in touch with Sight Concern who encouraged her to go to the Bradbury Centre. The Centre gave her hope for the future, helping with various aids to help her become more independent. Shirley learnt computer skills and showed us her amazing computer which speaks her messages enabling her to remain in contact, by e-mail, with her friends. The Bradbury Centre organised a trip to the library and the bus depot in Worcester which proved to be really helpful. The bus drivers were so kind and helpful and she now prefers to travel by bus with her beautiful dog Taylor because there are always interesting people to talk to.

Shirley now plays golf, has done a sky dive, abseiled down the Abberley clock tower and completed the Worcester 10K walk which made her feel part of the community. Shirley is a lovely, inspiring lady who is so enthusiastic about Sight Concern and wishes it could be available all over the country. Our Malvern branch came in for praise , they organise a talking newspaper, outings, a social meeting every month and is self – funding. We sat entranced listening to Shirley and feel sure that she will continue to inspire people.

We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 10.15am. at Clarence Park Village, Malvern Link. Visitors are always welcome. Our programme is on the notice board in Malvern Library.

JOYCE DAWKINS

Secretary