Issue 7 - August 2007

GBA treasurer Bernard Saunders completes the 2007 Flora London Marathon

Well, I Did It ! ! ! !

On the 22^nd April I completed the Flora London Marathon 2007. It did take me just over 6 hours, but at 65 never having taken part in any running event before, I was delighted to have finished. An added bonus was that my efforts were rewarded by the generosity of members of the GBA, family, friends and business associates who helped me to raise nearly £6,000 in sponsorship split between my main charity the R.N.I.B and the G.B.A.

It was the 27^th London Marathon and the hottest ever with temperatures around 25.0C with the radiated heat from the road reaching 27.5C. The position was made worse by many of the water stations running out. Over 700 people failed to finish with 5,000 being treated for dehydration. The fire service set up 6 run through shower points, (like human car washes), and many residents of houses on the route were spraying hoses as we ran past.

Despite the heat it was a wonderful experience, but like getting married something I only want to do once!! 

The atmosphere was unbelievable, the spirit of comradeship between the runners and the encouragement received from the crowds lining the route very moving. I enjoyed every inch of the 26 mile 365yard course from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace, not completed at world record pace but still not a stroll in the park.

My thanks to all who kindly sponsored me.

Bernard Saunders

Corporate Friends of
The Guernsey Blind Association

Belle Fleur Nursery
Deloitte & Touche
Deutsche Bank International
Duke of Richmond Hotel
Fuel Supplies
JLT Risk Solutions Limited
Kingston Management
Kraken Financial Group Limited
Long Port Properties Limited
Medical Specialist Group
Mercator Trust Company
Moores Hotel Limited
N. M. Rothchild
NRG International Limited
Royal Bank of Canada
Sarnia Workwear Limited
Schroders
Zouche Group Limited

Treasurer's Report 25/04/07

My role as Treasurer at the GBA is to keep and balance the accounts. I also ensure that there are sufficient funds to meet the objectives which are ‘to give financial aid and other assistance to residents of the Bailiwick of Guernsey suffering from blindness or impaired vision in order to minimise their handicap and improve their quality of life.’

I would like to thank Mr Steve Turvey of Cleland and Co and Collins Stewart for his helpful approach to the GBA audit.  In 2006, the income from fundraising and our investments continues to almost meet our operating expenses.  I would like to mention here that the trustees and volunteers contribute to the general fund raising efforts which also promote the work the Association does for the visually impaired in the Bailiwick.  I feel this promotion of the GBA is important to remain in people’s minds when donations, bequests and legacies are being considered.  I would like to thank the President and her team for making the best use of their time and the Association’s funds.

The GBA Investments are split 3 ways between property, equities/bonds and cash.  The GBA maintains a fairly high bank balance and despite the rise in the equity market over the past 4 years I feel it is still not appropriate to increase the equity/bond portfolio.

We make every effort to ensure that the needs of the visually impaired are met.   This may include providing finance, always endeavouring to find finance elsewhere first (such as through the State’s of Guernsey), before drawing on GBA funds.  However, finding finance elsewhere has become increasingly more difficult in today’s climate so it is therefore essential that we do not become complacent and make every effort to ensure funds continue to be raised to enable the GBA to fulfil its objectives.

Bernard Saunders

Co-ordinator's Report 2006

I’m pleased to report that the Resource Centre has been well used over the year by new professionals employed by Social Security and Health and Social Services Department, who have visited to find out more about the equipment and the services the Charity had to offer.  Once again many visits have been made by the Visually Impaired in the Bailiwick who have asked their friends and family to bring them to find out about visual aids and equipment on offer.

Thanks to the generosity of a finance company and a share of the proceeds from last year’s Itex Walk the Guernsey Blind Association had been able to purchase two C.C.T.V’s and two Pocket Viewers.  Following further donations from other businesses the GBA had also purchased a Talking Microwave.

The Guernsey Blind Association also gave assistance to 29 people during 2006 by providing them with the funding for eye tests and or new standard spectacles when required.  This was an increase of approximately 30% from those helped in 2005.

The talking books remain to be a valued and enjoyable way to pass the time for many of our members.  There was a time when only a few people could cope with the complicated Talking Book Machine but the new RNIB Victor Reader Classic C D Player is a very simple to use piece of equipment enabling more people to join the RNIB talking library.  Although there are still some people who find they cannot cope with such long stories, for these people the Guernsey Blind Association’s ‘Listening for Pleasure’ Library, with its many abridged tapes, is ideal.  At this point I would like to thank those people who pass on their used talking books and continuing to expand our listener’s choice.  Also, great thanks to the generosity from donations enabling the GBA to purchase more recent publications.

The Thursday Afternoon Social and Handcraft groups remained extremely popular during 2006.  The Social group has enjoyed the Healing Music Trust Concerts.  In April, the concert was held at St Andrews School to accommodate the tuba, too loud for our small rooms!  The children from years 5 and 6 also came along to enjoy the music and stayed to talk to some of the group afterwards.  Some children guided our members around the sensory garden they were preparing for planting for their entry into Floral Guernsey. 

During 2006, to create awareness of the needs of the visually impaired, talks were given to Vale and St Mary’s L’Islet Church Groups, The College of Further Education students and six schools- La Hougette, Castel Primary, St Andrews Primary, La Mare de Carteret, Amherst and Sark.  During these talks simulated spectacles were used to give sighted people some idea of the visual difficulties some eye conditions may cause.  A selection of special equipment was demonstrated to show how some problems encountered by the visually impaired can be overcome to enable them to remain as independent as possible.

The Guernsey Blind Association were also asked to provide Sight Awareness Training to staff at Marks and Spencers, the Airport Ground Staff and the Police Cadets.

Following two successful audits of St Peter Port and St Sampsons in 2005, the Charity, Ramp (Raising Awareness of Mobility Problems conducted an audit of St Martin’s Village.  They really are making a difference as shops have purchased portable ramps, installed call bells for people who need assistance to enter shops.   Some shops have marked glaze doors and highlighted their steps, this is a real achievement.  An audit of the town bus terminus is due to be carried out in the near future.

The Guernsey Blind Association proudly set up their Donkey Derby Stall once again last year.  It was great to have so many willing volunteers on the day including visually impaired members, Trustees, family and friends.  The stall consisted of a Toy Tombola, children’s games using simulated spectacles, a selection of resource equipment being demonstrated throughout the afternoon and our large display board containing information about our charity.  The Toy Tombola raised quite a lot of funds but more importantly the GBA achieved their aim of raising public awareness of what the local charity is all about.

Autumn 2006 saw the return of another Autumn Fayre held at the Le Four Cabot centre.  The morning was enjoyed by all and money was raised from the various stalls.  However it was noted that there did not seem to be the volume of people that had been expected. 

Another successful event to end the year was the three-course Christmas lunch held at Les Cotils Christian Centre, attended by 75 people.

I would like to finish by reporting that the office has become increasingly busy and I would like to stress the importance of promoting the Guernsey Blind Association, so that as many people as possible become aware of what help the GBA are able to provide them, their families and their friends.  The more people who know about the local charity, the greater the chances are for reaching those who can benefit from the Association’s services.

This report also contains information from my predecessor, Mrs Jean Le Huray.

Caroline Maynard

President's Report 2006

It was fantastic for the GBA to be nominated as one of the recipients of funding raised from the Itex walk.  Throughout the day of the walk, 10^th June, it was arranged that a Trustee would be at the various checkout points to support the runners and this included the Treasurer being at the 4.30am start of the walk.  The GBA received the magnificent sum of £6,188 from the Itex walk which has been spent on special equipment for some of our younger visually impaired members.

I would like to thank all the volunteer helpers and drivers who were there to make the Summer Outing last year at La Trelade Hotel such a wonderful afternoon.  The coach ride and the wonderful tea of sandwiches and cakes were greatly appreciated by 50 visually impaired people.

I would like to extend the GBA’s gratitude and thanks to Mrs Jean Le Huray who has recently retired from working for the charity due to family reasons after 13 years of hard work.  Mrs Le Huray still helps out on a Thursday with the handcraft and the social afternoon.

Once again thank you to all the volunteer drivers and helpers for all their kind work.  The Social and Handcraft afternoons enjoyed by so many could not continue without your assistance.  And also thanks to  Mr. Saunders, the Treasurer for your continued support throughout the year. 

Sandy Mauger

Forthcoming Events

Open Morning and Grand Raffle
Saturday 20^th October

Christmas Lunch
Saturday 15^th December
(At Les Cotils for GBA Members)

The GBA would like to take the opportunity to extend our thanks to all those who have helped us by inviting you to an Open Morning. There will be free tea and coffee and the opportunity for you to see for yourselves the services we provide to the visually impaired in the Bailiwick.

Raffle tickets are on sale now with top prizes of £500 Travel Voucher and £500 Homemaker Voucher (Sponsored by Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Ltd).  If you would like to purchase some tickets or could donate a prize towards the draw, please contact the office.

Officers and Committee

GUERNSEY BLIND ASSOCIATION

TEL 236933         FAX 236932

E-MAIL  gba@guernsey.net

WEBSITE  www.guernsey.net/~gba/