Visually impaired people’s festive meal

SIXTY members and 20 volunteers from Warrington Visually Impaired People (WVIP), enjoyed a lovely Christmas meal at the Fairfield and Howley Community Centre’s Old Dining Room with Mayor of Warrington Wendy Johnson joining in and acting as Father Christmas.
It was only a couple of weeks previously that the WVIP took some members on a winter break to Llandudno for a few days. No sooner were staff and volunteers back from a very enjoyable break than they were straight into organising the Christmas meal.
WVIP manager Gail Bretherton said: “There was a tremendous amount be done for today’s celebration and we are so grateful to our volunteers and staff who came in to make sure that the operation ran smoothly. A big thank you to MacIntye for letting us use their kitchen – it is superb.
“It’s a big occasion for our members and they have thoroughly enjoy themselves. They’ve had a fantastic five-course meal, the odd glass of wine, excellent company and listened to a brilliant brass band CALDO.”
The volunteer drivers went out much earlier than usual as both the Tuesday and Thursday groups had to be brought for a combined sitting. Adrian the transport co-ordinator made sure that everyone who wanted to come had a lift into the centre by laying on a couple of extra trips.
The Mayor said: “It has been a lovely occasion and my sister Beverly (the Mayor’s consort) and I split up to dine on separate tables so that we could get to know the members and hear their stories. There are so many characters with many tales to tell, it was a delight. “
WVIP chairman Geoff Settle said “We have recently set up a help desk at Warrington Hospital’s Eye Clinic. It is getting good reviews and has produced 11 referrals in the first two months. We have a contract with WBC to provide a home visiting service that provides over 5,000 visits to members each year enabling them to live in independently and fuller lives in their own homes.”