As the Isle of Ely Blind Society marks its 95th anniversary, secretary Janet Fisher explains how the charity helps local people.

Isle of Ely Society for the Blind is a charity covering the area once known as the ‘Isle of Ely’ which was the area covering south of Ely to the north of Wisbech, including March, Chatteris, Whittlesey, Christchurch and Manea.

Our constitution states that we provide help and support for all visually impaired people in that area regardless of age, gender, race or religion.

Support varies from home visits, outings, focus group meetings, demonstrating various aids and also IT lessons.

All the above are subsidised in some way. We are also agents for British Wireless for the Blind distributing CD/radios for those in need.

In our resource centre we have a range of second hand aids at our office which is based at March Town Hall on Market Place.

Our staff consists of two workers, an administrator and assistant manning the office from 9.30am-1.30pm Monday to Friday (except when we are attending groups).

We have a band of volunteers helping out at eye clinics, days out, coffee mornings and lunches.

This year, as our organisation was established in 1923 and has served the community continuously since then, we celebrate our 95th anniversary and plan to organise events for this occasion.

We also produce a quarterly newsletter which includes up-to-date information on the society’s planned events and product information.

If anyone would like to receive the newsletter or find out more about the organisation, they should call 01354 656726 or email fenlansocf.t.blind@gmail.com