Vital volunteer is lifeline for Dorset Blind Association

Sydney Davies, 60, got in touch with the Dorset Blind Association (DBA) after finding out their monthly social club would be forced to close if no one came forward.

Helen Basson, home visiting co-ordinator for the DBA, warned in April that unless the organisation could find new volunteers it would have to disband.

Mr Davies, of Christchurch Court, Dorchester, is a retired manager of a care home. He now organises the monthly meetings for people suffering from blindness or limited sight.

He said: “I would have hated to see it fold and if I can do something to help, to make their lives better, then I will.

“The blind often have nowhere to go and little to do.

“I didn’t want them to lose their friendships and the chats they have here.”

Mrs Basson was grateful to Mr Davies and also said that more help was needed – particularly volunteer drivers.

“I am very thankful that he has come forward otherwise the club would have folded.

“We are very glad we got him, thanks to The Echo.

“Now we are desperate for drivers.

“We need them just once a month so that we can open it up to more members.

“Now we have 19 members, two more have been able to join since we got Sydney.”

One of the new members is Brenda Woollard, 91, from Dorchester.

She said: “Last month I was invited to come along.

“So, it’s so important to me that it’s still going.”

Other members are also grateful to new supporters, including a new driver.

Dulcie Hanlon, 88, from Dorchester, said: “We were over the moon to think that someone had come forward because we really thought the club would stop.”

Doris Gardiner, 84, from Charminster, added: “We would not get far without the volunteer drivers.”

Pete Prior, 74, from Dorchester said: “It’s wonderful.

“Sydney has made it possible to keep going.”

The club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.

Volunteer drivers are paid 40p a mile for their petrol. Anyone interested in volunteeringshould call 01929 481110.