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79
Although there is a greater percentage of elderly persons on the
register their participation in activities available to all groups is considerable
and the clubs and dancing class held throughout the year are well
attended. It has been possible this year to resume horticultural classes at
Norwood Hall, Southhall, but the numbers had to be limited according to
the transport available. The blind are given full opportunity to take
advantage of the many facilities available and they are as a group very
keen to widen their knowledge and experience. For the majority companionship
is most important and consequently any group activity is well
supported. Social clubs provide a means to this end and handcraft classes
in particular stimulate their creative powers and foster the spirit of working
together which was illustrated during 1969 by a group project entered for
the Middlesex Association for the Blind Handicraft Exhibition which was
highly commended by the judges. This exhibition was held on the 9/5/69
and 31 blind persons of Harrow produced 49 items to be exhibited,
gaining 1 "first", 5 "second", 12 "third" and 3 "highly commended" as
well as a commendation for receiving the second highest total of prizes.
An expansion of group activities was made possible this year by the
acquisition of Sancroft Assembly Hall which enabled Braille, Moon,
typing and mobility classes to be held weekly. Other afternoon sessions
included a current affairs programme and activities of general interest. The
average attendance at these functions is 21.
The Borough also provides for a fortnightly handcraft class where a
group of about 21 blind and partially-sighted persons are instructed in
various crafts.
With the kind co-operation of a voluntary helper who generously made
her house available for meetings, a Deaf/Blind Club was formed which
meets alternate Wednesdays. Social workers for the blind are now able to
bring together persons who have the double handicap and develop their
means of communication, therby widening their interests. Voluntary
helpers have been taught the Deaf/Blind Manual and each member has a
sighted partner to talk to.
The Harrow Blind Social Club, which is a voluntary organisation, is
exceedingly well managed by the blind themselves and they meet every
Monday evening. The Club also has a section for the elderly housebound
who meet every Tuesday afternoon.
Assisted annual holidays this year permitted 46 blind persons with 23
guides to have a much needed change and a block holiday at Clacton
catered for another 20 blind persons with 5 guides.
Very close liaison is maintained with other organisations and societies
providing services for the blind and the Wireless for the Blind Society
provided 29 new sets, raising the total number of sets issued from this
source in daily use in Harrow to 160. Talking books provided by the
Nuffield Talking Book Library and issued to local blind persons now
number 97.