Huddersfield Society for the Blind marks its 150th birthday

Jun 24 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BLIND and partially sighted people have marked the 150th birthday of a vital support group.

The Huddersfield Society for the Blind has reached a milestone few community groups seldom achieve.

And its President Harold Rothery says it’s success has been down to its membership support over the years.

Some 196 users celebrated it’s 150th anniversary at an Elland bistro with a trip through time.

And the society is looking forward to its next 50 years by campaigning for a support liaison worker to help those who are registered as blind.

Mr Rothery joined the society in 1993 when his wife Jean was secretary and after her death in 1995 he continued to be involved.

He said: “The most important thing we do is help to reduce the loneliness people can often feel.

“It’s about people knowing we are here and what we can do for them.”

Mr Rothery is a member of two Kirklees committees and is campaigning for better support for the blind.

He is currently working to get a liaison officer to help people who are diagnosed as blind or partially sighted at Huddersfield’s Eye Clinic.

He added: “The problem is they go to the clinic, are diagnosed as being blind and then there is no follow-up or they don’t know where to get support.

“I am working with Kirklees to try and get some sort of follow-up help which is important.”

The society is voluntary and relies on the support and donations of members and the public.

That much-needed support has so far got them to the 150th celebration and they hope to mark more milestones in the future.

It was back in 1857 when the Rev Richard Ray of the Queen Street Methodist Mission suggested activities for blind people.

He held a meeting in 1858 which was said to have been well-attended.

Until 1874, the society was responsible for teaching all of Huddersfield’s blind children.

At the time of Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee in 1887 the society was known as the Home Teaching Society for the Blind.

By the end of the 19th century its geographical area stretched beyond Huddersfield to the Colne and Holme Valleys.

At the start of World War One, blind and partially-sighted girls were making helmets, scarves and socks for soldiers at workshops at Cloth Hall Street and Byram Arcade.

In 1938, its current name was introduced and has continued its support and campaigning work ever since.

Every other week the society holds a get-together for members at a Dalton church. They provide two holidays a year and organise seasonal social events too.

People can also drop into its base at Upperhead Row for advice.

Mr Rothery said: “We’ve been under different names and covered different areas, but we’ve always been here and willing to offer support to people who need it.

“Many people say the support is invaluable and that they can’t wait for the next get-together.”