WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols recently visited Warrington Visually Impaired People (VIP) at the Old School Project in Fairfield and Howley to learn about the work they do and the services they provide for their members.
Warrington VIP offers a wide range of activities to its members including advice on benefits, care, visual aids and transport, exercise classes, a lunch club and recreational activities including dominoes and holiday clubs.
Ms nichols: said “It was lovely to spend a few hours with Warrington VIP at the Old School Project. An amazing community space with so many different local groups that have made it their home, the dreamiest garden, ceramics studio and therapy dog Bella. Warrington VIP could not have a better home!”
A spokesperson from Warrington VIP said: “We were delighted to welcome our Member of Parliament, Charlotte Nichols MP to the centre. Charlotte came along to see what VIP is all about, and we proudly showed her our garden, centre and resource room. She then took the time to sit and chat with our VIPs, which was a real highlight for everyone. A big thank you to everyone who made this week happen – from our wonderful staff and volunteers to our amazing members who bring so much joy to the centre.”
Warrington VIP was founded under the name “The Warrington and District Society for the Blind” with the objective of the Society being to promote the welfare of blind people residing in the area.
It started in 1917, when 23-year-old Rex Furness was working in a laboratory in Crosfields. Rex was involved in a top-secret development for the military when an explosion blew up in his face leaving him blind. Whilst learning to cope with life without sight, he thought of all the other people in the area living with the same problem as he had.
He decided to make their welfare his chief concern. In 1923, The Warrington, Widnes and District Society for the Blind was founded. A building was acquired on Museum Street which provided offices, a library, and workshops, where members could make baskets, stockings, and woven cane chairs. Payments from sales of goods were passed on to members who were considered unemployable, providing them with an income allowing them to contribute and feel valued.
Rex passed away in 1971, aged 77, but his legacy lives on in Warrington Visually Impaired People. Warrington VIP now resides at the Old Fairfield School after moving to the purpose-built centre in 2012.
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Lots of change going on at the Old School over the last year or so that has tested everyone. Much needed to be done and much has been done and lots more to do. It was good therefore a great opportunity for our MP to meet our members, fantastic volunteers, staff and trustees who do so much. Charlotte also got the chance to me our Bevan Boy and hear about the secrets of living a long life