Tea's up for Middleton charity's first meeting

Staff and volunteers from the 4Sight charity, which has hosted its first meeting asked people what they wanted from the new group.

Martin Pearson chief executive of 4Sight said: "It was really good to see people, and we hope that interest in the new Middleton group will increase.

"We are very supportive of the group and hope to make it a regular occurrence, and we want to make sure that everyone in Middleton knows it is happening."

The charity, which helps the blind and partially sighted in West Sussex, put on a range of activities to entice members.

Producer of Middleton News, Pauline Allsopp, offered members of the group the opportunity to subscribe to tape versions of the free magazine.

Mrs Allsopp, who has been running the free magazine for eight years, said: "We currently have about twelve people on the list for the Talking Middleton News, and we would like to make sure that everyone is aware of the service."

She added: "It is not just for people who are partially sighted, it is for anyone who would prefer the tape version rather than the magazine itself."

There was also a fire safety presentation, where attendee's where encouraged to raise any issues.

Community fire safety advisor, Paula Bishop said: "We are trying to make people aware of the dangers of fire.

"What we want to do is to talk to people and provide all the help we can to make homes as safe as possible."

As well as free refreshments, local businesses donated prizes for a raffle, and nearly everybody went home with something.

Ann Riley, a volunteer for the new group, said: "I just came along to make tea, but my job has got bigger, I have always worked and I was looking for a volunteer role to keep me busy, and as I live close-by this seemed like the perfect option."

She added: "What we have done today is to ask people what would they like to happen at the meetings, would they like guest speakers, a chat and a cup of coffee, or outings."

The group which will meet every second Thursday is still open to new members, and the next gathering will be on September 30, from 1:30pm till 3:30PM, at St Nicholas Village Hall, Middleton.

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