Trust News
Our Tenth Anniversary
In 2002, the Eyeless Trust celebrated it tenth birthday at its AGM at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. The day’s wonderful example of collaboration in charitable work began with a meeting for the Trust’s social workers from all over the UK. Here they shared their experience and expertise.
By lunchtime, The Great Hall was echoing with excited chatter as Eyeless Trust families, social workers, trustees and other will-wishers enjoyed a finger buffet. Someone in one group overheard children describing a first ever day in London going on the Tube and how a trip to Madame Tussaud’s was to come!
At the AGM the usual formalities passed swiftly, while a video record was made by a new Trustee, Mr Bev Smith. The Chairman’s address emphasised that Eyeless is Lillian and he was brief so that the Director/Founder could go to the heart of our work in her Report. Why is this day special, boys and girls? asked Mrs Lillian Ramsay. The answer was chorused. It is 10 years since Lillian had met 40 families from East Anglia at the offices of The Sunday Observer, which had highlighted this medical problem. They welcomed her offer of help. Half a dozen Trustees and some well wishers then met at a hotel in the Chilterns in November 1992 for a launch. Now it is 10 years later and there are over 350 families as part of the Eyeless family.
Juveria Menon spoke movingly from the floor to express her thanks, and that of all the parents, for the past 10 years of links with Eyeless.
Thanksgiving
This was at the centre of a service of Lessons & Carols, held in the Hospital’s ancient Chapel, led by the President and Vice President, with readings by children and parents. Who will forget the treble solo of one Eyeless Chorister?
And then?......The Party
Our memorable day ended back in the Hall, built with funds from Henry VIII, for tea and a conjuror, after which some of the families went to a Travelodge for the night and a rest before exploring London.
Some Farewells
After ten years, one of our founding Trustees has resigned. Sir John Read, who was once the Chairman of the Charities’ Aid Foundation, goes with our thanks for his financial wisdom and advice. Also we say a sad farewell and thank you to Karen Johnson, the Trust’s Secretary.