Galloway’s turn 150 TODAY – 11th March 2017

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11th March 2017

Galloway’s turn 150 TODAY 11th March 2017

Lancashire’s largest sight loss charity, Galloway’s, marks a significant milestone this week as the Southport based charity celebrates 150 years of service to blind and partially sighted people in the community.

How did it all start?

Back in the 1800’s, John Catterall of East View, Preston, and Joseph Livesey, one of the great sons of Preston, began to carry out welfare for blind and partially sighted people in John’s home. A few years later, a cottage was taken on North Road in Preston and used as a workshop for blind and partially sighted people. It was here, a blind gentleman named William Woodhurst was put in charge of operations.

A public meeting was held on 11th March 1867 in the Corn Exchange and it was decided there was more that could be done. A resolution was passed to set up an Industrial Institute for the Blind. Galloway’s, as we know it today, still has records dating back to the inaugural meeting. It counts among its earliest benefactors Mr E H Booth, founder of well-known supermarket chain. Galloway’s are proud to have kept the link with the Booths family in our board of trustees.

The work of the charity expanded throughout Lancashire with community workers visiting blind and partially sighted people to “instruct” them in various trades or skills. Workshops were established, followed by a school, a residential home and even a hotel.

Originally Preston Industrial Institute for the Blind, then the Institute for Blind Welfare and until 2000, the Preston and North Lancashire Blind Welfare Society. Now named after William Wilding Galloway, a cotton merchant from Preston whose will Galloway’s benefited from.

Galloway’s today…

Over the years, the work of Galloway’s has changed with the times and adapted to the needs of local people living with sight loss.

Stuart Clayton, Chief Executive of Galloway’s, commented, “Today, we’re extremely proud to support over 7,000 blind and partially sighted people every year across Lancashire and Sefton, through a wide range of high impact services.”

“Our work aims to support people through any stage of the sight loss journey including emotional and practical support at the point of diagnosis, specialist low vision clinics which aim to support people with everyday living, an extensive outdoor pursuit’s programme, social groups and much more.”

All services offered at Galloway’s work towards ensuring that nobody in the local community has to face sight loss alone or without the right support.

John Ward, Chairman of Galloway’s, commented “Galloway’s is only here today because of the generosity of our beneficiaries and the general public; we are reliant on donations and legacies to continue our work. Whilst we couldn’t have continued without financial support, our volunteers have played an essential role in enabling Galloway’s to support local blind and partially sighted people for the last 150 years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has made our work and achievements possible over the last century and a half.”

The next 150 years

Stuart summarised, “Looking forward, we know there’s so much more we can do for people living with sight loss in our community, we know that given sight loss is an age related disability, we are all living longer and services are shrinking.  We need to ensure we’re at the top of our field to provide essential support. But we also know we can’t do this without the continued support of our local community.”

“If you’re in a position to support our passion to reach even more people affected by the devastation of sight loss by helping us with the £1million we need to find this year alone, please do. Any amount you can give will make a life changing difference to somebody living with sight loss in your community.”

There are various ways to donate to Galloway’s, include us in your will and leave a legacy beyond your time,  or send a cheque made payable to Galloway’s , 12 Victoria Street, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 4AH. You can visit our website www.galloways.org.uk or you can give the team a call on 01524 414846.

To find out more about supporting Galloway’s or how to access their services, please call 01524 414846.


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