BEING blind doesn't have to mean being alone - but it does mean you have to put extra effort into getting out and meeting people.

That's why the Preston and North Lancashire Blind Welfare Society does everything it can to put its members in touch - whether that means putting their favourite free weekly The Preston Citizen on to the talking newspaper, taking members on holiday, or just bringing them together for social evenings.

But it all costs money and a 70 per cent fall in the charity's income from legacies is threatening some of the resources available to the 3,500 members.

Director of the local branch, based at Howick House, Peter Taylor said: "We knew incomes from legacies was significantly down some months ago, but we hoped things would improve.

"Unfortunately legacy income has steadily fallen from a height of £171,000 in 1992."

The Blind Society is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Mr Taylor went on: "It's a shame that this should worry us during what should be a year of celebration."

Anyone who wants to ensure the Blind Welfare Society continues helping people should call them on 744148 to find out more. Lots of help ... and love!

WHEN Bob and Trudy Anderton heard about the charity's shortfall in funds, they stepped forward to let people know exactly what it has done for them.

The couple have plenty to thank the charity for - they even give it credit for bringing them together.

Bob explained: "We met through Society while on holiday in Morecambe. After we had known one another for five years we decided to make things permanent."

The couple who are both 87 years old, have been members of the Blind Welfare Society for at least 20 years and agree it's transformed their lives.

Bob suffers from glaucoma. He said: "It's a disease where pressure builds up behind the eyes, stopping the blood from circulating. It damages the optic disc and prevents you from focusing."

His sight has gradually deteriorated and he's now completely blind and relies on Trudy and others to help him.

But despite his impaired vision, he has always kept busy and until recently was a keen bowler: "The Blind Welfare Society gives people the opportunity to do all sorts of activities, it runs bowling clubs, and provides all sorts of activities - rowing, hiking, even archery and cycling."

But the most significant part of the organisation for Bob and Trudy is the sense of camaraderie among members.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.