BRITISH SITCOM CELEBRITY OPENS SIGHT CHARITY RESOURCE CENTRE

Bill Pertwee MBE from Dad's Army

On Thursday 14^th July 2011 Topsham based charity for visually impaired people, Devon in Sight, held a launch day to officially open their newly refurbished Resource Centre. The charity unveiled the new logo following their recent name change from Devon County Association for the Blind. The ceremonial ribbon was cut by celebrity Bill Pertwee MBE aka Chief Air Raid Warden 'Put that light out!' Hodges’ from the classic sitcom Dad’s Army. Bill was also joined by Lady Devon whose late mother-in-law used the services of this charity for many years, and The High Sheriff of Devon The Hon. Mrs Sarah Lopes. 

Director of Services Martin Pallett said: “We were absolutely delighted to have the famous actor Bill Pertwee do us the honour of officially opening the centre on this important day which is a milestone in the charity's long and rich history. The project has created a fantastic community spirit with help from many volunteers and supporters including Exeter CVS and the local children from Topsham School.  Also many local businesses have generously offered their time and services to help us get the centre open on time and I would like to publicly thank Terry Smyth Painting Contractors, Bradfords Building Supplies and Southern Electric Contracting.  We also re-launched the charity with our new name and let people know about our plans for the future and how they can become more involved.”

Pertwee, the 84-year-old veteran actor from the popular British comedy classic broadcast on BBC television from 1968 – 1977 about the Second World War following the misadventures of local voluntary defence force or 'Home Guard', lives locally in Topsham and is a keen railway enthusiast.

Bill Pertwee MBE said: “I moved to Topsham three years’ ago and live close to the railway so am delighted to be able to support this wonderful local charity which is on my doorstep. I wish them every success and the best of luck for the future and was delighted that many local people took the time to join us on what was a wonderful day.”

 

L-R: Trustee Marilyn Lant, Bill Pertwee MBE, Lady Devon, The Honourable Mrs Sarah Lopez High Sheriff, Gwyn Dickinson MBE Chair of Trustees, Martin Pallett Director of Serves for DiS, and the Topsham Town Crier

Devon in Sight offers services and support to the visually impaired across the county.  Topsham Town Crier Keith Smith encouraged members of the public and the local community to drop in throughout the day to enjoy live music performances. Visitors to the new more spacious resource centre had the chance to enjoy complimentary light refreshments and live music including local guitarist Steve Barley and charity member Becky Brooks with her banjo. Visitors also had the opportunity to meet the team and try out some of the latest equipment to help visually impaired people.  This includes view magnifiers, kitchen equipment, talking clocks and watches and much, much more.  What's more, guests had the chance to learn about the Charity’s fascinating history and their plans to further support more people with sight difficulties.

Gwyn Dickinson MBE Chair of Trustees: The new resource centre has already proven very popular with new and existing members allowing us to provide a more effective service for the local community and across Devon as a whole for people with visual impairment. The name change, new logo and website are just the start of some exciting changes for the future of this well established and valued charity.  The expansion into the newly refurbished centre means that we can grow and improve the range of services and support we provide.” 

www.devonblind.org.uk