A social club for visually impaired people has celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Open Sight celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, having been founded in 1922.

A charity that offers support to visually impaired people, branches of Open Sight from around the UK celebrated the charity’s centenary.

Open Sight Basingstoke Social Club held a special afternoon tea to mark the occasion.

The celebration took place on Thursday, May 26 at the Viables Community Centre.

The event lasted from 2pm-4pm and was open to members of Open Sight Basingstoke Social Club, as well as volunteers.

The afternoon tea had a 1920’s theme, with refreshments and entertainment provided by The Vintage Bluebird Company.

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Helen Thompson, Open Sight Basingstoke Chairperson, said: “It went very well.

“We were well entertained, and we did have some nice sandwiches and cakes as well.

“It was very well prepared, well presented, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.”

The event was just one of a whole range of celebrations that Open Sight is holding for its anniversary.

6 months of events have been planned, including a day out at Marwell Hall and Zoo in June.

The celebrations will conclude in September, with an “Eye Contact Expo” Exhibition at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.

Founded in 1922, Open Sight was originally called the Hampshire Association for The Care of The Blind, before being renamed in 2007.

Open Sight offers a range of services for those live with or who are at risk of sight loss.

Services include home visits where volunteers can give users advice on how to live independently, advice on how to apply for relevant benefits and entitlements to secure regular financial assistance, as well as a family support service.

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Open Sight also organises social clubs, which offers an opportunity for visually impaired people to meet and socialise.

These social clubs are managed by trained volunteers who organise meetings, outings, entertainment and provide a friendly and caring environment for their members.

Open Sight Community Development and Support Manager Terry Smith said: “Over the last 100 years, the charity has supported literally thousands of people across Hampshire who find themselves living with reduced vision.

“The charity has been around for a very long time, and we have some wonderful members of staff, who are fully empathetic about all forms of visual impairment or anyone who has any concerns about their eyesight.

“There are many, many things we will be able to help and assist with.”

Open Sight Basingstoke social club meets every other Thursday at Hire Rise Hall from 10:30am – 12:30pm.

More information about Open Sight can be found at https://www.opensight.org.uk/.

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