Many years ago, my mother’s eyesight began to deteriorate and her GP in Brighton recommended making contact with the local Blind Assoc which I did on her behalf. It proved to be one of my better moves; they were helpful, supportive and also taught me a lot about site problems so that I was more able to help her. Shoreham, close by, I think was some sort of area office; I say this as they had a very large shop selling, hiring, giving all of the latest gizmos.
When my mother died, I made a contribution to the Assoc’s funds and returned all of the items my mother had from them.
Many years passed and following divorce, moving, change of employer etc I found myself in St Ives and about ten years ago whilst reading the local paper, when we had one, I noticed an advert for volunteer drivers for the Hunts Blind Assoc. It struck me as a worthwhile way of giving back something to the Assoc that had helped my mother. My eldest son was already on the board of a charity so it was already in the family.
So, I joined up and met Erika who was then running it and went through all the checks that have to be made.
I was a little nervous during my first outing but this soon evaporated as I was thrown headlong into the Assoc’s biggest annual event i.e. the Christmas Part which in those days was held in one large venue – Wood Green Animal Shelter. I got to know many of the drivers that day as the car park was chaotic.
Even after the above there was plenty for me to learn: –
- That it’s OK to ask about their eye problems.
- Not to be too sensitive, one of my first trips I blurted out “what a beautiful day, just look at that blue sky”, I could feel myself cringing but the ladies just laughed.
- Offering help can be dicey, I was delivering an elderly lady home, and she insisted that she could manage the walk up her frosty path to the front door, well she could not but I caught her. I had imagined calling Erica to explain why I was calling from an A&E department,
- 90% of the people I drive are ladies who are mostly older than I am but that’s no problem until I tell you I have a large estate car with three rear seats and their accompanying safety belts. Initially I found it very embarrassing having to almost climb over these ladies to secure the belts, but this usually turned into laughter from my passengers and a few funny comments.
- Talking of learning it’s not just the passengers it’s the bloody wheelchairs and walkers all of which are made to a different design but so as to have the single intention of removing at least one of my thumbs.
- One more item to learn, before delivering the ladies to the venue memorise them as its difficult when returning two hours later to remember which are in your group. Remember they might not be able to see you, and it can get very embarrassing having to admit that they all look the same to you.
- Remember that they are just an elder version of you with site problems.
The leaving of Erika was quite a do with a big farewell party in their very large garden. Her husband was a great whisky enthusiast and had partly converted an old barn in his garden to a whisky museum.
After that change of personal I operated mostly at the behest of Andrea and an older gentleman who I soon found out was her father.
A very useful training session was held several years ago at the Church Hall, Hartford run by some young ladies from outside the area. Although the whole of the session was useful two items stood out:
- A selection of goggles imitating all of the main sight problems, it really gave us an idea of what our passengers had to put up with.
- But the really dramatic activity was being totally blindfolded and having to take the arm of one of the young ladies and using the zebra crossing. I knew that my guide would not throw us under a bus, but did I really trust her or thought not to would have been stupid.
Recently I had to cut back to two days per week and also no trips to St Neots due to family commitments.
Around this time, I was lucky enough to be able to treat myself to a classic car (MGR V8) so on three occasions when the weather was good and I only had one passenger I offered a sports car roof down experience; they all loved it.
The leaving of Andrea was sad but she had enough to contend with following the loss of her mother and father.
I am so glad I joined up and I would encourage anybody to do so, I have met so many friendly and interesting people, drivers, members, staff and other volunteers. Also, often, it was fun.
Now the sad bit, volunteering to help the elderly – having said that I am nearly 78 – there are always going to be deaths. My original four lady passengers are down to one, two have died, one is almost house bound which leaves me with Angie, long may she carry on.
Since Christmas I have been contemplating resignation from the Assoc especially as both grandchildren have passed the baby stage and are now small children who are now interesting to talk to and be with. Babies are all very well but not that interesting.
For any of you who are reading this with a view to volunteering, please do and I hope that you find he experience as fulfilling as I have done.
So, I wish you all a fond farewell and we may well bump into each other wandering around St Ives.
Regards
Barry Goodson