President's Page

The word 'see" has many meanings, for example to perceive, to understand, to perceive mentally, to have an idea of, to witness, to visit, to refer to, let, just to mention a few, but the most important I would like to refer to today is to "see" as in sight. In St. John (9,1:7 ), we read of Jesus giving sight to a man blind from birth. Can anyone who has sight comprehend how wonderful this must have been to that man? If only we could help all blind people in that way!

I have in the last few years become aware of some of the difficulties arising to people who are partially sighted and how limited their life style is. Can you realise how much they miss, things we take for granted? Not being able to read or not being able to write properly and certainly not being able to read back what is written. Not seeing the beauty of the countryside, not seeing birds feeding, all the things we take for granted.
I have recently become reacquainted with an ex-work colleague who has been partially sighted since a young man, through an accident, but became much worse with the deterioration of the sight of his one eye through age. He is now nearing his 90th birthday. Three years ago he lost his wife after a long illness and has no immediate family and, although very good helpful neighbours, still has many lonely hours which are mainly filled with listening to music An occasional outing in a car to have a meal, a train ride or something similar means so much, or even just a visit to talk to someone different helps.

So, if you know someone in a similar situation or who through some other disability could benefit from a little help and you can spend the occasional time please consider doing so. It is so much appreciated and can be very rewarding in enjoying the company oneself.