Festive Fun at Southend in Sight

Celebrations galore for charity services

Southend in Sight’s Christmas festivities started with the last pub meetup of the year in early December, a Christmas coffee morning, a festive lunch, the annual volunteer awards, and 24 children attended the pantomime at the Cliffs Pavilion (oh yes they did!) with their families last weekend.

A party for 40 local blind and partially sighted people was arranged with a 2 course lunch, music and fun.  Georgie Haynes, Community Engagement Officer said, “It was so lovely to see everyone laughing together and really getting into the festive spirit.  This can be a lonely time of year for many older people, so it was great for staff and volunteers to help spread some Christmas cheer”.

Final celebrations were for the charity’s volunteers and this year, Southend in Sight awarded 6 long service awards to Wendy Campbell, Dianne Coutts, Clare McLewin, John Simmonds and Paul Weavers for 5 years and to Judith Beadle for 10 years.

The entertainment at the volunteers’ party was provided by the newly formed visually impaired choir – “In Sight Singers”.  They sang their hearts out with a repertoire of Christmas favourites, as well as tunes from Abba and Bob Marley.

Lucy Martin, CEO said, “Our volunteers really are the stars of the show for us – they are dedicated and hard working, and without them we would not be able to provide all the services that we do for local visually impaired people.  Our thanks to all volunteers, supporters and friends from the local community for supporting Southend in Sight throughout 2022”.