4 days ago
Charity celebrates 160th year in style with big party
An Isle of Wight charity celebrated its 160th year with a large gathering for its volunteers last week.
Sight for Wight, an independent Island charity established in 1865, hosted a party on Wednesday, July 30.
Volunteers celebrated the milestone with cake and entertainment at the charity's site on Carisbrooke Road, Newport.
The event also marked the departure of CEO Lisa Hollyhead, and welcomed new CEO JD Viette.
Volunteer Maurice entertained at the party (Image: Sight for Wight)
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A spokesperson for the charity said: "It was an opportunity for members, volunteers, friends and supporters to come together to celebrate 160 years of the charity.
"Maurice Kachuk joined us and entertained everyone, so thank you to him for giving us his time. Our members enjoyed dancing with you.
Sight for Wight is the Island's oldest charity (Image: Sight for Wight)
"A big thank you to everyone who attended and everyone who contributed towards Lisa's leaving present. It was very much appreciated by the charity and by Lisa herself."
The charity will break for activities over August, but has set up its short story writing competition, with one of the winning stories published in the County Press and all of them read by celebrities, including Chesney Hawkes.
Sight for Wight will also celebrate 50 years of Talking News in October with a special event.
Sight for Wight also operates the popular Dress for Less shop on Pyle Street in Newport.
Established in 1865, the charity is one of the oldest independent charities on the Isle of Wight.
It was set up following the amalgamation of two other charities, to provide practical help and emotional support to blind people who live on the Isle of Wight, enabling them to live independently.
