Christmas Party For Blind

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31232, 2 December 1966, Page 2

Christmas Party For Blind

Blind people from all parts of Canterbury gathered to share a measure of the joys of the Christmas season in the Caledonian Hall yesterday.

Roses and other scented flowers decorated the hall. Eighty drivers from voluntary organisations had brought the blind to their an- j nual Christmas party, and I more than 440 guests sat [ down to enjoy the fare. Guests were received by the Christchurch branch manager of the Foundation for the Blind (Mr G. F. C. Ashdowne) and Mrs Ashdowne. Each blind guest was presented with a gift from the Christchurch branch of the Foundation of the Blind Society bv Mesdames S. Mair and H. Wales. Guests were welcomed by the chairman of the advisory committee (Mr I. D. Wood) who congratulated the blind

on their success in the bowling championships throughout New Zealand during the year. Blind people had also achiev|ed success in the handcraft I sections of the agricultural : | and pastoral shows in Canterbury and Marlborough, : scoring prizes against sighted ■ opposition, he said. ' The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) extended his best wishes for the Christj [ mas season. Entertainment was provided [by a group of artists led by I [ Mrs Cora Cogswell, who also lied carol singing after afteri noon tea. She was assisted by ! Miss R. Griffiths, Mesdames M. Chapman, M. Mason, A. I i Miller, and Mr J. Mason.