New social centre for the blind

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32707, 9 September 1971, Page 12

New social centre for the blind

Work has begun on the new social centre for the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind at its Christchurch regional headquarters in Bristol Street.

Since 1963, the foundation i has been using the old Lyttelton Road Tunnel offices for! the social hall, because there were not sufficient funds to finance a new centre.

But the old hall had become much too small for the! branch’s social activities, and the facilities were generally inadequate, said the regional branch manager (Mr C. A.

Pilgrim) yesterday. “However, we are now to have a new social centre, the| cost of which will be met! mainly by legacies left to the foundation,” said Mr Pilgrim.] "It is expected that this! branch will have to raise j some of the cost, as well asi W TvL Qr J' ie running costs.” I »» brick-veneer building

i will cost almost $37,000. The itender has been let to JJ. (Construction Company, Ltd. I Mr Pilgrim said that it was ‘ hoped that the new social centre would be ready by the New Year, if not before. When the centre is officially opened, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled, noting that the centre has been erected as a tribute to Mr G. F. C. Ashdowne, the first (branch manager of the 'foundation in Christchurch. I The hall will be used for all the social functions within the foundation, especially for (the activities of the indoor bowling club and the square|dancing club. A permanent ;public address system and a hearing-aid loop system will be fitted.