Mardi Smith from the New College, Worcester came to speak to us at this month’s meeting on February 9.

She is the Principal of the College which is for blind and partially sighted children and young people from the age of 11 to 19.

She told us of all the academic and independent living skills that they provide there and of the exceptional standards achieved, with many students going to university.

They are given confidence and self assurance that it would not be possible for them to achieve in a normal school, where they would just be the “blind child”.

She has worked at the College for over 25 years and obviously loves every minute of her time there and rejoices in the achievements of her pupils.

Mrs Jeanne Round gave a vote of thanks and said we would be more than happy to take up her offer of a visit to the College.

Arrangements were made and names taken for future visits for lunch at the Rose theatre on March 19, the group meeting at Franche on April 21 and also a coach outing to the Blossom trail and Evesham Country Park on April 14.

The next meeting will be on March 9 at Cookley School, Lea Lane, Cookley and all visitors will be welcome.