OUR speaker in March was Mardy Smith, Principal of New College Worcester. This college is a unique school for blind and partially sighted young people between the ages of 11-18.

As well as the educational and vocational skills a lot of emphasis is placed on gaining independence and living skills. All students are taught to read braille.

The young people take part in many activities including Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, both water and snow skiing and many outdoor pursuits with sighted young people.

Former pupils have taken part in the Paralympics and one well known Political correspondent for the BBC was a pupil at New College.

The College also has an outreach programme to help teachers with students in mainstream school who are blind or partially sighted and meet the costs from their own resources. The College also run Holiday schools for non pupils to help improve their skills.

Many of the students go on to University and continue to support one another long after finishing school.

Mardy was a very interesting speaker and is obviously extremely proud of her school, the staff and pupils. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to hear about New College Worcester.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 1 at 2pm at The Civic Centre and the speaker will be Neil Cook who will talk on the re-creation of the gardens at Hanbury Hall so polish up the green fingers ladies. Visitors are very welcome.

MARIAN COULTON