A SAFFRON Walden charity held its reception to say ‘thank you’ to the contribution made by its volunteers, members and local organisations.

Support 4 Sight’s Appreciation Awards Reception, held on Monday at St Marks College, has been heralded a huge success.

Around 65 guests and many local businesses attended the awards reception, which was hosted by the charity’s patron Lady Braybrooke, as well as volunteers and dignitaries who included The High Sheriff of Essex Lady Ruggles-Brise, Saffron Walden mayor Cllr Cliff Treadwell, Lord Lieutenant of Essex John Petre and many others.

There were 13 awards given in total, under six different award categories.

The winners of the different categories and who presented them are as follows:

• Inspirational Sight Impaired Member Award was awarded to Miriam Denis and presented by Stephen Remington, Chief Executive of Action For Blind People.

• Best Local Business Award was awarded to Christopher Hill at Pellys Solicitors and was awarded by John Mitchell, Chief Executive of Uttlesford District Council.

• Members’ Customer Service Award was given to Malcolm Domb at Waitrose and was presented by Lady Ruggles-Brise, High Sheriff of Essex.

• Public Customer Service Award was given to Denise Russell and Janice O’Gorman at Saffron Walden Nursery School and was presented by John Mackinnon, Senior Operational Manager, Adults, Health and Community Wellbeing at Essex County Council.

• Awards for Volunteering Excellence were awarded to 7 volunteers from Support 4 Sight; Ann Davis, John Martin, Christine Nicholson, Bron Side, Nicola Smith, Sally Southwick & Peter Whitehead. The award was presented by Jane Laing, Chair of Volunteer Bureau Uttlesford.

• The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to a Trustee of Support 4 Sight who it was felt deserved recognition for the special work that she does. The award was presented to Pat Arnold and presented by Lady Braybrooke, Support 4 Sight’s Patron.

Director of Support 4 Sight Madeleine Cassidy said: “We are delighted the appreciation awards event was a success and all our guests joined us to celebrate our work with people with sight loss.

“We are indebted to our members, volunteers, supporters and presenters for joining us at the event and for continuing to support us to raise the profile of our charity’s important work in the local community.”

Support 4 Sight is a local charity covering west Essex that works with visually impaired people and their families. It offers many services and activities to help with maintaining an independent lifestyle including a well equipped Resource Centre, a home visiting service, equipment loans, social trips, coffee mornings, computer training, and information desks at local hospitals.

The charity helps over 3,000 people a year by giving information, support and advice to people with sight loss and other associated problems. It relies heavily on a fantastic team of volunteers to support its staff.

For more information pop into the information centre at 2&4 George Street, Saffron Walden or call 01799 523700.