Celebrating a centenary of support

One of Devon’s oldest charities is marking a very special milestone this September with a double celebration in Exeter.

Devon in Sight, the county’s leading independent sight loss charity, is celebrating 100 years of supporting people who are blind or partially sighted. To mark the centenary, the charity is hosting a Celebration Dinner and a major Sight Loss Conference at the historic Exeter Rougemont Hotel.

The Centenary Celebration Dinner takes place on Tuesday 17 September. Guests will be welcomed with drinks in the Nelson Suite before sitting down to dinner in the Cavendish Ballroom. The evening will be attended by special guests including the charity’s patron, Lady Devon of Powderham Castle, and Steve Darling MP.

Entertainment will be provided by pianist and singer Henry Newbury, alongside a charity raffle and fast-paced auction. Tickets cost £55 per person and are expected to sell out quickly.

The following day, Wednesday 18 September, the 3rd Annual Devon Sight Loss Conference will bring together people affected by sight loss, their families and carers, and professionals working in the sector. The event will include the charity’s 100th Annual General Meeting, a “Living Well with Sight Loss” exhibition, and seminars covering everything from assistive technology and gene therapy to cataract surgery and the work of rehabilitation officers.

Thanks to sponsorship, ticket prices have been heavily subsidised: just £12 for people living with sight loss (including family, friends and carers) and £15 for professional delegates. Refreshments and lunch are included.

Chief Executive of Devon in Sight, Grahame Flynn, said: “Reaching our centenary is a huge moment. For 100 years we have been working to make life better for people with sight loss across Devon, and these events will not only celebrate that achievement but look ahead to the future.”

The deadline for bookings is Friday 5 September. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.devoninsight.org.uk or call 01392 876 666 or email enquiries@devoninsight.org.uk