BLIND Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, has welcomed veterans from across the United Kingdom to its Centre of Wellbeing in Llandudno.

They have laid on a week packed with military themed activities culminating on Sunday with the town’s Remembrance commemorations.

The group of 30, made up of blind veterans and their partners began their military week themed stay on Monday with the opportunity to witness Zulu re-enactors and the Anglesey Hussars Napoleonic re-enactors.

Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, has welcomed veterans from across the United Kingdom to its Centre of Wellbeing in Llandudno.

Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, has welcomed veterans from across the United Kingdom to its Centre of Wellbeing in Llandudno.

Throughout the week the group will enjoy a variety of talks and displays looking at equipment and vehicles through the ages, a visit from the Home Front Museum in Llandudno, a 1940s themed tea dance and a trip to the Cheshire Military Museum.

REMEMBRANCE 2022:

On Thursday, the veterans were due to meet a group of pupils from Rydal Penrhos School who are visiting the centre and presenting a cheque from their fundraising challenge they completed earlier this year.

Mark Hollis said: “Throughout the year we offer a range of themed weeks for our veterans to enjoy but this week, held close to Remembrance Day, is always one of the most poignant.

“It provides our veterans with an opportunity to reflect upon and revisit their own memories of service while being surrounded by others with shared experiences.

“It is always an honour to share this week with them, to hear their stories and to join them as they come together with the community in Llandudno for Remembrance Sunday to pay their respects.”

Blind veteran Major (Rtd) Lewis Evans said: "Military Week at the centre is an amalgamation of nearly every core and unit in the British Armed Forces. We all get together and reminisce about old times, we laugh and joke, eat beautiful food and enjoy excellent accommodation, which culminates on Sunday when we march together in the Llandudno Remembrance parade."

On Sunday, the group will join the town of Llandudno for their local commemorations. Those laying wreaths will be accompanied by representatives from three local organisations, Tom Owen and Son, Chateau Rhianfa and Thea Pharmaceauticals, who have all donated to Blind Veterans UK’s Sponsor a Wreath campaign.

 

  • If you would like to support themes weeks at the Llandudno Centre, or you would like to register your interest in sponsoring a wreath next year, email the Community Partnerships Team.

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.   

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support