The History of Bournemouth Blind Society

Three BA History students were invited to piece together the history of the oldest-known charity in Bournemouth: Bournemouth Blind Society.

Founded in 1911, the charity had over a hundred years’ worth of documents stored in a cupboard at their centre in Moordown. Sorting through these documents, the students discovered heart-warming stories about how the Society has helped blind people and the wider community in Bournemouth. They also found interesting objects such as war medals, which needed to be explained.

This audio book, read by the students themselves, details the fascinating history of Bournemouth Blind Society. It was recorded remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Listen Here:

Introduction

Preface – A Brief History of Blindness in Britain

Chapter 1 – Founding the Society

Chapter 2 -The Society through the First World War

Chapter 3. Funding Rooper Hall and the Home for Blind Women

Chapter 4. The Interwar Period

Chapter 5. World War Two and the Society

Chapter 6. Post War Society

Chapter 7. The Mystery of the War Medals

Chapter 8. 1980s to Present Day

Chapter 9. Memoirs from the Public

Written and read by Hannah Perry, Sophie Ryan and Matt Steinglass.

Produced by Lew Bradley.

With thanks to Bournemouth Blind Society.