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.
Troy Bowerbank – Bournemouth – Soundwalk