A LYDBROOK group for the blind and partially-sighted (BLIPS) are celebrating its 10th anniversary.

BLIPS was set-up to offer a safe place to meet for people with sight problems. It held its first meeting at Lydbrook Baptist Church in November 2005.

By January the following year it moved to larger accommodation at Crawshay Place, Cinderford, a community room owned by Two Rivers Housing.

Helen Nash, leader at BLIPS, said: “From the outset, the group was blessed with wonderful volunteers who took to transporting members to and from the meeting and also helping with refreshments.

“To add interest to our get-togethers, a programme of gentle exercise for “old uns” was set up. To celebrate our tenth birthday we are visiting the Orepool Inn.”

The group meets fortnightly on Mondays between 10am and 12pm.

Helen added: “It has been a very successful group over the years but now numbers are falling away due to many having passed away. If you know of someone who would benefit from meeting with other people with sight problems, contact 01594 543890.”