RNIB at the House of Lords
Right: materials and song sheets into braille.
RNIB Chairman,
Denise had intended to entertain the 60+ guests
Lord Low, at the
with her singing, accompanied by her husband, Stefan
House of Lords
Andrusysthyn, the acclaimed blind accordionist. But,
a 300 year ban on music in the Houses of Parliament
instigated by the puritan, Oliver Cromwell, meant that
singing was not allowed. However, she gave a moving
tribute to both Rotary and RNIB who had done so
much to make her life as fulfilling as it is today.
She thanked Rotary particularly for all they are
doing to help other adults and children like her who
depend on RNIB, creating books in accessible formats
such as braille, giant print and Talking Books. She
reminded Rotarians that any club or individual who
wanted to sponsor the creation of one of these books
would have a dedication on the book to be seen (or
heard in the case of a Talking Book) by thousands of
people for years to come.
Shirley–Anne Lewis, also known to many
Rotarians, expressed her gratitude for the enthusiasm
otarians from across the country were the
with which many Rotary clubs and districts are
R
guests of RNIB at a reception at the House
supporting this important literacy project. She and
of Lords in May. The reception was hosted
Brenda Batchelor are stepping back a little from the
by RNIB Chairman, Lord Low of Dalston,
RNIB–Rotary partnership, but will always remain
in appreciation for all the support RNIB have received
close friends of both organisations. RNIB's network
from Rotary clubs in recent times.
of local representatives were thrilled to meet so many
Guests were welcomed to the splendid River Room
enthusiastic Rotarians who are keen to work with
by the Lady Speaker who entertained the audience
RNIB in their communities, to help increase the
with insights into the House of Lords, including the
availability of books for blind and partially sighted
infamous Pugin wallpaper of Lord Irving’s residency,
people. Finally, RNIB Chief Executive, Lesley–Anne
which was the backdrop to the evening.
Alexander thanked Rotary for all they are doing and
Lord Low spoke of the high esteem in which
reminded guests of the shocking fact that "100 people
Rotary is held for its philanthropic work and praised
start to lose their sight every single day." There was
Rotary’s support for RNIB’s work to bring the world
wide agreement that, by working together, Rotary and
of books to blind and partially–sighted people like
RNIB have the power to help these people to make
himself.
their lives worth living again.
The guest speaker was Denise Leigh, already
known to many Rotarians for her wonderful
If you would like more information on what RNIB
opera singing voice. She was television’s winner of
isdoing to bring books to blind and partially–sighted
Operatunity and a blind opera singer whose early
people, or would like to sponsor a Talking Book,
music studies were supported by Rotary. She spoke
braille or giant print book, please contact Rebecca
about the importance in her life of music and books
Williams on 0207 391 2380 or email
– all of which would have been denied her had she
Rebecca.williams@rnib.org.uk.
not had the support of RNIB to transcribe her books,
36 ROTARY TODAY AUGUST 2009
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