'Blind' Dave unveils plaque in commemorative rose bed in remembrance of members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in recent conflicts
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'Blind' Dave Heeley was joined by the Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Mrs Pauline Hinton, Graham Price, the Chairman of Sandwell Visually Impaired, Inspector Gill Munslow and her team from West Bromwich Police Station, and poignantly the family of Daniel Probyn, who lost his life in 2007 fighting for his country, age 22. (The photograph above on the right shows, Tim and Ann Probyn, Daniel's parents, and Hilda his grandmother, with a photograph of Daniel, with 'Blind' Dave at the newly unveiled plaque.) Daniel had met Dave in the Falklands when Dave was doing his 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents. Dave didn't know that the Probyn family would be present, and his speech at the unveiling of the plaque was very emotional.
Old soldiers Ivan Walker and Alf Shaw also joined us for the unveiling, and the Friends would like to thank everyone who attended on Wednesday 14 July, for making this event so memorable.
SVI and the Friends join forces for a Sponsored Walk in the Park to raise funds for a Sensory Garden and a walking programme for the visually impaired
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After all the wonderful sunshine this summer, SVI and the Friends must have chosen the wettest day for their sponsored walk in Dartmouth Park on Wednesday 14 July, but they weren't deterred. The Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr. Mrs Pauline Hinton, officiated at the opening and she was introduced by Graham Price, the Chairman of Sandwell Visually Impaired, who said: 'This is a great example of two user led groups collaborating to give all members of their communities, including the vulnerable, the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of this wonderful park that can so easily be taken for granted by most people with sight." 'Blind' Dave was also present giving his support to an initiative very close to his heart.
Mansell, the contractors working in the park at the moment on the avenue and the boundary walls and railings, came along to give their support to the walk, and have also very kindly agreed to get involved in the building of the Sensory Garden.
Despite the weather the occasion was greatly enjoyed by everyone taking part and we hope sufficient monies will be raised to provide an exciting addition to the park which can be enjoyed by all park users. If anyone would like to make a donation, please send it to the address at the bottom of this webpage. Cheques should be made out to the Friends of Dartmouth Park.
The following photographs give a flavour of the occasion:
Left: Officiating at the walk are the Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Pauline Hinton, Graham Price, and what looks like a police body guard; middle 'Blind' Dave, the Mayor and Graham start the walk; right: everyone enjoying refreshments at the end of the walk.
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