Jean’s Story

This is the story of Jean Evans – a former member of staff and volunteer at the North Wales Society for the Blind.

Jean’s connection with the Society goes back to the mid-1980s when she visited the Society's resources centre in Bangor to read and record audiobooks “for years.” 

She said: “The motivation was going with Merched y Wawr for a weekend to Carmarthen, and the guest speaker was Rhian Evans, who was herself blind. 

“Rhian Evans encouraged the members to volunteer and to come and read to the blind, and I thought, ‘Well, this is something I could contribute to,’ and I attended for years to read audiobooks. 

“Then, one day I got a phone call asking if I would be willing to come in (to the centre) for about three weeks to help – because the person in charge of the audiobooks was ill. 

“And those three weeks turned into eight years!”

Jean said: “And it was lovely to work twice a week with the Society. 

“I think the work that the team does – and a team they are, not individuals – is invaluable.
 
"The service they provide to the blind community is unparalleled. I admire them greatly and hope that they will continue into the future with the new equipment and technology.
 
"They are there to support every step. Thanks to them - and thanks also to the guide dogs who are so helpful.

“But reading – especially reading Welsh books – requires volunteers to read and record audio books. And, if possible, books that are originally written in Welsh. But all their valuable services are worth supporting."