When I retired in 2011, I registered with the Cambridge & District Volunteer Centre who put me in touch with Joy Hallifax, Cam Sight’s Volunteer Lead. Her quiet reassurance that I could contribute to the work of Cam Sight persuaded me to sign up for a range of volunteering opportunities. For me, these included befriending, reading, sighted guiding, escort shopping, driving, delivering and collecting client equipment, helping at support groups and fundraising events, and office administration.

First I had to undergo a CRB police check, and then be trained how to guide a person with low or no vision.

The following 11 years saw me undertake all of the above-listed activities in varying proportions. The early years were largely spent in befriending and in driving, interspersed with fundraising events. Throughout this period, I not only enjoyed the work but was continually impressed by the positiveness and versatility of so many of the clients, occasionally humbled by my own (erroneous) preconceptions.

In August 2021, I was asked if I would help develop Cam Sight’s database by computerising  their manual records. This work took four months and one afternoon whilst I was beavering away at this task in the office, I had occasion to read aloud Kipling’s wonderful Just So story, The Elephant’s Child  to staff. Before I knew what was happening, I was being asked to read at a Cam Sight Support Group meeting. Since then, I have delivered readings at 12 of Cam Sight’s 18 Support Groups, as well as reading to the Family Support Group, and recording a voiceover for a publicity project on social media. With Cam Sight, you just don’t know what they will come up with next – but then that is just part of the fascination (and enjoyment) of working for a small Charity.

I have a huge respect not only for the staff of Cam Sight but specially for their volunteers without whom Cam Sight could not survive. For me it is a pleasure and privilege to be counted amongst their ranks, and one which I hope will last for a few more years yet.

Bill Walston