Introduction

Devon in Sight tributes to Gwyn

Devon in Sight tributes to Gwyn

Tributes have been paid to Devon in Sight chairman Gwyn Dickinson MBE as she stepped down from the role she has held for six years.

At the sight loss charity’s annual review meeting, attended by more than 100 members and guests at the Exmouth Pavilion, Mrs Dickinson stood down from the post, to be replaced by Peter Wareham. The new vice-chairman of the organisation’s trustees is Dr Alma Swan.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Dickinson said: “It is with mixed emotions that I give my final report as chairman of Devon in Sight after six years in this post. It has been a real pleasure to see the organisation develop and to work with so many dedicated staff and volunteers.”

She paid tribute to her former vice-chairman Elizabeth Hubbick, who died suddenly last month: “I was devastated to hear the tragic news that Elizabeth had died while on holiday in Italy. In just 12 months she had made a real impact on our work, and had been due to become our new chairman today. Our thoughts are with her husband David at this time.”

Mrs Dickinson also thanked her husband John for his unstinting support over the years, and the charity’s patron, Lady Devon, who made Devon in Sight Powderham Castle’s charity of the year for 2012.

The charity’s Operations Manager, Grahame Flynn, said afterwards: “I would like to thank Gwyn for her sterling work with Devon in Sight over many years. She oversaw the transformation of the charity from the Devon County Association for the Blind, and the opening of our new Resource Centre at Station House in Topsham.

“She leaves behind an amazing legacy and we are in good shape to be able to take the charity forward so we can better serve the needs of members and clients, helping people with sight loss lead more fulfilling, independent lives.”

Mrs Dickinson, who won the MBE in 2010 in recognition of her work for people with visual impairment, was presented with flowers by the Chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Bernard Hughes OBE, who was a special guest at the meeting.

New chairman Mr Wareham has worked in the field of sensory loss for a quarter of a century. He said: “The trustees are committed to moving the organisation forward, working in partnership with other bodies, be they voluntary or statutory.”