IT’S a great place where the blind and partially sighted can socialise every week.

But Romsey Blind Club’s weekly meetings are under threat because of a serious shortage of volunteer helpers and drivers.

The club, which meets on Wednesday afternoons at Romsey School, has launched an urgent appeal for help to ensure its weekly sessions continue.

Currently Romsey Blind Club is the only one of its kind in Hampshire that meets weekly.

Club chairman Diane Dale said: “We lost two of our drivers at Christmas that had been with us for 27 years and others are getting on and are as old as some of the members. It’s time for some new blood – both drivers and volunteers. We are a lively group and love to sit and have a chat to each other. Members’ ages range from 60 to 90.”

Mrs Dale said that some drivers join in with social activities at the club which was established in the 1960s and has a regular attendance of 25 to 30.

Community development and support manager with Open Sight Terry Smith said the club provides a vital service for the people of Romsey and district and it is important to retain a weekly meeting place for them for as long as possible.

“This well-loved and well-attended club has been serving the town for many years, providing vital support and understanding for the significant number of visually impaired adults in the local area. The club is in desperate need of additional volunteer helpers and drivers in order for it to continue running,” said Mr Smith.

Warning the frequency of meetings would have to be reduced if more volunteers cannot be found, Mr Smith added: “Romsey Blind Club is unique in that it is the only Open Sight club in Hampshire that meets weekly. It’s essential we find more helpers and drivers for the club. The team is under great strain at the moment and we need to find a mix of drivers and volunteers urgently or we will have to run the club fortnightly or monthly instead of weekly.”

Mr Smith said all volunteers will be fully trained for the roles they take on. “All Open Sight volunteers are given sighted guided training, ongoing support and become part of a much appreciated team,” said Mr Smith adding that drivers are paid expenses for the petrol they use taking people to the club and back to their homes.

Currently Open Sight has over 300 volunteers across Hampshire and more than 3,000 visually impaired people on its books.

Anyone who would like to volunteer is asked to contact Open Sight on 02380 641244.