17th August 2016 was a historic day for deafblind people all across Scotland when the first spadeful of earth was cut for their new Learning and Development Centre on their “Field of Dreams” site at Initiative Road, Lenzie. On a beautiful sunny day Deafblind Scotland Directors and staff were joined by local councillors, as well as Rona Mackay MSP and John Nicolson MP to help celebrate the moment.
Deafblind Scotland’s chairperson Bob Nolan spoke of his pleasure on this day. He introduced Ruth Dorman CEO who spoke of her hopes for the future, and Drena O’Malley who paid tribute to all those who had contributed to this day. Bob introduced Vice-chairperson Michael Anderson, deafblind member, who had tirelessly fundraised for the new centre and who was given the honour of cutting the first sod, with a ceremonial spade. It is anticipated the building will be complete in May 2017, the first centre in Scotland dedicated to meeting the specialist needs of deafblind people.
To date more than £1.7m has been raised, identified or pledged towards the cost of the land and the new Centre, and efforts continue apace to raise the remainder needed. Deafblind Scotland will host an Afternoon Tea in the Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow on 11th September, ticket cost £15, and a Dinner Dance in the Millenium Hotel Glasgow on 29th October, ticket cost £40, all in a drive to raise the funds needed to buy the specialist equipment and adaptations needed to ensure this building truly meets the needs of deafblind people. For those who prefer a challenge we also have places on the Roadblock Run in Edinburgh on 11th September and on the Forth Rail Bridge Abseil on 9th October.
For more information please contact D. O’Malley, on 0141 777 5830 or drena@deafblindscotland.org.uk
For our upcoming events click here
