Geoff Garnett

Geoff, a retired civil servant has a wife Vera and a son and daughter. He has been Secretary of BlindVoice UK since its formation in 1997 and is responsible for building the strong position BlindVoice UK is in today. It is thanks to his tireless efforts and strong commitment that has raised an inspiring £200,000 enabling the group to develop a wide range of activities and services. This culminated in the award of a major grant from the Community Fund in 2004 enabling BlindVoice UK to employ its first full-time Manager and to open a Communication Centre for the Blind.

Geoff works tirelessly on many issues surrounding blindness and a great many people owe their thanks to his hard work and time.

Some of the projects he has implemented include Braille for the Sighted, Safety issues for blind pedestrians and the provision audio description at Darlington Civic Theatre

Geoff regards the most significant factor in the progress made by BlindVoice UK is the development of a superb team of Trustees headed by a full time Manager. Excellent training provided by the Directory of Social Change (funded by Northern Rock) has added skills to the commitment and enthusiasm of the Trustees who are now well able to effectively manage the future development of BlindVoice UK.

Geoff has laid the foundations for the future of BlindVoice UK and is thrilled that the hopes and dreams of George Glass and Ann Kallagher and the other frustrated people who met in the Mulberry Tree back in 1997 will surely be fulfilled.