Last week saw the opening of the new Fred Hodson Suite at Pearey House Centre for Visually Impaired, the historic North Shields establishment that has been providing services for the blind and visually impaired since 1873. Many locals will remember growing up with their famous garden fêtes and Christmas fairs, but they may not be aware of the ongoing and evolving activities at Pearey House that provide a lifeline to so many blind and visually impaired people and their families. Their latest facility is named in honour of Fred Hodson, who dedicated much of his life to the charity. Many of Fred’s family and friends were in attendance at the opening, some of whom had travelled from far and wide for the occasion.
Fred was a joiner by trade who found himself having to change career after being diagnosed with the condition retinitis pigmentosa, commonly known as tunnel vision. He retrained and qualified as a rehabilitation specialist for the blind, which led to him to start work at Pearey House in 1976. Fred did woodwork with the residents and taught Braille as well as Moon, another tactile reading system which is easier to learn with its larger embossed lines and curves. Fred became Manager and served on the committee for 35 years. Assistant Manager, Steven Milne, explains how Fred remained a frequent visitor at Pearey House even after his retirement: “He loved to come and read his Moon books. He preferred them to audio books as they continued to stimulate his brain and imagination.”
Lieutenant Colonel Terry Crane, the current Chair of Trustees, reiterated Fred’s affinity with Pearey House in his speech ahead of the official opening: “The Fred Hodson Suite is a fitting tribute to him and his legacy. The charity benefitted so much from his promotion and overall oomph! Fred is always here in spirit. People still say, ‘What would Fred do?’” Fred’s niece, Jane, followed this up by declaring: “Friends and family were everything to our uncle, so it is appropriate that this suite will provide residents with somewhere for their loved ones to stay.” She then proceeded to cut the pink ribbon and a queue of people formed to have a look around.
The glamping-style pod is furnished with luxurious velvet chairs and sofa beds, which can be used by visiting relatives overnight. It has heating and electricity, with a kettle and cupboards for snacks. There is a key box on the wall with an access code so the suite can be used at any time including weekends. Long-time resident Craig was eager to try out the comfortable seats while explaining how much he liked his home at Pearey House: “It’s a great place to live!” Steven Milne, Assistant Manager, assured everyone: “We’ll show you how to pull out the sofa beds and we’ll bring in some large bottles of water so you don’t have to go back and forth to fill up the kettle.”
The Fred Hodson Suite was built on the site where an old stable block once stood, and the old fireplace has been incorporated into the adjoining sensory garden, where everyone mingled for refreshments after having explored the new annexe. The garden has one wide entrance that is also the exit so that users know how to get in and out. Fragrant flowers and herbs are planted around a water feature that adds to the beautiful sound of birdsong and wind chimes guide people to a memorial chair for Sam Rice, a dear friend and resident who sadly passed away recently.
Helen has now taken over as Manager of Pearey House with the help of Steven, Assistant Manager and their small team consisting of Phil, Kirsty, Matthew and Jimmy the bus driver, who also teaches gardening to the residents. “In the past there was more emphasis on practical activities such as crafts and joinery. These days we focus more on socialising as a form of therapy for the service users”, explains Steven. “It can be very isolating, living alone with a visual impairment. Social interaction is important.” The day centre in the main house provides a social hub for blind and visually impaired adults on a weekly basis, with facilities including a gym and a library of audio books. They have a coffee morning every Friday from 10:30am to 11:45am, open to anyone who wants to come along. They also have a walking group and a ‘Showdown’ club, a sport similar to air hockey, where blindfolded competitors battle it out: “Showdown has helped to bring more people to the centre, including children. There are seven teams in the Northern League – we’re hoping to invite them here to play and eventually join the National League.”
In the grounds there are 12 independent living flats with blind and visually impaired residents, who have always gathered in the gardens to chat and socialise: “There are people here all with varying degrees of sight loss, so they help each other do different things. It’s like an unofficial support group.” In the past, when the weather has been bad, they have just had to stay alone indoors. Now the Fred Hodson Suite will always ensure there is a warm and comfortable social space for residents to meet as well as somewhere for their visiting families to stay.
Photos by Steven Milne and Caroline Oswald
Find out more about the history of Pearey House at: Pearey House 150th Anniversary – Remembering the Past
For current updates and news, go to: Pearey House Centre For Visually Impaired
