NAB Sight Support for Northamptonshire welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to its Sight Centre in Northampton as the charity celebrated 130 years of supporting blind and visually impaired people across the county.

During the visit on the 10th November 2026, His Royal Highness met people who use NAB’s services, alongside volunteers, staff, trustees and supporters. The Duke heard how the charity helps visually impaired adults, children and families to live life to the full through practical advice, emotional support, specialist services and equipment.

HRH Duke of Gloucester watches Alison and Wes perform their dance routine.

His Royal Highness was introduced to Alison and Tony, along with Wes and Linda from Wes and Alex Dance School to share the successes of our ballroom and Latin dance classes, with Alison and Tony sharing their skills on the dance floor and Alison’s success in being the first visual impaired participant in the IDTA competition due to take place in April at world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.  The Duke also visited a team of Talking News volunteers, led by long term member of staff Stephen Pascoe, and recorded in the introduction to our next edition of Northampton Sound News.  His Royal Highness also learned about NAB’s community support home visits, Eye Clinic Liaison Officer services, children and family support, education and training, social activities and Mobile Sight Centre, which brings advice and demonstrations of useful equipment to communities across Northamptonshire.

HRH Duke of Gloucester meets NAB Staff Members

Founded in 1896, NAB has spent 130 years responding to the changing needs of people affected by sight loss. From its Northampton base, the independent local charity works across the county to help reduce the impact of sight loss and ensure that people can access support when they need it most.

Louise Danielczuk, Chief Executive Officer of NAB Sight Support Northamptonshire, said: “It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester as we mark 130 years of service to our community. This anniversary is a tribute to generations of staff, volunteers, supporters and partners, and above all to the people and families who place their trust in us. The visit gave us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that shared history and to look ahead with determination, so that no one in Northamptonshire has to face sight loss alone.”

His Royal Highness was then presented with a history of NAB, and unveiled a commemorative plaque to celebrate the Royal visit to the charity.

HRH Duke of Gloucester is presented with ‘The History of NAB’ by our Chair of Trustees.

As NAB begins its next chapter, the charity is focused on strengthening partnerships, sustaining high-quality services and reaching more people throughout Northamptonshire. Members of the public can support its work by volunteering, fundraising, partnering with the charity or making a donation.

Photo Credits: Kirsty Edmond

Posted on 11 November 2026 in Uncategorized