Our History

The Association began as Reading Blind Aid Society in 1883 but underwent a fundamental change in 1926 when the Borough of Reading became involved owing to new legislation.

The Mayor of Reading was appointed as President (a practice that continues today) and a committee of Trustees was established. The name was changed to Reading Association for the Welfare of the Blind.

In 1997 The Association became a company limited by guarantee and the name was changed to Reading Association for the Blind or RAB.

Company no. 3354127
Charity no. 1062433

Volunteering

All our staff work part time and we depend on volunteer helpers in order to provide a high level of service.

Volunteers help by:-

If you are able to offer some of your time it will be greatly received.

Donations

We rely heavily on donations and bequests to sustain our service as we receive no financial support from RNIB and only a small annual grant from Reading Borough Council. To offer financial help please make cheques payable to RAB and send them to Walford Hall, Carey Street, Reading RG1 7JS.

We have an eBay site to sell donated items so if you have quality items that you no longer require, please consider donating them for our site (We receive 100% of the final bid amount).

We also collect Foreign coins so if you have any left over from holidays please consider us.

We also collect wool and any craft materials that can be worked and re-sold and any donations of this sort will also be very welcome.

Hall Hire

Walford Hall is available for hire when it is not being used by the Association. Bookings can take place between 9.00 and 21.30 and the minimum hire period is 2 hours on 6 or more dates.

Charges are:-
Monday - Thursday £10.50 per hour + VAT
Friday - Sunday £11.50 per hour + VAT

We request that all booking charges are paid in advance. A deposit of £100 is payable (refundable subject to terms of contract).

Generous discounts apply to quantity bookings e.g. Quarterly block bookings receive a 20% discount on the total charge.