About Me >> Attenborough Probus club Article - August 2011
Attenborough District Probus Club
August 10th 2011
Our meeting for August was attended by 25 members to hear our guest speaker Ian Banstead, a visually impaired woodturner.
Many of you have seen Ian walking the town with his black Labrador guide dog, Ridley. His father work with wood and Ian was a qualified electrician in 1996, then in early 2000, his eye sight started to deteriorate, losing it almost completely three years later. Early in life his health was not good and he spent a considerable time in hospital, however Ian is obviously a fighter as he took up woodturning as a business and brought many fine examples of his work to the club.
His leisure time is spent sailing and horse riding and often visit Norwich with his guide dog. Ian gave us an insight into the training of guide dogs, which take about 19 to 24 months to the programme. His own dog, which accompanied him to the club today, he has been his constant companion for over 6 years now.
Ian undoubtedly sets a fine example of what can be done despite his disabilities.
The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Ian for a very moving talk.
Article written and published in Probus Talk in the Despatch section copyright August 2011
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