Blindfolded in Wimborne

Each year, one day is designated as World Sight Day to Lions Clubs where many undertake activities drawing attention to sight problems.

On 9 October, Mayor of Wimborne Cllr Robin Cook, escorted by Lions from the Wimborne and Ferndown branches, took a blindfolded tour around the town to experience the feeling of being unable to see.

The tour started at 1pm with the mayor entering the Minster with members of the public. After almost falling over, his tour continued with a walk through Church Street, to the Square, and then into the Tourist Information Centre where he talked to the staff.

After the experiment Cllr Robin Cook said, “This was a scary experience. As soon as I was blindfolded I had to compensate with my other senses to help me out.  At one point it actually sounded like we were walking under a bus.

“It’s only because I know Wimborne so well, and the fact that I had a running commentary and the guidance from two Lions that I was able to get around with as much ease as that. I can’t even think how hard this must be for people with sight problems.” 

Lion John Wilson thanked the mayor for turning up and trying out this experiment.

The blindfolding test proved successful it prompted the idea of carrying out a wheelchair experiment later in the year to raise awareness that ‘it isn’t easy when you haven’t got it.’