It is only January and already work is under way on Manx Blind Welfare Society’s 2016 Calendar.

The charity’s current calendar has proved a huge success, raising, in conjunction with the Society’s Christmas cards, more than ?6,000 to help fund essential support for blind and visually impaired people in the Island.

The calendar and Christmas cards featured stunning and colourful images of the Isle of Man donated by local photographers, and the production costs were met by sponsors to ensure all profits went to the charity.

The Society is already planning its 2015 Christmas cards and 2016 Calendar, and is seeking local support.

MBWS Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘It is very early into the New Year, but it takes a lot of time to bring together the calendar and cards so we have to get working on them as soon as we can.

‘We have been very fortunate to receive huge support from local businesses and photographers, and we’d like to once again ask anyone who has a picture of the Island they’d like to be considered for the 2016 calendar, or our next Christmas cards, to get in touch.

‘The aim of the calendar is to show the beauty and diverse scenery of the Island, and especially to include some less familiar views. It has proved very popular, with orders coming in from Canada, America and Germany, as well as throughout the UK and Isle of Man.

‘Obviously, for the Christmas cards it would be nice to have a seasonal image and someone may have captured the perfect picture during the recent snowfall over the hills.’

She added: ‘The fantastic support we have received from sponsors has ensured all proceeds from the sales of calendars and Christmas cards have been able to support our work with more than 600 people with serious sight loss in the Island. We have support packages starting from just ?150 and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to help us meet the production costs.  Anyone who’d like more information should email dthomson@mbws.org.im or call 674727.’

There are still a few 2015 calendars available to purchase, priced ?5. Visit Corrin Court in Onchan or call 674727 for details.
To find out more about the work of Manx Blind Welfare Society visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety.