Trustees
N-Vision is governed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for controlling the management and administration of the charity.
They have the ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of N-Vision, ensuring that it is solvent and well-run, that it complies with Charity Law and the requirements of the Charity Commission and that it delivers the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the visually impaired people for which it was set up.
Chair
Joe Bannister
"I am the owner and managing director of Nathans Chartered Certified Accountants. Born and bred in Lytham St. Annes I have lived on the Fylde coast all my life and worked most of it there also. I live in Blackpool with my wife Kate. My eldest daughter is serving in the Royal Navy and my youngest is studying Musical Theatre in Manchester.
I am a keen golfer and enjoy squash, taekwondo (2nd Dan Black Belt), travel, literature and art."
Vice Chair
Beverley Garrity
"I retired in 2016 after working for DWP for over 30 years.
I now enjoy going to the gym regularly and generally trying to keep fit. I also love travelling with my husband Mike who is also retired. I enjoy the occasional jaunt with the girls each year for some relaxation and fun.
I have been involved with the charity for many years in both a professional and voluntary way. I have a personal interest in helping the visually impaired because I have a sister who has suffered with poor eyesight since childhood and is now severely sight impaired.
I am looking forward to being able to support N-Vision in the future."
Trustees
Pat Lord
"I have lived in Blackpool all my life, I have five children, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
I retired from the Nuclear Industry at the end of 2001. I then became a volunteer for the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Services.
I enjoy travelling, gardening, reading, dining out and spending time with my family and friends.
I joined N-Vision in 2010 and became a trustee in 2015. "
Mick Steel
"I retired in early 2019 and now spend much of my time supporting several charities.
My paid working career was served exclusively in the aerospace industry, with my early days having been in the Royal Air Force, followed by 30 years with BAE Systems. Whilst I wouldn’t class myself as an academic, I am a registered Chartered Engineer and remain interested in utilising my skills and experience.
I am an enthusiastic team player and have strong team-working skills, which I believe helps me in serving as a trustee.
I have lived and worked in the USA, Middle East, Germany and Cyprus, as well as travelled extensively in Europe, the Middle and Far East.
I am active in working with rescued dogs and have been a volunteer rider with North West Blood Bikes since 2013.
I enjoy spending time with my dogs, walking in the Lake District, camping and motorcycle touring."
Terry Wright
"I am retired and have lived in St Annes with my wife Kathy for nine years after moving here from the Midlands. We have a son and two grandchildren with whom we enjoy spending time.
I previously worked at an international aluminium tubing manufacturer for thirty-one years finishing up on the board.
Since living in Lancashire, I have been involved as a trustee with two other charitable organisations and look forward to making a useful contribution to N-Vision in the future."
David Wyatt
"I am a Chartered Civil Engineer with 45 years’ experience in the construction industry and formerly Managing Director of a successful civil and structural engineering design company.
The success of any design project depends upon the ability of the design team to solve multiple problems to meet the technical and financial aims of the project and the clients completion dates. Teamwork and effective management are essential elements for the success of any organization. I believe the Trustees form a vital part of the N-Vision team.
For many years I have been a volunteer, helping to raise funds for both local and international charitable causes, including conceiving and helping to organise, for many years, a charity concert at Preston Guildhall. Currently I am a volunteer civilian instructor with a local RAF Air Cadets Squadron.
I am a keen hiker and enjoy planning and undertaking long distance walks. I have completed several of our Classic National Trails, including walking the length of the Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road, through Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and the continuing on along the Icknield Way to finish at Thetford in Norfolk. Last year I walked the 265-mile Pennine Way.
The invitation to become a trustee of Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind attracted me because an elder member of my family is registered blind. I have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties they have with daily life and believe that the work of organisations such as N-Vision is vitally necessary."
Cynthia Cunnane
“I am a volunteer, and joined the Trustees as I want to know more about the charity.
I working in banking, then insurance, and then became a production planning manager in a factory. I am now retired.
Being severely sight impaired, I can rely on my past experiences as a good guide for any decisions I need to make.
My main interest is volunteering at the Low Vision Centre, helping to teach the use of technology. I also enjoy gardening, talking books and jigsaws.
In the future, I would hope that N-Vision could become a leading, influential centre in the North West, demonstrating how people with sight loss can be helped at all stages. “
Daniel Pack
“I became a Trustee in September 2024, because I wish to support the running of a vital community charity.
“The experience I bring to the role includes involvement in sport and recreation management, education governance, and fundraising event management.
My hope for the future is that N-Vision continues to grow and improve its vital community services.
My personal hobbies include sport, cinema, walking and travel.
William Smith
“I wanted to support the charity, so I became a Trustee in February 2025. I am a retired electrician and I enjoy music, theatre and holidays as hobbies.
The main skills and insights I bring to the role of Trustee is experience in finance and support staff. My biggest hope for the charity is that it can continue long term.
LATEST NEWS EVENTS FUNDRAISING
New community green space planned
Blackpool is to get a new multi-purpose community green space, with a special emphasis on stunning sensory gardens, and gardening opportunities for the sight impaired.
“Alexa – Open Talking N-Vision!”
A new service has been launched to deliver local news, regional articles, sports updates, recipes and much more directly into the homes of thousands of local people with sight impairments, via Alexa devices and mobile phones.
Technology in View
N-Vision’s work to connect sight impaired people with technology that can make their life much easier is proving hugely popular!
