Torch Trust for the Blind is a ministry reaching out to the blind and partially sighted. It is a Christian organisation and has a number of groups dotted throughout Northern Ireland . The Torch group in Emmanuel was originally known as the Craigavon group, but it closed down because there was nobody to run it. We heard about it in September 2004 and by November it was up and running.


Who helps out?
Tommie and Frances McCracken oversee the group, Pearl Ellis is the contact person, Harry Crozier and Harold Bunting are in charge of transport, Harry Crozier is also the treasurer, and then there are the willing helpers, Pauline Halliday, Tanya Tsang and Bobby Jane Irwin.


When is Torch on?
We meet on the first Saturday of every month. The two Harrys go on their rounds lifting the people to bring to the meeting, which starts at 2:30 and runs to around 4:30. We sing some choruses and hymns, then someone is invited to speak the Word, and there is always some good food and fellowship with tea and sandwiches. It is such a blessing to have this time of fellowship, and there is always plenty of laughter. At the moment we have between 12- 20 people coming to the meetings, and we hope to extend.


For more information, see the Torch Trust Website