Walthew House

John Walthew, who became Mayor of Stockport in the early 1870s, and his wife invited the town’s blind people to tea. The Walthews of Wood Hall, Reddish, had first hand experience of the disability, as their daughter Louisa was blind and deaf. After this first meeting, regular weekly gatherings were arranged, at which volunteers read to and generally helped the blind people. In January 1867, the town’s blind, deaf and residents without speech were invited to a meeting at Stockport Sunday School to draw up detailed plans for support. The meeting was chaired by James Sidebottom JP, appointed to carry out the project. To help finance the work, Mr Sidebottom pledged a donation of £50 per year. There were a number of other subscriptions including £10 per year from Mr Ephraim Hallam. The meeting agreed the main aim was to give people with sensory loss the chance of an education and work experience. The committee set up workshops where clients made goods and a shop was opened on Wellington Road South, Stockport, where they were sold. A schoolroom was also established.