BLIND VETERANS has announced the location of its new home after leaving its seafront centre after more than 80 years.

The training and rehabilitation building in Ovingdean was built for the charity, formerly known as St Dunstan's, in the 1930s.

But in June, the charity announced it was to leave its home after more than eight decades.

The Argus: Princess Marina House. Credit: RAF Benevolent FundPrincess Marina House. Credit: RAF Benevolent Fund

Today, the charity’s chief executive announced the charity will move into Princess Marina House (PMH) in Rustington.

Major General Nick Caplin said: “We are very excited to be making the short trip along the Sussex coast and moving to our new Rustington home.

“The fact that we are buying this building from a fellow military charity is fantastic. PMH is very well known in the local area for providing care and support for veterans and we will be proud to continue that wonderful legacy in a local community that is very supporting.

“The blind veteran population we support today is very different to that of the 1930s, when our Ovingdean centre opened, and the average age of the veterans we support now is 87.

“Moving to this new building will mean we can offer different services, that far better suit their needs and the needs of future blind veterans.”

The charity’s former home, which can be found just off the seafront next to Roedean School, was first opened in 1938.

The work of architect Francis Lorne is believed to be unique in being purpose built for younger blind people who had input into its design and functions.

Lesley Garven, Blind Veterans UK Brighton Centre Manager, says: “Although it will be a sad day when we finally close the doors in Ovingdean for the last time, we have the excitement of moving to our new home.

“Many great memories have been made over the last 83 years and we look forward to making many more in Rustington.”

The vast majority of the 4,500 veterans currently supported by the charity have lost their sight due to age-related conditions such as macular degeneration.

Maureen Atkinson, 96, who has been a resident in Ovingdean for four years, said: “Everyone has taken such good care of us in my time here, especially over the last year or so with the virus.

“I think the move is a very good idea and it’s lovely that all us residents will be able to move together.

“This is a great opportunity to start afresh, and I just hope I’ll still be here to enjoy the new place when we do move.”

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