A Rushden man who is blind, and his wife, an invalid, have managed to maintain their independence by acting as each other's eyes and legs. And with the help of his former workmates and their own determination they have had a happy Christmas.
They are Mrs. and Mrs. Francis C. Leech, 144 Highfield Road, who have lived in the town all their lives and in the same house for thirty years.
In recent years Mr. Leech, who had been blind in one eye for many years, lost the sight of his other eye. He found at first that adjusting himself to this affliction was difficult, and he still scrapes his hands on walls and bumps his legs on chairs if they are moved.
Right Place
The old adage "a place for everything and everything in its place" has become a necessity. He is able to find anything in his house, as he always puts things back in the same place. His familiarity with the streets of the town enables him to get out and about.
While his wife gets meals and does ironing Mr. Leech undertakes other jobs about the house.
Mr. Leech, who was interviewed by an "Echo" reporter in the neat and comfortable front room of their home, said that he particularly enjoyed going out for walks.
He was especially pleased when friends recognise him out in the street and stop for a chat. Unless he recognises people's voices, or they greet him by name, he dries not know for sure whether or not they are speaking to him or to someone else in the street. This week the couple's home still has the air of Christmas. Cords, over which many Christmas cards were hung, were fixed between picture rails by Mr. Leech, who used touch to pin them up.
Shopping presents no problem. Neighbours, he said, are very helpful, but he does most of it himself. Shop girls are very good in helping him to choose what he wants.
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Rushden Town Cricket 2nd Team in 1929
Front row: Francis Leech aged 24 far left, Claude King-Underwood 5th from left, Angus Watson scorer – far right.
Back row: A Gramshaw 3rd from left, H E Bates 5th from left.
Other names Laurence Beeby, Risky Bull, Norman Wright, Albert Adams.
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As a young man Mr. Leech was very fond of sport and was a member of the Rushden Town Cricket Club and played for its second and sometimes its first team. It is the inability to watch sport which he misses as much as anything. He used to support the Cobblers and Leicester City and often went to see cricket Tests.
He now follows football and cricket through the radio and television commentaries.
Another source of interest are the social activities organised each month by the Wellingborough Division of the County Blind Association at the Salem Hall, Wellingborough. The organisation also arranges special outings to places of interest such as Windsor Castle and also to the seaside.
Mr. Leech attended the opening night of Rushden Amateur Theatrical Society's pantomime "Dick Whittington and his Cat" on Monday and "thoroughly enjoyed it."
Until he became blind Mr. Leech worked for the Rushden boot and shoe firm Walter Sargent and Co. Ltd., Rushden, Glassbrook Road, and receives periodic donations from the firm's benevolent fund. For the past two Christmases the men at the factory have made a collection for him.
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