A blind veteran from Rochester, Kent, has fulfilled a lifelong dream of meeting photographer David Bailey at the Brighton rehabilitation and training centre of military charity Blind Veterans UK…
Ray Munday, 88, attended the event as part of a photography-themed activity week run by the charity, which supports vision-impaired ex-Service men and women. Ray was one of 14 blind veterans to attend the week.
Ray says: “When I was told about the visit my jaw dropped – I was so excited, because I’ve followed Bailey since he shot to fame in the 60s. You could say I’m a groupie, because I love his photography! He’s a great bloke.”
During his visit David Bailey was given a guided tour of the centre and delivered a talk to veterans supported by the charity. He spoke about his experience in Singapore where he served with the RAF, as well as giving an insight into his career spent photographing some of the most recognised faces of the 20th century.
David Bailey says: “I thoroughly enjoyed answering questions from vision-impaired ex-Service men and women like Ray who are supported by Blind Veterans UK.
“As a National Service veteran myself, it was encouraging to hear about the support available if I were to lose my sight, and I was very impressed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of blind photographers who have not let vision loss stop them from getting behind the camera.”
After the talk the veterans were able to pose their own questions to David Bailey and some shared their own memories from their time in Service.
Ray, who completed his National Service with the Royal Air Force in 1948-50, has been supported by Blind Veterans UK since 2007. Ray has age-related macular degeneration, a sight condition which has gradually caused him to lose his vision.
Ray says: “I’ve been taking photographs since I was 17, but in 2006 the sight in my right eye finally went and I had to give up photography and driving. It was a very difficult time.
“Blind Veterans UK has supported me ever since. They’re absolutely wonderful, they really are – they can’t do enough for you in terms of training, support and equipment. The things that they do for people are unbelievable.”
Ray’s wife encouraged him to start taking photographs again after buying him a digital camera in 2008. When staff members at Blind Veterans UK found out about Ray’s interest in photography, they encouraged him to get involved in the charity’s photography club.
