Northampton man who helped dozens of town's visually impaired find company together dies aged 85

One of Kingsthorpe's most well-known faces who founded the Northampton Social Group for the Blind & Partially Sighted has died.

Arnold Civil sadly passed away peacefully at home on April 7. He was 85.

Arnold was a familiar figure in his community in Kingsthorpe who helped dozens of other blind & partially sighted people find company and understanding as part of his social group.

He also worked closely with the borough council to advise them on how to make the town safer for people with sight impairment.

Tina Johnson, a volunteer co-ordinator for the social group, said: "He was a real character. Many people will remember Arnold as a familiar figure using his white cane when out and about in Kingsthorpe.

"He knew lots of people. If he could help anyone in any way we would.

"He loved it when someone rang him up so they could have a friendly chat. He was aware of how isolated being visually compared can make you, and he started the group so people could get together and talk about their problems."

Arnold founded the group in 2010 and today is a chance for Northampton's visually-impaired residents to meet and talk twice a month.

He was also a past trustee of the Northamptonshire Association for the Blind.

Tina said: "Over the past 10 years the social group, run entirely by volunteers, has gone from strength to strength - a lasting testament to a wonderful man."