Our history
We have a rich history rooted in innovation, compassion, and the vision of our founder, Sir Ernest Beachcroft Beckwith Towse VC, KCVO, CBE.
Since we were founded in 1928, we have remained steadfast in our mission to provide people living with sight loss access to audio technology that transforms their lives.
Our origins: Sir Captain Towse
Sir Captain Towse’s remarkable life laid the foundation for BWBF. Born in 1864, Towse served with distinction during the Second Boer War (1899–1902), earning the Victoria Cross for his bravery despite losing his sight during a battle on Mount Thaba in 1900. Following his military service, Towse continued to contribute during World War I as a staff officer assisting casualties in France.
Towse’s sight loss inspired him to improve the lives of others. He became the chairman of the British and Foreign Blind Association, advocating for the welfare of people living with sight loss.
The idea for BWBF emerged in 1928 when two friends built a makeshift 'wireless' radio to entertain Towse during a hospital stay. Realising the potential of radio technology to alleviate isolation, Towse established BWBF.
Ever since that day, the heart of BWBF’s mission has remained the same: to unlock a world of audio for people living with sight loss.
A drawing of Sir Captain Towse on the battlefield where he was wounded, leading to him losing his vision.
Early 20th century: changing state support
The early 20th century saw significant changes in how people living with sight loss were supported by the state. The Blind Persons Act of 1920 shifted responsibility for people living with sight loss from Poor Law Guardians to local authorities, marking a new era of structured support.
Subsequent legislation, such as the Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons) Act of 1926, acknowledged the importance of audio by providing free or discounted radio licenses. However, the high cost of radio sets remained prohibitive for many. This is where BWBF came in.
The charity’s work began in earnest in 1929, distributing 100 crystal radios produced by Burne-Jones & Co. Ltd. These simple, reliable devices brought entertainment and information to listeners who had lost their vision.
Early growth: Churchill and King George V
Determined to reach more people, BWBF launched its first Christmas appeal in 1929. The voice of the appeal was the future Prime Minister of the UK Sir Winston Churchill. The appeal was broadcast on Christmas Day on the BBC from Churchill's home at Chartwell. It emphasised how radio - or ‘the wireless’ - could restore connection to the world for someone living with sight loss. By 1931, BWBF had raised £37,000 and distributed 17,000 radios.
Just close your eyes for a moment and keep them closed. Fancy you can never open them again. And then supposing someone came and put a little instrument in your hands which you could hold to your ear and suddenly listen for hours at a time to music, songs, dances... and all that these inspiring programmes offer. Why, you wouldn't feel half so shut out, you would feel yourself back in the world.
An excerpt from BWBF's Christmas Appeal 1929, delivered by Sir Winston Churchill
In the years that followed BWBF's first fundraising appeal, the charity and the importance of radio for people living with sight loss continued to capture attention on a national scale. In 1932, H M King George V delivered his first ever recorded message to the Empire. The speech referenced the importance of radio for people living with sight loss. The King went on to present a signed copy to our founder Sir Ernest.
King George V's Speech
Sir Ernest was presented with a box containing the original 78rpm His Masters Voice recording of The First Empire Broadcast Message by His Majesty King George V. The blue gatefold box was hand signed by the King.
King George V's Speech - Original audio recording
Collaboration with industry: new radios
Over the decades, BWBF partnered with leading radio manufacturers like Bush Radio and Roberts Radio to design devices tailored for people living with sight loss. Over time, these collaborations introduced top-mounted controls, high-visibility text, and preset stations.
By the late 1990s, BWBF had introduced a trademark charcoal and yellow colour scheme for radios, providing high contrast for people with residual vision. Additional features included large tactile controls, cassette decks, and eventually CD players.
Some of the radios BWBF has issued over the years.
BWBF's star power: appeals for support over the decades
As the technology our charity offered evolved, BWBF continued to benefit from the influence of its famous supporters.
In 1977, much-loved singer Dame Vera Lynn fronted BWBF's Christmas appeal. And, in subsequent years, a host of other well-known figures lent their name for the appeal. Today, broadcaster Sue Cook continues to write to our donors each year at Christmas.
BWBF's celebrity-endorsed fundraising appeals received a tremendous response over the decades
The age of internet radio: Sonata and beyond
The advent of internet radio in the early 21st century gave rise to big innovations to the service we offered. In 2008, BWBF partnered with Solutions Radio to launch the Sonata. Our first internet-enabled radio provided access to thousands of stations, podcasts, and audio books.
Featuring spoken menus and customisable playlists, the Sonata transformed how people living with sight loss could access information and entertainment. The Sonata evolved into the Sonata Plus, which introduced new speech engines and remote updates.
The smartphone era: BWBF’s apps
In 2019, BWBF introduced the Bumblebee tablet, which combined the functionality of internet radios with an accessible touch-screen interface. Bumblebee laid the groundwork for BWBF’s apps.
The Speech Radio App launched in 2021 and enables users to access thousands of global radio stations, directly from their smartphones or tablets. The Talking Newspaper App, also launched in 2021, offers access to local and national publications, ensuring that users can stay connected to news and their communities. Both are delivered via an accessible interface, designed to be easy to use for people living with sight loss.
Transformation: meeting new audio needs
Under the new leadership of CEO Sophie Jones, BWBF launched a transformation strategy in 2024. The strategy recognises the rapid pace of technological change and the challenges and opportunities this provides for people living with sight loss. The charity's new vision focuses on gaining a deep understanding of, and catering to, the diverse and changing audio needs of people living with sight loss.
Our impact in 2024
The number of audio devices we gave out
The number of Alexa devices we gave out
The increase in the number of people we supported from 2023 to 2024
In the summer of 2024, BWBF started giving free Alexa devices to people living with sight loss. The move was made in recognition of the transformative power of easy, voice-activated access to music, audiobooks, news, and essential information, for people living with sight loss.
Recognising the unique needs of younger audiences, BWBF also launched products like the Echo Dot Kids smart speakers, Voxblock audiobook readers and My Little Morphée sleep aids, to cater to this audience.
These changes drove a 65 per cent increase in the number of people using BWBF's services and laid the foundation for further service innovation to come in the years ahead.
Our future
Find out more about our plans for the future, our strategy and how we will achieve our vision to become the 'go-to' place for all things audio for people living with sight loss.
Read about our strategy & vision