May 2012
Registered Charity No. 1075388
www.mertonvision.org.uk
Guardian Gazette
Providing services, information and activities to residents of Merton
who have a visual impairment.
Hello again, in this issue of the Gazette you will find items on 100 Club
Winners, Forthcoming Events, New Equipment, Changes to Disability Living
Allowance, Outings, National Falls Prevention Week, Message from GO4M,
R.I.P., Message from Merton Talking Newspaper and Dates for your Diary.
Can we just remind you that the Centre will be closed on Monday 4 and
Tuesday 5 June for the bank holidays. We will be back in business on
Wednesday 6 June. If you do have a query please leave us a message and
we will get back to you on our return.
100 Club Winners
Congratulations to the following winners;
April
1st prize
2nd Prize
Bonus Prize
No 62 Rose Cole
No 100 Sandy Gray
No 77 Jean Gould
May
1st prize
2nd Prize
No 105 Simon Coates
No 56 Margaret Richardson
£27.50
£11.00
£50.00
£27.50
£11.00
The cost is £12 per year, there is a draw every month and the more
members we have the bigger the prizes. There is also a chance of winning
a bonus prize of £50 twice a year, and a Christmas bonus of £100. If you
would like to join, just give us a ring on 020 8540 5446.
Forthcoming Events
Jubilee Lunch – Thursday 7 June – 12:30 - £4 per head
To celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee we are having a traditional
English lunch with a few extras thrown in. If you would like to join us please
give us a call to book your place. We need to know no later than Friday
1 June if you would like to come so that we have enough food in.
MertonVision Advisory Community Group – Tuesday 12 June – 7:30
p.m.
This is your opportunity to express your views about visually impaired
related subjects, make suggestions and share information. Please feel free
to come along, you will be made very welcome.
Macular Disease Group - Monday 16 July 2012 – 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The next meeting will be on Monday 16 July from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Do
come along and meet other people in the same situation as yourself.
Quiz Night – Friday 13 July at 7:30 p.m. - £6 per head
Another evening for you to show how clever you are (or not as the case may
be). Supper included.
New Equipment
We currently have several types of accessible audio players in the
Resource Room. These include an RNIB Victor Daisy Player which is both
mains and battery operated; very similar to an MP3 player but has specific
navigation functions which most MP3’s do not have. It will play MP3 disks,
talking books on CDs and music CD’s. The Victor is available from the RNIB
at a cost of £215.
We have on display the Concerto from Wireless for the Blind Fund. This will
play Daisy discs, MP3 discs and CDs. The Concerto also has SD Card Slots
(Memory Card) and USB Slots (Memory Sticks). They also play cassettes
and have a digital radio with a memory feature. This set is mains and
battery operated but is much larger and heavier than the Victor. Please
contact MertonVision for eligibility for a WFBF Concerto or Radio. (though
they are also available to purchase).
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The Boombox is also quite a new product which is very compact, plays
memory sticks and has a radio. Calibre Audio Library sends out their audio
books on tape, or increasingly, memory stick.
We can also demonstrate the Victor Stream from HumanWare which is a
very small lightweight MP3 Memory Card player. Many books can be stored
on one memory card and it is, therefore, easy to transport around with you.
Another new item is the Freeview TV Box, soon to be ready for
demonstration. For more information on any of the items in the Resource
Room please call 8540 5446 or Kevin will be in the Resource Room on
Monday 9 July if you would like a demonstration.
Changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
You have probably heard a lot about the proposed change to the Disability
Living Allowance (DLA), which will be replaced by Personal Independence
Payments (PIP).
Having looked at some of the ‘case studies’ the government have produced
it seems that they have not taken on board many of the issues that make life
more difficult/expensive for people who have a visual impairment.
The criteria for the new PIP largely depends on how well people can
manage without help. One of the case studies showed that someone who
had recent sight loss would be eligible for considerable financial help
because he had not learned how to cope yet. Another case study shows a
person who had been blind since birth would not be eligible for much
support because she had learned how to cope and had a good network of
family and friends to help.
This is worrying, as vision does not (usually) get better. It is still a problem to
read/write/cook/clean /launder/ shop/ travel regardless of how long you have
been visually impaired or how well you have learned to cope. Getting the
right help or equipment to help to do these things is expensive. A sighted
person, for example can buy a microwave for around £50. To buy one that
has dials than can be marked with bumpons rather than a touch pad which
you can’t see is not so easy and a talking version is £258. If you shop
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online then you will need specialist software to access your computer, again
more expense. This is only one example. You will have others. Please
write to your MP and tell them of your concerns. The email address for the
Wimbledon MP
is hammonds@parliament.uk, and the MP for Mitcham and Morden is
mcdonaghs@parliament.uk
Summer Outings
We have put together a programme of outings which we hope will appeal to
you. Prices quoted below are for transport only. Entrance fees to houses,
gardens etc. is extra, as are refreshments. The entrance fees for the
houses/gardens are reduced for people who have a disability (you may
have to show evidence of a disability allowance). We are unable to book in
advance unless we have a group of 15 or more, and all the 15 stay together
as a group. As we know that people want to ‘do their own thing’ at each
venue we will not be booking venues as a group.
We have given contact details with each trip so that you can contact each
venue if you wish to get additional information and to check if they are
suitable for you. All outings are accessible for people with a visual
impairment and for guide dogs, but if you have a mobility problem you may
want to check it out.
As usual there will be pick up points for the outward journey, and we will
drop you off at your front door after the outing (not sighted guides). The
pick up points will be here at MertonVision, outside the Heart Foundation
shop in Mitcham, Wimbledon (Worple Road, outside side entrance to Elys),
outside Boots in Morden and the main entrance to Raynes Park Station.
You will be advised of the times later on: timings are dependent on how
many people there are and whether we use one or two buses.
Please make your bookings now so that we can plan and book additional
buses if needed.
Eastbourne – Wednesday 18 July - £15 Visit Eastbourne for its clean,
safe seas and award winning beaches. Take in the fresh sea air and enjoy
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a relaxing day out. There are plenty of bars and cafes for you to enjoy a
cool drink and something to eat.
Syon Park – Thursday 26 July - £8
Syon House is the last surviving ducal residence complete with its country
estate in Greater London. Take a look round the Duke of Northumberland's
London home, view the magnificent State and Private Apartments and enjoy
the spectacular Great Conservatory and 40 acres of gardens. If you would
like to find out further information then you can find this at
www.syonpark.co.uk or email info@syonpark.co.uk or telephone the Estate
Office for disabled facilities on 0208 560 0882.
Broadlands Museum – Friday 3 August - £8
The Museum displays a wide range of Brooklands related motoring and
aviation exhibits ranging from giant racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to
a collection of Hawker and Vickers, BAC built aircraft, including the Second
World War Wellington Bomber, Viking, Varsity, Viscount, Vanguard, VC10,
BAC One Eleven and the only Concorde with public access in South East
England.
All areas are accessible to wheelchairs apart from the aeroplanes which
have steps. Adults £10, concessions £9, children £5.50. There is an
additional supplement for the Concorde Experience which is a 30 minute
tour and a virtual flight.
For more information please call 01932 857 381 or email
info@brooklands.com.
Polesden Lacey – Monday 6 August - £8
This National Trust country retreat, with glorious views across the rolling
Surrey hills and acres of countryside is waiting to be explored. It was home
to the famous Edwardian hostess Mrs Greville, who entertained royalty and
the celebrities of her time. The house has stunning interiors and contains
her fabulous collection of art and ceramics.
The beautiful gardens have something for every season, including climbing
roses and herbaceous borders. Plus a free interactive garden guide to help
you make the most of your visit.
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The Courtyard Restaurant specialises in freshly prepared, local, seasonal
food and the Coffee Shop and Deli has delicious homemade cakes. The
shops contain unique souvenirs, gifts and plants.
Admission to the whole property for adults is £10.80 and £5.40 for children,
and to the gardens only £6.66 for adults and £3.33 for children.
There are some areas where there is gravel underfoot and therefore may be
difficult for wheelchair access.
For more information contact polesdenlacey@nationaltrust.org.uk or
telephone 01372 452048
Brighton – Tuesday 28 August - £15
Brighton has many attractions and hopefully the weather to go with them.
Go down the Lanes for a bit of retail therapy or take in the fresh air on the
sea front.
Blue Anchor Pub for lunch – Wednesday 5 September - £8
Enjoy a meal in the Blue Anchor at Wisley, sit by the river and watch the
world go by.
Hampton Court – Monday 10 September - £8
Much of Henry VIII's fame comes from his many marriages, but he was also
an enthusiastic palace builder. In just ten years Henry VIII spent more than
£62,000 rebuilding and extending Hampton Court. This vast sum would be
worth approximately £18 million today.
When he died in 1547 Henry VIII had more than 60 houses, but in the
second half of his reign none were more important to him, nor more
sumptuously decorated, than Hampton Court Palace. The palace also
provided accommodation for each of the King's children and for a large
number of courtiers, visitors and servants.
Audio tours are available on request as is information in braille and large
print. Some of the underfoot surfaces may be a little uneven but it is mostly
accessible to all.
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Adults £16.95, concessions £14.30, children £8.50
For further information please call the 24 hour information line about the
palace and gardens on 0844 482 7777 or email hamptoncourt@hrp.org.uk
Westfield Shopping Centre – Thursday 15 November - £8
Not quite a summer outing! Do a bit of Christmas shopping before the
crowds get out there, or just browse around and treat yourself. More details
will follow.
National Falls Prevention Week – 18 – 22 June
Falls are a major cause of disability and the leading cause of mortality
resulting from injury in people aged over 75 in the UK. One third to half of
people aged over 65 fall each year. The main reasons are; poor vision,
home hazards, taking medication incorrectly and lack of muscle strength.
We have run a falls prevention exercise class for a number of years to
enable you to remain fit and less likely to fall (and if you do fall, you are
more likely to be able to get yourself up again).
So here is a reminder: We have a Falls Prevention and Cardiovascular
Exercise Class here at MertonVision on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. until 3
p.m. The cost is £2.50. This class is suitable for everyone providing they
are mobile. Call 020 8540 5446 to book your place. Transport is available
at a cost of £4.80 for the return journey if needed.
Do you still want to receive our Newsletter?
We distribute our newsletter to over 900 people every two months in
different formats; print, large print, braille, audiotape, MP3 and email,
whichever people prefer. We are allowed to send large print, braille,
audiotape and MP3 post free as ‘articles for the blind’ to people who are
blind or partially sighted.
If you have an email address please let us know as this is much better for
us to use, cheaper and ‘greener’ (no paper). If you prefer print or braille,
that’s fine too. However, if we have an email address for you we can also
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send you time-limited information such as special events, Touch Tours,
visits to museums, holidays etc. which you would otherwise miss.
Our newsletter is also sent to sighted volunteers, donors and supporters
(which is not post free!) Now that postage rates have increased we just
want to check with you that you still want to receive your newsletter in print
or can we send it to you by email?
Invitation from GO4M
Go4M, the local organisation who campaign for a better quality of life for
disabled people in Merton have an open meeting on Monday 18 June at
1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. at All Saints Day Centre, 44 All Saints Road SW19.
They have invited Lianna from ‘Transport for All’ to talk to the meeting about
your rights to accessible transport. Lianna will also be talking about some of
the options available to make complaints and make transport providers
more aware of the needs of disabled passengers.
Let Go4M know if you plan to attend (for catering numbers): email
info@go4m.com or phone 07703 596 834
R.I.P.
It is with regret that we announce the death of Harry Law, Eileen Rosser,
Lillian Imgram and Joyce Adams.
To their family and friends we offer our sincere condolences and thank you
to those who gave donations in lieu of funeral flowers.
Talking Newspaper (MTN)
If you would like a weekly audiotape of local news and magazine please
contact MTN direct on 8544 0551. They are now able to offer this in MP3
format if you have an email address to send it to.
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Dates for your diary 2012
Monday 4 June
Monday 4 June
Tuesday 5 June
Tuesday 12 June
Monday 18 - Friday 22 June
Half term holiday
Spring Bank Holiday
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Focus Group Meeting
Falls Prevention Week
Friday 6 July
Tuesday 10 July
Friday 13 July
Monday 16 July
Wednesday 18 July
Thursday 26 July
Term ends
Executive Committee Meeting
Quiz Night
Macular Disease Group
Trip to Eastbourne
Trip to Syon Park
Friday 3 August
Monday 6 August
Tuesday 28 August
Trip to Broadlands Museum
Trip to Polesden Lacey
Trip to Brighton
Wednesday 5 September
Monday 10 September
Monday 17 September
Trip to Blue Anchor Pub for lunch
Trip to Hampton Court
Macular Disease Group
Friday 26 October
Social Evening
Thursday 15 November
Monday 19 November
Visit to Westfield Shopping Centre
Macular Disease Group
Thursday 20 December
Christmas lunch
Low Vision Clinic is held on the first Tuesday of the month by appointment
only.
Citizens Advice Bureau is held every Wednesday fortnight by appointment
only.
Counselling Service is held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. by
appointment only. There is a charge for this service depending on personal
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circumstances. To make an appointment please contact Beccy direct on
07984 948 408.
The Gazette is produced in large print, braille, tape, e-mail and CD for
members, friends, supporters and volunteers of MertonVision. If you require
further information on any of the items in the newsletter, or if you no longer
wish to receive newsletters, please contact us here at:- MertonVision, The
Guardian Centre, 67 Clarendon Road, Colliers Wood, London SW19 2DX
Telephone No 020 8540 5446 or visit our website at
www.mertonvision.org.uk
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