Somerset Insight Issue 48 January 2014
A MAGAZINE FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE IN SOMERSET
Chair steps down: A fond farewell to Sarah
Pictured on the front cover is Lady Gass with Somerset Sight
Chair Sarah Evans stepping down at the AGM.
Somerset Sight,
Northfield House,
51 Staplegrove Road,
Taunton, TA1 1DG
Registered Charity Number 203296
Main telephone number: 01823 333818
Website: www.somersetsight.org.uk
Email: admin@somersetsight.org.uk
Somerset Insight is published in January, May and September
and is distributed free to visually impaired people living in
Somerset. It is available in large print, Braille, audio cassette
and CD formats.
Somerset Sight is the working name for Somerset Association for
the Blind.
The Chief Executive Officer's Report
Welcome to the first edition of Insight for 2014. I hope that you
enjoyed the festivities and that you are looking forward to the
new year as much as I am.
Our regular readers will now that the last 12 months have been
a period of change here at Somerset Sight. We have said
goodbye to our old Chairman and welcomed a new one and we
have formed a new charitable company, Somerset Sight Ltd,
which will take over the work of the old charity, Somerset
Association for the Blind (working name, Somerset Sight). I know
it's confusing but it should all become clear in the end!
Our new company number is 8432686 and our new registration
with the Charity Commission is Somerset Sight Ltd, registered
charity number 1154472. If you would like to renew your
membership, please fill in the form inserted into this magazine
and return it to us.
Our AGM was held at the Mission Church in Street on the 11th
October and our very interesting speaker was Angela Tinker, the
CEO of Visionary, the umbrella organisation for sight loss
charities such as ours. Sarah Evans, our chairman of three years
used the meeting to step down as she is now living in Devon, and
to introduce us to her heir apparent, Bella Flood. I would like to
record my heartfelt thanks to Sarah for all her hard work on
behalf of the charity over the years. Sarah steered us through a
difficult period and for that I am eternally grateful. You can
read what Bella has to say for herself overleaf. I will just say
that I am already working closely with Bella and I find her both
very supportive and keen to learn everything she can about our
work.
Volunteer Visiting Service
We are thrilled to announce that our Volunteer Visiting Service
will continue. Thank you to all who have promoted, signed and
supported the petition, and to all who have written to their MPs
and Councillors. Thank you for speaking up and making your
voices heard in support of blind and visually impaired people in
Somerset, and thank you to Somerset County Council for
listening. They have agreed to continue to grant fund the
service for at least another year.
Finally, I would like to record my thanks to all our friends, our
supporters, our Trustees, and our paid staff and volunteers who
have given their all for Somerset Sight over the past 12 months.
You have all been amazing. Thank you.
Tom Winsborough
Chief Executive Officer
01823 366150
tom@somersetsight.org.uk
Hello from new Chair Bella Flood
Sarah Evans and I had discussed Somerset Sight over the last few
years since Richard, my husband, and I moved to Taunton to run
our horticultural seed tape business. I was delighted to be asked
to join the Board of Trustees earlier this year and when Sarah
moved to Devon, I was asked to take over the chairmanship.
I started my working life as a speech and language therapist,
specialising in the rehabilitation of stroke victims and educating
children with multiple disabilities and in particular with hearing
loss.
Richard and I then worked in London, Hong Kong and Sydney
before returning to the UK. In our business partnership, I did the
bookkeeping, payroll, HR, Health and Safety and much more!
I have been a governor of schools for over 18 years and currently
run a communication group in a Taunton stroke club. I am a
volunteer in a group for women who have suffered domestic
abuse, and I have been trained as a Samaritan.
We have 2 children – our daughter is a teacher and she and her
family live in Qatar; our son is a commercial property surveyor.
We enjoy golf, racing (horses), our dogs and keeping up with
friends and family.
I am rapidly learning that Somerset Sight is a charity run by very
capable and dedicated staff and committed volunteers. In these
difficult times, I hope that I will be able to further benefit
people with sight loss and their families, friends and carers.
Bella Flood
Chair of Somerset Sight
Magazine in Other Formats
All of our magazines and leaflets are available in audio, braille
and large print formats. This magazine is also available by
email. If you wish to help us save costs (and the planet), please
send your name and email address to
admin@somersetsight.org.uk.
Technology Drop-in Sessions
The technology drop-in sessions provided by Action for Blind
People (ABP) are still running at Northfield House.
If you've had anything technological for Christmas and want
advice or guidance with your new toy, come along and meet
Abigail from ABP who will be here to help on the last Tuesday of
each month.
Anyone with a visual impairment can book in for a session. The
next sessions will be on Tuesday 28th January, Tuesday 25th
February and Tuesday 25th March. As usual, bookable one hour
sessions will be available between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Please
call us on 01823 333818 to book your place.
Somerset Doctor Saves Sight with the Flying Eye Hospital
Nick Edmeades, a local Ophthalmology Registrar, has just
returned home from a sight-saving programme having swapped
his daily commute to Musgrove Park Hospital for the bustle of
Panama City.
As an associate medical volunteer for ORBIS, an international
sight saving charity, Nick was part of a team which taught local
doctors and nurses vital skills for treating ophthalmic conditions
that are common to the area.
Nick Edmeades worked for two weeks with the ORBIS Flying Eye
Hospital, a plane which hosts a fully equipped operating theatre
and laser suite, with dedicated teaching facilities on board.
Nick says; “ORBIS does a fantastic job and I really enjoyed being
a part of a mission which works to expand the treatment options
people have access to in developing countries. By helping to
further educate the local medical teams, we can ensure these
experts are in a better position to treat and manage the eye
conditions prevalent in their communities.”
He continues; “Working on the Flying Eye Hospital is an amazing
experience and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity
to shadow some of the best ophthalmologists in the world. I
have learnt a lot from my involvement with the charity and look
forward to utilising this new information in the future.”
Submitted by Natasha Lee, ORBIS.
Pictured: Nick Edmeades on board the Flying Eye Hospital
VIP Travel
Travel and accommodation for and with a visually impaired
person (VIP) takes planning. Here are some suggestions:
Check the hotel's suitability; we tend to ask for a ground floor
room with good lighting or make sure there is a working lift.
On many occasions we have brought to the management's notice
that the evacuation, phone operation, TV operation, air
conditioning and in situ bathroom toiletries, which are in very
small print, cannot be understood or acted upon. Labelling and
instructions need to be in large print or explained by a member
of staff. One hotel changed everything for us while we were out,
what a lovely surprise!
We always ask for a table in the dining room by a window or
with extra lighting and have been given our own standard lamp.
They have supplied a menu in large print and also a waiter to
read through and explain the food choices to us.
A visually impaired person's railcard enables both the holder and
carer to travel at a discounted rate. By calling the Assisted
Travel Service on 0800 197 1329 they will ask for all your travel
details and the nature of your disability to ensure you have the
appropriate service.
When commencing your journey inform the station staff you
have booked this assistance. Personally, we have had our
luggage collected from the platform, then stowed on board and
we have then been shown to our seats.
On changing trains, larger stations provide personnel to transfer
you and your luggage to your onward connection.
At the end of your journey, your luggage will be offloaded and
either carried or you will be driven by buggy to the taxi rank or
waiting vehicle. This service is free.
Everyone has the right to feel safe, comfortable and free from
anxiety when on a journey. Most importantly, never be afraid to
ask for help, there are a lot of kind and helpful people around.
Submitted by Harvey & Christine Godber, Taunton
Pictured: A steam train, with the caption: Safe travels! Picture
by Harvey Godber
Holiday Matching Service
We are considering adding a new service which will support
blind and visually impaired people who want to go on holiday
but have nobody to assist them.
Holidays are supposed to be a chance for a relaxing break, but if
you have a visual impairment, visiting a new place can be
disorienting and daunting.
We are proposing a Holiday Matching Service in which our
trained and DBS-checked volunteers will be able to accompany
Service Users on their travels. We are looking to recruit
volunteers who will be able to help with sighted guiding, making
travel arrangements, travelling on public transport, shopping
and outings.
Is this a service you would be interested in, either as a volunteer
or a Service User? Please contact us on
admin@somersetsight.org.uk or 01823 333818 to register your
interest.
DeafPLUS Visits
DeafPLUS gives advice and information on all aspects of hearing
loss as well as servicing hearing aids. They can also demonstrate
phones and listening devices and put you in touch with local
help groups. DeafPLUS will be at Somerset Sight, Northfield
House, 51 Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA1 1DG between
10.30am and 1.00pm on the following dates:
Thursday 9th January
Friday 14th February
Friday 14th March.
For more information please call DeafPLUS on 01225 446555.
Somerset VI Cricket Club's Success
After last season's complete washout, the 2013-14 season turned
out to be completely the opposite. With perfect weather
conditions most of the time, and plenty of game opportunities,
the season turned out to be both hectic and successful.
Somerset started off their campaign defending their 2012-13
Development League title with an away game against Hereford.
In glorious sunshine on a new and perfect pitch the defence got
under way. With Hereford opening the batting they posted a
competitive score which Somerset knocked off quite quickly,
winning by ten wickets.
Somerset would go on to win six games and draw two, to go
unbeaten in the league season, and secure their second
Development League title in two years. The team were
presented with the Development League trophy at Somerset
County Cricket Ground in September.
Running alongside a successful league campaign, Somerset also
went on a cup run reaching the semi-finals in the knockout cup.
During this run, Somerset faced three National League sides.
First was Northampton whom Somerset defeated by five
wickets, then Nottinghamshire who defeated Somerset with
some amazing bowling and fielding, but were unable to field a
side in the semi-final, so Somerset were reinstated.
In the semi-final Somerset travelled to Sussex to play a vastly
more experienced side, and one that has been dominating VI
cricket recently. Sussex came out on top, after a very gutsy
team performance from Somerset, bowling out Sussex for 186 in
25 overs. However Sussex's experience shone through with
Somerset batting through all 30 overs but being limited to 123.
The cup run helped Somerset gain valuable knowledge and
experience that will stand them in good stead when they move
up to the National League and travel all over the country to play
more experienced VI teams in 2014.
The season has been both enjoyable and promising for the
future. This couldn't have been done without the help from the
Masonic group of Ilminster who kindly donated £750 which went
towards travelling and accommodation and also new kit for the
future, so thank you very much from all at Somerset VI Cricket –
we really appreciate it.
We are always looking for new members so if anyone is
interested in playing cricket please get in touch and we will give
you any further information you would like.
You can either find us on Twitter or Facebook, or you can
contact either:
Mr Adam White (Chairman) on adamwhite@hotmail.com or
07968055490, or Mr Alan Mabey (Captain) on
mibleymabley@hotmail.co.uk or 07545780726.
Submitted by Somerset VI Cricket Club.
Pictured: Guy Lavender, CEO Somerset County Cricket Ground,
presents Somerset VICC with the Development League Trophy
Thank You for Saving our Volunteer Visiting Service
Our Volunteer Visiting Service provides fully trained volunteers
to visit blind and visually impaired people in their homes to
provide help and companionship. We have offered this for 17
years.
Back in 2011, we had to fight to keep the contracted funding
from Somerset County Council which allowed us to provide this
service at no cost to the service user. We were moderately
successful; the contract was not renewed, but was instead
replaced with a grant towards funding for 3 part-time staff
salaries, recruitment of volunteers, training, expenses and
management.
This funding was cut by 14% in the financial year 2011-12 and
again by another 14% 2012-13. After March 2014, there was no
promise of funding at all.
In November 2013 we launched a campaign, placing a petition
on the website www.change.org and encouraging Service Users,
volunteers and supporters to write to their local MPs, district
and county councillors stating the need for this service.
These letters had such an impact that a decision was returned
to us before the end of November. Ahead of the budget
announcement due in February, Somerset County Council have
confirmed that they will continue to fund the service for 201415.
We would like to express a huge thank you to all who have
supported this service by writing letters of support, signing our
petition and garnering the support of your friends and families.
We would also like to thank Somerset County Council for their
decision to continue supporting this service for the next year.
Audio Library Update
Regular readers and listeners of our newsletter, who are also
members of our audio library, are doubtless aware that our
catalogue can now also be accessed via our website:
www.somersetsight.org.uk.
During the early part of January this version of the catalogue
will be updated, a task we intend to perform every six months.
However, anyone who wishes to have a hard copy of the
catalogue sent to them can order one in the usual way, by
either telephoning us on 01823 333818 or writing to:
The Volunteer Librarian,
Northfield House,
51 Staplegrove Road,
Taunton,
TA1 1DG.
Shaftesbury AreaTalking Newspaper
The Shaftesbury Area Talking Newspaper is a free news service
for blind and visually impaired people. It is released weekly,
drawing news from local publications including the Western
Gazette, the Salisbury Journal and the Blackmore Vale
Magazine.
Based in Shaftesbury, their coverage spans around 20 miles to
include Wincanton and South East Somerset. Also including
village news taken from smaller local magazines, each issue
contains around 35 articles of varied material providing 90
minutes of listening.
This publication is provided on a memory stick, delivered by
post, and is playable on computers or easy-to-use players which
can be provided and for which coaching is available.
The magazine will have its 1,000th issue this month – quite an
achievement given that it is produced entirely by volunteers.
The great thing about this service is that it's local, frequent and
free to anyone registered blind or partially sighted and unable
to read N12 type.
Anyone who might want to use or support this service should
contact Shaftesbury Area Talking News Secretary, Mrs Kirstie
Rowlandson on 01747 830529 or by email on
krowlandson@gmail.com.
Summer Sports
It may be soon in the New Year to be thinking about warm
summer months, but if you're keen to get involved in a new
social sport through Somerset Sight, have you thought about golf
croquet?
Golf croquet is best described as a casual form of regular
croquet. Points are scored by 'running hoops' - getting the ball
all the way through a hoop. Differing from croquet, in this game
each player gets one stroke only per turn; there are never any
extra strokes for running hoops or hitting other balls.
It would be held in the garden of Northfield House during the
summer months. We would love to be able to offer this activity,
so please get in touch with us to register your interest on 01823
333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk.
Sedgemoor Audio Book Club
Calling all literature lovers!
We are the new Sedgemoor Audio Book Club and we meet on the
first Wednesday morning of each month, 10.30am until 12 noon,
at 18 Cothelstone Close, Durleigh, Bridgwater, TA6 7JH.
Each month, we are given a talking book, distributed by the
Torch Trust for the Blind, to listen to and discuss at the next
meeting. Torch is a Christian organisation that provides
resources for people with sight loss, and all books supplied have
some connection with the Christian faith. However, people of all
faiths or no faith at all are very welcome to come along. All
equipment necessary for listening to the books is provided, free
of charge, for each member.
So, if you enjoy books, would like to meet people and have a
friendly cup of tea, then do come along and give us a try.
Transport can be provided if necessary, but if you have a friend
or carer who is willing to bring you along, they would also be
most welcome at the meeting.
For further details, please contact Russell or Miki Parsons on
01278 452702.
Yeovil VI Bowls Club – A Poem
It's Tuesday morning and I am off
To try my bowls once more,
With thoughts that I am better
Than I was the week before.
Maybe I should do keep fit and
Exercise my body
With muscles that are going to be
Superb and not so shoddy!
Never mind, I know I'm keen
And that's what really matters
Today is going to be great
And not leave me in shatters
I say 'hello' to everyone
As I am keen to play my bowl
And become ahead of last week
Which was a dreadful 'no!'
Here I go to play the bowl
But which way, 'left or right?'
My choice is made, the bowl is down
With ease and not too tight
I stand and watch with baited breath
Don't say I've got the knack
A clap goes up and I am shocked The bowl has rested on the jack!
My confidence is growing though
It's taken quite a while
But I'll be back again next week
And on my face there'll be a smile.
The Yeovil VI Bowls Group are desperate for more members. We
would welcome anyone to come and try it out and would love to
meet you. The group itself is very friendly and has different
bowling abilities. Do come and have a go.
We meet every week for a session at 10.30am until 1.00pm at
The Yeovil Bowls Club, Higher Kingston, Yeovil (opposite the
hospital).
Submitted by Jo Spence, Secretary, Yeovil VI Bowls, 01935
427057.
Mendip Area Social
Are you interested in taking part in a social in the Mendip area
of Somerset? We hope this will be a chance for visually impaired
people to get together to talk, share information and socialise
with like-minded people. Our socials provide a lifeline for
people who are isolated and we are looking for volunteers to
take part in the organisation of a social group in the Frome and
Shepton Mallet area. If you would like to volunteer as an
organiser, or are interested in attending a social, please contact
us on admin@somersetsight.org.uk or 01823 333818.
Somerset Bus Drivers get VI Awareness Training
In the autumn of 2013 First Bus Group announced that it would
become the first company in the UK bus industry to provide its
drivers with training designed to help people who are blind or
visually impaired to use the bus confidently.
First Bus drivers are being trained in accordance with the My
Guide sighted guiding scheme. The changes we should hope to
see include assistance (either verbal or physical) to and from
seats, more grab rails and alerting visually impaired customers
when their stop is approaching.
The training programme, which began rolling out in September
of 2013, was designed in conjunction with the charity Guide
Dogs.
We are delighted at the changes introduced by First Group, who
run 91 routes across Somerset, and hope that other travel
providers will follow their example.
Dates when the MRU will be in your area
Mendip
Area
Date
Location
Time
Glastonbury
Tues 7th Jan
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 18th March
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 16th Jan
Sainsbury’s
10.30am – 3.30pm
Mon 24th Feb
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 15th April
Hospital
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 7th May
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 21st Jan
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Mon 3rd March
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 24th April
Tesco
10.30am - 3.30pm
Street
Mon 17th Feb
Sainsbury’s
10.30am – 3.30pm
Wells
Mon 3rd Feb
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Frome
Shepton Mallet
Sedgemoor
Area
Date
Location
Time
Cheddar
Weds 8th Jan
Budgens
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 19th Feb
Budgens
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 10th April
Budgens
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 9th Jan
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 26th Feb
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Mon 24th March
Sainsbury’s
10.30am – 3.30pm
Bridgwater
Burnham-on-Sea Mon 6th Jan
Kathleen
Chambers House
Mon 6th Jan
Tues 4th March
Morrisons
Morrisons
10.30am – noon
1.30pm – 3.30pm
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 5th March
By the brook
10.30am – 3.30pm
Mon 7th April
By the brook
10.30am – 3.30pm
Highbridge
Weds 16th April
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Nether Stowey
Weds 26th March
St Mary’s Church
10.30am – 3.30pm
Cannington
N. Petherton
Wedmore
Thurs 30th Jan
Car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 2nd April
Car park
10.30am - 3.30pm
Tues 25th Feb
Car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
South Somerset
Area
Date
Location
Time
Bruton
Thurs 20th March
Budgens
10.30am – 3.30pm
Castle Cary
Mon 27th Jan
Car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
Mon 28th April
Car park
10.30am - 3.30pm
Chard
Thurs 27th March
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Crewkerne
Tues 14th Jan
Henhayes Centre
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 11th March
Henhayes Centre
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 4th Feb
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 8th April
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 6th May
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 23rd Jan
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Ilminster
Langport
Mon 10th March
Tesco
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 12th Feb
Cox’s Yard
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 23rd April
Cox’s Yard
10.30am – 3.30pm
Mon 20th Jan
Car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 19th March
Car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tatworth
Tues 25th March
Memorial Hall
10.30am – 3.30pm
Wincanton
Tues 28th Jan
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 9th April
Morrisons
10.30am - 3.30pm
Mon 13th Jan
Quedam Centre
9.00am – 5.00pm
Thurs 13th Feb
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 12th March
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 3rd April
Quedam Centre
9.00am – 5.00pm
Somerton
Stoke sub
Hamdon
Yeovil
Taunton Deane
Area
Date
Location
Time
Taunton
Tues 18th Feb
Tesco
10.30am - 3.30pm
Wellington
Wiveliscombe
Weds 22nd Jan
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 6th March
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 1st April
ASDA
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 6th Feb
Top car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 1st May
Top car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
West Somerset
Area
Date
Location
Time
Dulverton
Mon 17th March
Kemp’s Way car
10.30am – 3.30pm
park
Minehead
Porlock
Weds 29th Jan
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 27th Feb
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Mon 31st March
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Tues 29th April
Morrisons
10.30am – 3.30pm
Weds 5th Feb
Car park
10.30am – 12.30pm
Williton
Watchet
Thurs 8th May
Car park
10.30am – 12.30pm
Weds 5th Feb
Car park
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Thurs 8th May
Car park
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Weds 15th Jan
Car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
Thurs 13th March
Car park
10.30am – 3.30pm
Please note that dates may be subject to change due to adverse
weather conditions or illness. If you are making a special journey,
please call our office prior to your visit on 01823 333818 or check our
website on www.somersetsight.org.uk for information.
Our MRU is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
Somerset Sight Craft Groups Show Off Their Skills
Before Christmas the craft room at Somerset Sight HQ,
Northfield House, was transformed into a colourful and creative
exhibition space.
Between 4th and 8th November 2013, the groups proudly
displayed and sold items they had made including: decorative
mirrors, knitwear, woven decorative items, hand-crafted
Christmas cards, and much more.
The 'pop a pot' orb, designed by craft group leader Ian Lloyd,
gave visitors a chance to try their luck and win raffle prizes.
Funds raised from this event totalled £100, which go towards
the running of the two groups, who meet on Monday and Friday
afternoons at Northfield House. If you have a visual impairment
and would like to join a friendly social craft group, there are
spaces available at the Monday and Friday groups. Contact the
general office for more information on 01823 333818 or
admin@somersetsight.org.uk.
Hello from Steven Aughton
Hello there!
My name is Steven Aughton; I have recently taken on the huge
task of filling Anne Fowler's shoes here at Somerset Sight as the
Training Officer and I.T. guru (apparently).
I hail from Manchester, born in a place called Ashton-under-Lyne
in the early 1980s. I come from a family with a long line of
visual impairment. We all have a rare degenerative eye
condition called Wagners Syndrome. Alongside this I have the
added bonus of Glaucoma. My eye condition was diagnosed at
birth and the Glaucoma was immediately devastating to my right
eye which I finally had removed in my mid 20's and replaced
with a prosthetic eye both for health and cosmetic reasons.
Although born in Manchester, I moved to the South West with
my immediate family and went to the West of England School
for children with little or no sight based in Exeter. Following the
conclusion of school, I had a brief stint at Exeter mainstream
college before heading to the Royal National Blind College (RNC)
in Hereford where I undertook my Sports Recreation
qualifications and Human Biology.
Prior to joining Somerset Sight I worked for the Royal National
Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and spent several years working
at Compass Disability Services, a Taunton-based disability
charity. Working for both these charitable organisations I have
learnt a significant amount about the voluntary sector.
Along with my experiences with sight loss and coaching, I
thought the vacant role at Somerset Sight was perfect and I was
fortunate enough to be offered the job.
This is a great charity that I have had many dealings with over
the years and I am undoubtedly looking forward to all the
challenges ahead and making a difference to visually impaired
people in Somerset.
If anyone would like to know more about the training that we at
Somerset Sight offer, please feel free to give me a call on 01823
366145 or email me at training@somersetsight.org.uk.
Pictured: Steven Aughton, Training Officer.
Fundraising and Publicity update
Firstly, a Happy New Year to you all and I hope that you have
enjoyed the holiday period. Thank you to all who have donated
and fundraised for us in 2013. Promisingly, this year looks set to
be just as action packed.
The Country House Car Boot Sale hosted by Somerset Sight's
patron Count Charles de Salis back in September was a roaring
success. There were over 400 people in attendance at Yarlington
House near Wincanton. The day raised a staggering £3062.43.
Thank you to all who made the day possible, especially Count
and Countess de Salis for being such gracious hosts, the
volunteers who braved the rain to ensure the event ran
smoothly, and all who attended.
World Sight Day 2013 was on 10th October and to mark the
occasion Steven Aughton and four friends took on a challenge in
which they may have bitten off more than they could chew! The
Maximus Burger Challenge formulated by Tempting Somerset
Café, Taunton, is a feat of endurance and appetite. Contenders
are given just one hour to eat 'The Maximus' consisting of two
one-pound burgers, eight rashers of bacon, two tomatoes, a
whole onion, a whole lettuce and half a pound of cheese in a
triple bun.
Steven Aughton, Simon Crocker, Shaun Fuller, Ben Goodinson
and Kathryn Jelfs-White took on the challenge to raise funds for
Somerset Sight, Somerset Visually Impaired Cricket Club, VI
Bowling of Somerset and The Eyes Have It (a VI bowling group
from Torquay). Unfortunately, the burger got the better of all
five contenders. At the time of writing, we are still awaiting the
sponsorship total, but well done to all who gave it a go!
David Ridgway and Julian Brandon completed their Bristol to
Taunton tandem bike ride on 14th September, a day early due to
predicted bad weather. David said: “It was very enjoyable but
incredibly challenging, not least when the back wheel began to
fall off!” They had to make an unscheduled stop at Bridgwater's
Bicycle Chain to get the wheel repaired. The pair finished their
ride in just under 9 hours raising £346 for Somerset Sight and
Apple FM.
David added: “I just want to thank everybody who donated,
especially the Somerset Visually Impaired Cricket Club and my
brother and sister-in-law who have all been so supportive.”
I met John Langley from Burnham & District Model Railway Club
who had raised £655.50 for us back in September. Musgrove Park
Hospital X-Ray Department also donated £200 in September,
raised through the sale of books in their waiting area. Many
thanks must also go to the groups have been generously raising
funds for us over the Christmas period, especially Wellington
United Reformed Church who have put on two coffee mornings
and Portcullis Lodge who hosted a dinner and dance raising an
incredible £876.
We have also had support from the Inner Wheel of Sedgemoor
for whom we are charity of the year. The group donated £100
following a talk given by our Training Officer Steven Aughton.
Thank you once again to all who have generously supported us.
Coming up…
- We are collecting at Taunton Racecourse on Saturday 18th
January. If you have an hour to spare on this date please
consider joining us.
- A day trip to an acoustic rifle shooting range, to take place
this summer. More information will follow in the May
edition of this magazine.
- Josh Arnold and George Gilham, students at Richard Huish
college, will be tackling a bike ride from London to Paris in
24 hours, setting out on Saturday 6th September 2014.
Fundraise for us…
- Challenge yourself; get sponsored to trek, climb, skydive,
swim, sing, bath in baked beans – whatever! The
possibilities are endless and it's a great reason to finally
take the plunge with something you've always wanted to
try.
- Collect for us or place one of our 'Eddie the Elephant'
collection tins in your local shop, café or pub. It's simple –
call me when Eddie is full and we will send you a
certificate with the total you have raised.
- Play our weekly lottery and be in with a chance of winning
£25,000.
- You can raise money by recycling for us. All sorts of items
can be recycled including used stamps, postcards, coins,
mobiles and inkjet cartridges.
- Shop online for us through Give as You Live
(www.giveasyoulive.com/somersetsight) and stores will
donate to us without costing you an extra penny.
If you're a social network surfer, you can raise awareness of
what we do whilst keeping up to date with day-to-day news by
liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/somersetsight) or
following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/somersetsight).
Please help us spread the word.
If you would like to book onto any events or would like more
information about fundraising for Somerset Sight please contact
Saskia Pearlstone, Fundraising and Marketing Officer, on 01823
366147 or email saskia@somersetsight.org.uk.
Pictured: The Country House Car Boot Sale at Yarlington House
and ‘Bite for Sight’ World Sight Day Burger Challenge.
Fundraising Income Report
In the period from August to October our fundraising income has
been as follows:
Donations and Grants from Companies, Trusts and Foundations
The Lynn Foundation £500
Yorkshire Building Society Community Foundation £500
In Memoriam
L M Barrow-Green £513.00
R Cheek £230.90
C Trim £240.00
Legacies
£0
Other Donations
General donations (including via standing order) £1204.16
Donations from Groups £1293.00
Donations collected via our home collection boxes £250.15
Donations collected via our ‘Eddie the Elephant’ tins £221.50
Third Party Fundraising £370.00
Activities
Collections and Events £61.33
Country House Car Boot Sale £3062.43
Virgin Money Giving income £367.40
Weather Lottery Income £96.20
Resource Centre Update
We are very fortunate to have one of the best Resource Centres
in the South West. I always like to emphasise that we are so
much more than just a shop. All the volunteers are trained and I
am a qualified Rehabilitation Worker.
When people come into Northfield House, we endeavour to do
our best to help and cater for their needs on an individual basis.
It is very common for someone just diagnosed at the hospital to
come directly to us for help and support. We always aim to
welcome them and give them the time and understanding they
desire.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is building rapport
and friendships with our Service Users. Knowing their name is
one thing but identifying their needs and requirements is
something else. The other day a visually impaired family
member said their relative might be moving to Essex to live
closer to them. They said they were not sure what the local
Resource Centre would be like and there certainly wouldn't be a
'Heidi'. I found this very touching and I know the volunteers who
assist me have made a positive impact on many of their
customers' lives too.
So what's new? Well, you may remember in the last issue of
Somerset Insight I mentioned the Resource Centre had the iPad
Mini to demonstrate. I am pleased to report that, thanks to
funding from the Ashworth Charitable Trust, we now have three
Electronic (eBook) Readers and an Android tablet. The tablet
computer has some rather smart accessibility software for those
individuals who may find the Apple iPad too advanced or
complicated to operate.
The eBook readers vary slightly in the way you navigate around
the reader and their displays. All offer the option to enlarge
font to a preferred size. They also provide a setting where you
can alter the contrast.
To view these products or anything else of interest, please do
contact our Resource Centre and we'd be more than happy to
help.
Finally I'd like to personally thank all the volunteers who work in
the Resource Centre, giving up their free time and making my
job a lot easier. Also Donna Cannell our Mobile Resource
Operator, who too has helped out on numerous occasions.
Happy New Year!
Heidi Linegar
Resource & Rehabilitation Centre Manager
01823 366141
heidi@somersetsight.org.uk
Charity Shop Update
Since our last update the weather has changed somewhat, so
away with the summer wear and in with the winter woollies!
Our winter clothing selection has been on display now for some
time and we are lucky to have some handknitted accessories to
go alongside, kindly crafted and donated by the lovely ladies
from the Monkton Elm Knit Club, so we thank them and hope we
can continue this arrangement.
Our last two events have been riproaring successes. First was
the 50's day, complete with our very own Elvis - the wonderful
Andrew Macnewman. As before, we created a stir and many
passers-by came in to enjoy the sights and sounds of that era.
Staff and volunteers dressed up (as usual!) and a couple of our
regular customers demonstrated the Jive which encouraged
other customers to join in.
The most recent event was a return to wartime Britain. Our dear
friend Annette Harris brought along her Austin A10, as used by
the RAF, and several items of 1940s memorabilia to put on
show. Dressing up was the order of the day once again, and our
volunteer Ben served spam sandwiches! As we write we are
planning a Christmas Crooner style day on Saturday 7th
December with our friend and volunteer Norman Devine singing
and entertaining. Our plans for 2014 will involve more events of
this type and will of course continue with our themed window
displays which always bring complimentary comments and a
good sales turnover.
As well as all that, we have entered the world of Tweeting! Visit
twitter.com/SSCharityShop to see what we're up to. It is early
days for us but we hope that we can spread news of our shop far
and wide. Don't forget that you can also find day-today updates
on our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/somersetsightcharityshop.
We now have gift vouchers available and we are also running a
special offer for social network surfers. For a limited time only,
and to raise awareness of our presence on Bridge Street, we are
offering a 10% discount to customers who have 'checked-in' to
the shop on Facebook. Please ask in store for more details.
Several of our volunteers have now gone on to gain paid
employment which is fantastic news, although sad for us when
they leave. We are currently running a volunteer recruitment
drive to help with this as the shop relies on their help and
assistance.
If you are interested please contact us on 01823 276969 or
charityshop@somersetsight.org.uk.
Here's to a happy, healthy and productive 2014 for our shop and
much-loved charity.
Jill Osborne and Marian Shattock
Somerset Sight Charity Shop
Focus on Volunteering
This edition of the magazine will go to print a few days before
the Volunteers' Christmas party, which is sad in a way because it
would have been nice to include some photos of the event,
especially of the amazing super-group that turned up to play on
the day! You can only blame yourself if you weren't there to see
them.
Putting aside the Christmas party, the year ends on another high
as we learn that the County Council is going to continue funding
the Volunteer Visiting Service for at least another year. The
news could not have come at a better time for all concerned.
We are currently looking for volunteers to staff our Information
Point at the eye clinic in Yeovil Hospital. If you are interested,
or maybe would just like further information, please get in
touch.
We have resurrected a practice for this edition that I would like
to see again on a regular basis and that is the opportunity for
individual volunteers to tell us about themselves and why they
volunteer for Somerset Sight. This edition features our longserving volunteer, Gill Berkley.
Finally, thank you all for your continued support during a period
that has not always been easy. The financial crisis hit us hard,
forcing us to make cuts in staff and spending. The economy now
seems to be taking a turn for the better so I am hopeful for the
future of Somerset Sight. I hope that you agree with me and
that you will continue to offer your support as a volunteer.
Thank you.
Tom Winsborough
Chief Executive Officer
01823 366150
tom@somersetsight.org.uk
My Life at Northfield House
The moment I came through the front door I felt very at home
and comfortable. I had applied to volunteer in the eye clinic at
Musgrove Park Hospital. I did this for a time, but I was wanted
at Northfield House as I had office experience.
I was placed on reception at Northfield House before I was asked
if I would like to help in the audio library. My input on how to
revamp the library was wanted, so I went to Taunton library and
picked their brains and we put together a numbering system to
keep track of all our titles.
After that, Heidi started giving me jobs in the Resource Centre
and showing me work on the computer. I enjoyed it, so Heidi
suggested a computer course at school. I enrolled for the next
six weeks and it was great! I sat next to a lady at school who I
have stayed true friends with, and her two boys now call me
'auntie.' I have also had training on magnifiers and guiding, and
now I do the banking, ordering and stock sheets for the shop.
I work in the Resource Centre four days a week as a volunteer.
When I leave Northfield House at the end of the day I go home
knowing I have helped a lot of people – it's very rewarding.
By Gill Berkley
Celebrating our Volunteer Visiting Service
Betty is blind, lives alone, is 90 and has had a volunteer,
Rosemary, for 6 years through Somerset Sight's Volunteer
Visiting Service. Rosemary is less available to visit so Mary now
visits Betty. Betty has many other health problems as well as her
sight loss and uses a wheelchair. She doesn't have any local
family and spends most of the time on her own. Betty has
always lived a very independent life but cannot now see to go
out alone and greatly values Mary. She says:
“Having regular visits makes a big difference to my life,
especially as I cannot see to read or do things that I have always
enjoyed doing. The visits cheer me up, give me something to
look forward to and give me great mental stimulation as we
never stop talking! The volunteer support has enabled me to go
out in my wheelchair, get a breath of fresh air and feel part of
my community again. I know from personal experience that sight
loss can result in isolation, loneliness, depression and a loss of
confidence. The regular support of a friendly and knowledgeable
volunteer can help people to cope with these issues, rebuild
their lives and to live as independently as possible.”
We would like to thank Betty and others like her, and all our
volunteers for their valuable contribution to the recent
campaign to save this service.
Activities
Mondays
Craft at Northfield House 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Tuesdays
Bowls, Yeovil 10.30am – 1.00pm
Wednesdays
Bowls, Bridgwater Bowls Club 12 noon – 2.00pm
Bowls, Blackbrook Bowling Club 11.00am – 1.00pm
Yoga at Northfield House 10.30am - 11.30am
Friday
Craft at Northfield House 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Bowls, Carrie Dunbar, Standerwick Frome, 2.00pm – 4.30pm
For further information on any of the above activities please
contact us on 01823 333818 or info@somersetsight.org.uk.
First Wednesday of each month: Dancing at Moose Hall, Taunton
11.00am – 3.00pm
First Thursday of each month: Chard Social, Methodist Hall,
Chard 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Second Monday of each month: Minehead Social, Friends Meeting
House, Minehead, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Second Tuesday of each month: Crewkerne Social, Henhayes
Centre, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Second Tuesday of each month: Ten Pin Bowling, Hollywood
Bowl, Taunton, 10.00am – 12 noon
Second Wednesday of each month: Bridgwater Social, St Francis
Hall, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Second Wednesday of each month: Macular Degeneration Self
Help, Northfield House, 10.30am – 12 noon
Second Thursday of each month: Mells Social, Mells Barn 2.15pm
– 4.15pm
Third Tuesday of each month: Wellington Social W.H.E.R.E.
Centre, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Fortnightly, Thursdays, ‘Drop in’ social at Northfield House,
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Fourth Thursday of each month: Music Appreciation, Henhayes
Centre, Crewkerne, 7.00p• You can raise money by recycling for
us. All sorts of items can be recycled including used stamps,
postcards, coins, mobiles and inkjet cartridges.
• Shop online for us through Give as You Live
(www.giveasyoulive.com/somersetsight) and stores will donate
to us without costing you an extra penny.
If you're a social network surfer, you can raise awareness of
what we do whilst keeping up to date with day-to-day news by
liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/somersetsight) or
following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/somersetsight).
Please help us spread the word.
If you would like to book onto any events or would like more
information about fundraising for Somerset Sight please contact
Saskia Pearlstone, Fundraising and Marketing Officer, on 01823
366147 or email saskia@somersetsight.org.uk.
m – 9.00pm.