Welcome to the Winter 2012 Newsletter
First of all, we would like to wish all of our readers a very happy and peaceful 2012. The year has opened with very strong winds and some heavy rain but at least we now have the promise of spring to look forward to.
As usual, we would like to offer a very warm welcome to all of the new members who have joined the Society since the publication of the Autumn Newsletter. We hope that you enjoy receiving the Newsletter and gain a great deal through your membership. Support, advice, information and friendship are readily available whenever it is needed.
Sunderland Sensory Exhibition
The 3rd annual Sensory Exhibition took place on Wednesday 9th November 2011 at the Stadium of Light. This event was perhaps the biggest and best yet. Once again we had a large number of Exhibitors booked in and we included demonstrations by the Guide Dogs Demonstration Team and by Sit and Be Fit.
Free transport was provided to and from the Stadium of Light provided by Compass Community Transport, and the event attracted more visitors than ever before.
We are already beginning our plans for the 2012 Exhibition which we hope will be even bigger!
Society Holidays
At the November meeting of the Society’s Council of Management a great deal of time was spent discussing finances and the reduced level of income received by the Society, due directly to the economic situation the UK finds itself in. During these difficult times it will become increasingly necessary to monitor all of our expenditure very carefully in order to ensure that as many services as possible remain available to members.
As a result, the Council of Management took the difficult decision to stop organising Society holidays with immediate effect.
The holidays have been attracting fewer participants each year but the cost of organising them has continued to rise.
It is, however, intended to offer more day trips to members throughout the year as these have continued to be well supported.
10 Pin Bowling
The Society entered a team in the National Blind Ten Pin Bowling League. The team met once per fortnight during the summer and autumn at the bowling alley on High Street West. Professional Coaches helped each participant and the scores from each match were e-mailed direct to the League Headquarters. Our team ended the season mid table in the league which we feel was an excellent start.
We have now entered a team for the Trios Winter League and the competition has started. If anyone feels they would like to learn more or take part please contact the office on 0191 5673939.
Socialeyez
Socialeyez is the name of the young blind and visually impaired group set up by the Society. It meets fortnightly on a Wednesday at the Cooper Rose in Vine Place, Sunderland. The Cooper Rose is only a couple of minutes walk from Park Lane Interchange and it also offers evening meals and drinks promotions.
Members of the group are extremely enthusiastic and enjoyed their attendance at the Sensory Exhibition in November where some new members were signed up. An enjoyable Christmas lunch was organised by the group at the Stadium of Light and plans are in place for 2012, including a meeting with representatives of Sunderland University.
New members are always welcome, so if you are interested in joining Socialeyez please do not hesitate to get in touch with the office on 0191 5673939.
Geoff Smart
Socialeyez Chairman
Monthly Coffee Morning dates for 2012
Please note that there will be no Coffee Morning held in November as it would clash with the Sensory Exhibition at the Stadium of Light.
Wednesday 11th January
Wednesday 8th February
Wednesday 14th March
Wednesday 11th April
Wednesday 9th May
Wednesday 13th June
Wednesday 11th July
Wednesday 8th August
Wednesday 12th September
Wednesday 10th October
No Coffee morning in November
Wednesday 12th December
Macular Matters
Sunderland Macular Support Group meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:30pm in the Education Room of Sunderland City Library, Fawcett Street, Sunderland. The Group usually organise a day trip in August rather than hold a meeting.
New members are always welcome and meetings are very well attended.
Meetings for 2012 will take place as follows;
Wednesday 25th January
Wednesday 22nd February
Wednesday 28th March
Wednesday 25th April
Wednesday 23rd May
Wednesday 27th June
Wednesday 25th July
Wednesday 22nd August – Macular Group Day Trip
Wednesday 26th September
Wednesday 24th October
Wednesday 28th November
Wednesday 19th December (one week early due to Christmas.
Gardening Group
The Sensory Garden at Barley Mow Park was specifically included within an application by Sunderland Restorative Justice Programme to the Northumbria Justice Awards Scheme for outstanding contribution and excellence in the Criminal Justice System. The application went on to win for their pioneering work in delivering high quality interventions to victims and young offenders in Sunderland.
Through their highly skilled work with victims, the scheme has enabled those affected by crime to have a say in the reparation that a young offender must undertake. Some of the benefits for the local community involved the restoration and development of facilities for visually impaired users of the Sensory Garden in Barley Mow Park.
Anyone interested in joining the Gardening Group would be most welcome and it does not matter if you have gardening experience or not as support is always on hand. Please telephone the office on 0191 5673939 for further information.
Sunderland Sensory Support Team
Sunderland Sensory Support Team are located at;
The Independent Living Centre,
Claymere Road,
Leechmere,
Sunderland
SR2 9TS
Office hours are;
Monday to Thursday – 8:30am to 5:15pm
Friday – 8:30am to 4:45pm
The Team can be contacted on 0191 5205555
A member of the Sensory Support Team attends the Society’s Monthly Coffee Mornings and each Macular Support Group meeting.
Sunderland RP Support Group
A support group for anyone who suffers from RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) has been formed by the Society. The group has decided to meet monthly on the first Friday of the month at 1:30pm. The next few meetings will be held at “The Place”, Atheneum Street, Sunderland. It is intended to invite a range of speakers to the meetings. Anyone with an interest in RP is welcome to attend and further information is available from the office on 0191 5673939.
Future meetings will be held on the following dates;
There will be no meeting in January.
Friday 3rd February
Friday 2nd March
Friday 4th April
Friday 2nd May
Friday 6th June
Sunderland Aquatic Centre
The speakers at the Macular Support Group held on 26th October were from Sunderland Aquatic Centre. They were extremely enthusiastic about the Centre and all of the facilities available to the public.
There are several blind and visually impaired people who regularly make use of the Aquatic Centre swimming pool and the gym. The Centre Support Team take great care of anyone who needs assistance and will even meet people off buses and taxis and take them into the Centre.
Several members of the Macular Support Group expressed interest in visiting the Aquatic Centre to have a guided tour and we have agreed to explore this.
Anyone who is interested in a visit should telephone Lynn on 0191 5673939 to book a place.
Computer and IT Mentoring
The Society is extremely fortunate in having the services of some highly enthusiastic IT Mentors. Anyone who wishes to learn about using a computer and the various software packages that are available to assist blind and partially sighted people is very welcome to contact the Society. Free sessions are available at Foyle Street on a one to one basis. All we ask is that anyone who is interested contacts the Society to register their interest and to book an appointment. The feedback we receive from those who take part is extremely enthusiastic.
In addition, one of our Mentors, Greg Hamilton, has very kindly offered to make himself available to offer a support service to anyone who is experiencing computer problems.
Please telephone Scott on 0191 5673939 if you would like further information or to book a session.
VIP Family History Course
The Society has been exploring the possibility of offering a course in family history for blind and visually impaired people in partnership with Sunderland City Library. A small taster session was held in the Library in Fawcett Street on World Sight Day last October and proved popular with those who took part.
The course will show you how to get started using the right research techniques, carrying out research on the internet, looking at Parish registers, census and cemetery records, etc.
Anyone interested in learning how to trace their ancestry should contact the Society on 0191 5673939 to register their interest.
Photography
The Society has been approached by a Student from Sunderland University called Amy Thornley. Amy is a photography student and is currently working on a project based around the theme of senses and she has already worked with several members of the Society. Amy is keen to involve as many members as possible and would welcome contact from anyone who is interested in photography. She is willing to organise events which offer the opportunity for taking photographs such as a walk in the park or along the sea front. It is not necessary to have any experience in photography, just an interest and enthusiasm. Amy will provide cameras and film.
It is hoped to create some kind of art installation from the photographs and to hold an exhibition in due course.
If anyone is interested and would like to learn more please contact the Society on 0191 5673939 to register your interest.
Two new services available at Foyle Street
The Society is extremely fortunate to be able to rely upon the support of many volunteers.
Chris and Harry Ellis have been helping us in the office for several months now and Chris is particularly happy to offer her help in the following ways;
Braille
Chris owns and uses a Perkins Brailler and is very happy to offer her services to members who may require anything typing in Braille. If anyone does wish to use this service please telephone the office on 0191 5673939 for more information.
A friendly cup of tea and a natter
We are acutely aware that there are many members who live on their own and do not have many opportunities to go out and meet up with friends and family to socialise. Chris has a lovely warm, friendly and outgoing personality and is a very good listener. She has kindly offered her hand of friendship to anyone who feels they would enjoy a change of scene and routine by calling in to the office here in Foyle Street to meet with her. If anyone would like to take Chris up on her offer, please telephone the office on 0191 5673939 to agree a date and time.
Recycle and raise funds for the Society
Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials, thereby reducing mining and quarrying worldwide. These activities are destroying the environment and wildlife habitats and causing health problems. The Society has signed up to jewelleryrecycling.org and any items of jewellery donated to them through this charity will be turned into a donation to Sunderland and North Durham Royal Society for the Blind.
We have a similar deal with Recycle4Charity which is asking for old mobile phones and inkjet cartridges.
We have a large supply of pre-paid addressed envelopes to forward any donations of jewellery, mobile phones or inkjet cartridges to the two businesses concerned. If any member would like to help us raise funds this way please telephone Lynn in the office on 0191 5673939 for more information
Technology Workshop
On the 6th of February as a joint effort between Action for Blind People, RNIB and the Sunderland and North Durham Royal Society for the Blind a technology workshop is being held.
This workshop is an introduction to low/no cost solutions to accessing technology. Accessing computers, mobile phones, electronic books and mobile devices will all be covered. The technology will be available for a “hands on” experience and information on all the products will be provided.
Unfortunately places are numbered and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
The workshop will run from 10am until 1pm on the 6th at the Society’s premises – 8, Foyle Street, Sunderland.
If you are interested in attending please contact Noel Hemmings on 01642 233439 for more information.
Study FREE for a Degree from the comfort of your own home.
If you have a recognised disability, long term medical condition or mental health difficulty, Aboran can help you to study for a degree and provide you with all the equipment, help and personal study support you need at no cost to you. There are no age restrictions, you study from home through free funding for most cases including specialist ergonomic and IT equipment for individual needs.
Aboran offer comprehensive support to individuals including those who are blind or visually impaired. There is a wide range of degree courses available ranging from IT, photography, painting, creative arts and management. Aboran is based in Birtley.
If any member is interested in learning more please contact the Society on 0191 5673939 for further information.
135th Anniversary
During September this year the Society will celebrate its 135th anniversary.
On the 25th September 1877 the very first Workshop for the Blind was opened in Villiers Street and thus began the long history of what was to become Sunderland and North Durham Royal Society for the Blind.
During 2012 there will be a host of special events to commemorate this milestone, together with a special 135th anniversary fundraising appeal.
Further details will appear throughout the year in our quarterly Newsletters.
Newsletters
Newsletters are also available in large print or by e-mail. If you would prefer to receive yours in either format please call the office and speak to Scott.
