Welcome to the new Edition of SomersetInsight...I am pleased to introduce you to Michele Edmonds who is a new member of staff leading on recruitment of in house, activity and other volunteers. She will be working closely with Claire and Sandra, our volunteer visitor co-ordinators. The two activity sessions held for our younger members were a success and much enjoyed by the children and their parents. We are putting together a full programme of activities for the coming year and, in partnership with others, are keen to expand in this area. At the AGM, there was much talk of raising the profile of Somerset Sight and we are doing this in many ways. If you feel you would like to support this initiative by placing leaflets in your local GP surgery/optometrist, giving talks to local groups about Somerset Sight and the work we do, or by organising a collection in your local supermarket, please do not hesitate to contact Michele or Holly. It is with much regret that I advise that the majestic Turkey Oak, over 130 feet high, at the school end of the car park, has had to be felled because it was infected with honey fungus. In the magazine there are some amazing photos of the actual felling, but the tree is a great loss. We are intending to replant with some specimen trees which are honey fungus resilient.Jackie Sopwith - CEO01823 366150Jackie@somersetsight.org.ukJackieSomerset Sight,Northfield House, 51 Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA1 1DGRegistered Charity Number: 1154472Main telephone number01823 333818Website:www.somersetsight.org.ukEmail: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.

Message from Bella Flood, Chair of TrusteesThe AGM was held at the Henhayes centre in Crewkerne. We welcomed our new trustee, Paul Fellingham and gave Rosemary Prince a sad farewell after more than 35 years of dedication to Somerset Association for the Blind and Somerset Sight. The meeting ended with a delicious cream tea and a talk by David Usher on Sensory Gardens reflecting back on the work of Gertrude Jekyll who was sight impaired. Early in 2017 the Trustees and Jackie Sopwith are going to prepare a 5 year plan for the work of Somerset Sight. Please do get in touch with Jackie or any member of staff or a trustee if you have ideas or comments to support us in developing our services.With my very best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy 2017.

Free Resource for Visually Impaired PeopleThe online library for blind and print-disabled people. Seeing Ear is a charity dedicated to helping those people who want to read but can't use printed books. It may be that the print is too small or that turning pages is not practical.Visit the website www.seeingear.org

Rosemary PrinceWe would like to thank Rosemary for everything she has done over the last 37 years for Somerset Sight and wish her enjoyment in her new found free time! Her contribution to the running of Somerset Sight has been unparalleled and we are very lucky to have had her support. Below is a very brief timeline of Rosemary's time here.1979: Rosemary was asked to join the group of volunteers running theCrewkerne Social.

1980: Rosemary took on the role of Co-ordinator – liaising between Social Services, Somerset County Association for the Blind and the volunteers. There were 40 Service Users at the time and about 8 volunteers so a busy job. She did this for 28 years.1994: Rosemary took over the running of the Music Appreciation group in Crewkerne for 12 years.1995: Rosemary became a member of the Board of Trustees for 21 years until her retirement in 2016.

Volunteer Visitors WantedBecome a Volunteer Visitor and you can make a real difference to the life of someone with Visual Impairment.

Help someone in your community and do something rewarding

Meet new people and make new friends Training and support is provided You will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers

If you would like to make a difference and enjoy helping others, then this could be the volunteer role for you.We are particularly in need of Volunteer Visitors in Yeovil and South Somerset.Call Claire on 01643 842972 or Sandra on 01823 325785 or emailadmin@somersetsight.org.ukBlindTechnology Advice SessionsHelping you get the most out of information technology.The technology advice sessions run at Northfield House, 51 StaplegroveRoad, Taunton on the last Tuesday of the month.

Volunteer VacanciesWe are currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers for the following roles:

Supermarket Collection Co- CoordinatorsWe would love to do more Supermarket Collections and need Volunteers to co-ordinate them in their local area. If you feel you would be able to co-ordinate a collection at your local supermarket or high street please get in touch.

Group SpeakersWe are approached by lots of organisations looking for people to go and talk to their group. We need Volunteers who confident and would like to do this. Full training available.

Musgrove Park/ Yeovil Hospital Eye Clinic information pointThis role is to support patients and their carers attending the eye clinic providing information and signposting to other services available.

Volunteer driversWe are looking to recruit volunteer drivers to provide support to visually impaired people who want to attend organised activities and socials. If you are friendly, caring and reliable please get in touch with:

Michele Edmonds 01823 333818 or Michele@somersetsight.org.uk

Deaf PLUS visitsDeaf PLUS will be at Somerset Sight, Northfield House, 51 StaplegroveRoad, Taunton, between 10.30am and 1.00pm on the following dates:· Friday 20th January· Friday 10th February· Friday 3rd March· Friday 14th AprilDeaf PLUS will once again be giving advice and information on all aspects of hearing loss as well as servicing hearing aids.For more information please call Deaf PLUS on 01225 446555.

Michele Edmonds ...In-House and Activity Volunteer Co-ordinator.I have recently joined Somerset Sight as the In-house and Activity Volunteer Co-ordinator. I have recently returned from Melbourne,Australia where I was living and working for the last 20 years… Do I miss the weather? In the English winter time - yes! Although I have only been here a short time, I already appreciate the importance of the wonderful volunteers that I have met in our

offices, covering the reception, resource shop and the library. What a fantastic job they all do. I am enjoying the work so far, and learning a lot from all the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and hope that I can make a positive contribution to the goals of Somerset Sight.

Somerset Sight Volunteer Visitors are here to helpSomerset Sight provides a volunteer visiting service to assist sight impaired people with their day to day life. Each person is carefully matched with a volunteer who can provide regular companionship, help with reading or correspondence, trips out and many other things. If you are sight impaired and feel you would like to benefit from this service, or you know someone who would, then please get in contact with us.Visits are flexible and can be for a couple of hours a week or fortnight or as frequently as you and your volunteer decide. All our volunteers are fully trained and police checked.Please contact:Claire on 01643 842972 or Sandra on 01823 325785 or emailadmin@somersetsight.org.uk

Emotional Support UpdateI've been running an Emotional Support Service at Somerset Sight for the last two years. The majority of people I speak to refer themselves. However there have been occasions when I've received referrals from professionals, or a family member concerned about their loved one. I am pleased that I am able to offer such a valuable service with free immediate support for anyone who might need it. I have a degenerative eye condition 'Retinitis Pigmentosa'. Having experience of losing my own sight over a number of years; I am able to empathise with those who are trying to come to terms with theirs. Whether it's the sight loss itself or the challenges it encompasses such as orientation, mobility and / or the use of low vision aids.The service is free and I can offer up to a 1 hour slot once a week; so after reading this if you'd like to arrange a time to chat to me face to face or over the telephone please get in touch to arrange an appointment:

Graham Glover, Emotional Support Worker - Please contact Heidi on 01823 366141

Top tips for visually impaired people1. Apply for a disabled persons railcard – this will allow you good reductions on train travel around the UK.2. Most department stores/supermarkets are very used to helping blind people choose goods, and it is often wise to ask for help. Staff can describe items, read ingredients and so on.3. Using a backpack is really a good idea if you are using a white cane or guide dog as a mobility aid, as it gives you a free hand and keeps you more balanced. And if you have a lot to carry, the backpack could be the difference between having to make one or two trips.4. To ensure you don't hurt yourself if you bump into things at home put bubble wrap around dangerous corners.5. Always keep items in a regular place. Returning an item to its usual spot as soon as possible stops you having to scan and strain your eyes looking for something.6. Move lamps close to your work. To help avoid glare, use an adjustable lamp and position the lamp to the side, rather than directly in front of you. Many people find it helpful to have lamps on both the right and left sides -- that will eliminate shadows.7. Carry return address labels with you and when you need to write your name and address on a form or paper, use the address label instead.8. If you have trouble differentiating between two keys, use sticky-back Velcro tape. Stick the rough part to the top part of one key and the smooth part to the top of the other key.9. Large-print Menus: Some restaurants have large-print menus available; all you have to do is ask. Some restaurants also have Braille Menus available.10. Use rubber bands to help you distinguish between similarly shaped bottles, such as shampoo and conditioner, or milk and orange juice.

British Wireless for the Blind FundThe British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) provides high quality, easy to use audio equipment which has been specially designed and adapted for listeners living with sight loss. All our

radios are made available on free loan to blind and visually impaired people who meet our criteria. The units will be delivered and demonstrated in the comfort of your own home.Contact Gloria Williams01823 366146gloria@somersetsight.org.uk

World Sight Day 2016Thursday 13th October was World Sight Day. We did various activities to celebrate. We held a Dress Bright for Sight day encouraging local schools and businesses to join in. Donna took the Mobile Advisory Service to Cheddar to work with the Cheddar Vale Lions, teaching children how to look after their eyes, showing them how to use gadgets to help if you are visually impaired and doing different activities. It was a great day. Thank you to everyone who took part.

My latest adventure...Peter Morgan - Volunteer VisitorI have had some mishaps with previous holidays but I wasn't going to let that stop me and so came up with a solution.I purchased a National Express card at £12 which gave me 30% discount on fares and also a Railcard for £20 (visually impaired price).I used a Taxi to get to Shepton Mallet for the coach to pick me up at 5.15pm; it went via Yeovil, Dorchester and Weymouth. We arrived in Poole at 8pm. I then got a taxi to the Guest House however the entrance was by PIN so needed my magnifier to read numbers. The next day I walked down to the Tourist office to get a Town map and Bus timetable, then met a friend and caught the boat to Brownsea Island (Run by National Trust so free to enter as a member) where we spent the day walking the length of the Island (no red squirrels in sight).The return boat went all round the Island and through the narrow channels of the inner sea and small islands. Once we got back we caught a bus to go out of town for dinner.Next day I went to the bus station for the 11am bus to Wareham and then Corfe to visit the Castle. It was quite a steep walk up the hill, then down for coffee and the steam train to Swanage. I paid a visit to the long pier on the sweep of the bay and watched the boats and fishermen. I caught the 4pm bus back, met my

friend and went to a fish restaurant by the inner Harbour. I had to get up early the next day to be ready for the 15 min walk to the coach station, one needs to allow extra time for the train crossing barriers.My coach home left late but reached Shepton by 10.50am so I caught the 11.10 bus back to Wells. I am now planning my next trip; it is easier than you think to go alone and much more relaxing.

Resource Centre UpdateDoes the following sound familiar to you? 'I feel invisible', 'ignored', “people keep barging into me” or “they shout at me for getting in their way”. It's upsetting and could discourage people from going out at all.As a qualified Rehabilitation Worker I am able to advise a number of ways to make other people aware you have sight loss. I'd always recommend asking for advice before purchasing a mobility aid. A gentleman from Bristol called James Biggs claimed to have invented the cane in 1921 after painting his walking stick white because he felt threatened by the vehicle traffic near his home. Today there are many different types of canes. The symbol cane; this type is usually short (70cm) making sighted individuals aware that you are in fact sight impaired. This type of cane is not to be used for anything more than a symbol…We also have yellow badges printed with the words 'VisuallyImpaired Person' these have become extremely popular!Alternatively you may use a long cane. These are available in different lengths and will vary depending on your height and requirements to suit your needs. Professional advice and training is highly recommended for your own safety.A long cane not only tells others you have sight loss, it's used as a means of feedback for instance locating a step or a kerb preventing you from walking into obstacles.If a cane is not what you require, you could have a white walking stick or a luminous jacket so you are more visible to others. We are always trying to raise awareness by offering visual awareness training and talks whether this is at a school, care home, medical centre or hospital.

Do you know or work somewhere that would benefit from our services?Please get in touch. Call Heidi on 01823 366141 or email Heidi@somersetsight.org.ukMartin Whitfield's StoryMartin was introduced to Somerset Sight in 2013 when he attended a living with sight loss course. It took him a while after the course to start using the services Somerset Sight offered. Martin started seeing Graham our Emotional Support Worker, and since then has joined in with many activities. He is now a regular on the fishing trips, is joining the next bowling league, helping in the garden and making lots of new friends.Martin says “The days out are about meeting new people and trying new things, I don't mind what we are doing it's just nice to be part of it”.Martin has always been creative and enjoyed painting so he enrolled at Middlesex University in 1993 as a Mature Visually Impaired Student to do a Fine Art Degree.He originally wanted to do sculpture but didn't follow that path in the end. He loves painting and has a very individual style. He loves expressionist artists and is a fan of Lucian Freud.Martin who has Retinitis Pigmentosa has struggled as his eyesight has deteriorated. He can't make out much detail anymore so he hasn't painted for a while however he would love to get back into it. Martin used to paint a lot of portraits. He says they would be much more abstract now, but that could be interesting and something new to try.

Hazlegrove School VisitRichard Fenwick, Headmaster of Hazlegrove invited Somerset Sight in to talk about visual impairment as he was aware that many children have grandparents with sight loss. On Monday 14th of November Holly raised awareness about Visual Impairment and Somerset Sight at an assembly for the whole school. Then she spent two hours with two different classes doing fun activities such as Braille and colouring whilst wearing sim specs. The pupils all loved it and there were some great photos from the day. Hazlegrove have chosen Somerset Sight to be the beneficiaries of their end of term carol service at Wells Cathedral.

Learning BrailleSomerset Sight Craft GroupsFirst of all thank you very much to everybody who made purchases from our Christmas Fayre, which also made a visit to the AGM. Thanks to Admin Staff and Volunteers, for helping us to set up. Almost all the money raised will find its way back into Somerset Sight funds. The craft groups have been running in their present form since 2011 and in past months numbers have reduced, leaving plenty of places for new members. We meet on Monday and Fridays every week from 2-4pm. You don't have to have any experience in craft and it is also a social occasion.You may have craft ideas to pass on to the rest of us! Come and visit us and have a taster session.

Children's Ten Pin Bowling - Tuesday 25th October 2016“It was great to meet other visually impaired children and to have my first ever game of bowling.”The day started by meeting the children and their families at the entrance of Hollywood Bowl in Taunton. They all started arriving at around 11.00am in time to start their bowling. We had four children who made the trip and once the lane was set up we were ready to bowl.All of the children were from the Mendip area in Somerset. One of the families had even travelled from Frome; they left home at 7.30 in the morning to walk to the train station. They took the train to Westbury, and then changed trains to Taunton. They walked to the bus station and caught the bus to the bowling alley.I was so thrilled that they enjoyed their day and that all of the travelling was worth it in the end. The first game was very close, Lilly coming out on top with a score of 92. By the second game the children had got used to the concept of bowling. Lilly and Dylan were both in competition, both getting a score of 70. Then there was Luca and Ruby who were battling all the way but Luca came out on top with a fantastic score of 111, over Ruby's 88. The children all really enjoyed the bowling and looked forward to the food to follow.We would like to thank Nicki Bradford for all her help on the day. We had some great feedback from the activity. “It was good to

see other children with similar symptoms and it was good to take part in a different experience.”“It was nice to see him socialising with other children.” BowlingBowling GroupPizza Making Fundraising EventOn the 16th of November a group of six Business students from theUniversity of Bath put on a fundraising event for Somerset Sight as part of a charity module on their course. The event began with a talk given to the participants in order to raise awareness about Somerset Sight and how it helps those affected by Visual Impairment in Somerset. The fundraiser was held at Pizza Express in Bath where a blindfolded pizza making event took place. Participants were split into pairs with one blindfolded and the other assisting in creating a pizza of their choice. Everyone enjoyed it hugely, and despite the mess made, the event was a huge success. Through putting on the event, the students from Bath hope to have raised some more awareness about the importance of the charity and all it does for VIP's in Somerset. We would like to thank both the Students and Pizza Express for making this a fantastic evening, and we are hoping to do another similar event in the future.

Impaired Cricket Club ...Winners of the Spirit of Cricket Award 2016The Club was awarded the Spirit of Cricket Award for 2016 for the sporting way in which it conducts itself. Heidi and Kathryn Jelfs-White are important members of the UK Women's VI Cricket Team and the Hossell brothers are heading off to India in January 2017 to represent England in the Twenty20 World Cup. SVICC enjoyed a successful 2016 season, with the club finishing in fourth place in the BCEW National League, its highest ever finish. Convincing wins over Northants and Yorkshire were the cornerstone to the club's success this year, whilstSomerset also enjoyed success in the BBS Cup, beating Yorkshire and Gloucestershire. Somerset's performances haven't gone unnoticed, and the Club were duly recognised in the end-of-season awards. England international Ed Hossell won the Partially Sighted Player of the Year award whilst Steve Cook, in his first season with the Club, was awarded the Most Promising

Player award (which Rory Hossell was nominated for) as well as the Total Fielder of the Year. Steve and Graham Glover were both runners up in the Total Player of the Year and Total Bowler of the Year and Steve was also a runner up in the Total Batsman of the Year category. Ed and his younger brother Rory were both runners up for Partially Sighted Bowler of the Year, whilst Ed was also nominated in the Partially Sighted Batsman and Partially Sighted Fielder categories.Heidi Linegar was a runner up for Low Partial Player of the Year and Women's Player of the Year.Are you interested in joining Somerset Visually Impaired Cricket?Club next season? Please get in touch with Heidi for further details:Heidi@somersetsight.org.uk

Visual Impairment needn't hold you backMy name is Martin Hallett; I've always been Visually Impaired (VI). I have been born with congenital glaucoma in both eyes. I've had lots of operations from the age of 16 months. I am now severely sight impaired in my left eye & blind in my right eye. I gained my level 2 in Business and Admin in 2011 thanks to Somerset Sight. This gave me the confidence to go on and achieve my goals! I am now a level 1 FA football coach, have a level 2 Diploma in exercise and fitness and a level 3 Diploma in Personal training. According to Somerset Skills and Learning, I am the only VI to have achieved this.I am now a Personal Trainer, so if you are interested in improving your fitness please contact me on 07469 854784. I'd be delighted to meet you & discuss your options & how I can help.

FlexerciseHeld on the second Wednesday of every month 1pm – 2pm at Somerset Sight. Come along and take part in a gentle seated exercise class. The 1 hour session including a 20 minute break is only £1. (Why not stay on for Music Appreciation which runs straight after)Please call Heidi on 01823 366141 to register your interest.

Music Appreciation GroupFollowing the success of the groups in Chard and Crewkerne we have started a monthly music appreciation group at Northfield House in Taunton. It is a chance for people to get together and share the classical music they love. The group is held on the second Wednesday of every month 2pm - 4pm and is only £1 to attend. If you are interested in joining please contact: Michele Edmonds on 01823 333818 or michele@somersetsight.org.uk

Easy Exercises to do at Home...All you need is a chair1. Get ready - Tighten your tummy, lift the rib cage, hold your neck long and straight, and tuck your chin down and back so you feel a long stretch on the back of your neck.2. March in place - March in place and swing the opposite arm as you march each foot forward.3. Move your joints - Bring your shoulders forward, up to your ears, back, and then relax.4. Focus on extremities - Hold your arms straight in front of you and flex the wrist, as though you're saying “stop!” Then rotate your palm so your fingertips point toward the floor.

Start off slowly by doing 10 minute chunks and work up to your 30 minutes of exercise per day.Activities UpdateWe are always keen to offer and support activities so if you have something in mind you'd like to participate in please let me know. For example we've had some interest in starting up a goalball club and will soon have dates for taster sessions.If you are interested in any activities or have any ideas please contact Heidi on 01823 366141 or heidi@somersetsight.org.uk

Fishing TripsIn July Graham Glover organised Somerset Sight's first fishing trip from Minehead. Due to its popularity a further trip was organised in September from Watchet. We anticipate this will

become a monthly outing and those who have not been on one of our trips before will have first priority. If you're interested in one of our deep sea fishing trips please contact Heidi on: 01823 366141 or email Heidi@somersetsight.org.uk

DO YOU ENJOY TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS?WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOGRAPH DISPLAYED IN AN EXHIBITION?We are looking for photos taken by visually impaired people of their everyday lives. Ideally just using a smart phone and we will be selecting the best photos to go into an exhibition. The photographs can be anything of interest to you such as; gardens, pets, cars, outings, events, scenery etc. We will be running a workshop in late January to choose the best photos and for those interested, to learn how to take photos for the best results.If you are interested, please contact Michele EdmondsTel: 01823 333818 michele@somersetsight.org.uk

Could You Help With Supermarket Collections?We have had one collection since the last magazine raising £962 and we are very grateful to our wonderful fundraising volunteers who make this happen. We are extremely reliant on fundraising and donations.Supermarket collections can be very effective however we cannot do them without someone local to coordinate the volunteer collectors.If you feel you would be able to coordinate a collection at your local supermarket or high street we would be thrilled to hear from you!If you think you can help to fundraise in any way please contact Holly Sutton on 01823 366147 or holly.sutton@somersetsight.org.uk

Eddie the Elephant...visits Pubs, Shops and Towns all over Somerset, and we would like to say a big thank you to all of the Pubs, Shops and Garden centres all over Somerset that have supported us by having an

Eddie the Elephant by the till. Since April we have raised £1000 through placement of Eddies but we couldn't do it without our Volunteers.If you think you could place a collection pot please contact holly.sutton@somersetsight.org.uk

Fundraisers NeededThere are many ways you can help us raise much needed funds. Here are some ideas to get you started:· Organise a cake sale or a coffee morning· Take on a sponsored walk, run or bike ride· Approach your local pub to run a quiz or a darts evening· Place an 'Eddie the Elephant' collection tin (or a few) in your local area. Shops, pubs, post offices and opticians are great spots· Run a music evening or a special meal· Nominate us for fundraising at your work place or school

DonationsIn addition to the many generous personal and group donations under £1000 we have had a £3000 donation from Taunton Deane Rotary club who organised a golf day at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club benefiting Somerset Sight and Love Musgrove. Pam Frith the ladies captain at Wheathill golf club has been fundraising for us over the last season and has raised £1215. Thank you to each and every one of you for your kind donations.

In MemoriamIn the last few months we have received donations/legacies in memory of Thomas Ronald Charles Smith, Douglas Balmain, Cecil Dorothy Best and Esme Bull. We are very grateful to be remembered at such a difficult time and offer our condolences to everyone who has lost family and friends.

LegaciesAs you may know income from legacies is hugely important toSomerset Sight. Over the years gifts in Wills have helped us to maintain services and to develop new ways to reach people

struggling with their sight loss across the county. We cannot express how grateful we are to people who leave us a gift in their Will. If you would like to leave Somerset Sight a legacy to ensure we can continue to support people with sight loss across Somerset then please call Holly on 01823 366147. She will be happy to help you.

New Interim NewsletterWe are conscious that time sensitive information is being missed so in2017 we are going to trial a new interim newsletter. This will be much smaller than the magazine (no longer than 2 sides of A4) and designed to go out in between each issue of Insight. To ensure you receive these please send me your email address.

holly.sutton@somersetsight.org.ukThank you, Holly