METRO BLIND SPORTOpening doors to sport

Metrozine Issue 46 Sept 2015

Dear Readers, Welcome to this month's issue.

A successful and jam packed few months for Metro as a whole. Metro teams, members and yes even myself have all been busy. Metro and the Metro Devils Cricket teams have done us all proud in the quality of play and entertaining knife edge finishes, the Bowlers have had successes on the field and in fundraising for us all and I have finally finished and launched the new Metro website, with the help of an army of testers and the team at Granite 5, Steve, Luke and Ricky.

None of this would have been possible without Funding from Greater London Fund for the Blind GLFB http://www.glfb.org.uk/ . So a huge thank you to the fore mentioned!

1. Cricket News: A Trio of finals!

Congratulation's to our Metro cricket team's for earning their place in all three cup finals this year, we are extemely proud of your achievements. The first of which 'The 2015 BBS Primary Club Heindrich Swanepoel Memorial Cup' turned out to be a record breaking match!. Warwickshire finished with the joint highest ever cup final score of 260/5 after their 30 overs with Hollingsworth contributing a mammoth 150 not out. Metro fought bravely and even broke some records of their own, but in the end lost by only 2 runs! On any other occasion this would have easily won them the match. Read the full report here http://www.metroblindsport.org/warwickshire-win-record-breaking-bbs-cup-final/

The Metro Devils win the BCEW Development South/West Twenty20 Cup! Details on our website

http://www.metroblindsport.org/metro-devils-win-t20-development-cup-2015/

Metro as of this newsletter issue, still has one other final. 'The BCEW David Townley Memorial Twenty20 Cup' on the 19th of September, Check the Metro website for all the cricket results and Match Reports http://www.metroblindsport.org/sports/cricket/cricket-articles/

2. New Metro Website is launched

Some of the New features added below:* Responsive Scales itself down to work on Smart Phones and Tablets* FAQ for each sport* Browse Aloud screen-reader built in*Upcoming Events on each Sports page* Latest Metro Sport News on each Sports page* Large Galleries* Twitter Feed @MetroVISports http://twitter.com/MetroVISports

If you didn't use our old website before, please give the new website a visit. Metro's new website is now Dynamic and Mobile Responsive. No need to miss out on the that last minute event, we even stream our latest and our partners latest news and events details via twitter to the homepage.

If you do not have a screen-reader, or English is not your first language, we now have Browse Aloud which is software that will read out the website for you. No download needed. It can even translate each page into 75 languages and has 19 voices with different accents. Not sure how to use Browse Aloud then just click on our new FAQ link http://www.metroblindsport.org/about-us/faqs/

for Help, Let us know what you think?The new Metro Blind Sport website: www.metroblindsport.org

3. Free Swimming Festival - Sunday 18th October - Clapham

FREE sessions for blind and visually impaired people of all ages.If you or your child have never tried swimming before or you would like to improve your skills, come along to one of our afternoon sessions and have some fun!

Date: Sunday 18 Oct Time: 12pm- 4pmVenue: Clapham Leisure Centre, Clapham, London SW4 6DBOrganisers: ASA and Metro Blind Sport

12pm - 1pm Adult and child for parent/carer to introduce children to the water1pm - 2pm Learn to swim for 4-11 year olds,2pm - 3pm Learn to swim for 12 years and over2pm - 4pm Learn to train for those who can swim 25 metres/three strokes

Contact: Ian Francis, Tel. 07814 751643 or Email: ian.francis@metroblindsport.org

4. Barking and Dagenham Multi Sports Event for Vision Impaired people

A Free afternoon of sports coaching and taster sessions for blind and partially sighted people. Below is a list of the activities:

Spinning Class, Tai Chi, Kurling, Athletics, Dance Class, Boccia, Yoga Warm Down

As well as Gym Inductions and a Free Swim there will also be Mini spa treatments available for people who complete a health check.

Organisers: East London Vision, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham & Metro Blind Sport.Date: 27th September Register: 12.00 by the Reception areaWhere: Abbey Leisure Centre, Bobby Moore Way, IG11 7HW

Registration closing date September 7th 2015.For more information and a registration form Contact: Laura Ross: 07914 77 0909 or Danielle Smith Email: Danielle.Smith@lbbd.gov.uk

5. Do you want to be a Metro Fundraiser?

The Metro Bowlers will be collecting at a Railway Station near you! If you would like to join in and try your hand at fundraising up coming station collection dates are, Victoria 25th Sept, Fenchurch Street 23rd Oct.

Contact: Eric Gallacher Tel. 0208 985 6245 or email: ericgal@blueyonder.co.uk

6. METRO Bowls News

Above: Photograph of Amit, Eric and Harish, smiling and laughing on the bowling green.

Since the beginning of the summer season end of April, the Metro bowlers have been busy practising on Wednesdays and Sundays at Ravenscourt Park, and playing tournaments. In May 6 of our bowlers attended the 4 day Weston-super-Mare tournament in which they all had 8 games and got used to playing outdoor bowls again. Later that month, 3 of our bowlers, Amit, Harish and David, played in the UK Outdoor Triples in Worthing and came second to the Cornwall team.

In June we had the big one, The English Nationals, at Leamington Spa for a week when 9 Metro bowlers attended. Gail Hepworth won

the B4 plus category, Steve Simmons won the B3's, Maureen Ryan came second in the B2's and Amit Amin also came second in the B1's. With a shortage of helpers, the B1 and 2s were struggling a bit on the greens. On the 4th of July, the very last Wandsworth Tournament was run by Richard Stancombe, in south London. Our Metro triples team was Joe Meehan, Maureen Ryan and Steve Simmons who narrowly won the cup on shot difference.

On the 11th July, 6 of us went to take part in the Hastings Tournament for a week. In the B1 tournament it was very close with 3 players having the same amount of points, but Amit beat Eric on shot difference. One of our triples team with Eric, Amit and Harish won all their games and that included Bexley in the final. Harish, with his last bowl, managed to put the Jack into the ditch, which meant we won the cup instead of coming second. We all hope to go back again next July as it will be their 50th anniversary.

At our home ground Ravenscourt Park, Eric organised the usual Metro Pairs on the 6th of June, and the Metro Singles on the 8th of August. In the pairs, as it worked out, the 2 teams with the most points had to play each other in the last round of games. It came down to the very last end in which George Phillips with Harish Kumrai just beat Gordon Bains and Steve Simmons.

In the Metro Singles we had a run away winner of the cup in Harish, he won all his games and a litre of whisky. Amit came second, winning all his games except the one against Harish, but still got a bottle of whisky. After both these tournaments, all the bowlers, markers and helpers went round to the nearest Wetherspoon pub for a meal and a sociable evening.

On the 30th of May I sent 2 teams to Braintree, and on the 25th of July 3 teams to Potters Bar to play against these sighted clubs. We lost both matches but were able to show them how blind people can play bowls. Both clubs fed us after the matches and have invited us back again next year.

– Report by Eric Gallacher

7. VI Bowls England - V.I.B.E. needs your support!

V.I.B.E. receives no Government, Lottery or Sport England Funding.We needs your support to: Fund development work to allow more visually impaired people to play bowls, provide coaching / training camps to develop players' and directors' skills and support the England Team at forthcoming international competitions, including the World Blind Bowls Championships 2017 in Cape Town South Africa. Please donate what you can...

To Donate to V.I.B.E: Visit the justgiving website https://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/vib-england/israelandsouthafrica15-17

8. Football: Swindon PSFL Open Cup - 19th Sept

The Swindon Open Cup is a precursor to this years Partially Sighted Football League, Ian is hoping to get to this event with camera in hand, so watch this space for some new photos of our Metro teams and hopefully a few action Photos!

9. Tandem at the London Velodrome

The session was for 2 hours at lunchtime today. Believe you me, we had had enough after an hour. There were only two VI people there so we had a great opportunity to learn from the staff and practice as much as we liked.

Even though my pilot Allister has done a lot of cycling they started off with me on the back with one of their people. He is a former racing champion so not too slow. The sensation of cycling around the 250 metre track, speed of movement, moving up and down the steeply banked track is quite something.

They provide the shoes that clip into the pedals along with their cycling helmets. It is a strange feeling having your feet clamped into the pedals but it does allow you to pedal much harder. It is not so easy getting the shoes clipped in and starting off is a challenge. These track bikes have no breaks and only one gear! so good coordination is key.

The outcome is worth the effort. Flying around that track, going up on the steep banking and coming down with the weight of two of you plus the pedal speed is exhilarating. They told us that we topped out at about 30 mph, it felt pretty quick! It helps if you have cycled on a tandem before and if you are a confident, well-balanced cyclist, but I would recommend that people have a go.The staff were talking about getting some racing going if they get enough VI people interested.

Legs are shaking but fantastic memory. - article by Chris Lewis

10. Paracycling Track / Road Tandem

These sessions are an introduction to tandem cycling for visually impaired riders read Chris's article above. You'll become familiarised with our bikes whilst working with experienced pilot riders on our road circuit. Coached activities will give you time to improve your skills and techniques whilst gaining confidence. You may then like to go on to try our Paracycling Track Tandem session.* Must be over 16, Helmet and bike are included

Venue: London Velodrome Adult: £10 Time: 9.00amDates: Every Wednesday in SeptemberBook: over the phone: 08456 770 603

11. The new All Ability Cycling Club - Bikeworks- FREE!

Organisers: Bikeworks in partnership with Motivate EastDates: Every Tuesday Time: 11.00-13.00Venue: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Cost: The sessions are FREE

Participants can turn up and try there is no need to book in advance.If prospective participants have any questions Contact: Email: enquiries enquiries@bikeworks.org.uk

12. National VI Tennnis Championships 2015 - 24 & 25th Oct

The Tennis Foundation need Volunteers for this exciting 2 day tournamentDownload the - NVITC 2015 – Volunteer Letter belowhttp://www.metroblindsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/NVITC-2015-Volunteer-Letter.docx

Venue: The National Tennis Centre, Roehampton.

13. Free VI Tennis Taster Session- Clapham!

There will be professional Tennis coaches on hand throughout the session. Rackets and balls will be provided.

When: Thursday 24th Sept Time: 6pm-8pmWhere: Clapham Leisure Centre, 141 Clapham Manor Street, Clapham, London, SW4 6DBMeeting Point: Clapham North Underground Station, 5.30pm / in the leisure centres reception at 5.45pmContact: Katy Wright by Monday 14th SeptemberTel: 0203 815 3661 Mob: 07973692487 Email: katy.wright@selvis.org.uk

14. Weekly VI tennis sessions - Redbridge - Activeyes

Whether you're a novice or an expert, why not come and play the ever growing sport of Visually Impaired VI Tennis? A qualified coach, will help you to master the game and there are plenty of

volunteers to assist. Meet and greet available at Fairlop station from 10.30am

When: Every Wednesday until 23 September.Time: 11.00-13.00. Cost: £2.50Where: Redbridge Sports and Leisure Centre, Forest Road, Barkingside, Essex, IG6 3HD

Contact: ActivEyes Redbridge 07943 592 140 or Email: enquiries@activeyesredbridge.org.ukOrganisers: ActiveEyes and East London Vision.15. RNIB Eye Pod

The futuristic pod has giant eyes connected to viewers that participants look through to experience conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

RichmondDate: 21 September 2015 Time: 10.30am – 4.00pmVenue: Richmond train station

IslingtonDate: Tuesday 22 September Time: 10.00am – 4.00pmVenue: Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2UD

SuttonDate: 23 September 2015 Time: 10.00am – 4.00pmVenue: Sutton high street between Waterstones

16. VI Gym sessions - Bow, London, E3 - Every Wednesday

We are currently running a group gym session for people with visual impairments, every Wednesday 9:45am to 11am. All the gym equipment is fully accessible, and easy to use, whatever your physical ability.

Date: Every Wednesday Time: 9:45am to 11am

Hosts: Ability Bow Website: Ability Bow http://www.abilitybow.co.uk/Venue: St. Paul's church, St. Stephen's Road Bow E3 5JLContact: Email: Ability Bow info@abilitybow.co.uk or Tel. 020 8980 7778

17. Blind Endeavors with Steve Baskis

Episode 41 of The Blind Sport Podcast

Steve Baskis is an American Army Veteran who was blinded in 2008 while on patrol in Iraq. Since then he has been active in a variety of sports including running, triathlon, skiing, kayaking, biathlon, climbing mountains and much more. Listen to Podcast: Download http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindsportpodcast/TheBlindSportPodcastEpisode41-BlindEndeavors-SteveBaskis.mp3or visit Blind Sport Podcast Website http://theblindsportpodcast.com/

For more information about Steve and the Blind Endeavors Foundation, visit http://www.blindendeavors.org

18. Westway - Multi Sport Events Day - 30th October

Sport and Events: Tennis, Yoga, Gym, Wall climbing, Netball, Swim Farm

Date: Friday 30th Oct Time: 10am - 2pmVenue: Westway Sport CentreMeeting Area: Latimer Road Tube StationContact: Lee.Parker@westway.org or call 07917 575006

19. Parkruns - Sundays at a park near you!

Parkrun is a not-for-profit organisation which delivers two types of

timed running events: 5k parkruns which take place weekly at 9am on a Saturday and 2k junior parkruns which are specifically for 4 to 14 year olds, held weekly on a Sunday children can take part in the 5k runs too.

Parkruns really are open to absolutely everyone – regardless of ability, age or background. Many people also choose to volunteer, no previous experience is required. We have many disabled parkrunners both as runners/walkers and also as volunteers, including those that are visually impaired. We also have a large number of parkrunners who are trained and willing to be running guides at our events; so helping hands are never far away.

We are incredibly keen to welcome the Metro Blind Sport community to parkrun. To take part all you need to do is register on www.parkrun.org.uk and head down to your local event. If you would feel more confortable contacting someone beforehand,and perhaps arranging for someone to act as a guide or helping hand, please email the Event Director whose contact details are on the individual event's website

We look forward to welcoming you and your families to a parkrun event in the near future!

Social and Other Events

20. Open Aged - Picnic in the Park

Age: 50+Date: Wednesday 2nd SeptemberTime: 11.00am - 4.00pmVenue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD

Some of the EventsPoetry reciting & discussion, Tennis, Table Tennis & Bowls Tasters, Circuit Challenge Outdoor Gym and Trail, Creative writing, Line &Latin Dancing Tasters, Meditation, Mini Tea Dance.View full listing http://www.metroblindsport.org/open-aged-picnic-in-

the-park/ of events and times on our website

21. Dance Exercise for blind and partially sighted adults

Venue: Redbridge Town Hall, 128 - 142 High Road, Ilford Essex, IG1 1DDBeginning: Tuesday 22nd September 2015Date: Every Tuesday from 2.30pm to 3.30pmCost: £2.50 per session To register: call ELVis On: 020 3697 6464 or email: enquiries@activeyesredbridge.org.uk22. 80's Dance Fundraiser

Dust off those shoulder pads, dig out the lycra, channel your inner 80s glam. Blue eyeshadow and zebra print leggings not required, but a Prize for the best outfit!

Date: Friday 23rd October 2015 Time: 7.30pm – 1.00amVenue: Meadow Suite, University of Reading, Park House, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6URCost: Tickets are just £10 – fully stocked bar!To Book: info@berkshirevision.org.uk or book direct online http://berkshirevision.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=edb2a02fc234429fcf5d4c2c5&id=c223939fc5&e=bb71e7e6d0

23. The Tower Hamlets Sight Information Day

Date: Friday 25th September Time: 10am-4pmVenue: Albert Jacob House, 62 Roman Road, London E2 0PG

Here is an opportunity to explore different assistive technology, find out more about services available in the borough and talk about eye health with the Optometrist. Some of the exhibitors who will be at the event include:

Beyond Barriers, East London Vision, BlindAid, Metro Blind Sport, Compass Wellbeing counselling service, Humanware and many others. Tea and Coffee will be provided, so why not bring friends

and family along to this event.

Under 18s & Family Friendly Events

24. Picnic in the Park for blind and partially sighted people in Hackney

Date: Saturday 26th September Time: 12:30 – 15:30 Meet us at Hackney Downs Station at 12.15Where: Navarino Mansions, Dalston Lane, E8 1LA

An opportunity to meet other vision impaired people in Hackney, play some games and have a picnic in the park. If you're interested in attending this event please contact Laura Ross on: Tel: 07914770909 or email: laura@eastlondonvision.org.uk

25. West London Actionnaires - Woodland skills

Organised by: Action for Blind PeopleType: Children and familyLocation: Thames Young Mariners, Riverside, Ham, Richmond TW10 7RXDate: 5th September Time: 9.30oam- 12.30pmContact: Email Nicky.holloway@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or call on 07793527031

26. Have A Go' Experience - 13-16 year olds 24- 25 Oct

Join us: The Royal National College for the Blind for a weekend of fun!

* Try Goalball, Blind Football, Perform, Dance and Sing* Offer a new business idea to the Dragons' Den* Create with paints and pottery, practise massage, make your own

pizza

Age: 13-16 year oldsWhere: Royal National College for the Blind, Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 1DTDate: Sat 24 - Sun 25 Oct Time: 2.30pm Sat and finishes 3.00pm Sun.

It involves one overnight stay in free accommodation.Cost: This event is free of charge for more information and a booking form Contact: 01432 376 621 or email: info@rnc.ac.uk

27. Mini Futsul Session with tottenham Hotspur 11-16 year olds

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation in partnership with Metro Blind Sport is offering visually impaired mini futsal sessions for 11-16 year olds. All participants are entitled to FREE Metro Membership http://www.metroblindsport.org/index.php?pageid=5 sign up today.

Date: Weekly Most Saturdays Next: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26nd, Sept 2015Time: 10am -11amWhere: Barnet and Southgate College,Southgate,London, N14 6BSTo book: contact Peter Stone, Email: peter.stone@tottenhamhotspur.com or call 07787504237

28. West London Actionnaires - Outdoor climbing

Join us and challenge yourself on the outdoor climbing walls at Thames Young Mariners

Venue: Thames Young Mariners, Riverside, Ham, RichmondDate: 26 September Time: 9.30am - 12.30pmCost: This event is FREEContact: Email Nicky.holloway@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or call on 07793527031

29. Leevalley Monthly Tennis Training Camp

Age: 11+ to Adult Time: 14:00 - 17:00.Date: Sat 26th Sept 2015 last Saturday of each month.Cost: FREE for 18s and under, £2.50 for 18+Where: Leevalley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London, E20 3AD.Contact: 08456 770 604. Call to Book a meet and greet from Leyton Station.

30. Tennis Sessions in Sutton on Sundays

These are coach run sessions helping with both technique and game strategy

Age: Teenagers and adultsVenue: Sports Village, Rose Hill, Sutton, Surrey SM1 3HHTime: 17.00 - 18:00. Cost: £4 per session.Contact: Tel: 020 8641 6611 to confirm dates for 2015.

31. Low Vision Devices – call up for young people 12–18!

Venue: Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design

Project aims and objectives:To work with user groups of young people 12–18, in partnership with VISION 2020 UK, to understand their functional needs, perspectives and aspirations around LVDs.

Contact: Mary Bairstow Email m.bairstow@vision2020uk.org.uk or Tel: 0118 9835555

32. Up coming events list!

Weekly: Free Swimming,Monday,11am-12pm, Kensington - Tel 020 7938 8181

Weekly: Free Swimming,Tues,7.15pm-8pm Kensington - Email: RBKC sportandleisure@rbkc.gov.uk

Weekly: Cricket Nets, Highgate,EveryThurs,5pm-8pm Rory:Email rory.field74@gmail.com , Tel. 077 4232 3224

Weekly: Football, Tottenham Hotspur, Age:11-16, Peter:Email peter.stone@tottenhamhotspur.com , Tel. 07787504237

Weekly: Tennis sessions at either NTC or ITC, More info http://www.metroblindsport.org/index.php?pageid=29

Weekly: Indoor VI Tennis Session – Sutton, Surrey, Conact Jan, Email jan.reynolds8@btinternet.com

Weekly: Inclusive cycling, Herne Hill Velodrome, Mondays, Tel. 020 7346 8482

Weekly: Ladies only Cycling Programme,Westway Sports Centre, Email laura.pugh@westway.org

Weekly: VIP singers, St Thomas's Hospital, Monday mornings,Tel. 0207 188 4569

Weekly: VI Track and Field session,14+, Newham,Coral Email, Tel.07718 394756

Monthly: Acoustic shooting, Barnet ,2nd/4th Monday,Contact Terry, Tel.0208 449 2503

Monthly: Archery Session Aspire Centre, Wandsworth, Every 2nd Sunday, Email freddy2cokes@yahoo.co.uk

Monthly: Vision Impaired Tennis Training Camp 14:00 - 17:00, Tel. 08456 770 604

Monthly: RLSB Cricket Training, Age:11-25 , Every 3rd Saturday, Tel.07702 490940

5 Sept: Mini Futsal - Barnet College, Every Saturday, Contact Peter 07787504237

5 Sept: Futsal - Pre season Training, The Score, Contact Gareth Gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com

6 Sept: Indoor VI Tennis Session, Every Sunday – Sutton, Conact Jan, Email jan.reynolds8@btinternet.com

8-10 Sept: Bowls; UKVIB Indoor Singles, Contact Eric 0208 985 6245

19 Sept: PSFL Open Cup - Swindon Contact Gareth Gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com

27 Sept: Archery Session Aspire Centre, Wandsworth, Fred Email freddy2cokes@yahoo.co.uk

18 Oct: Swimming Festival - Sunday, ASA & Metro, 12 - 4pm - Clapham

24/25 Oct: Have-a-Go Weekend, Age:13 -16, Hereford, RNC, Tel.01432 376 621

24/25 Oct: National VI Tennis Championships NVITC

3/4 Nov: Sight Village, Kensington Town Hall, London

11 Dec: Metro AGM, Union Jack Club, Waterloo, London

For more information, use the Metro's events list http://www.metroblindsport.org/index.php?pageid=52 or call Ian on Tel. 07814 751643

Editors Shout out!

I hope you found an event or a new sport to try out in this months issue, if not do check out the website www.metroblindsport.org you can also find daily updates on our Twitter feed http://twitter.com/MetroVISports

Let us know about your VI Events, so we can share them! Write a Sports report or Tweet a link to @MetroVISports. Feedback, suggestions and articles are always welcome. Email saul.wynne@metroblindsport.org

Metro Website links: Home http://www.metroblindsport.org/ News http://www.metroblindsport.org/news/ Events http://www.metroblindsport.org/events/Twitter http://twitter.com/MetroVISports

Contact Us:Sports Development Officer Ian Francis - 07814 751643Director of Sports DevelopmentRoy Smith MBE – W: 020 8090 9271 H: 020 8255 7788