SIGHTLINE

Summer 2015Welcome to our Summer Newsletter as we all keep our fingers crossed for plenty of sunshine in the months ahead!! As usual we have plenty of news to bring you in this quarterly newsletter. Please do remember that we always have plenty of opportunities for those who might like to take part in a fundraising event; whether that be a coffee morning, cake stall, quiz or anything that you might like us to consider. If you need help to run an event please contact the centre and we will try to find some volunteers to assist you. Have a super summer everyone!!

Table of contentsNews from Support 4 Sight..............................................................- 2 -Support 4 Sight Events and Activities..............................................- 3 -Social Trips......................................................................................- 6 -Coffee Mornings..............................................................................- 7 -Support Group.................................................................................- 6 -Support 4 Sight Past Outings and Events.......................................- 8 -National Update.............................................................................- 10 -Spotlight on Equipment.................................................................- 11 -Low Vision Aids.............................................................................- 12 -‘Techie’ Aids..................................................................................- 15 -Noticeboard...................................................................................- 17 -Useful Information.........................................................................- 19 -Numbers You Might Find Useful....................................................- 19 -Talking Newspapers Contact Numbers.........................................- 19 -Contact us..................................................................................... - 20 -

- 1 -

Supporting people with sight loss in EssexRegistered charity number: 1074812

News from Support 4 Sight

Donation from Nisa in Saffron Walden We were delighted to accept a cheque for £300 from the Saffron Walden branch of Nisa.

Support 4 Sight’s Building Appeal The Building Appeal is making steady progress and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us with a donation. We still have a long, long way to go to reach our goal but every day we take another step in the right direction.

If you would like to make a donation to help us find a new home, please contact us or send it direct to our resource centre in Saffron Walden.

- 2 -

Staff changes at Support 4 Sight We’ve had a couple more staff join us at Support 4 Sight and we hope you will join us in welcoming Gemma Golab and Stephanie Emberson. Please say hello if you visit the centre.

Support 4 Sight Events and Activities

Fete de la Musique 21 st June The Saffron Walden Arts Trust is hosting this event which will provide free concerts all over the town. The Fete de la Musique is Saffron Walden’s first ever International Music Day, and is being held on Sunday 21st June. On the day we will be providing refreshments at the Croft Youth Centre, Fairycroft, Audley Road, Saffron Walden from 12pm to 3pm so please do drop in and say hello. Support 4 Sight member Geraldine Robins will also be singing as part of the Cavell Community Choir outside Beales at 4.30pm.

Cake Stall in Saffron Walden 11th July We will be holding a cake stall outside Boots in Saffron Walden’s Market Square on Saturday 11th July. If you would like to donate a cake please contact Natalie on 01799 523700 for details. Please come along, support us on the day and treat yourself to something delicious!

Stansted Cricket Match against the President’s XI Member Bob Stoddart is a retired member of the Stansted Cricket Team and we are fortunate that the team are holding a match against the President’s XI on July 19th in aid of Support 4 Sight.

- 3 -

Chelmsford Exhibition 24 th June Come and see us at this exciting exhibition to try some of the latest technology designed to help with daily life. Support 4 Sight will be joined by experts, from a number of different low vision aid suppliers, who will be able to provide valuable information and demonstrations on equipment showing how to make day to day life with sight loss a bit easier.

Among those joining us on the day will be:

The British Wireless for the Blind Fund Ultra Cane Optelec Low Vision Services HumanWare Dolphin Computer Access Enhanced Vision Edward Marcus Chelmsford Talking News

To find us on 24th June, head over to Broomfield Village Hall, 158 Main Road, Broomfield, Essex, CM1 7AH between 10am and 3pm. All are very welcome, there is no entrance free so come and join us for what promises to be a great day.

Saffron Harmony Concert 25th July If you enjoy an evening of popular songs then please do join us for a concert by the U3A Saffron Harmony Choir. They will be performing “Let Us Entertain You” at the Baptist Church in Saffron Walden on Saturday 25th July. Doors open 6.30pm for 7.00pm. Tickets cost £7 and include a glass of wine or juice. All profits will be donated to Support 4 Sight. For tickets please call the Centre.

- 4 -

Chelmsford Fun Day 31 st July We are holding a Family Fun Day to encourage families of children with sight loss to meet and have fun. They will also be able to join in the fun and activities which include: blind tennis, blind football, navigating an obstacle course using a vibrating long cane, making a tune by stepping on a giant floor keyboard and animal petting. There will also be a tombola, cake stall and much more!

There will be a chance to experience the latest computer technology, magnifiers and computer games to assist those at school, college, university or during leisure time.

Do come along on 31st July and join in the fun at Broomfield Village Hall, 158 Main Road, Broomfield, Essex, CM1 7AH between 10am and 3pm.

Sight and Sound Focus Day 15 th September Would you like to find out more about accessible software and other computer related information? If so, on 15th September we will be holding a focus day with Sight and Sound Technology who will bring a selection of equipment and low vision aids to demonstrate. No appointments are needed - just drop into our centre in George Street anytime between 10am and 2pm. If you are unable to make it on the day a selection of equipment will be available for you to try for one month after the event.

Chocolate Extravaganza 16 th September Be sure to buy your tickets for our fund-raising Chocolate Extravaganza on Wednesday 16th September 6:30pm at theMasonic Hall, Bateman Street, Cambridge. This is a gigantic chocolate tasting event run by Chocolat, Chocolat, the Cambridge School of Chocolate Making to raise funds for Support 4 Sight. Tickets cost £15 and are available from the centre. There will be a prize quiz and raffle with free parking and bar available.

- 5 -

Support 4 Sight AGM 23 rd September Our AGM will be held at the centre at 11.30am. Please look out for invitations nearer the time.

Dinner Dance at Saffron Walden Golf Club 3 rd October Please save the date for our 21st Birthday Party Celebration. Tickets will be on sale soon so please support this event and celebrate music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s at the newly refurbished Saffron Walden Golf Club! Please contact Natalie if you would like to reserve a ticket on 01799 523700. Prices and other information will be available nearer the date. Social Trips Many people come along on our social trips and we are really pleased to have you all join us! If there are any trips you’re interested in, or to make a trip suggestion, please contact us on 01799 523700.

Please do drop into the centre or give us a call to find out about our future trips. Currently our planned trips are:

Scotsdales Garden Centre – Friday 22 nd September We have been invited to attend a free talk and tour from Peter Jackson, their Horticultural Advisor. Lunch will be available to order at the Sunflower Café. If you would like to attend please let Natalie know by 10th September.

Support Group

Baptist Church, Blyths Meadow, Coggeshall Road, Braintree, CM7 3DA. Held on Wednesdays 2pm – 3:30pm.

8th July 12th August 9th September14th October 11th November 9th December

- 6 -

OutreachHelp is on hand for you. Support 4 Sight will be holding Outreach information Points where you can speak to trained people, who can inform you about the many services that we provide as well as supply you with information, support and advice. The current list of dates are:

Harlow Central Library, 3rd Friday of the month 10:30am – 1:00pm:

19th June 17th July 21st August 18th September16th October 20th November 18th December

If you are making a special trip to the outreach points, please contact us on 01799 523700 to be sure the dates and times are still correct.

Coffee Mornings Come along to one of our many coffee mornings in Saffron Walden, Dunmow or Braintree. If you have any questions about the coffee mornings or for information on how to get to the venues, contact us.

Saffron WaldenCoffee mornings will be held monthly on the last Tuesday of every month at the Bowls Club, Abbey Lane, 10:30am till noon.

Dates: 30th June (strawberries and cream), 28th July, 25th August’ 29th September, 27th October

Great DunmowCoffee mornings will be held monthly on the second Thursday of every month at Banks Court, Chequers Lane, 10:30am till noon.

Dates: 11th June (strawberries and cream), 9th July, 13th August, 10th September, 8th October

BraintreeCoffee mornings will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at Church House, St Michaels Lane, 10:30am till noon.

- 7 -

Dates: 25h June (strawberries and cream), 30th July, 27th August, 24th

September, 29th October

- 8 -

Support 4 Sight Past Outings and Events

The Plough – Thursday 16th April A very pleasant lunch was had by all on Thursday 16th April at the Plough in Great Chesterford.

Boydells Dairy Farm and The Blue Egg – Friday 15th May We enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Blue Egg in Great Bardfield followed by a visit to Boydells Dairy Farm, a family-run working farm just outside Braintree.

Edward Marcus Focus Day Many people came along to the Focus Day and it was great to see you all. Paul has negotiated for the Smart Reader to be left with us for a month. If you missed the Focus Day but are interested to see this product then please do call Paul to arrange a demonstration.

- 9 -

Harlow Exhibition

Support 4 Sight’s recent exhibition in Harlow Central Library was a great success with many people attending. This event goes from strength to strength each year and we look forward to repeating the exhibition next year.

This event was a great opportunity to raise awareness for Support 4 Sight. It also served to raise awareness of the various support services and information which promote and support organisations that exist within the Essex area.

We would like to thank the staff and everyone at Harlow Central Library for their support on the day.

- 10 -

National Update

Recycling If you have any old jewellery, mobile phones, stamps or printer cartridges that you are looking to dispose of, consider passing them to us to recycle. Everything we recycle helps to raise funds for Support 4 Sight and goes towards the many services we provide.

Any of the items above you have for recycling can be dropped off at our Resource Centre in Saffron Walden. Our recent recycling has raised over £130 so everything that is donated really helps.

- 11 -

Spotlight on Equipment

Portable Scanner and Reader

The Eye-Pal ROL (Read Out Loud) is designed for comfort, portability, and ease of use. Its ergonomic design combines fast, highly accurate scan and read technology with other features in one portable electronic reader. A pair of headphones plugs in to the front of the device for privacy, and the controls are intuitively located for ease of use. Lightweight and battery-operated, the reader is Braille-display compatible so you can read a book on the couch, go through a menu at a restaurant, or fill out a form at the doctor's office.

The Eye-Pal ROL also incorporates AudioMinder allowing you to set an alarm and record appointment reminders. At just 3.5 pounds the Eye-Pal ROL it easy to carry and easy to use.

Features:

Scan and read text in all types of print Easy to use, lightweight, and portable. Use with rechargeable battery or AC power Open a saved document and the Eye-Pal ROL will continue

reading from where you left off Two auto-focus HD cameras and anti-glare LED lights ensure

accurate scanning of printed text Braille display compatible

- 12 -

Advanced Features

Create alarms and voice reminders using AudioMinder Save and share scanned documents Choose from 20 different voices in different languages

*****************************************************************************

Please note that Support 4 Sight currently has a Eye-Pal ROL for sale – please contact the centre for more information

*****************************************************************************

Low Vision Aids

In Support 4 Sight’s Resource Centre we can demonstrate a wide range of low vision aids for everyday use, including:

Lighting

Floor / Table Standing Lamp – with a flexible arm so whether using the table or floor version they can be positioned to provide the light where it is needed most.

Freedom Battery Task Lamp – This rechargeable, portable daylight lamp is good for everyday tasks where you need just that little bit more light.

Twist Lamp – Daylight lamp which can be twisted to provide light from various angles, allowing you to aim the light wherever it is needed.

Magnifiers

We have a wide range of magnifiers in a variety of styles and strengths. We also have a selection of electronic video magnifiers both desktop and handheld which are available for demonstration.

- 13 -

Telephones

The BT Big Button 200 comes with many useful features to make calling much easier:

Key features• Easy grip handset and large buttons• Easy to control call and ringtone volume • Hearing aid compatible• Call someone back quickly with last number redial• 1571 message indicator• Built-in microphone for speaking hands-free• See when someone's calling with call and message indicator lights• Store up to 13 names and numbers for quick calling

The BT4500 Big Button has large, well-spaced buttons, light and easy to use, two way record feature and a Slow Play facility for listening to recordings.

- 14 -

Key Features• 50 name and number phonebook• Three-line display• 1571 message indicator• Hands free• Hearing aid compatible

Tinted Glasses

In the Centre there is a range of glasses to try with different tinted lenses and styles. If you would like to try a pair to see if they could be helpful to you, please call to make an appointment with Paul.

This is just a selection of the low vision aids available at Support 4 Sight’s Resource Centre. To arrange a demonstration please call on 01799 523700

- 15 -

‘Techie’ Aids

Here we have a few ‘Techie’ Aids from AppleVis that you might be interested in. AppleVis is an Apple website for blind and low-vision users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV and Apple Watch. The products are all available free from the iTunes app store – some have a serious use but others are just for fun !!!.

Selfie X This free iOS app allows you to take selfies using the rear camera on your iPhone and provides voice feedback to ensure that you are centred in the photo. All you have to do is to follow the instructions and look forward to those selfies – it couldn’t be easier.

Where’s My Rubber Ducky?Armed with a shotgun, machete and surrounded by zombies, Jack is certain to introduce those rubber-ducky-stealing alien zombies to a world of pain! There's only one problem: Jack is blind. Use your hearing to locate the zombies before they attack. Pull the trigger or machete the hell out of 'm to retake Jack’s rubber ducky. Use the headphones to experience the 3D sound. The app uses GPS and Compass readings. The Alien Zombies will attack you from all sides. , A later version will add different Alien Zombie Monsters, firearms and even multiplayer possibilities.

- 16 -

Audio ArcheryIn this game use only your ears and your reflexes to shoot targets. The game is entirely auditory, so there are no pictures or icons. You will hear a target move from left to right. When it is centered, flick down on the screen with one finger to pull back your bow. Release your finger to fire your arrow. The game consists of 10 rounds with 7 shots each. Your goal is to meet or exceed the minimum score given to pass to the next round. Can you pass the tenth round and become the audio archery champion?

Iblink Radio The iBlink Radio application from Serotek Corporation is the world's first application for the visually impaired for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Radio stations, podcasts and reading services of special interest to blind and visually impaired people as well as their friends, family, and carers and those wanting to know what life is like without eyesight. All stations under Community Radio are owned and/or operated by persons with limited or no eye sight. Genres include oldies, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, alternative, classic Rock, Old Time Radio and more.

VI ReaderThis amazing app is an e-book reader for the partially sighted available for iPad devices. There are a wide range of options which make this app friendly and easy to use.

- 17 -

Noticeboard

Clear Reader for Sale We have a Clear Reader + by Optelec (2011) for sale. Original cost £2225 - now selling for £1200 or near offer. Sold as seen. Please contact the centre for any further information.

Review of Compact HD4 The centre recently loaned this high definition video magnifier to a member and were delighted to receive the following feedback:

‘….. thank you for loaning me a compact for 6 months in order for me to try and see if it would be of help to me. As you know I now have my own as a result of that trial. I really wouldn't be without this now. Not only does it help me read but I have found other uses for it. I recently used it to read the gas and electric meters in the house using the snapshot facility which was handy for me as these meters are in a very awkward confined space. I've used it to take a snapshot of the sockets on the back of our TV which helped me identify which cables went where. This is portable and because of its size I do take it out with me and take it with me if we are away for a weekend. I am delighted with it and thanks again for the loan of one which enabled me to try it first’.

- 18 -

Success for Blind Pole VaulterA blind pole vaulter has realised her dream by winning a bronze medal in the Texas state high school championships.

Teenager Charlotte Brown cleared 3.5m and was joined on the podium in Austin by her guide dog Vador.

Brown developed cataracts at 16 weeks and had artificial lenses inserted, but her vision began to worsen aged 11 and she is now blind with only a "jigsaw puzzle" of light and dark shades.

"This story really wasn't about me," said the 17-year-old.

"It was about everybody that struggles with something."

Brown first took up pole vaulting, which is not a Paralympic sport, in seventh grade because she wanted something a little "dangerous and exciting".

She counts the seven steps of her left foot on her approach, listening for the sound of a faint beeper placed on the mat that tells her when to plant the pole and push up.

"If I could send a message to anybody, it's not about pole vaulting and it's not about track. It's about finding something that makes you happy despite whatever obstacles are in your way."

- 19 -

Useful Information

Numbers You Might Find Useful Big print TV Guide - To receive a weekly copy of the TV guide and news in large print, contact 0303 123 9999.

BT 195 - If you are registered blind or partially sighted, you can register for free directory enquiries on 0800 587 0195.

Uttlesford Community Travel - For door to door travel at reasonable rates, call 01371 875787.

RNIB Talking Book Service – 01799 523178You can choose the categories of books you would like to receive. The books will come as a CD and will be posted to you. When you have listened to it, put it into the prepaid wallet provided and pop it into the post. You can borrow up to six at a time and each time you send one back another one will be sent out to you.

If you would like to sign up for this service you should contact Saffron Walden Library, who will register you and Essex County Council should pay the cost.

Talking Newspapers Contact Numbers Andrew Taylor (Saffron Walden) 07774 652505 Richard Barnett (Bishop’s Stortford) – 01279 651270 John Wickens (Loughton) – 020 8508 1820 Ray Hardisty (Braintree) – 01206 545062 For Harlow talking newspaper contact Harlow Central library – 01279

446655 or Harlow Advice Centre – 01279 446622

- 20 -

Contact us

If you have any concerns and want to speak to someone at Support 4 Sight, you can contact us at the Centre from 9.30am to 2.30pm on 01799 523700.

You are welcome to drop into the Centre, without an appointment, for a chat and a coffee. It’s a good opportunity to meet the staff, our volunteers and other members.

Here is the list of staff at Support 4 Sight:

Madeleine Cassidy – Director

Paul Atkins – Resource Centre and Volunteer Manager

Linda Pollard & Michael Lovell – Paul’s Support Workers

Vanessa Cowell – Community Support Worker

Natalie Emuss – Administrator

Joan Hohnen – Development Co-Ordinator:

We are here to help and if you do need us, please do not hesitate to call or pop in.

With support from:

- 21 -

All information in this Newsletter is checked and believed to be correct at the time of publication, but cannot be so guaranteed. Support 4 Sight shall not be liable for any

loss suffered directly or indirectly as a result of its use.

Produced by Support 4 Sight (Essex)2 & 4 George Street

Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1EQ

Telephone 01799 523700Registered Charity No. 1074812