somerset insight sight january 18.pdforcam glasses for you to try and we can demonstrate them for...

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SomersetInsight

The Magazine for visually iMpaired people in soMerseT

Issue 60January 2018

somerset Sights first ever Dining in the Dark

To request a home demonstration

Call 01604 798070 orEmail [email protected]

Wishing you aHappy New YearFrom everyone atSight and Sound

Technology Limited

Call us on 01604 798070 (Option 1)or go online to

www.sightandsound.co.uk/offersand quote code NY2018

Offer ends 28/2/2018To request a home demonstration



Technology Limited



Offer ends 28/2/2018

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We have all made resolutions which have quickly faded, but this year it could be different. somerset sight is arranging all sorts of activities to enable us all to remain fit and active which we hope you will want to join. Read more inside…

We are delighted that BBC Children in Need are supporting our work with visually impaired children in Somerset. To start the events of 2018, the Octagon Theatre have arranged a special touch tour for Somerset Sight before a performance of Cinderella, and we are looking forward to many other exciting activities throughout the year. I would also like to thank The Stock Exchange Veterans and our very generous supporters, for this opportunity.

The demand for Somerset Sight Services continues to rise. In 2017, 1000 have visited the Taunton resource room, we have received nearly 200 phone referrals and 1200 phone enquiries. The Volunteer Visiting Service is in increasing

New Year - New you?demand and levels of interest are more than twice those of 2016. All this needs funding, and will continue to need funding, which is a not inconsiderable task. If you feel you are able to help, please do consider a donation or remember us in your Will.

We are very grateful to all our supporters who enable this wonderful charity to help so many people with Visual impairment in Somerset.

Over the last year the MAS has made 198 visits to 40 different destinations in Somerset. 1577 people have come aboard the vehicle. 623 people with visual impairment, 829 carers/family members and 125 people from other organisations have visited to learn about our services. This enables us to work effectively in the community to ensure that people with visual impairment can receive the support they need.

We are fast approaching the 20 year anniversary of the Volunteer Visiting Service which we hope you will celebrate with us and in 2019 we have our Centenary Celebrations to which to look forward.

I wish you all a very healthy and happy New Year.

Chief Executive Officer Report

Jackie

To request a home demonstration



Technology Limited



Offer ends 28/2/2018

4

Kings Access Technology Ltd 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5HR

www.kingsaccesstechnology.com 01935 411 322

We have been proudly supplying and supporting the visually impaired community since 1989

Bringing audio books to life...

Our players are optimised for Audio Book and Talking News playback ensuring an immersive listening experience

...lose yourself in the story

Simple on the outside...

...smart on the inside

Features

Macular groups are running over the whole of Somerset for you to attend and meet people with Macular Degeneration. If you would like details of your closest group please call us on 01823 333818.

Somerset Sight,Northfield House,

51 Staplegrove Road,Taunton, TA1 1DG

Registered Charity Number 1154472

Main telephone number01823 333818

Website: www.somersetsight.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

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 and

audio CD.

Taunton Macular group

Tel: 01823 333818 www.somersetsight.org.uk [email protected] Charity No: 1154472

Please buy a car sticker for just £1 to help raise

awareness of Somerset Sight.Available from our Resource

Centre in Taunton.

Car Stickers

Kings Access Technology Ltd 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5HR

www.kingsaccesstechnology.com 01935 411 322

We have been proudly supplying and supporting the visually impaired community since 1989

Bringing audio books to life...

Our players are optimised for Audio Book and Talking News playback ensuring an immersive listening experience

...lose yourself in the story

Simple on the outside...

...smart on the inside

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Guests were treated to a three course dinner plus a thought provoking and inspiring talk by Jack Watling, a 25 year old war correspondent who is visually impaired.

The event was generously sponsored by Cranmers Optometrists in Minehead and Bailhache Solicitors in Taunton.

Auction lots were generously donated by local companies and we would like to thank them for their support.

Dining in the Dark

On Friday 22nd September we ran our very first ‘Dining in the Dark’ at the Somerset County Cricket Ground raising £6000.

The novel social event started with pre-dinner drinks, guests then donned a blind fold and were led to their table.

It was the first of its kind in the county and gave guests a unique insight into the challenges that visually impaired people face on a daily basis.

Mayor Hazel Prior-Sankey and Husband

Pre dinner reception

Jack Watling

Being led into the dining room

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The Fundraising office has been busier than ever before over the last few months with events. As you will see we ran our very first Dining in the Dark, which was absolutely fantastic and has raised £6000. We also held our car boot at Yarlington House, Nr Wincanton which raised £3500. We could not have achieved this without the very generous support of Charles and Carolyn de Salis. We have an exciting 2018 planned with more events and community fundraising throughout the County. I am struggling for Volunteers to help in the community so if you think you could spare a few hours please get in touch. Thank you and I hope to see you all soon.

Staff Updates

I returned from maternity leave in July and I cannot believe how quickly the last five months have gone. I’d like to thank everyone for their very warm welcome on my return. I have returned three days a week and will be leading on our applications to trusts and foundations, publicity and developing relationships with corporates. I am currently working on preparing applications for our services including our vital early intervention work. I will also continue to support Holly with our fundraising events like the country house car boot sale and the fabulous dining in the dark event.

BeckyHolly

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Staff Updates

Wow I can’t quite believe its 2018 already, have you got your large print calendar and/or diary yet? We still have some in stock. So please place your order today.

We’ve a great range of new and second hand products such as magnifiers, clocks and watches etc.… These are for sale in our Resource Centre, Mobile Advisory Service and in our new eBay store.

The Resource Centre and Mobile Advisory Service have the fantastic OrCam glasses for you to try and we can demonstrate them for you. (Wearable smart camera that can read texts and recognise faces)

Please get in touch if you would like to book an appointment for magnifiers, lighting or any other gadgets. Otherwise please pop in, we are open Monday – Friday 9-4.

Heidi

I have been as busy as ever on the Mobile Advisory Service (MAS) and it’s been great to see so many of you.

We have a wonderful opportunity to start visiting Yeovil District Hospital. The bus will be parked right by the entrance to the eye clinic. We are going to be visiting there instead of the Quedam. From March we will be adding a visit every 2 months to the Talking Café at the Beach Hotel in Minehead, which is one of the new Community Connect hubs being set up across the county. You will find the dates for both these locations in the central pages.

We are looking for new places for the MAS to visit during 2018 so if you have any ideas please get in touch.

Donna

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Staff Updates

I am Somerset Sights agent for The British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF)

BWBF provides high quality, easy to use audio equipment which has been specially designed and adapted for listeners living with sight loss.

The radios are available on free loan to those who meet the qualifying criteria including registered blind or partially blind, and in receipt of means tested benefits. For those who don’t meet the criteria, they are also available for sale.

I also recruit and co-ordinate the Hospital Information Point Volunteers at Musgrove and Yeovil Hospital which I enjoy very much.

Please get in touch for further information.

Tel: 01823 333818. Email: [email protected]

Losing your vision can be devastating for you and those around you. I am pleased that I am able to offer emotional support for anyone who might need it.

Since 2015 when we started this service we’ve supported over seventy individuals. It is well evidenced that emotional support helps people to accept their condition and go on to live a full and active life.

These include not only visually impaired but also their family or carers who require emotional support

The service is free and I can offer up to a 1 hour slot once a week; 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:

01823 366 141 Graham Glover Emotional Support Worker

GrahamMichele

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I first encountered Somerset Sight when I visited the MAS in May. I spoke to Donna and knew that I would like to be involved. I started working as Receptionist in June.

Being VI I was unsure of how I would be able to do some tasks, but soon discovered that there is always a way round it. As well as enjoying my job as receptionist I have been able to help out in the shop and fundraising events, (usually dressed as an elephant – who wouldn’t enjoy that!).

I feel very lucky to be part of the team and would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, volunteers and service users for making me feel so welcome.

Kate

Staff Updates

Activities UpdateWe’ve had a number of activities going on in the last six months including our activity weekend which took place in August where members took part in rock climbing, kayaking and archery.

In September some of our members joined Dorset Blind for a driving experience day. Then in October 20 people took a day trip to Weymouth.

There are regular activities going on including Tandem Riding, Acoustic rifle shooting, Deep Sea Fishing and visually impaired Cricket and Bowls.

Are you interested in any of the above or have something you’d like to do?

Please do get in touch on: 01823 366 141 or email: [email protected]

Group trip to Weymouth

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The Social club for visually impaired and blind people has been running in Mells Barn for over 70 years. This lovely barn was built in the 1400’s and our Fundraising and Development Officer Holly Sutton was lucky enough to go and visit them in November. Gill and Clive Baker have been running the group for 33 years, having taken over the group in 1984 and organise different entertainment for each month’s session.

Whilst Holly was there she took the opportunity to talk to some of the members.

Ivor Pickford who was in Normandy in 1944 on the front line representing the Wiltshire Regiment is one of the groups long standing members. As it was his 95th birthday it meant cake and singing happy birthday!

Holly also chatted to Audrey Dyson, who has been a Yeovil Football Club season ticket holder for the last 20 years and doesn’t miss a single match. She started going with her son when her husband passed away and now loves it so much she is a regular. Audrey told Holly what a magic feeling it is when Yeovil scores and everyone jumps up and down. It really is a family occasion with even her 2 year old granddaughter going along since she was a baby.

All the members told Holly how wonderful Gill and Clive are and one told Holly how they visited her when she was ill and made sure she was ready to come back to the group.

Those little extra touches really make the difference and Holly could see why this is such a popular group. She thoroughly enjoyed her visit and looks forward to going back again.

Mells Social Group

Mells Barn

The group enjoying afternoon tea

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Holly also thoroughly enjoyed her visit to the Bridgwater Social Club which is held at St Francis Hall on Mendip Road. This is a lovely group which has been running for 35 years. For the past 9 years it has been headed up by Wendy Woodward who is passionate about the club and works hard to make each meeting enjoyable for all. On top of her role running the club she also reads for the Bridgwater Talking News which has 70 listeners.

They meet on the second Wednesday of every month from 2.30pm- 4.30pm for a catch up, a cup of tea and cake. Some months they run special events like a strawberry tea in June, quiz

Bridgwater Social Group

afternoons and a Christmas party. All the members enjoy the groups including their oldest member Sid who despite being 101 attends every meeting with his daughter.

Holly had a lovely afternoon chatting with some of the helpers and members like Kathleen Sheen who has been helping the club since it started in the early 1980s. Joan Buttle has been attending the social for 12 years. She made Holly laugh when she was asked about her eye condition. Joan replied ‘Well I don’t know- I can’t read the hospital letter!’

If you would like to attend any of the social groups please get in touch with us on 01823 333818.

Members from the Bridgwater Social Group

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We are very lucky to have been awarded some funding from BBC Children in Need to go towards our children’s activities. We are planning activities across the year during school holidays and weekends including theatre trips, aquarium visits and other fun days out.

Children’s Activities

Parent Testimonial

I would like to thank you very much for a great morning at the Halloween party on 25th October. The effort you went to was much appreciated. My daughter was not engaged at the outset but she soon relaxed, enjoyed all of the activities and announced she didn’t want to leave! This is no doubt due to the welcoming atmosphere and great staff. I would recommend your events to other children and their parents. For me it was a fun session with my daughter with people who understand, don’t judge and make an effort to include each child. I also enjoyed chatting to other parents which is very important to me being a relatively new Mum.

We have attended two events now and on both occasions all members of the team at all levels have taken the time to talk to and get to know us both. This means a lot and at the last activity it felt like spending a morning with friends.

We will definitely attend future events and I am happy to do anything I can to help promote them.

Craft at our Halloween activity

Pass the parcel at our Christmas Party

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Fred and His Love of Trains

Freds mum writes “Fred LOVES trains, especially London Underground Trains!

In 2016 Fred spent about a week drawing a detailed map of the London Underground and asked us to post it to them. We had a wonderful letter in response from the CEO of London Transport including tickets to London Transport Museum, and the offer of a ride in the cab of a train with the driver.

We met at Edgware Road station, and driver Jamie took us all the way around the Circle line. Fred was able to ask as many questions as his heart desired, see how everything worked and even operate the whistle.

We learnt so much and it was such a once in a life time opportunity, Fred will remember it for the rest of his life!”

A Harvest of Reading – £205 Raised For Somerset Sight

Hayesdown First School in Frome focused their Harvest Celebration this year on the joy of books and reading as well as the gift of sight that enables us to enjoy the wealth of books we have access to. During the Harvest Service each year group made a short presentation, giving thanks for the gift of books and reading.

After the Service they all took part in a Harvest book swap where they brought in books they had enjoyed but no longer needed and made a donation in exchange for a new book or two to take home.

Through the book swap they raised a fantastic £205, which was collected in a wheelbarrow, they very kindly chose to give it to Somerset Sight, to continue to support people in Somerset who are visually impaired.

Fred with his train gift

Children with their books

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competitors but achieving a higher score than the other visually impaired senior riders. Recently the chairperson of RDA rode across the country to raise money, Lily was lucky enough to go to Gatcombe Park to ride with her and Princess Anne presented the riders with a rosette.

Lily has been very lucky in finding something that she really enjoys and does well. Her mum Sam says “I would like to encourage other parents and carers of visually impaired children to support them to find an activity that they can do and enjoy, it can be so rewarding.”

Lily and Sprite

Lily, aged 10, is partially sighted and has been riding with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) since she was six. She has competed in many competitions both locally and

nationally. In May she qualified at the regionals in both dressage and countryside challenge in which riders negotiate a series of obstacles like a duck pond and have to complete tasks on horseback like picking an apple off a tree and posting a letter. Lily came first in both her classes. At the National Championships in July, Lily came second in dressage and first in the countryside challenge, not only beating the other junior

Children’s Activities 2018

Lily riding Sprite

Lily and Sprite on countryside Challenge July 17

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Mobile Advisory Service

PULL OUT AND KEEP!

Mobile Advisory Service. January 2018 – April 2018

Mendip

Area Date Location Time

Glastonbury Thurs 18th Jan

Weds 21st feb

Thurs 22nd Mar

Weds 18th April

Morrisons

Morrisons

Morrisons

Morrisons

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Frome Mon 29th Jan

Thurs 22nd feb

Mon 26th Mar

Tues 24th April

asda

asda

asda

asda

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am - 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Shepton Mallet Thurs 4th Jan

Thurs 29th Mar

Tesco

Tesco

10.30am – 3.30pm

10:30am-3:30pm

Wells Mon 19th Mar Tesco 10.30am – 3.30pm

Sedgemoor


Cheddar Mon 26th feb

Mon 9th April

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Bridgwater Thurs 25th Jan

Thurs 8th feb

Mon 12th Mar

Mon 16th April

Morrisons

asda

Morrisons

Morrisons

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Mobile Advisory Service. January 2018 – April 2018

Mendip


Glastonbury Thurs 18th Jan

Weds 21st feb

Thurs 22nd Mar

Weds 18th April

Morrisons

Morrisons

Morrisons

Morrisons

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Frome Mon 29th Jan

Thurs 22nd feb

Mon 26th Mar

Tues 24th April

asda

asda

asda

asda

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am - 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Shepton Mallet Thurs 4th Jan

Thurs 29th Mar

Tesco

Tesco

10.30am – 3.30pm

10:30am-3:30pm

Wells Mon 19th Mar Tesco 10.30am – 3.30pm

Sedgemoor


Cheddar Mon 26th feb

Mon 9th April

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Bridgwater Thurs 25th Jan

Thurs 8th feb

Mon 12th Mar

Mon 16th April

Morrisons

asda

Morrisons

Morrisons

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

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Burnham-on-

Sea

Thurs 11th Jan

Thurs 11th Jan

Thurs 15th feb

Weds 28th Mar

Mon 23rd April

Kathleen Chambers

B & M

B & M

B & M

B & M

10.30am -12pm

1.30pm - 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am - 3.30pm

10.30am - 3.30pm

Cannington Mon 19th feb

Thurs 19th April

By the brook

By the brook

10.30am –12.30pm

10.30am -12.30pm

Highbridge Weds 24th Jan

Thurs 15th Mar

asda

asda

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Nether

Stowey

Mon 19th feb

Thurs 19th April

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church

1.30pm - 3.30pm

1.30pm – 3.30pm

N. Petherton Weds 28th feb

Thurs 26th April

Car Park

Car Park

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Wedmore Tues 27th Feb Car Park 10.30am – 3.30pm

South Somerset


Bruton Tues 6th Mar Bugden’s 10.30am-12:30pm

Castle Cary Tues 6th Mar Mill Brooke Car 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Chard Tues 6th feb

Weds 14th Mar

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Crewkerne Tues 9th Jan

Tues 13th Mar

Henhayes Centre

Henhayes Centre

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

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Ilminster Weds 17th Jan

Weds 11th April

Tesco

Tesco

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Langport Tues 23rd Jan

Weds 21st Mar

Tesco

Tesco

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Somerton Thurs 1st feb

Weds 25th April

Cox’s Yard

Cox’s Yard

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

S. Petherton Mon 15th Jan

Thurs 1st Mar

Hospital

Hospital

10.30am-12.30pm

10.30am-12.30pm

Stoke sub

Hamden

Mon 15th Jan

Thurs 1st Mar

Car Park

Car Park

1.30am – 3.30pm

1.30am – 3.30pm

Wincanton Mon 22nd Jan

Thurs 12th April

Morrisons

Morrisons

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Yeovil Weds 3rd Jan

Tues 16th Jan

Weds 7th feb

Tues 20th feb

Weds 7th Mar

Tues 20th Mar

Weds 4th April

Tues 17th April

Hospital

Hospital

Hospital

Hospital

Hospital

Hospital

Hospital

Hospital

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Taunton Deane


Wellington Tues 30th Jan

Thurs 5th April

asda

asda

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Wiveliscombe Thurs 8th Mar Top Car Park 1.30pm -3.30pm

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Dates may be subject to change, if you are making a special journey, please call our office prior to

your visit on 01823 333818.

West Somerset


Minehead Mon 8th Jan

Mon 5th feb

Mon 5th Mar

Mon 5th Mar

Tues 10th April

Morrisons

Morrisons

Beach Cafe

Morrisons

Morrisons

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am - 3.30pm

10.30am – 1pm

1.30pm – 3.30pm

1.30pm – 3.30pm

Dulverton Thurs 8th Mar Hanover Court 10.30am –12.30pm

Porlock Tues 27th Mar Car Park (nr the

One Stop Shop)

10.30am –12.30pm

Williton Tues 27th Mar Car Park 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Watchet Weds 31st Jan

Tues 3rd April

Coach Park

Coach Park

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Dates may be subject to change if you are making a

special journey, please call our office prior to your

visit on 01823 333818.

West Somerset


Minehead Mon 8th Jan

Mon 5th feb

Mon 5th Mar

Mon 5th Mar

Tues 10th April

Morrisons

Morrisons

Beach Cafe

Morrisons

Morrisons

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am - 3.30pm

10.30am – 1pm

1.30pm – 3.30pm

1.30pm – 3.30pm

Dulverton Thurs 8th Mar Hanover Court 10.30am –12.30pm

Porlock Tues 27th Mar Car Park (nr the

One Stop Shop)

10.30am –12.30pm

Williton Tues 27th Mar Car Park 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Watchet Weds 31st Jan

Tues 3rd April

Coach Park

Coach Park

10.30am – 3.30pm

10.30am – 3.30pm

Dates may be subject to change if you are making a

special journey, please call our office prior to your

visit on 01823 333818.

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Want to get fit or improve your fitness?

Visually impaired personal trainer Martin Hallett will help you reach your potential no

matter what your ability.

Weekly classes every Monday, starting on: 5th February 11am - 12 Noon

Somerset Sight, Northfield House, Staplegrove road, TA1 1DG

No experience necessary

£7 per session - Carers go free To book your place call 01823 333818

Personal training and aerobics class

Health and Fitness

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Blueberry MuffinsBlueberries are filled with eye friendly nutrients so why not make a batch of these classic blueberry muffins to have as a fruity afternoon treat.

Makes 12 Prep 10 mins, Cook 20 mins

Ingredients 180g self-raising flour 190g wholemeal self-raising flour 90g caster sugar 185ml skimmed milk 125g low fat natural yoghurt 3tbsp low fat spread, melted 2tbsp lemon juice 1 egg, beaten 125g blueberries icing sugar, to dust muffin cases

Method

1 – Preheat the oven to 190c/ fan 170c/ gas mark 5. Line a 12 hole muffin pan with paper cases. 2 – In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours and sugar, and then make a well in the middle of the mixture. 3 – In a separate mixing bowl or jug whisk together the milk, yoghurt, melted spread, lemon juice and egg.

4 – Pour the wet mixture into the well, add the blueberries and gently stir until combined. 5 – Spoon the mixture into the cases and bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer pushed into the middle of the muffins comes out clean. 6 – Transfer to a wire rack to cool and dust with a little icing sugar.

Recipes

Muffins ready to serve

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Recipes

Stuffed MushroomsThese delicious mushrooms stuffed with kale, ricotta and seeds are filled with eye-friendly nutrients.

Serves 4 Prep 15 mins, Cook 30 mins

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small red onion, chopped 250g sweet potaotes, peeled and grated 1 garlic clove, crushed Zest ½ lemon Pinch chilli flakes 100g Kale, chopped 2tbsp mixed seeds 200g ricotta 1 egg 8 large flat mushrooms, stalks removed 350g broccoli florets

Method

1 – Preheat the oven to 180c/ fan 160c/ gas mark 4. Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. 2 – Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the onion for three minutes until softened. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, lemon zest and chilli and cook, stirring for one minute or until fragrant. Stir in the kale to wilt and then set aside to cool.

3 – Combine the cooled kale mixture with the seeds, ricotta and egg in a large bowl, then season with black pepper. Put the mushrooms cut side up in the prepared tray and fill then with the ricotta mixture. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and roast for 10 minutes or until the mushrooms are golden. 4 – Meanwhile, steam the broccoli for a few minutes until tender and serve.

Delicious Mushrooms

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A Talk from Dr Campbell Murdoch – Somerset GP

Plus: Information to take with you. Healthy tasty nibbles to try.

Free raffle – First Prize – a slow cooker! Meet local health-related groups and charities for further info and support.

Where: Council Chambers, Shape Shepton, Cannards Grave, BA4 5BT When: Thursday 25th January: 6.45 for 7pm start – 8.30pm. Booking Essential!! Email [email protected] or text 07904804524 to book your place.

Join the Creating Health Roadshow at their next stop in Shepton Mallet for a fun, free evening of

information & inspiration.

What should we be eating for general health & wellbeing?

Enjoy Exmoor National Park

In partnership with Moor to Enjoy we are offering a heavily subsided outing to Wimbleball lake in the week commencing 16th April 2018. Actual day to be confirmed. We are intending to accommodate both active and more sedate members by offering two different schedules and then all meeting up for lunch. By popular demand Kayaking will be an option and there will be other “extreme” options available. A sensory tour will be on offer

together with gentle exercise to experience the wild outdoors on our doorstep.

Please call Heidi to show initial interest. More details to follow.

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• Use solid foods, such as mashed potatoes, as a “buffer” or barrier to help push food onto your fork. You can also use a knife or a piece of bread as a buffer.

• When returning a cup to a saucer, locate the saucer with one hand and place the cup with your other hand.

• Use the clock reference system. Think of your plate as a clock face with 12:00 at the top and 6:00 at the bottom.

• When serving yourself, run your fingertips around the top rim of the bowl to locate the serving spoon.

• When placing your order at a restaurant, ask to have your meat cut before it is brought to the table.

Hints and tips for easier eating

You are invited to a talk and tasting session from Wiltshire Farm Foods

Friday 2nd February 2018

11am

Somerset Sight, Northfield House, Taunton

You are invited to a talk and tasting session from Wiltshire Farm Foods

Friday 2nd February 2018

11am

Somerset Sight, Northfield House, Taunton

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In 2018 we are celebrating 20 years of our wonderful Volunteer Visiting Service which is at the heart of Somerset Sight.Our volunteers provide one to one support for people with sight loss in their own homes or residential homes throughout the county.

Volunteer Visitors visit a person on a regular basis, usually weekly or fortnightly and provide an invaluable lifeline to 180 sight impaired people who would otherwise be isolated and lonely.

Our volunteers help with a range of tasks and aspects of life including

• Company and friendship

• Reading and correspondence

• Making and accessing appointments

• Going out for a drive and a cup of tea

• Assisting with shopping

Claire, Sandra and Avril match Volunteers and Service Users with similar personalities and interests.

We recently received some lovely feedback from a member describing her volunteer as ‘the weekly ray of sunshine in my life’.

To celebrate its 20th year and to promote the magnificent job that our volunteers do we would love you to help us raise much needed funds and awareness of the benefits this service brings.

Somerset Sight will be having a Volunteer Visiting Service week from Monday 30th April – Friday 4th May and will be travelling around the county raising funds and awareness.

Please contact Holly on 01823 366147 or email [email protected] if you think you can help.

Guide Dogs visit the Volunteers

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Hello from Claire

It is wonderful to be celebrating that Somerset Sight’s Volunteer Visiting Service began in 1997 and 20 years later is still actively supporting people across the

County. The VVS was piloted originally in West Somerset as a way of supporting people to continue to live independently despite their sight loss, this is still the aim 20 years later. Janet Coram is one of those original volunteers who is still visiting a lady as well as organising fundraising collections and running the Minehead Social group. We are hugely grateful to all our volunteer visitors as well as all the other people who have supported the service over the years.

The Volunteer Visiting Service became an important part of people’s lives in West Somerset resulting in the service being rolled out across the rest of the county in the millennium year. There have been many changes including active campaigns and petitions which have enabled the service to grow. From an original pool of 10 people being supported we now have around 180 people receiving support.

One exciting change was in March when Jackie arranged that people wanting volunteer support could access it without being assessed first by a Social Worker. This has shortened waiting lists and made it much easier for people to obtain the regular support of a local volunteer.

If you would like a local volunteer to visit you on a regular basis for company please contact us. These visits are enjoyed by all.

Volunteer meeting

Team of lovely volunteers

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100th Birthday Celebration

Bill receives regular visits for company from local Volunteer Visitor Nikki Mitchell who was delighted to visit him on Wednesday September 13th to celebrate his 100th birthday!

Bill has led a very interesting and active life having been in the RAF for many years, in later times he loved gardening and his allotment. He said on his birthday to Nikki “I’m a very lucky man to have you and so many people coming to see me today, I think I’ll have another 100th birthday!”

Nikki who has been a volunteer visitor with Somerset Sight for nearly 2 years said: “I recommend volunteer visiting to anyone, I certainly get great pleasure and satisfaction from visiting, it is a very fulfilling and worthwhile thing to do. I love it when Bill sings to me, he sings Vera Lynn and Elvis Presley songs he really is incredible for 100 years old, he still has an amazing sense of humour and always makes me laugh!”

Having been so active and independent all his life Bill now finds his substantial sight loss very restricting and very much enjoys Nikki’s visits and company.

Nikki and Bill

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A Spitfire Dream Come TrueI volunteered with Somerset Sight after retiring and moving to Somerset. As a Volunteer Visitor I was introduced to Den, a 93 yr old ex-RAF pilot who has a lifelong passion for aeroplanes. I also love planes and we got along well straight away. Den asked me to write his life story. He grew up in Yeovil, belonged to the fledgling Air Training Corps and then joined the RAF. We found we both had a particular love of the Spitfire and Den told me he had never been in one. He showed me a photo of him in 1967 standing next to a twin cockpit Spitfire and he wondered what had happened to it. I was aware that you can now fly in a twin cockpit Spitfire at Biggin Hill and when I suggested that we both go to fly he jumped at the chance.

I found that the Spitfire Den had stood by in 1967 was now based at Biggin Hill, having been to the USA and back and now completely restored.

Unfortunately for Den his GP said he had high blood pressure and wouldn’t let him fly, but we both still travelled up to Biggin Hill. I got to fly in a Spitfire, even take control for a few minutes, and we did a “Victory Roll” Den got to sit in the back of the Spitfire and was reunited with that same Spitfire from 1967.

Den is confident his blood pressure will come down and we have booked him in for a flight in April, the day before his 94th birthday. It has been a pleasure getting to know Den and volunteering with Somerset Sight has been most rewarding.

Jeff TurnerOld photo of Den

Posing with the spitfire

Den and Jeff

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On Friday 20th October, Holly went to visit Ann Osborne in her lovely house in Chard. Ann celebrated her 80th Birthday recently and asked her friends to make a donation to Somerset Sight instead of presents. She raised a fantastic £325 which will go to helping visually impaired people across the county. Ann said she has thought to herself she didn’t need anything else, she has everything she needs so decided donations are more useful.

Ann has age related macular degeneration and has known of Somerset Sight for around 4 years, having brought various gadgets, clocks and lights.

On Ann’s lap sits her 9 year old dog Benjie who she adopted from Ferne Animal Sanctuary. He is very loyal to Ann and doesn’t leave her side

much during my visit, apart from when I tempted him with a treat or to bark at the birds outside!

Ann was an avid gardener for much of her life, taking great care of all of her plants and flowers. She finds it difficult now being unable to do the things she loved.

Ann was born in Topsham and describes herself as a Devonshire dumpling. She was 2 when war broke out and she remembers her house being full of evacuees. They used to go to bed in their siren suit so if it went off during the night they could run to their shelter quickly.

Ann moved to Chard in 1967 and started her busy working life. She was a florist for a considerable amount of time, arranging flowers for Weddings, Funerals and other events. Then moved onto Spillers of Chard, an AGA showroom for 20 years before starting her own cookery shop with a friend. She retired when her mum became ill and needed full time care.

She tells Holly how lucky she is to have lots of friends and people visiting her. She has a hairdresser who comes once a week to do her hair, her neighbour does her food shopping, a lady comes once a week to hoover and dust and every Monday her friends come round for dinner. She has a very full and happy life. It was great to meet Ann and we are very grateful for her kind donations.

Ann’s 80th Birthday

Ann with Benjie

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Day Type Where Time

First Wednesday of each month

Dancing Moose Hall, Taunton TA1 4AR

11.00am – 3.00pm

First Thursday of each month Chard Social Chard Methodist Hall,

TA20 1LT 2.30 -

Second Monday of each month

Minehead Social

Friends Meeting House, Minehead TA24 5DJ

2.00 – 4.00pm

Second Tuesday of each month

Crewkerne Social

Henhayes Centre Crewkerne TA18 8DA 2.30 – 4.30pm


Ten Pin Bowling

Hollywood Bowl, Taunton TA1 2LR

10.00am-12.00pm

Second Wednesday of each month

Bridgwater Social

St Francis Hall, Bridgwater 2.30 – 4.30pm

Second Thursday of each month

Mells Social Mells Barn, BA11 3PJ 2.15 – 4.15pm


Glastonbury Social/ Activity Group

Brewers Fayre, Glastonbury BA6 9FW 3.00 – 4.30pm

Third Tuesday of each month

Wellington Social

W.H.E.R.E. Centre Wellington, TA21 8LY 2.00 – 4.00pm

Third Thursday of each month

Yeovil Social/Activity Group

The Court Yard, 27 Market Street, Yeovil, BA20 1HZ

10.30 – 12.30pm

Fortnightly, Thursdays

‘Drop in’ Afternoon Social

Northfield House, Taunton TA1 1DG 2.30 – 4.30pm

Fourth Thursday of each month

Music Appreciation

Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne TA18 8DA 2.30 – 4.30pm

Fourth Friday of each month

Music Appreciation

Snowdon House, Chard TA20 1QS 2.30 – 4.30pm

Monthly / Fortnightly Activities

35

Day Type Where Time

First Wednesday of each month

Dancing Moose Hall, Taunton TA1 4AR

11.00am – 3.00pm

First Thursday of each month Chard Social Chard Methodist Hall,

TA20 1LT 2.30 -

Second Monday of each month

Minehead Social

Friends Meeting House, Minehead TA24 5DJ

2.00 – 4.00pm


Crewkerne Social

Henhayes Centre Crewkerne TA18 8DA 2.30 – 4.30pm


Ten Pin Bowling

Hollywood Bowl, Taunton TA1 2LR

10.00am-12.00pm

Second Wednesday of each month

Bridgwater Social

St Francis Hall, Bridgwater 2.30 – 4.30pm


Mells Social Mells Barn, BA11 3PJ 2.15 – 4.15pm


Glastonbury Social/ Activity Group

Brewers Fayre, Glastonbury BA6 9FW 3.00 – 4.30pm

Third Tuesday of each month

Wellington Social

W.H.E.R.E. Centre Wellington, TA21 8LY 2.00 – 4.00pm

Third Thursday of each month

Yeovil Social/Activity Group

The Court Yard, 27 Market Street, Yeovil, BA20 1HZ

10.30 – 12.30pm

Fortnightly, Thursdays

‘Drop in’ Afternoon Social

Northfield House, Taunton TA1 1DG 2.30 – 4.30pm

Fourth Thursday of each month

Music Appreciation

Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne TA18 8DA 2.30 – 4.30pm

Fourth Friday of each month

Music Appreciation

Snowdon House, Chard TA20 1QS 2.30 – 4.30pm

Weekly Activities Day Type Event Where Time

Mondays Weekly ongoing Craft Northfield House TA1 1DG

2.00 – 4.00pm

Tuesdays Weekly ongoing Bowls Yeovil Bowls Club BA21 4AS

10.30am – 1.00pm

Wednesdays Weekly ongoing Bowls Bridgwater Bowls Club TA6 7HR

12am – 2.00pm

Wednesdays Weekly ongoing Bowls Blackbrook Bowling Club, Taunton TA1 2RW

11.00am – 1.00pm

Fridays Weekly ongoing Craft Northfield House TA1 1DG

2.00 – 4.00pm

Fridays Weekly ongoing Bowls Clarrie Dunbar, Standerwick Frome BA11 2PU

2.00 – 4.30pm

For further information on any of the above activities please contact us on 01823 333818 or [email protected].

Weekly ActivitiesWeekly Activities

Day Type Event Where Time

Mondays Weekly ongoing Craft Northfield House TA1 1DG

2.00 – 4.00pm

Tuesdays Weekly ongoing Bowls Yeovil Bowls Club BA21 4AS

10.30am – 1.00pm

Wednesdays Weekly ongoing Bowls Bridgwater Bowls Club TA6 7HR

12am – 2.00pm

Wednesdays Weekly ongoing Bowls Blackbrook Bowling Club, Taunton TA1 2RW

11.00am – 1.00pm

Fridays Weekly ongoing Craft Northfield House TA1 1DG

2.00 – 4.00pm

Fridays Weekly ongoing Bowls Clarrie Dunbar, Standerwick Frome BA11 2PU

2.00 – 4.30pm

For further information on any of the above activities please contact us on 01823 333818 or [email protected].

If you have any ideas for regular or one off activities you would like Somerset Sight to organise please get in touch with Heidi on

01823 366141 or email [email protected]

Please also join our Facebook group ‘Somerset Sight Activities’

to keep up to date.

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