SPRING 2010

OUR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Friends We have all been going through a difficult time for the last year and there is no certainty that the 'green shoots' of spring will be reflected in the world market in the near future. This is particularly hard for charities such as ours that are affected by the general economy. For this reason we have to work particularly hard and our Trustees, staff, and volunteers have been doing just that. This winter we saw the departure of our Chief Executive, Angela Ross and we wish her well for the future. However we are pleased to welcome Gail Nugent who has taken on the role of General Manager and is working hard to mitigate the effects of the economic downturn. Speaking of this — why not have a go at Lucy’s Lotto (see page 2) and have some fun while contributing to the WBA?

Fiona LansdowneFiona LansdowneFiona LansdowneFiona Lansdowne

St Lucy’s, 1 Commercial Road, Devizes, SN10 1EH www.wiltshireblind.org email: enquiries@wiltshireblind.org

CONTENTS: ASSOCIATION NEWS Reorganisation 2 Lucy’s Lotto 2 NEWS A Day in the Life 3 CLUBS Festive Tea Party 4 Club dates 5 Draw 6 Ten Pin Team 6 ADVICE AND SERVICES Tips for healthy eyes 7

Saffron Tests 8 Odds & Ends 9 Smile Time 10 Recipe 11 Speaking microwave 11 EVENTS Dates for your diary 12 PROFILE 13 VOLUNTEERS 14 AND FINALLY On line newsletter 15 Holidays for 2010 15 DONATIONS 16

Tel: 01380 723682

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

This will enable us to raise much needed funds but will allow you to have some fun and at the same time a chance of a monthly cash prize. It is very simple to take part, all you have to do is to complete the enclosed application form and send it back to us with your cheque, or complete the standing order mandate which is on the reverse of the application form. Lucy’s Lotto costs £24 a year; just £2 per month. The monthly prize will be based on 25% of the income. There is no limit on the amount of numbers you can have and we will draw the number here on the last Friday of every month. The first draw will take place at the end of May, subject to receiving at least 100 entrants. The lucky winner will be notified and the numbers will be published on our website and in our newsletters. So Good Luck!

The WBA is starting its very own lottery— LUCY’S LOTTO!

Hello and welcome to our ‘new style’ Newsletter. If you have any comments, useful information or suggestions please let me know so that we can include it in future editions. This year has been challenging not least because of the dreadful weather; I am looking forward to Spring which is just around the corner. Likewise the WBA is undergoing a period of change but if we want to ensure our future for many years to come we also have to be more focused to make sure we can still offer the services which you value so much. We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer and support us, there are many ways you can help from fundraising to collecting. Just give me a ring for further information. Lianne is starting a WBA Social Club in Highworth in April and I know she would welcome both volunteers and members. Very best wishes Gail

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF CASEWORKER VERA NEWSHAM

After six years as a caseworker I can honestly say that no two days are the same. What may start off as an average day turns into a challenging and productive day because of the people I meet. For instance, I visit Mrs P who has age related macular degeneration. Using a tried and tested assessment checklist covering medication, cooking, shopping, social activities, travel to hospital, family support, fire safety, social activities and finances, I tell her about WBA services including seaside holidays, social clubs and our resource room and available vision aids. I am also able to advise on financial problems by arranging an Attendance Allowance. The Hearing and Vision team advise her on helpful cookery techniques. I then visit a long-term member Mrs W, whose sight loss has got worse and who can no longer go out alone. I contact community transport and arrange for them to bring her into town to join our ten-pin bowling social club where she can chat and join in bowling if she wants to. I tell her about a friendly volunteer who’s a widow and enjoys home visiting and arrange to bring her along to meet Mrs W over a coffee with a view to making regular visits. My next call is to Mrs C who is having problems with her telephone. I contact BT and ask for a line check. The fault will be repaired ASAP. This lady is struggling to read phone numbers and I fill in a BT 195 free directory service form. BT send her a large print number that she quotes when she needs help to find a number or wants to be put through, completely free. Other client visits involve help with info about computers for Mr G; Mrs L has trodden on the handle of her magnifier and needs to order another one; Miss B is a frail lady has had recent falls. I tell her about the advantages of having a lifeline pendant. I learn Miss B served in the armed forces during the war and with her permission contact the Royal British Legion who discuss how they might help. Then home to read my messages and emails from WBA, make my phone calls and look forward to another interesting day.

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CLUB NEWS

From left: John Legge, Margaret Hemmings, Julie Webb, Cllr Clive Blackmore and Sarah Willan.

A festive Christmas tea party was held at the Halve Social Centre in Trowbridge recently. Attendees were Sarah Willan, a Wiltshire Blind Trustee, Cllr Clive Blackmore (Deputy Mayor), Margaret Hemmings, the organiser of the event, Julie Webb and John Legge who is a St James’ Church Handbell ringer, as well as many members of the Visually Impaired Group. As well as the festive tea, carols were sung, led by Elizabeth Legge and accompanied by the St James’ Church Handbell Ringers. Cllr Blackmore paid tribute to Margaret Hemmings for her ‘infectious enthusiasm’ and varied and active weekly meetings. This group is part of the Wiltshire Blind Association and holds its

meetings on Tuesdays at 2pm to 4pm at the Halve Social Centre in

Trowbridge. Anyone wishing to join should contact the Association

on 01380 723682.

FESTIVE TEA PARTY IN TROWBRIDGE

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CLUBS AS AT MARCH 2010

For more information, please call 01380 723682 or look on the website

DAY CLUB VENUE TIME

MONDAYS Devizes Social Club

Nursteed Centre

11am to 3pm

MONDAYS Warminster Social Craft

St John’s Church Hall

2pm to 4pm

EVERY 2nd TUESDAY Amesbury Social Club

Antrobus House

10.30am to 12.30pm

TUESDAYS Swindon Craft Craven House

10am to 2pm

TUESDAYS Trowbridge Social Club

The Halve 1.45 to 3.45pm

WEDNESDAYS Salisbury Social/Craft

The Friary 1.30pm to 4pm

WEDNESDAYS Swindon /Social Craven House

2pm to 4pm

1ST WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH

Corsham Holton House, Post office Lane

10am to 12pm

2ND THURSDAY EACH MONTH

Chippenham Social

Munroe's Coffee Shop

10.30am to 11.30am

1ST FRIDAY EACH MONTH

Active Blind Social Club

Baptist Church Hall

10am to 12pm

FRIDAYS Devizes Handicraft

Nursteed Centre

10.30am to 2.30pm

EVERY SECOND MONDAY

Swindon BATS Sports & Social

Club

Craven House

2pm to 4pm

3rd TUESDAY EACH MONTH

Cricklade Coffee Club

United Reform Church

10.30 am to 12pm

2nd TUESDAY EACH MONTH

B/Avon Coffee Morning

Cedar Court 10am to 12pm

2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY EACH

MONTH

Highworth Social Club

Highworth Methodist Church

10.15am to 12.15.pm

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CLUB NEWS

The combined ages of WBA “ Happy go Lucky” Ten-pin Bowling Team is a whopping 334 years! That’s just the 5 competitive team members who are working hard to achieve high scores and earn a place in the British Blind Sports Winter finals in Sheffield in June. Our Ten-pin club meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at Strikers in Tollgate Road Salisbury and all are welcome. This year we aim to expand the group for more social activities, so watch this space. The group is as much about socialising as bowling and many VIPs come along for the company and some bowl just because they can. We welcome VIPs and friends to come along to meet new people and have fun and also welcome agile, enthusiastic, people who would like to occasionally do something different, have fun and lend a hand. Anyone who is interested can contact organiser:

Vera Newsham through WBA on 01380 723682

SALISBURY’S 334-YEAR OLD TENPIN TEAM!

NEW YEAR’S DRAW 2010

Many thank s to everyone who supported the New Years Draw , raising a magnificent sum of £2581 gross, netting £2200. The winning tickets were drawn by Alan Hollick our long serving volunteer who has organised the talking book service at St Lucy’s and Devizes Talking Newspaper for 14 years and his able assistant Pete Gough. The winning ticket numbers were as follows: (In numerical order not winning order) 049, 279, 662, 894, 1360, 1790, 1898, 2400, 2780, 3029 , 3501, 3116, 3315, 4238, 4621, 4844, 4922 , 5501, 5288, 5289, 5967, 7585, 7654,7768, 8543, 9696,9990, 9993. All money raised will go to support blind and visually impaired members throughout Wiltshire and Swindon. A complete list of winners is held at the office in Devizes. Andy Derry—Draw organiser

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ADVICE AND SERVICES

FIVE TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES

An eye test is vital to all of us. Early treatment can often prevent your sight from getting worse and could save your sight. The RNIB recommends eye tests at least every two years. Here is some simple advice that could possibly help you to preserve this valuable sense! • Stop smoking. You

are twice as likely as non-smokers to lose your sight in later life from AMD (age related macular degeneration), the UK’s leading cause of sight loss.

• Eat healthily. Eating a diet low in fat but rich in vegetables

(especially green leafy vegetables), fruit, nuts and fish can help prevent AMD and cataracts.

• Protection from the sun. Eyes can be damaged by prolonged

exposure to intense sunlight. Use good quality sunglasses and wear a brimmed hat. We all know the effect of too much sun on our skin too.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Research has shown there is a

direct link between obesity and the common eye conditions that cause blindness – glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy.

Remember our bodies are like machines, we need to keep them serviced so that they run like a Rolls Royce and not like a rusty old banger.

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ADVICE AND SERVICES

Following on from our article on Diet and Eye Health in the Winter issue, research from the Sydney University and the University of L’Aguila in Italy has shown that when eaten, saffron may protect eyes from UV damage and slow the progress of diseases such as macular degeneration. When patients suffering from this condition took part in a study for which they ate a diet containing saffron, these cells began to recover. Saffron is one of the world's most valuable spices, collected stamen by stamen from the crocus flowers one gram of saffron threads can cost around £6. Professor Silvia Bisti who led the research said ‘Saffron seems to affect genes that regulate the fatty acid content of cell membrane and this makes the vision cells tougher and more resilient.” the saffron crocus 25 people participated in the study, taking either a saffron pill or a placebo every day for three months. All those who took the saffron experienced improved vision, but the improvement disappeared when they stopped taking it. The National Institute of Paediatrics in New Mexico has also made a study of the anti-cancer properties and found the crocin and safranal actively prevented cancer cells from dividing. They belong to the family called carotenoids which includes beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A, which gives carrots and red peppers their colour. Saffron can be added to pilau rice, risotto and dishes such as paella. To replicate the Italian study, 20 mg of saffron—about 16 threads—would need to be eaten daily, but hopefully a more modestly priced supplement will soon be developed.

HOW SAFFRON CAN SAVE YOUR SIGHT

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ADVICE AND SERVICES

Odds and Ends

THE DEAFBLIND DIRECTORY This database lists services for deaf blind children and adults and is freely accessible to anyone looking for providers of services for deaf blind people. Web: www.sense.org.uk/deafblind directory mail: deafblind.directory@sense.org.uk Voice and Text: 020 7014 9386

SWINDON COMMUNITY RADIO

Swindon’s Community radio station has launched a new weekly programme hosted entirely by visually-impaired presenters. It is called ‘A Sideways Look’ and is broadcast immediately following the Swindon and District Talking Newspaper programme. The programme covers a wide range of subjects relevant to the local community and can be found on wavelength 105.5

FIRE HAZARD

Never leave a glass or any kind of white paper in direct light for a long period of time as it can ignite. A Corsham family's home almost went up in flames at the beginning of the year after light reflecting from a magnifying glass started to burn curtains while

they were away on holiday. It was thanks to their next door neighbour who heard the smoke detector going off and called the Fire Brigade, which prevented serious damage to the house. Another reason for making sure all smoke detectors are in working order.

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SMILE TIME

They walked down the lane together

the night was full of stars, he undid the gate before her

and lifted up the bars.

She did not smile or thank him for she knew not how,

because he was only a farmer’s boy and she was a Jersey cow. _________________

At a school sports day, Ben aged 6, and not at all sporty, was told by his teacher: ‘All you have to do Ben, is run as fast as you can until you reach the fence.’ Ben, rolling his brown eyes up towards his teacher, replied: ‘Why?’

MISSING LINK

Each missing answer is the end of the first word and the beginning of the second. For example pine (apple) pie. When you have found all the link words, take the initial letter of each and reading top to bottom they should spell out a Spring flower. Find the answer on page 11. 1 Emperor ( ) Suit 2 Round ( ) Redbreast 3 Dry ( ) Pack 4 Bench ( ) Time 5 Thatched ( ) Tile 6 Pickled ( ) Ring 7 Silk ( ) Tops 8 Golden ( ) Eye 9 Just a ( ) Place

Answers on page 15

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RECIPE

Potato Wedges with Tuna

3 large baking potatoes 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 leek – sliced 200g tuna in brine, drained 2 x 400g chopped tomatoes with chilli in tomato sauce Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas7/Fan 200C. Cut the potatoes into wedges and put in a roasting tin. Drizzle over 2 tablespoons of the oil, making sure all the potatoes are covered. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until crispy on the outside and soft inside. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a pan and fry the leek until softened. Tip in the tuna and the chilli tomatoes, breaking the tuna down until well combined with the tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until hot. Season to taste. Tip the potatoes into the tomato/tuna mixture and mix gently. Serve immediately. Takes 35 minutes. Serves 4 – but can easily be halved. Low in fat. 264 calories per serving. Have you a favourite recipe you would like to share? Send it to us at St Lucy’s!

Spoken requests include: to stir or turn food during cooking; to leave food to stand after cooking; to alert user when door is open or closed; confirmation of functions selected and time remaining. Instructions are available in large

print and tape. A talking microwave recipes audio tape is also available. www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

The Talking Microwave Oven

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EVENTS

Our events are supported by Great Western Wine of Bath, South West Merchant of the Year. Great

Western Wine provides a range of

outstanding, hand crafted wines from

boutique estates throughout the world,

whatever your budget.

If you would like to have wine delivered to your door go to (http://

www.greatwesternwine.co.uk/ and put in the code WBA2010 for any

wine, Champagne or spirit purchase. When used it will trigger a

10% discount for the wine buyer, and also a donation to the

WBA of 5% of the sale value .

DATE EVENT LOCATION

May 27th WBA Craft Exhibition

Devizes

June 25th Garden Party Little Somerford

June 13th Country Fair and Dog Show

Bowood

Summer date tba Water Walker Challenge

Coate Water Park Swindon

July 10th Dragon Boat Race Chippenham

July 21st AGM Dauntsey’s

Date to be advised Summer Party Salisbury

July or September Outdoor Challenge Scotland/Wales

Date to be advised Fashion Show Bowood

October/November Winetasting Salisbury Area

December Christmas Raffle St Lucy’s

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY—2010

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PROFILE — ALAN HOLLICK The first of our Profiles of Staff and Volunteers

I was born in Maidstone, a ‘Kentish Man’, but at aged eight we moved to Wimborne where I attended Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, founded by King Henry VII, making it one of the oldest grammar schools in the country. I spent several years with the RAF Police at Lyneham and for a time I was in charge of the RAF Police personnel there. At the time of my ‘demob’ it was customary for Wiltshire Constabulary to seek recruits from demob personnel who were in the RAF and Military Police, and I was one of them. I left the Police in the rank of Inspector and then served for a few years in Police HQ as an Administrative Officer until finally put out to grass in Devizes. A few months later an advert appeared in the Devizes Freebie Newspaper asking for help to run the Devizes Talking Newspaper. I rang the bell at St Lucy’s, was welcomed in, given a cup of coffee and before I knew it I was the organiser of the Devizes Talking Newspaper and monthly magazine! I happened to see a box of Talking Books on cassette and was told that the ‘Co-ords’ (now Caseworkers) occasionally lent them out to Members. I said “Let’s make a proper library for all Members and ask if they have any tapes to make it larger.” It was so successful that now the library has over 2000 talking books on a wide variety of topics. My Talking Newspaper predecessor talked me into becoming a presenter on what is now called Devizes Hospital and Community Radio, broadcasting to Residential Homes in Devizes. Temporarily off the air due to a studio move I hope soon to resume my three afternoon programmes a week. Initially the recording of the Talking Newspaper was undertaken in the studio of the Hospital Radio Personnel, now it is carried out in St Lucy’s where I have a reliable team of volunteers who ‘read’ for me. I also produce the monthly magazine. Last year at the AGM of the Wiltshire Blind Association I was honoured to receive the Long Service Award from the then Chief Executive, Angela Ross.

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VOLUNTEER NEWS

Our new volunteer co-ordinator is Martin Armitage

He is usually in St Lucy’s on a Wednesday and would love to hear from anybody with a few hours to spare. We have some specific volunteering opportunities at the moment: • Fundraising co-ordinator to work mainly at St Lucy’s, Devizes but involving some travel;

• Help with the Friday Craft Club in Devizes; • Support the 10 pin bowling club in Salisbury. Could you help

out on alternate Mondays? • Help with the new Highworth Club in Swindon The details of these opportunities can be found on our website, or if you prefer, please ring us or call in for more details. Please call St Lucy’s if you can help in any way. Finally, we are planning some fund raising store and street collections this year, from April through to October in various towns throughout the county. The more people we get to help with this, the better. Lets make it a successful year - we look forward to hearing from you! Please phone Martin on 01380 723682.

Janet Fletcher has now joined us as a Volunteer and is staffing the office on a Wednesday. She also helps to compile items for the Newsletter, including the quiz, poem and recipe. Do send some of your favourites in to us! Janet retired several years ago from the Civil Service but still has links with the Government as she works for SSAFA as a Volunteer Caseworker.

ST LUCY’S IS NOW OPEN ON WEDNESDAYS!

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AND FINALLY...

ANSWERS TO MISSING LINK (Page 10)

1 Penguin, 2 Robin, 3 Ice, 4 Marked, 5 Roof, 6 Onion, 7 Stocking, 8 Eagle, 9 Second. Flower Answer: Primroses

Would you like to receive this newsletter online?

Do you really need a hard copy of this Newsletter? If you are willing to accept this as an online letter or by email this will help us to conserve valuable resources. It may be that the magnifying facility available to you on a computer will be better suited to your needs. Please email us on enquiries@wiltshireblind.org or give us a ring with your name and address so that we can remove you from our mailing list. But if you wish to carry on receiving a ‘hard copy’ we will be happy to send it as usual. If you don’t want to receive it all please let us know and we can save a few trees!

Our first holiday is at Cliffden Hotel, Teinmouth, Devon from Wednesday 12th May to Wednesday 19th May—Cost £400 per person. If you would like to go on this holiday there are still a few places left. Please let us know by 19th April at the latest. You can contact the office on 01380 723682. We need your full payment for this late booking and please note that there is a £20 single supplement if single rooms are still available.

NEW HIGHWORTH CLUB

A new club will be opening at the Highworth Methodist Church. It will run from 10.15am to 12.15pm on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Do come along and have coffee and a chat !

WILTSHIRE BLIND ASSOCIATION HOLIDAYS 2010 !!

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AND FINALLY

DONATION AND GIFT AID: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

I have pleasure in giving a donation to the Wiltshire Blind Association of £………….. to provide services to registered blind and partially sighted people living in the Wiltshire and Swindon area. Name………………………………………… Address…………………………………………. ………………………………………………..Post Code………… I am a UK taxpayer and wish all my donations after 6th April 2000 to the Wiltshire Blind to be treated as Gift Aid on which tax may be reclaimed. I understand that I must pay an amount in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the relevant tax year equal to any tax reclaimed by the Association in that year. Signed………………………………………………………………

Printed by Kennet Print Ltd. Hopton Industrial Estate, Devizes, SN10 2EU. Tel: 01380 720049

The Wiltshire Blind Association often provides a lifeline for individuals coming to terms with losing their sight. However, we rely almost entirely on the generosity of the general public to fund these vital services. If you’ve ever wondered how you can help us to continue our work, please consider either adding Gift Aid to a donation, or whether you would like to remember us in your Will. GIFT AID If you are a UK taxpayer, we would receive an additional 28p for every £1 you donate if you complete and sign the form of declaration at the bottom of this page. Just return the form with your donation to The Wiltshire Blind Association, St Lucy’s, 1 Commercial Road, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1EH. FOR THE FUTURE Leaving us a gift in your Will, however large or small, will help provide a full range of support services to people living in Wiltshire and Swindon who are registered blind and partially sighted. By remembering us in your Will you can ensure that this essential help continues in the future. So once you’ve remembered the people you care about, please don’t forget the Wiltshire Blind Association.