Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number six. This is a fortnightly publication for you to share experiences, engage with our extensive range of activities and learn more about Eye Matter’s objectives for its members. If you would like to contribute an article to a future edition, please contact: fiona@eyematter.org.uk
This edition includes:
Eye Matter Spotlight.
The camera never lies.
Doing an Italian Job for Eye Matter.
Don’t strip PIP cash payments from sick and disabled people petition.
Future events
- Eye Matter Singers proudly present our spring concert in loving memory of Davinder Marway.
- A private audio described tour to the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens
- We still have tickets available for.
Future on-line events
External Activities
Eye Matter Spotlight.
The camera never lies.
By Fiona Musgrove.
Vicky Blencowe works part-time as an Assistive Technology Coordinator for Sutton Vision and is passionate about photography. On her 18th birthday Vicky was given her first 35mm SLR camera with 2 zoom lenses. In 1985, she attended a short photography course, where Vicky learnt to compose pictures and use chemicals to develop the images. As her sight began to fail (1999) it was fortunate that her hobby could continue with the introduction of the digital camera which contains a small back screen. More recently Vicky has been reviewing her many photographs taken both with a 35mm camera and digital camera. She revealed shyly that it appeared “I always seemed to have an eye for a good picture”.
In 2014, she was given her first iPhone, which began her interest in learning about its various applications and features around photography. During the Pandemic Vicky discovered an on-line photography course which re-ignited. her passion for photography. Vicky still has enough peripheral sight left to assess the composition of a landscape but uses the zoom function to validate the final image. Over the proceeding years she has needed larger screens and eventually, upgraded two years ago to a 13 Pro Max iPhone. Vicky’s top three subjects are flowers, landscapes including along the River Thames and architecture.
There are many apps which are accessible such as Snapseed, by Google and Immovie. Vicky created the NFB UKs 75th anniversary video from audio recordings, photos and videos using voice over in iMovie. Through a work collaboration with Visionary, Vicky was invited to create her own video presentation in March 2022 about her photography experiences called “My world of Visually impaired photography on iPhone”, demonstrating the functions with and without Voice Over.
Vicky admits it is difficult to choose a specific place where she would like to photograph. For her it is all about the shapes and colours she observes around her on a daily basis.
She emphasises the importance of providing clear audio description on images displayed in social media. RNIB have produced some useful information:
https://twitter.com/rnib/status/1776277116721532994?s=46&t=XGXOdrZ1s_OeuZH7-myn_A
Sutton Vision uses Vicky’s photography on their quarterly magazine, and she has twice won a photography competition, for an annual Stargardt’s Connected charity calendar in both 2023 and 2024, capturing nature in two different images.
Follow Vicky on Instagram.
@VI_VickyPhoto
https://www.instagram.com/vi_vickyphoto?igsh=MWVlMWk4azF1aGM0bA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Threads
@VI_VickyPhoto
https://www.threads.net/@vi_vickyphoto
Also on Twitter @VickyBlencowe for work and volunteering in the site loss sector.
Doing an Italian Job for Eye Matter.
Eye Matter would like to continue providing blind and partially sighted people a range of opportunities in the arts, culture and sport. In a quest to raise funds for Eye Matter, Fiona and Richard, are trekking 500 miles across Italy towards Rome. Averaging 30,000 steps per day, they have trudged through fields of sweetcorn (higher than themselves), walked alongside busy traffic and clambered over countless fences. Their arrival into these quaint colourful villages continues to attract interest. In one village they were bought coffees whilst other helpful Italians wave their arms in excitement as they struggle to communicate problems locating various accommodation facilities or the nearest cafe.
Walking provides an opportunity to experience Italy through many senses. The aroma of lavender, rosemary and freshly cut grass accompanied their recent riverside walk. Whereas the scrumptious flavours of Pistachio croissants tickled their taste buds in a local cafe. Please continue to support their fundraising. All money raised goes directly to Eye Matter activities. If you want to follow Richard and Fiona’s Italian adventure, please check them out on social media.
Don’t strip PIP cash payments from sick and disabled people petition.
We would encourage you to sign this important petition
Don’t strip PIP cash payments from sick and disabled people! https://organise.network/s/9808079a4ad3
Future events
All our events are accessed here
Here are a few highlights:
Eye Matter Singers proudly present our spring concert in loving memory of Davinder Marway.
When: Saturday 25th May, 3:30pm to 6pm.
Meet and Greet at St Pancras International Station Midland Road Exit by the Thameslink barrier at 2:50pm
Where: St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 150 Ossulston Street, London NW1 1DF
please come and join us for this fun afternoon featuring popular and contemporary songs.
Free tickets
A private audio described tour to the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens
When: Thursday 25th July
Meet and greet at Platform 10, which is next to the ticket office at Liverpool Street Station at 9:50am
For train at 10:12am. Please be on time.
We will be going to Ware in Hertfordshire and catching a minibus to Henry Moore Gardens.
Where: Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG10 6EE
Cost: Tickets £27 – this covers the train from Liverpool Street to Ware, only paying from zone 6, the minibus from Ware to the Gardens, entrance to the gardens and the return travel to Liverpool Street Station.
Sighted guides will need to have a ticket to cover them from Liverpool Street to Enfield Lock (zone 6)
The tour will include some context about the site, house, visit a couple of studios & of course interact with the outdoor sculptures!
We still have tickets available for:
Eye Matter singers Concert Saturday 25th May
Eye Matter Sports Day Saturday 22nd June £10
Sailing Wednesday 26th June £5
Sailing Wednesday 17th July £5
Henry Moore Studios and Gardens Thursday 25th July £27
The Constituent Wednesday 31st July £22
London Zoo Wednesday 21st August £3
Fiddler on the Rood Saturday 31st August £15
Sailing Wednesday 4th September £5
Sailing Wednesday 2nd October £5
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject [Name of event].
Future on-line events
Keep up to date with our activities here.