Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue 28. This is a fortnightly publication where Eye Matter shares news and information about events and activities, members’ experiences and other items of interest. Unless otherwise indicated, all articles have been contributed by Fiona Musgrove. If you would like to contribute an article to a future edition, please contact Fiona at: fiona.musgrove@yahoo.co.uk
This edition includes:
Eye Matter Zoom events
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett for our book worms next month- 6th August
Eye Matter Outings
- Eye Matter’s Third Annual Sports Taster Day and Social
- 3 tickets left for an audio described performance of NYE
- Audio described tour of London Zoo
- PGL Activity Holiday with Eye Matter
- Royal Collection Trust – Royal Mews
- Audio described performance of Brigadoon at Regents Park Open Air Theatre
- Community Fun Run / Walk / Wheel / Dance & Picnic
Eye Matter’s volunteering opportunities
- Voiceover training
- Members Outreach Programme
Special Features
- Over £2300 raised to support your mental health provisions.
- My first experience volunteering with Eye Matter at ‘Frameless’.
- Arrivederci Sicily 2025!
- Eye Matter gets immersed in Frameless’.
- £2000 received from the Mayor’s Community Weekend London 2025 fund.
- Henry Moore’s legacy that art should be for everyone (especially Eye Matter).
- The importance of keeping in contact with your local sensory services.
Eye Matter Zoom events
`Keep up to date with our activities here.
Highlights include:
The Dutch House for our book worms next month- 6th August
July’s book is The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. The next bookworms is on Wednesday 6th August, hosted by Queen Sarah at 11am. Please read the book and join in the discussion then.
This month’s theme for creative writing it hope
Thanks to the Ronson Foundation, we were able to engage Joanna Williams, a qualified counsellor and also a novelist (published under the name Joanna Barnard) to lead these sessions. She is very interested in the intersection between creative writing and mental health and has been facilitating writing for wellbeing classes for over seven years, as well as using therapeutic writing tools in her counselling practice.
Here are a few ideas for our next session:
- Writing Prompts / questions:
- What brings you hope? Write a list.
- What is the most hopeful thing that happened to you in the last year?
- What would you like to achieve in the next year and why?
- Who do you know who inspires hope in others? Write about them.
- If hope were a living creature (animal or plant), what would it be?
- Write a letter of hopefulness to someone who might need it (this might be yourself)
- Write about how one or more of the pieces made you feel.
Remaining dates:
1st August, 12th September, 10th October, 7th November, 5th December, 2nd January 2026, 30th January 2026
For more details or to join please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk
Eye Matter Outings
Find all our events here
Highlights include:
Here are the outings and events available for Eye Matter members:
Eye Matter’s Third Annual Sports Taster Day and Social
In collaboration with Metro Blind Sport and Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being
Islington Tennis Centre and Gym, Market Rd, London N7 9PL
Over 18s only.
Saturday 19th July 2025 – 11am to 3:30pm
Meet and greet at 10:30am at Caledonian Road Underground Station
Tickets £10 – including a halal lunch from Tripoli Express.
All abilities welcome. Volunteers will be on hand along with different coaches to provide instruction in each sport. For a taster of VI tennis and VI football, with an audio described warm-up and cool-down with Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being. We have some more sports in the pipeline but cannot release information about these yet.
There will be food from a Lebanese food truck available for lunch with wraps of chicken, halloumi or falafel options and sides of fries and a soft drink. When booking your place, please let us know your preference.
3 tickets left for
An audio described performance of NYE
At the National Theatre
On Saturday 26th July
Meet and greet at Waterloo Station, under the clock at 11:50am
Touch Tour 12:30pm
Tickets are £27 each
One man’s dream of the NHS
From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan is often referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever being Prime Minister.
Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life, from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill in an epic Welsh fantasia.
Michael Sheen (Under Milk Wood) reprises his role as Nye Bevan in this ‘valiant and valuable affirmation of the NHS’. Written by Tim Price (The Internet is Serious Business) and ‘vividly directed’ by Rufus Norris (Small Island), this celebration of the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state returns to the Olivier following a sell-out run.
To buy your ticket email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘NYE’
Looking forward to seeing you.
Eye Matter is delighted to announce
A 2-hour audio described tour of London Zoo
to support blind and partially sighted people to get up close and personal with their amazing animals
Knowledgeable presenters will audio describe our group around the Zoo on a route that includes some tactile models of the animals and, when available, an animal experience.
Wednesday 20th August
Meet-and-greet at Baker Street Station at 10:00am
Tickets are £5.50
After the tour, we will have a picnic, please bring your lunch.
To express interest or for more information, email suzie@eyematter.org.uk
with subject ‘Zoo’
5 spaces left!
Eye Matter is delighted to announce a few extra rooms allocated for our amazing UK based activity holiday on the 25th August. This will be on a first come, first serve basis. Please see the flyer below. If you are interested in this holiday, please get in touch by email as soon as possible. Also, a note, we have also been offered a single room supplement if anybody would like to have their own room, also available for anyone who has already booked the holiday. We will be going to the hugely popular PGL Activity Centre which is located in 21 acres of glorious countryside on the Sussex Downs.
Our three-night multi activity holiday will offer everyone the opportunity to try exciting, accessible pursuits including Archery, Axe Throwing, Canoeing, Fencing, Abseiling, Aeroball, Rifle Shooting, Climbing, Disc Golf, Buggy Building, Giant Swing and Problem Solving.
Our evenings will also have activities including games, quizzes and a pool party.
When: Monday, 25th August 2025 – Thursday, 28th August 2025.
Where: PGL Holidays, Windmill Hill, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4RZ.
Getting there: Eye Matter’s chartered transport will take and return guests from London Kings Cross to PGL Windmill Hill.
Price: The holiday is £366.50 per guest. This includes: three -night’s accommodation in twin ensuite rooms; all meals from arrival on Monday lunch until our departure after lunch on Thursday; all equipment, all activities supported by PGL instructors as well as evening entertainment including a quiz, a disco on our last night, and weather permitting, a pool party. Guests are welcome to bring extra treats and snacks. Over 18s may also bring alcohol, although there is also a bar and shop available on site.
All over 18s must also have a valid DBS check to stay at PGL Windmill Hill. This is included in the price and Suzie will send you a link to the DBS application when you book the holiday.
Please sign up as soon as possible so we can get the numbers together for the right number of guides etc. There are only very limited spaces, and this is a first come, first serve. To secure your place, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “PGL holiday”.
A £50 non-refundable deposit is required for each guest. The remaining balance is payable by 14th July 2025.
Royal Collection Trust – Royal Mews
Monday 1st September
Meet and greet at 1:30pm Green Park station
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is responsible for all road travel arrangements for The King and members of the Royal Family, from horse-and-carriage to car and from livery to harness.
See what goes on behind the scenes at a real working stables in the heart of London. As part of your visit, you’ll discover the iconic 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at State occasions such as the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.
3 tickets left!
Eye Matter is delighted to announce an
An audio described performance of Brigadoon
At the Regents Park Open Air Theatre
On Saturday 6th September 2:15pm
Meet and greet at Baker Street station time TBC
Touch Tour TBC
Tickets are £17
‘Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
There my heart forever lies’
From the writers of My Fair Lady, Camelot and Gigi, let the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre transport you to the captivating Scottish Highlands for this major new production of Lerner & Loewe’s musical classic, Brigadoon.
Crash landed in the Highlands of Scotland, WW2 fighter pilots Tommy and Jeff are searching for a way home, whilst just beyond the hills, sisters Fiona and Jean are preparing for a wedding. Over the course of one chance day in the dreamlike village of Brigadoon, their stories entwine. But can love endure in this enchanting place where everything is not quite as it seems?
Not seen in London for over 35 years, Brigadoon features soaring songs including ‘Almost Like Being in Love’, ‘Waitin’ for My Dearie’ and ‘The Heather on the Hill’. In a new adaptation by leading Scottish playwright Rona Munro (The James Plays (Evening Standard Award), Frankenstein), this revival of a theatrical classic is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie (Jesus Christ Superstar) in his first production as Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
To buy your ticket email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Brigadoon’
Looking forward to seeing you
To book any Eye Matter outings please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk stating clearly which event and how many tickets you require.
Join us for a Community Fun Run / Walk / Wheel / Dance & Picnic!
Saturday, 13th September 2025
Hyde Park, London
Starting at 10:00 AM
We’re thrilled to announce that Eye Matter has been awarded a
Mayor’s Community Weekend London 2025 Grant
by the National Lottery Community Fund!
To celebrate, we’re inviting you to take part in a fantastic community day of movement, fun and connection.
Choose Your Challenge:
1K or 5K distance
Run, Walk, Wheel, or Dance – it’s up to you!
Bring your family and friends to participate or cheer you on!
Entry fee: £10 per person
Optional Eye Matter T-shirts – £10 each
(Available in Small, Medium, Large – please specify your size when booking)
Get Sponsored!
Help raise funds for mental health support at Eye Matter by getting sponsored for your challenge. Every step you take makes a difference.
After the challenge…
Join us for a community picnic in the park – bring your own lunch or snacks and enjoy the day with fellow participants! We’ll be providing water and fruit to keep everyone refreshed!
Eye Matter’s volunteering opportunities
Voiceover training
Eye Matter is delighted to offer iPhone voice over training to its members. We will provide six sessions over a period of six weeks and each session would be for an hour. You would need an alternate number, preferably a landline number in order to carry out the sessions. If you are struggling while using your iPhone, then this training is for you. To join iPhone VoiceOver training please emailsuzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject iPhone VoiceOver.
Click here to read the testimonials of our past participants:
Members Outreach Programme
We are continuing our member outreach programme, which is being coordinated by our wonderful volunteer Irena Valchera, our member liaison officer. We are seeking more volunteers to assist Irena in reaching out to our members to ensure they are doing well, confirm their continued interest in membership, and ensure that they are able to join our Zoom sessions.
If you would like to support Irena, even committing to make one call per week would be beneficial. If you are able to contribute more time, that would be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will receive basic training for this role.
To join our member outreach team, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject line “Outreach Volunteer.”
Special features
Over £2300 raised to support your mental health provisions.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eyemattermentalhealthprovision
A huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to this campaign so far. We aim to be able to deliver twice a month on-line therapy sessions and three in-person sessions with our regular therapist Jo Williams. In addition we would like to provide external support through our regular mental health blog:
My first experience volunteering with Eye Matter at ‘Frameless’.
On Thursday 26th June, Eye Matter invited a number of members and volunteers, to attend a special audio described tour of the ‘Frameless’ exhibition. Eye Matter is always so appreciative of the commitment and time given by our fantastic team of sighted guide volunteers who support our many events.
Joining our team of volunteers to guide members around the four galleries, based in Marble Arch, Natasha explained, “I spent the day as a sighted guide at a private tour of the Frameless exhibition in London, helping a group of blind visitors experience the immersive art installations. I was paired with a wonderful gentleman named Ricky, who lost his sight at the age of 16. The experience was made even more special by the guide leading the tour—he had created his own script, describing each painting in vivid, personal language. His descriptions of colour were especially powerful, helping the group form a clear mental image of each artwork. It was a beautiful example of accessibility and creativity coming together.”
Click here to read the full article on Facebook:
Arrivederci Sicily 2025!
On Monday 16th June 7 Eye Matter members and volunteers flew to our second tailor-made holiday with Seable Holidays on the beautiful island of Sicily.
Seable Holidays (Facebook 22nd June, 2025) posted, “This trip was filled with joy, laughter, connection, and some seriously delicious food. From the peaceful moments at the donkey sanctuary and the flavours of a wine tasting paired with a four-course meal, to standing at the top of Mount Etna and indulging in a local dessert tasting, every experience was rich in warmth and discovery.”
One member exclaimed, “Thank you Damiano once again for being a fantastic guide and helping us all have an unforgettable, amazing holiday! We are all on our way home, and I hope everyone has a safe journey”
A WhatsApp group was created to support member’s needs, share information, photos and videos, from their adventures with Eye Matter and Seable Holidays. Thanks to everyone who contributed content enabling this article and regular Facebook posts. Let’s hear some of the feedback from Bushra, Kristina, Zehra, Jane, Anne, Suzie, Noemi and Damiano who took part in Eye Matter’s Sicilian adventure 2025:
Kristina said, “Thanks for this amazing, really unforgettable Sicily experience.”
Bushra said, “Thank you so much, Damiano and Suzie for making this holiday such a special, memorable experience. It was amazing that I felt so reassured in pushing my own boundaries to try out new things.”
Zehra exclaimed, “Thank you so much everyone for making this holiday so memorable.”
Suzie (Eye Matter’s founder) said, “Can’t believe our second Sicily holiday finished so soon thank you Damiano for helping to make our trip so wonderful and thank you to Anne, Jane, Bushra, Zehra and Kristina for being so friendly and welcoming thank you to Noemi for helping everybody so beautifully.”
Click here to read the full article:
Eye Matter gets immersed in Frameless’.
On Thursday 26th June 25 Eye Natter members attended an audio described tour to a unique immersive art exhibition. Frameless is redefining the experiential immersive art world. Situated in Marble Arch, (incorporating 30,000 square feet) it is the largest permanent multi-sensory experience in the UK. Frameless features four galleries and showcases some of the world’s greatest works of art presented in ways never seen before.
Rachel (Eye Matter’s Secretary) said, “Today’s audio described tour to “Frameless” was fantastic! Thank you Suzie, amazing audio describer Jonathan and all of the sighted guides for making this afternoon such a success.”
Natasha (one of our new volunteers) observed, “The experience was made even more special by the guide leading the tour—he had created his own script, describing each painting in vivid, personal language. His descriptions of colour were especially powerful, helping the group form a clear mental image of each artwork. It was a beautiful example of accessibility and creativity coming together.”
Suzie Simons (Eye Matter’s Founder) explained how the tour was divided into two sections covering all four galleries lead by “the fantastic Jonathon Nash”. Through his company, Sightlines Audio Description Services, Jonathon has been delivering audio description for over 30 years. Jonathan will also be audio describing the following events (not supported by Eye Matter):
- ‘Black Sabbath’ the Ballet which is taking place at Sadlers Wells Theatre on Saturday 25th October at 2.30pm and will include touch tour.
- ‘Il Trovatore’ at the Royal Ballets and Opera House on Thursday 17th July at 7.30pm (including touch tour).
- ‘Goodnight Oscar’ at the Barbican with Sean Hayes from Will and Grace on Friday 5th September at 7pm.
As a result of Eye Matter’s involvement with this exhibition the organisers of ‘Frameless’ have received an award for their accessibility provisions.
This was shared by Elle Andrews, the Learning & Access Programme Manager for Frameless:
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Suzie and Eye Matter over the past couple of years. Suzie has clearly cultivated a strong and supportive sense of community within the organisation, and it’s always a joy to welcome her group.
We’re consistently impressed by the incredible turnout for our Audio Described tours when Eye Matter visits. Suzie takes great care to consider the needs of every individual—participants, companions, and the group as a whole. Her thoughtful approach extends to every detail, including the arrangement of furniture to help reinforce a sense of inclusion and connection during events.
We were especially honoured when Suzie wrote a statement on behalf of Eye Matter in support of our nomination for the 2025 Blue Badge Award for Most Accessible Venue. Her kind words and endorsement played a key role in helping us secure the award, and we were both delighted and humbled by her support.
Her ongoing commitment to accessibility and creating meaningful shared experiences is both inspiring and deeply appreciated by our team.
Hope to have Eye Matter back soon!
Click here to read the full article:
£2000 received from the Mayor’s Community Weekend London 2025 fund.
Eye Matter’s Community Fun Run / Walk / Wheel / Dance & Picnic!
On Monday 9th June Eye Matter received the fantastic news that their fun run and picnic, taking place in Hyde Park on Saturday 13th September will be supported by the Mayor’s Community Weekend London 2025
This particular funding (from the National Lottery Community grants) has only been available to small community projects twice since 2023 and our board of trustees were delighted that Eye Matter’s impact has been recognised.
Suzie said, “I would especially like to thank our secretary Rachel for all her hard work with this application enabling our members to take part in our largest fundraising event to date. I was even more excited this week to find out that out of 217 charities who were chosen to be recipients of the fund this year, we have been shortlisted to the final 3 for having a visit from Mr Sadiq Khan himself. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for an official visit.”
Please click here to read the full article:
Henry Moore’s legacy that art should be for everyone (especially Eye Matter).
Despite the drizzle 18 members (including one new member who had travelled from Birmingham) had a fantastic day at the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens in Hertfordshire on Thursday 5th June 2025.
Please click here to read more and review our video:
The importance of keeping in contact with your local sensory services.
When was the last time you contacted your local Sensory Services team, or maybe you never have? It is important to receive information about local services, retrain on routes which may have been developed and ensure your local council is supporting sight loss.
There is a lot of concern that blind and partially sighted people are still not receiving the correct support from their local authorities. Although Visionary and the RNIB have discussed this problem is the solution laying at our own feet?
Speaking to friends about this there is a general consensus that they have never been contacted since registering with their local authority. One admitted that she had received vague phone calls about 7 years ago, but never had a visit or offered any rehabilitation. Consequently, she has never had training on using her white cane or navigating her environment. This lack of provision isn’t related to any particular region but seems to be a major flaw in the service delivery. Once a person has registered with a local authority surely they should have a duty of care to be in regular contact with their service users?