Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue 36. 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 written by Fiona Musgrove. If you would like to contribute an article to a future edition, please email fiona.musgrove@yahoo.co.uk
This edition includes:
Eye Matter’s volunteering opportunities
- Voiceover training
- Members Outreach Programme
Eye Matter Zoom events
- “Bookworms” returns Wednesday, 3rd December at 11am, live on Zoom.
- December’s Cathartic Creative Writing session will include the theme of “solitude”
Eye Matter Outings
- The Eye Matter Singers Christmas Concert
- An audio-described performance of “Friends, The Musical Parody”
Special Features
- In the home of champions for Eye Matter’s own champion, Richard Simpson
- What links a Queen and the length of a marathon?
- Why all eye care providers should be supported by an ECLO
- “85% of local authorities are failing to provide vision rehabilitation assessments within the recommended time frame” Says Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
- A ‘relaxed’ reflection on the portrayal of disabled women in melodrama.
- The London Buddy Scheme promote a fantastic event. Join them for a Coffee, Chat and learn about disabled rowing in London!
Eye Matter’s volunteering opportunities
- Eye Matter encourages peer support amongst its members.
- No experience is necessary
- Provides work experience within a safe, supportive environment.
- All work takes place via Zoom or by phone (unless otherwise stated).
- You will learn to work both independently and as part of a team.
- These roles are for anyone who wants to support others or upskill for future employment opportunities
- Training is provided
Voiceover training
- Required participation of six (one hour) sessions over six weeks.
- An alternative number is required (preferably a land line).
We are seeking confident iPhone and Android users within our membership who are interested in sharing their skills with other members.
We are delighted to introduce our brilliant Volunteer VoiceOver Training Manager, Charu Bansal, who will facilitate a short training program designed to enhance your teaching abilities.
Click here to read the testimonials of members who have benefitted from this project.
Members Outreach Programme
Would you like to join us in an exciting new volunteering opportunity to engage in our community callout programme?
Eye Matter has a member outreach programme with volunteer opportunities, coordinated by our wonderful volunteer liaison manager, Irena Valchera. We are seeking volunteers to assist Irena in reaching out to our membership to see how they are, confirm their continued interest in membership, to ensure they are able to access our Zoom sessions and to ask whether they have any suggestions for future Eye Matter events or opportunities.
If you would like to support Eye Matter, even committing to making one call per week will make a difference. If you are able to contribute more time, that would be greatly appreciated too. Volunteers will receive basic training for this role.
To join our member outreach team, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Outreach Volunteer”.
Forthcoming Eye Matter Zoom events
Keep up to date with our activities here.
Highlights include:
“Bookworms” returns on Wednesday 3rd December at 11am, live on Zoom.
- December’s book is “Love Marriage” by Monica Ali.
Even if you haven’t read the whole book, didn’t like it or just enjoy listening, come along to this friendly, relaxed session and share your book choices for next time.
November’s book, “Miss Benson’s Beetle” by Rachel Joyce scored 6 out of 10.
all of our books are available on the RNIB Readings Services as a downloadable audio book. Please contact RNIB directly for more information.
To view all past and future Bookworm’s choices, please click here.
December’s writing session will include the theme of “solitude”.
- Cathartic Writing Session 10
“Our language wisely recognises the two sides of being alone. It has created the word “loneliness” to express the pain of being alone and also created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone.” Facilitator Jo read several quotes from literature to inspire members’ own writing including: Victoria Erickson and Paul Tillich – The Eternal Now
“For now, she need not think of anybody. She could be herself, by herself. And that was what now she often felt the need of” – to think; well not even to think. To be silent; to be alone. All the being and the doing, expansive, glittering, vocal, evaporated; and one shrunk, with a sense of solemnity, to being oneself, a wedge-shaped core of darkness, something invisible to others… and this self having shed its attachments was free for the strangest adventures.”
– Virginia Woolf, To The Lighthouse.
Prompts: Make a list of words you associate with solitude and write about one of
them
Write about a time you really needed to be alone
Write about the difference between loneliness and solitude
Try this prompt from poet Joseph Fasano, which just requires you to fill in the blanks/missing words to make your own poem:
“After [blank] all day,
I walk out through the [blank]
and [blank] among the [blanks].
No one knows where I am.
And then I hear it:
the [blank] of the [blank],
the [blank] [blank] in the [blank],
and I am [blank]. I am finally [repeat last blank].
No one knows where I am”.
you can either submit your work to Jo or read it yourself. Participation is always optional, and you are welcome just to listen.
Remaining dates:
5December, 2 and 30 January 2026.
Eye Matter Outings
Find all of our events here
The Eye Matter Singers Christmas concert
- WHERE: St. Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2, Ossulston Street, London. NW1 1DF
- WHEN: Saturday, 6th December
- TIME: 4pm Meet and greet at 3:30pm at St Pancras Station, Midland Road Exit, near the Thameslink barriers.
- Tickets: £5 donation.
Come and join us for some festive cheer and to eat, drink and be merry!
An audio described performance of “Friends, The Musical Parody”
New Wimbledon Theatre
93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG
On Wednesday 21st January 2026 7:30pm
Touch tour time tbc
Tickets: £12
Please bring a picnic.
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, the hit New York and Las Vegas sensation, is a side-splitting musical comedy packed with iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved television series. Featuring an entirely original musical score, the show follows the escapades of the world’s most famous group of twenty-somethings.
From the Producers of Hairspray and the Director of The Full Monty, this humorous take on the beloved TV show blends iconic moments with laugh out loud comedy. Join Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—as they navigate love, friendship, and life’s ups and downs in 1990’s New York City.
Whether you’re in a love triangle, trying to make it as an actor, or just can’t quit your day job, you’ll be laughing, crying, and quoting your favourite lines all night long!
Warning: May cause spontaneous PIVOT-ing!
Run time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes incl. interval
To book your tickets, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Friends”.
Special features
In the home of champions for our Eye Matter visually impaired champion Richard Simpson. Please show your appreciation:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/richardsbigblindwaddle?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL
The 42nd Authentic Athens Marathon took place, November 9, 2025, with over 70,000 people. Although specific numbers for disabled participants were unavailable it would seem that there was only one blind marathon winner – Richard Simpson and his guide Theo.
It took place under a changeable sky, upon a dual carriageway (closed from traffic) and marked by a blue line, from marathon to the Stadium in Athens (26.2miles). A time limit of 8 hours was allocated for medal qualifiers. Richard confessed that although he was used to long distance walking, he found the first stage very demanding due to the gradual incline. The Athens Marathon’s challenging Hill begins around the 18 km mark and continues until approximately the 31 km mark, covering a distance of about 13 km. During this section, runners ascend approximately 210 meters, reaching a peak elevation of 247 meters above sea level. Richard added once accomplished he was ecstatic and they were able to continue downhill at a brisk pace for the last 10miles into the Stadium. With an average of 4miles an hour they completed the marathon in around 7 hours. Throughout the marathon Richard and Theo received so much encouragement from fellow participants, crowds lining the route and a standing ovation once they entered the stadium.
On behalf of Eye Matter, we would like to sincerely thank Richard for his time, money and determination put into this amazing achievement. Richard has raised over £2000 so please continue to dig deep and show your appreciation of Richard’s achievement as the one and only blind man to conquer the 2025 Athens Marathon. Please click here for the full article.
So what links a Queen and the length of a marathon? Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham was established in 1904 as the Queen Alexandra Technical College for the Blind, evolving from the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind. The college was named in honour of Queen Alexandra, consort of King Edward VII, who was known for her charitable work, including support for the blind. In 1908, at the London Olympics, the original length of the first marathon 24.85 miles from Marathon to Athens was changed to allow Queen Alexandra’s children to be able to see the start of the race from their nursery window at Windsor Castle. This new distance finished in front of the royal box at White City Stadium, leading to a course length of 26 miles and 385 yards. In 1921 this rather odd measurement was standardised to the current 26.2 miles.
In yet, another twist of coincidence, Eye Matter members in October, enjoyed a tour around the Kings Gallery where they encountered the forward thinking Queen Alexandra. Please click here to read more.
Why all eye care providers should be supported by an ECLO.
Kate Kotschy, is amongst a growing number of Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs (first created over 30 years ago) who are based within in hospital eye clinics and communities across the UK to provide advice and support. Since 2020, Kate has been employed as one of the RNIB’s ECLOs, based at Whipps Cross Hospital in East London. Kate’s ECLO career began in 2009. She explains, “after qualifying as an ECLO I began working in a busy eye department in Leeds for several years”.
Around 30 years ago, RNIB recognised that embedding support within hospital eye departments would mean improved links between health and social care as well as a holistic approach to supporting patients. Ensuring resources should be available, at the time of diagnosis (within the clinical environment) led to the RNIB’s first ECLO in Rotherham District General Hospital(1994) which increased to 9 by 2009. Approximately 10 years later (2017)100 eye care departments were identified needing ECLOs. It was agreed these could be delivered by RNIB, the NHS or a charity partner. In 2022 the RNIB celebrated the appointment of their 100th ECLO at Enfield’s Chase Farm Hospital as well as 61 ECLOs supported by partner charities.
Kate said “it is important to ensure that everyone has access to emotional and practical support to allow them to live well with whatever level of sight they have. Research shows that people with sight loss are more likely to have symptoms of clinical depression (DEPVIT, 2016). This was exemplified by a service user, who said ‘The ECLO listened to me and explained to me about my diagnosis in a way I can understand. She listened to the struggles I have and told me about benefits and other help I could get. We talked about my employment. I didn’t know about my rights and how I can get equipment to help do my job. The ECLO referred me to RNIB counselling, and I find that made a big difference because I was very low before. ‘
Kate revealed her personal perception of her role, “I think it’s vital to have that early intervention, so that someone who has been given difficult news can receive support and advice that same day. I can provide emotional support and a space for them to express their feelings and concerns. We will agree the next steps together and arrange ongoing practical support for the person to adjust to their sight loss. It is led by the person and what is important to them’. Another service user said ‘Kate was the best guide for me. She helped me so much to go through this journey to get the help I need. She gave me the mental strength to carry on caring for my mother-in-law, to be able to cook, look after the house and to go about out using my white cane.’
“85% of local authorities are failing to provide vision rehabilitation assessments in time.” Says RNIB (November 2025).
Eye Matter member Charmaine is attending an RNIB ‘Out of Sight’ Campaign at Westminster on Monday 17th November 2025. This follows two damning reports (Out of Sight and Life on Pause) drawing attention to national rehabilitation services failing blind and partially sighted people.
You can support this campaign by asking your MP to join them:
https://change.rnib.org.uk/page/178571/action/1?locale=en-GB
Mother of two Charmaine, is amongst a number of visually impaired people invited to share their personal experience of vision rehabilitation with the group of MPs. Hannah Donnelly, (RNIB’s Policy Lead) explains, “The campaign has been entirely co-produced with people with sight loss and testimonials; Case studies and quotes gathered through this work from Charmaine and others have been invaluable when sharing our research and this issue with decision makers.” Please click here to read the full article and RNIB’s recommendations:
A ‘relaxed’ reflection on the portrayal of disabled women in melodrama.
Around 40 people attended the 30th anniversary screening of Todd Haynes’ psychological drama Safe (1995) at the Barbican, London. Independent A relaxed screening event usually takes place in a much smaller auditorium specially tailored for a neurodiverse audience, as well as those who find a more informal setting beneficial. In a refreshing attitude, the cinema recognised and more importantly embraced, the different needs of its audience, rather than some members of the audience feeling excluded because of their disability. Identifying these needs and making slight adjustments to the overall experience, included comfortable seats which were not necessarily arranged in rows; the lights are lowered but not switched off; there is no restriction on remaining seated; BSL and subtitles on screen; audio description headsets; plenty of very helpful staff around to assist.
The story focuses on Carol White played by (Julianne Moore), a Southern Californian housewife, who begins experiencing disorienting symptoms: headaches, congestion, dry cough, nosebleeds, vomiting and trouble breathing. This film explores the idea of environmental factors such as exhaust fumes, hair products, chemicals used on furniture and sensory overload within an exercise class. Throughout the film the audience watches as her fears and anxieties are repeatedly dismissed by professionals, her friends and husband.
Thirty years ago, the idea of wearing face masks, wheeling around an oxygen canister and living in isolated pods far away from a bustling community, may have seen fantastical but not to this post COVID 19 audience for whom as disabled people they may have lived through similar anxieties. The Director (Tony Haynes) observed the emergence of auto-immune illnesses, such as AIDS (which spread rapidly through the gay community in the 1980’s) viewed as an effect from environmental factors rather than any biological epidemic.
For the full article please click here.
The London Buddy Scheme is jointly promoting and involved in a fantastic event. Join them for a Coffee and Chat and Learn more about Rowing in London!
They are offering two Coffee and Chat Open afternoons for people with disabilities. Please join them to learn more about their work and how you can row on the Thames in London!
When: Friday 21st November or Friday 12th December 2025
Time: 12.00 – 2.00pm
Who: Adults with a disability (18+)
Location: Fulham Reach Boat Club, Unit A, Distillery Wharf, Chancellors Road, London, W6 9GX
What you can expect during your visit:
A friendly welcome with refreshments
An introduction to Fulham Reach Boat Club and the sport of rowing
A guided tour and orientation of the club
The chance to meet like-minded people
A short, fun taster on the indoor rowing machines
A chat about giving rowing a go and understanding your needs
Rowing on the Thames in London can provide freedom of movement, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life and off the water a community of people that just want to row.
Fulham Reach Boat Club (FRBC) is an award-winning sport for good charity situated on the waterfront in Hammersmith. They provide rowing opportunities for individuals who wouldn’t ordinarily get the opportunity to try rowing, focusing on three key impact areas: Youth Development, Crime Reduction and Accessible Rowing. For more information please visit their website https://www.fulhamreachboatclub.co.uk/accessible-rowing