Dear friends,
Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number five. 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 Running Man.
Frameless with Eye Matter.
Future events
- Eye Matter’s Second Annual Sports Taster Day and Social
- An audio described performance of Fiddler on the Roof
- A 2-hour audio described tour of London Zoo
- We still have tickets available for.
Future on-line events
External Activities
- Last chance to enjoy a tour with Guide Dogs around Canary Wharf.
- Boat trip with the Barnet Borough Sight Impaired group.
- Sight Loss Council for North London.
- Sound Without Sight.
Eye Matter Spotlight.
The Running Man.
By Fiona Musgrove.
Dave Williams (aged 47), RNIB’s Inclusive Design Ambassador for Consumer and Business Services along with being Chair of the Braillist Foundation, agreed to an interview about his sight-loss journey. He has Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis LCA, which is a rare inherited genetic eye condition.
“As a kid, I mistakenly believed that my blindness meant I wouldn’t have much of a life. I refused to use my cane and braille because I felt like those things labelled me in a very negative way. In my teenage years, I spent a lot of time in bed not really caring about my future.” Through volunteering, he met other blind people who lifted him up and ultimately provided a route into employment. His career has also taken him to several US blindness consumer conventions including the American Council of the Blind and National Federation of the Blind. “I actually worked for ACB between 2003 and 2006 coordinating their internet radio service.” Both the ACB and NFB, in the US, represent tens of thousands of blind and partially sighted consumers and advocate on a wide range of social issues.
Whilst attending the California State University of Northridge Assistive Technology Conference (March 2024), Dave was honoured to meet one of his hero’s, Stevie Wonder. “He’s quite tall you know. Stevie was really fun. He was interested in my Zoom audio recording device. He tried impersonating a British accent! At one point we had to move because of the crowds. He took my arm in his and started sighted guiding. That really was a pinch yourself moment.”
Dave was there to deliver a number of presentations, meet with other world blindness organisations and to record content for RNIB Connect Radio. He spoke to the legendary singer/songwriter about the importance of accessibility, how Stevie uses braille to write store and edit his songs and how he’d like to collaborate with Ed Sheeran. He told Dave that he would not have the career he enjoys without braille. Dave commented, ”Stevie’s words convey a massively important message about leaning into our blindness skills. As chair of the Braillists Foundation, I am acutely aware of the power of braille to transform lives. But, the same is true for using a cane, a screen reader, and all the other things we need to learn as blind people.”
Click here to hear the full interview RNIB Tech Talk episode 505
As host on Tech Talk on RNIB Connect radio, one of the funniest incidents occurred whilst attending RNIB’s Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference. “We got an interview with the Japanese consumer tech giant Sony. I was excited to be recording with them. I asked the company representative to introduce himself. It only turned out that his name was also David Williams!”
Recently, Dave was involved with RNIB’s the ‘Unseen World sponsored by Cannon. This three day exhibition showcased the work of 15 photographers pioneering a new technique to allow touch to be used within images. It also incorporated the use of codes (to provide information) by Navilens, amongst other more traditional options.
In his spare time, Dave plays the piano in a Blues Band and has recently taken up running. “From weighing 16 stone (2018) and not being able to run a bath, within a year I had completed the New York City Marathon. I then found out about the Abbott World Marathon Majors. This is six of the world’s biggest city marathons. I was hooked. As well as New York, I’ve completed London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and hopefully next year I’ll complete the set in Tokyo.” In the meantime, this month, ‘The Running Man’, will be attempting two Marathons (London and Manchester) within one week!
Tune in for Tech Talk on RNIB Connect Radio:
www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio/rnib-connect-radio-shows/tech-talk/
If you have a tech query please email: techtalk@rnib.org.u
If you are interested in running and would like to enquire about a sighted guide please contact British Blind Sport.
Share my Marathon running efforts for a stronger RNIB:
www.justgiving.com/pages/davewilliams366
Frameless with Eye Matter.
On Tuesday 2nd April, 32 blind and partially sighted members, alongside volunteers, attended the ‘Frameless Exhibition’, the largest permanent multi- sensory exhibition near London’s Marble Arch. It has 42 Masterpieces and spans four galleries. It provides a unique immersive experience where visitors engage with art like never before!
Many members expressed their appreciation at being able to access all the galleries and the support of the staff.
One member said, “Wonderful visit today, organised by the fabulous Suzie from Eye Matter Four different galleries wow!”
In the first gallery they explored ‘Beyond Reality’ where the group were encouraged to “TRAVEL BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF REALITY AND DISCOVER ICONIC ARTWORKS THAT EXPLORE OTHER WORLDS, DREAMS, AND THE SURREAL. ”The most famous group of artists to produce such works were the Surrealists. Inspired by Sigmund Freud’s writings on the unconscious mind, artists such as Max Ernst and Salvador Dalí, created surprising, and often challenging imagery with deep symbolic meaning.”
This attention to detail continued throughout. The other galleries where they examined brushstrokes and textures used by different artists to convey their messages.
Another participants told us that In one gallery, being able to kick projected leaves on the floor onto the walls was a magical touch.
This was a hugely successful event with everybody leaving on a high as they stepped out into the sunshine.
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
Eye Matter’s Second Annual Sports Taster Day and Social
In collaboration with Metro Blind Sport and Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being
Over 18s only
When: Saturday 22nd June 2024, 10am to 3:30pm
Meet and greet at 9:30am at Caledonian Road Underground Station
Where: Islington Tennis Centre and Gym, Market Rd, London N7 9PL
For a taster of VI tennis, VI football, VI cricket, an introduction to Showdown and an audio described warm-up and cool-down with Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being.
Tickets will be £10, including a halal lunch
An audio described performance of Fiddler on the Roof
When: Saturday 31st of August at 2:15pm
Touch tour approx. 12:30pm tbc
Meet and greet at 11:30am at Baker Street Underground Station
Please bring a picnic
Where: The Open-Air Theatre – The Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, London NW1 4NU
Cost: Tickets are £15 per person
A 2-hour audio described tour of London Zoo
When: Wednesday 21st of August
Meet-and-greet at Baker Street Station at 10:00am
Where: London Zoo
Knowledgeable presenters will guide a group of up to 20 VIs plus sighted guides around the Zoo, on a route that includes some tactile models of the animals and, when available, an animal experience.
Cost: Tickets are reduced to £3.
After the tour, we will have a picnic, please bring your lunch.
We still have tickets available for:
Confidence Building Workshop 8th May 2024
1 VI and 1 guide ticket left for Spirited Away Thursday 23rd May 2024 £45
Sailing Wednesday 26th June 2024 £5
Sailing Wednesday 17th July 2024 £5
Henry Moore Studios and Gardens Thursday 25th July £27
The Constituent Wednesday 31st July 2024 £22
Sailing Wednesday 4th September 2024 £5
Sailing Wednesday 2nd October 2024 £5
For more information on any of these events 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.
External Activities
Last chance to enjoy a tour with Guide Dogs around Canary Wharf.
There are only a few dates left until this novel exhibition (Paws on the Wharf) highlighting 25 Guide Dog sculptures custom designed by a range of artists from primary schoolchildren to international artists finishes on May 17th. Volunteers from Guide Dogs are there to provide assistance and share explanations about each piece related to the artist through a range of sensory accessories.
Boat trip with the Barnet Borough Sight Impaired group.
The BBSI Outings Committee is in the process of organising a boat trip on the River Lea including a Fish and Chip lunch on Tuesday 25th June. The boat trip lasts 3 ½ hours.
They will arrange a coach to take you to and from the boat from St Mary’s Church Hall, Hendon Lane N3 1TR at around 10am. The cost will be £36 per head. To organise this event, they need to know how many people are interested in coming.
If you are interested, please contact Nigel:
nigel.v@sky.com
Sight Loss Council for North London.
Sight Loss Councils would like to enrol more visually impaired and blind people from ALL boroughs in the north of London.
For more information please contact: Liam O’Carroll on:
07970231583
or email:
liam.ocarroll@pocklington.org.uk
Sound Without Sight.
‘Sound Without Sight’ is a hub for blind and partially sighted musicians, VoiceOver artists, audio engineers, and other creatives to come together to share and contribute their knowledge, and learn from one another; (people can get involved via our discussion forums and our knowledge hub).
If you know of anyone who may be interested, please encourage them to register for this month’s meet-up. Please note that registering only signs you up for this month‘s session, future sessions will require registering again. To keep up with our sessions and the other great things that we’re doing, sign up to our mailing list
We would, of course, also like to invite members to learn from and contribute to our knowledge hub and discussion forums , where they can interact with other blind and partially sighted creatives.
Dear friends,
Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number four. 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.
New Surviving to Thriving sessions
Eye Matter’s Living Well with Sight Loss Workshop
Suzie has been nominated for an award.
My personal experience of ‘Just For One Day’.
Future events
- A Confidence Building Afternoon with Eye Matter and friends.
- Eye Matter Singers proudly present our spring concert in loving memory of Davinder Marway.
- An audio described performance of The Constituent
- We still have tickets available for
Future on-line events
- Inspiring Speakers
- Eye Matter’s Living Well with Sight Loss Workshop.
Eye Matter Spotlight
New Surviving to Thriving sessions
Starting Monday 15th April, 1:30pm to 3pm
In these regular workshops, we will explore the nature of grief in the context of any major life change, not just bereavement, and specifically the challenges of living with visual impairment. As well as gaining an understanding of common human responses to loss, we’ll consider aspects of self-care and practical tools to help us navigate life’s more difficult days.
Joanna Williams (Facilitator) is a writer, workshop leader and therapist, specialising in grief and loss. These sessions will not be group therapy but will provide information and ideas, and a space for the sharing of experiences with your peers.
This is a drop-in session. Everyone welcome.
Eye Matter’s Living Well with Sight Loss Workshop hosted by Steve and Danielle
From Thursday 2nd May for 6 weeks 11am to 1pm. Places are limited, please book your place by emailing suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘Living Well’
This programme includes guest speakers along with providing opportunities to meet and share experiences with other people in similar situations. Boost your confidence and get practical advice, information, and resources.
We ask that try your best to make all six sessions.
Suzie has been nominated for an award.
RNIB PRESS RELEASE. March 2024
Charity founder from London shortlisted for RNIB See Differently Award
A woman has been shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of an organisation she founded to provide multi activity, peer support and social inclusion for blind and partially sighted people.
Suzie Simons, who has sight loss and lives in London, has been shortlisted in the Volunteer of the Year category. This award recognises people who have dedicated their time, skills and energy within their community or organisation to have a positive impact on the lives, health, and wellbeing of blind and partially sighted people. To read the full article please check out our Facebook Page or here on Eye Matter’s website.
My personal experience of ‘Just For One Day’.
By Jo Rickless, Eye Matter Volunteer.
Prior to volunteering with Eye Matter, I never had any experience of interacting with blind or visually impaired people. Before I began Suzie gave me some sighted guide training and I have now volunteered at numerous events and I’m on a continuous learning curve.
I was partnered with Fiona for the ‘Just For One Day’ musical at the Old Vic Theatre (near Waterloo), on Monday 18th March. Thirty members and volunteers from Eye Matter participated in a touch tour where they heard details about the show from the main stars before the performance. They were able to touch clothing being worn by the cast and described by the wardrobe department as well as props on the stage.
This highlighted to me how important it is for the visually impaired to have the opportunity to touch, feel and be able to wear audio headphones to bring the show to life.
The cast and music were fab. It was a shame we couldn’t get up and dance!
Future events
All our events are accessed here
Here are a few highlights:
A Confidence Building Afternoon with Eye Matter and friends.
This event is in partnership with Hounslow Council, RNIB, and The Middlesex Association for the Blind.
When: Wednesday 8th May 2pm to 5pm
Meet and Greet at 1:40pm at Feltham Station
Where: Feltham Assembly Hall, Feltham Park, Hounslow Rd, Feltham TW14 9DN
Join us for an afternoon with facilitators Steven George and Victoria Hogg. This event will include a fun-packed session that consists of various drama games and creative exercises to boost confidence and improve interactive skills– and are guaranteed to make you giggle!
For more information email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘confidence’
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.
To book your free tickets or for more information email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Singers”
An audio described performance of The Constituent
When: Wednesday 31st July
Performance starts at 7:30pm, Touch Tour 5:30pm
Meet and Greet at Waterloo Station under the clock at 4:50pm
Cost: £22
Where: The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB
‘I am not your punch bag! I am a Member of Parliament!’
An MP with an instinct for compassion.
An ex-serviceman with a life in free fall.
And a parliamentary protection officer who’s having none of it.
This volatile new play stars BAFTA Award winner Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland, Line of Duty) as a hard-working opposition backbencher whose ideals of public office are tested by the demands of a man in crisis, played by Tony, BAFTA and Emmy Award winner James Corden (One Man, Two Guvnors, The History Boys).
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Constituent’
We still have tickets available for:
Sailing Wednesday 17th April £5
Tate Britain Tuesday 23rd April £5
Confidence Building Workshop 8th May £5
Just 6 more tickets left for Spirited Away 23rd May £45
Eye Matter Singers Concert Saturday 25th May FREE
Eye Matter Sports Day Saturday 22nd June £10
Sailing Wednesday 26th June £5
Sailing Wednesday 17th July £5
The Constituent Wednesday 31st July £22
Sailing Wednesday 4th September £5
Sailing Wednesday 2nd October £5
ABBA Voyage Thursday 7th November £27.50
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.
Highlights include:
Inspiring Speakers
12th: Fun and friendly social followed by Inspiring Life Talk by Jamie Beddard
Jamie Beddard is Joint Artistic Director of Diverse City and Lead Artist in Extraordinary Bodies. He is a Clore Fellow and a qualified RD1st coach. Recent artistic projects include two Extraordinary Bodies theatre productions; Delicate, (writer and co-director),Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror (co-writer with Hattie Naylor), and assistant director on the New Wolsey Theatre production of The Red Lion. Jamie has cerebral palsy CP and this results in some mobility and communication differences.
Every Monday 7pm. Eye Matter Singers
Monday 15th April 1:30pm to 3pm: New Surviving to Thriving facilitated by Joanna Williams.
9th: April: Fun and Friendly social followed by a concert with the amazing Jorgen Hansson.
16th: Fun and Friendly social followed by a music quiz
23rd: Fun and Friendly social followed by audio described chair yoga
30th: Fun and friendly social followed by Neurobics with Steve Wax, aerobics for your brain
Second Wednesday of every month 11am: Bounce – Come and discuss and bounce ideas off each other.
Third Wednesday of every month 11am: VI Cookery, easy and delicious recipes
Last Wednesday of every month 11am: Bookworms, our monthly book club, discussing King Rat by James Clavell
Dear friends,
Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number three. 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:
RIP Our Friend, Davinder Kaur Marway.
The coloured arches of Elysian art and 50 floors up!
Too Good To Go.
Update on Social Media.
Future events
- Celebrate with Suzie – noodles and comedy
- Spirited Away- An audio described performance.
- We still have tickets available for.
Future on-line events
External Activities
- Sailing Vision Week 2024
- dance performance ‘Attuning’.
RIP Our Friend, Davinder Kaur Marway.
By Rachel Bowden Waterson, Eye Matter Trustee.
The Eye Matter community was devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of our much-Loved friend and member Davinder Kaur Marway in early March.
Along with several members and trustees Suzie was honoured to attend Davinder’s funeral to say a final farewell to a brilliant and courageous young woman. The funeral was held on 21st march at Davinder’s Gurdwara, near East Ham. A huge congregation gathered to pay their respects. Due to the Gurdwara and crematorium being over capacity, the service was also broadcast through loudspeakers to mourners outside. Despite the palpable grief of Davinder’s family and friends Eye Matter was humbled by the care and welcome we were shown across the day.
Eye Matter sends its heartfelt thanks and deepest condolences to The Marway family. We are so grateful of their decision to encourage mourners to donate to Eye Matter in Davinder’s memory, thank you to everyone for their overwhelming generosity.
JustGiving Page: In Memory of Davinder Kaur Marway
Eye Matter Spotlight
Great news, Eye Matter will be hosting our second annual Sports Day on Saturday 22nd June in Islington in partnership with Metro Blind Sport and Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being. Activities will include cricket, tennis and football plus a fantastic food truck for our picnic lunch. Tickets will be £10.
For information about this event please email Eye Matter with the subject ‘Sports Day’.
The coloured arches of Elysian art and 50 floors up!
This was written by an Eye Matter member.
On Thursday, 7th March 2024, a group of twelve Eye Matter members and volunteers, met Suzie at Bank Station before walking to the Leadenhall building (Bishopsgate). Here we were introduced to Kat Gill, Access Producer, Safeguarding Lead at festival.org, who invited us to the event and helped to assist us.
We then proceeded to the Leadenhall building, where we also, met Tony, who was our audio describer. He provided us with headsets so, we could hear Tony’s commentary.
The group then walked through large rainbow-coloured arches into the Elysian Arcs Installation. Whilst listening to the peaceful music broadcast from within the large bubbles we were encouraged to feel the wrinkled plastic texture of the installation. We were immersed into a colour changing experience which was created by natural light bouncing off all the various shapes contrasting to the subtle LED lights arranged within the structure.
After completing the tour, we went to “The Corner Cafe” for refreshments. Here we discussed whether being able to touch art is as important as having it audio described.
Whilst in the cafe, Suzie arranged, as an additional treat, for us to go up to the 50th floor of No.8 Bishopsgate. From here, one can see a panoramic view of London dwarfing many of its neighbouring skyscrapers. This view was described to us by our guide.
It was a fantastic day.
Too Good To Go.
By Fiona Musgrove.
In this worrying time of balancing the increasing costs of food against the disparity of living costs, why not try this money saving idea of food distribution; Too Good To Go is an app where shops and cafes near you offer end of shelf life products, at discount prices. This could include a ‘surprise bag’ or a range of cakes and sandwiches.
For helpful advice about the app click here.
If you try this, after reading this article, please let us know about your experience. Alternatively, if you have any more tips on saving the pennies please email us.
Update on Social Media.
Social media is becoming increasingly more accessible so, please keep in touch with us through the following platforms:
X (formerly Twitter): @Eyematter1.
Thank you to Sarah for running our amazing Facebook page, please use this link to join us:
https://www.facebook.com/eyematterofficial
Coming soon……Instagram.
Future events
All our events are accessed here
Here are a few highlights:
Celebrate with Suzie – noodles and comedy
Saturday 4th May £10 entry to Up The Creek comedy club.
Following the success of the first trip to Greenwich (see issue number one of Eye Matter Matters for a review) Suzie wishes to invite you to celebrate her birthday with noodles and a night of laughter.
Contact suzie@eyematter.org.uk
Spirited Away- An audio described performance
Where: London Coliseum St Martin’s Lane WC2N 4ES
When: Thursday 23rd May 2024
Performance starts at 7:30pm. Touch Tour TBC. Meet and Greet at Charing Cross Station exit 12 inside the station at approximately 5pm, to be confirmed.
Cost: All tickets, VI and guides will be £45, reduced from £210
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Spirited Away’
Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning Spirited Away, created by legendary animator and director Hayao Miyazaki is re-imagined for the stage by Olivier and Tony award-winning director of Les Misérables, John Caird.
The original Japanese cast perform this extraordinary production with wildly imaginative puppets, dazzling set and costume designs and a live orchestra playing the magnificent original film score by Joe Hisaishi.
A masterpiece of storytelling and stunning visuals Spirited Away tells the enchanting tale of Chihiro who while traveling to a new home with her family, stumbles into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba.
When her parents are turned into pigs and she is put to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must use her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world.
Audiences in the UK now have the chance to be spirited away and delight in the mystery of this genre-defining animation classic.
MJ The Musical – An audio described performance
Where: Prince Edward Theatre, London W1D 4HS
When: Tuesday 18th June 2024
Performance starts at 7:30pm. Touch Tour TBC. Meet and Greet at Tottenham Court Road at approximately 5pm, to be confirmed.
Cost: All tickets, VI and guides will be £22.75
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘MJ’
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to the West End stage direct from Broadway in the multiple Tony Award-winning new musical MJ.
Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star to offer a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson to legendary status.
Created by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, MJ delivers a theatrical experience like no other, electrifying audiences with dozens of the most iconic songs in music history, including Billie Jean, Beat It, Man in the Mirror, Thriller and Smooth Criminal.
The Constituent – An audio described performance
Where: The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB
When: Wednesday 31st July
Performance starts at 7:30pm. Touch Tour at 5:30pm. Meet and Greet at Waterloo Station under the clock at 4:50pm
Cost: All tickets, VI and guides will be £22
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Constituent’
‘I am not your punch bag! I am a Member of Parliament!’
An MP with an instinct for compassion.
An ex-serviceman with a life in free fall.
And a parliamentary protection officer who’s having none of it.
This volatile new play stars BAFTA Award winner Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland, Line of Duty) as a hard-working opposition backbencher whose ideals of public office are tested by the demands of a man in crisis, played by Tony, BAFTA and Emmy Award winner James Corden (One Man, Two Guvnors, The History Boys).
Directed by Olivier and Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus (A Christmas Carol, Matilda The Musical) and written by Olivier Award winner Joe Penhall (Blue/Orange, Mood Music), The Constituent deconstructs politics, panic alarms and the conflict between public service and personal safety.
We still have tickets available for:
Saturday 4th May – Suzie’s Birthday Bash Noodles and Comedy £10
Saturday 18th May – Planetarium Show – Audio Universe £5
Thursday 23rd May – Spirited Away £45
Saturday 25th May – Eye Matter Singers Concert £5
Tuesday 18th June – MJ the Musical £22.75
Saturday 22nd June – Eye Matter Sports Day £10
Wednesday 26th June – Sailing £5
Wednesday 17th July – Sailing £5
Wednesday 31st July – The Constituent £22
Wednesday 4th September – Sailing £5
Wednesday 2nd October – Sailing £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.
External Activities
Sailing Vision Week 2024
29 June – 06 July 2024 – Lymington
“Applications have been coming in steadily from VI sailors and we are delighted to report that we have had a particularly good response from those who have never sailed or participated in Sailing Vision Week before, as well as applications from many of our regulars.”
With the deadline for VI applications being 31 March there are now only a few weeks left to apply for a VI crew place on Sailing Vision Week. If you have yet to apply, or if you are aware of any other VI crew ‘teetering on the brink’ of applying, then now would be a really good time to get your application submitted as it will help us greatly with planning.
For more information please contact:
Rosie Shorman
administrator at Sailing Vision Week
Sailing Vision Trust (Charity No 1197634/ www.sailingvision.org)
dance performance Attuning’.
Date: Friday 22nd March 2024
Time: 3.30pm
Venue: Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London, E1 6LA
If you’d like to attend, please email meerapateldance@gmail.com
Dance performance Access:
The performance space has step-free access. Venue accessibility information can be found on Rich Mix website here.
There will be integrated audio description. There will be a BSL interpreter.
This unique production offers new experiences of Indian classical dance by shifting the focus from the visual to a rich multisensory exploration of an alternative world called Tanmaatra. This performance serves as an invitation to attune to the non-visual senses and embrace the depth of Indian classical dance and music in a whole new light.
Dear friends,
Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number two. 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 , our amazing new trustee.
This edition includes:
Eye Matter Spotlight.
- Stephen, Seagull, and his life with an invisible dog.
Ahoy there, Sailors.
New look social media.
Bounce with Eye Matter.
Future events
- Celebrate with Suzie – noodles and comedy.
- Be a ‘Dancing Queen’ with Abba Voyage.
- Eye Matter Choir is coming back.
- More dates for your diary (including Sailing).
Future on-line events
- Neurobics with Steve Wax, aerobics for your brain.
- Audio Described Zumba with Louise from Illuminate Freedom.
- VI Cookery.
- Monthly book club – Bookworm.
External activities
- Dance classes for people living with sight loss.
Eye Matter Spotlight
This is a new idea to allow our members and friends, to shine and introduce themselves. If you would be willing to be interviewed, please email: fiona@eyematter.org.uk
Spotlight on Stephen Portlock
Stephen, Seagull and his life with an invisible dog.
By Fiona Musgrove.
If he were an animal, what would he be and why? Initially Stephen proposed being a sexy black panther but felt it would be too conspicuous in town-life, whereas being a common dog or cat would make him dependent on” those things with long legs.”
“In fact,,” he finally admitted,” I really would like to have the freedom of a bird. Not an exotic eagle, as they are highly prized by hunters, but a squawking seagull. When I hear them, it always reminds me of the seaside and makes me smile.”
Stephen Portlock, in his early 50’s is a widower and now lives alone. His first degree was in languages and then he gained a further qualification in Journalism. In 2017 he began his stand-up career. Most of his content is over 15 rated but he gives a warning when it becomes more explicit. “I discuss my sight-loss alongside my OCD and how they impact on my everyday life,” Stephen explains. He always opens his sets holding a lead, as if blissfully unaware that his dog has scarpered. The dog in question, Hamlet, is a “Great Dane” he chuckles referencing the name of his show ‘Stephen and Hamlet, Blind and Mad.’
Stephen has been involved in a number of projects including a farce called Arsenic and Old Lace, along with an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, written by Kate Lovell.
As well as a scattering of on-screen extra roles, he also starred in an Indie video Leave It by Bombay Bicycle Club.
“The video was actually a surprisingly nerve wracking experience, definitely more so than acting on stage. As I recall it featured a long tracking shot with different quite distinctively dressed men and women and I’m right at the end of the shot, which is to say at the end of the video. I was given the lines to learn which as I recall (and I still remember them over a decade later) were:
Don’t you go evade me now
Come see what you’ve done
I keep thinking lately how
All these feelings won.”
Stephen continues, “As the camera tracked along the sound of the guitars started getting louder and louder around me and at the appropriate prompt the (I think) man to my right tapped my foot with his. At that point I yowled out those lines as loudly as possible. Thankfully, people have said over the years that I have a pleasant singing voice so hopefully the experience wasn’t too painful for the other folks present. Even so it took a few takes getting it right as it’s hard to concentrate when the sound of crashing guitars are playing behind you. Obviously, it’s not my voice in the actual video. My support worker at work to whom I showed the video told me that my lips don’t quite sync with the overlaid lyrics but that’s not my problem – that’s the job of the editor!”
To give his career more context, Stephen was previously involved with The Venturers Drama Group of the Visually Impaired for many years and now Extant.
More recently, he has embarked on another acting role, in a ten-minute film by a group of students from the University of the Arts, based in Elephant and Castle. Filming was done over four days he explains. Stephen plays a blind, middle-aged father, also facing hearing -loss, who strengthens his relationship with his grown-up daughter through their love of painting. He appreciated the students allowing him to offer his input into the narrative of the project with its cast of three people and is looking forward to viewing the final result. Although this is not the first time Stephen has appeared on screen, he relishes each opportunity to use his skills developed at these specialised drama groups, as well as at the regular improv workshops run by Extant.
Many actors collect embarrassing stories and Stephen shared how he accidentally declared his love to another actor using her real name rather than that of her character during an intense scene. “I am also surely the only blind comedian to have ever caused a 100% audience walk out”, he muses, “I won’t say too much as I talk about it in my solo show but suffice to say that provided the audience are forewarned beforehand, which I always do now, then the offending joke in question has on many occasions brought the house down”.
Stephen has been a member of Eye Matter since 2020 when the majority of activities were online, due to the Pandemic. Over the past year he has enjoyed their in-person events such as the flamboyant Rocky Horror Show and, a few months ago, their Noodles and Comedy evening in Greenwich. He admits he has wanted to participate in more of the Zoom sessions, but they often clash with other activities.
Stephen is appearing in the following venues with his solo show Stephen and Hamlet: Blind and Mad:
Performing as part of Fest-Able
Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead E11 2RQ on the 8th of July at 6:15pm.
Performing as part of Camden Fringe Festival
The Etcetera Theatre Club at the Oxford Arms, 265 Camden High Street London NW1 7BU on the 2nd and 11th August at 9pm.
Ahoy there, Sailors.
By Fiona Musgrove.
Eye Matter, in conjunction with Tideway Sailability, are offering members a chance to discover their sailing legs. These will take place from April in the Docklands with a group of Sailability volunteers. To understand how sailing feels for a blind person I recently spoke to Nathalie Wright, who was registered blind since birth due to her mother contracting an unknown virus during pregnancy. Since 2016 Nathalie has sailed all over the country and even into the Mediterranean Sea, as part of a sighted and non -sighted crew. I was curious to understand how a girl from London could become so enamoured in sailing and what makes this such an inclusive activity?
Nathalie’s initial intention of sailing had been to go on a chartered cruise but, on realising the exorbitant costs, began looking for an alternative adventure. This she found within the pages of Metro Blind Sports magazine for a week’s sailing along the South Coast. A fleet of around seven craft, which includes yachts of varying sizes, support several sighted and non-sighted crew. With no prior experience of sailing, Nathalie’s first task was to be able to board a boat successfully.
She admitted, “At one stage with the sea spraying my face, jeans feeling like stiff cardboard and rolling over the waves I could not think of anywhere else I would rather be”!
I explained that many members of Eye Matter may feel dubious attempting sailing for the first time. Unlike Nathalie’s high-sea antics, Eye Matter will be piloting around a lock in the River Thames, with volunteers. Whether a person is with one volunteer or, working as part of a crew, the sense of empowerment, raised confidence and enjoyment, is exhilarating explains Nathalie.
Her exploits have seen her tethered to a yacht during a weather Gail 9 alert in the Mediterranean Sea, learning to perform ‘Man overboard’ operations and meeting so many people.
If you would like to take your first steps into sailing with us, email Eye Matter giving the subject ‘Sailing.”
For Nathalie, being a full-time carer for her mother, these opportunities are very much appreciated. She will be working in a few months to train volunteers to support more VI sailors and would like, one day, to obtain some professional sailing qualifications.
Once you have tried sailing with us check out these other opportunities:
Bounce with Eye Matter
Bounce is a space for you to share experiences of living with sight loss and learn from. Others. Bounce covers a wide range of interests from technology to gaining knowledge about the different white canes now available. It aims to provide recommendations to the wide variety of questions posed by members. Each session is facilitated by Suzie and comprehensive notes are taken by Rachel.
Please click here to access these notes:
New look social media.
Over the following weeks, Eye Matter will be updating their social media platforms. We would love you to post your photos and comments, from events you attend with Eye Matter. Please remember to ask permission if showing identifiable faces and include alt descriptions for those of us who can’t see the images.
Check us out on X(formerly known as Twitter), as Eye Matter1 and Facebook, as the Official Eye Matter page.
Future events
All our events are accessed here
Here are a few highlights:
Celebrate with Suzie – noodles and comedy
Saturday 4th May £10 entry to Up The Creek comedy club.
Following the success of the first trip to Greenwich) see issue number one of Eye Matter Matters for a review) Susie wishes to invite you to celebrate her birthday with noodles and a night of laughter.
Contact suzie@eyematter.org.uk
Be a ‘Dancing Queen’ with Abba Voyage
Thursday 7th November 2024 and Thursday 28th November 2024
7.45pm
Blending innovative technology, spectacular lighting, and some of the most beloved songs ever written, ABBA take to the stage in a whole new way. In a stunning, purpose-built arena, one of the most popular groups in history appear as digital avatars in a ground-breaking concert that really needs to be seen to be believed.
Meet and greet at 6:30pm at Stratford Station
All tickets, VI and guides will be £27.50 each
These tickets are all half price, and we can’t wait to dance the night away. Tickets are limited, they will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Please do not forget to put which date you would prefer.
If you are visually impaired and want these tickets, please attach one of the following:
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- DLA
- Letter from a medical professional (e.g. a doctor’s note or a letter from an occupational therapist)
- Carers Allowance
- A Nimbus Access Card with the +1 symbol
- Social Services letter – Confirmation in writing from Social Services that the individual is included on their Deaf Register, or a letter or report from an aural specialist confirming that hearing loss has been recorded at 70 – 95 dBHL or worse
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Blind or partially sighted registration certificate (BD8 or CVI certificate)
- A personal letter from the GP, community nurse or social worker
- Benefit award letters
- Copy of a blue badge (we would need to see both sides)
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Abba’
Eye Matter Choir is coming back
Eye Matter is delighted to announce- The Eye Matter singers is coming back.
Choir will be commencing on Wednesday 20th March
Further choir sessions will be on:
Monday 25th March 1st April 8th April15th April 22nd April 29th April 6th May 13th May, Wednesday 15th May, Monday 20th May and Wednesday 22nd May.
Performance: TBC
Venue: St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre
If you have any song recommendations, please send them to suzie@eyematter.org.uk
With subject ‘song’
More dates for your diary:
- Sailing Wednesday 17th April £5
- Tate Britain Tuesday 23rd April Free
- Planetarium Show – Audio Universe Saturday 18th May £5
- Sailing Wednesday 22nd May £5
- Sailing Wednesday 26th June £5
- Climb the o2 (2 spaces left) Thursday 11th July at 9am. £25
- Sailing Wednesday 17th July £5
- 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 for March and beyond:
Keep up to date with our activities here.
Highlights for March and beyond include:
- 12th: Fun and Friendly social followed by confidence building with Steve Reed.
- 19th: Fun and friendly social followed by Neurobics with Steve Wax, aerobics for your brain.
- 26th: Audio Described Zumba with Louise from Illuminate Freedom.
- VI Cookery, easy and delicious recipes: First and third Wednesday of every month 11am.
- Bounce: Second Wednesday of every month 11am. Come and discuss and bounce ideas off each other including, survival hacks for living with a visual impairment.
- Bookworms, our monthly book club: Held on the last Wednesday of each month at 11am.
If you would like to participate in any of these events, please email Eye Matter.
External activities
Dance classes for people living with sight loss.
Learn contemporary dance through improvisation and self-expression at Rambert, in partnership with EYES 4 POSITIVITY. This term finishes Saturday 23rd March, 2024.
Where: Rambert 99 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP.
When: Saturdays, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
You can book on our website, over the phone or in person.
rambert.org.uk/eyes-4-positivity or call: 0208 630 0600
Cost: £7 per class.
For any questions or more information:
Email us on dance@rambert.org.uk
To find more about EYES 4 POSITIVITY please call 07730410788, email info@eyes4positivity.org or visit http://eyes4positivity.org
Dear friends,
Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number one. 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: suzie@eyematter.org.uk
This edition includes:
Noodles of fun with Eye Matter.
Eye Matter event, Tate Modern, 21 Feb
Testimonial re: Tate Modern Audio-Described Tour on February 21st
Keep in contact with us through Facebook
Future events
- Eye Matter Choir is coming back
- private audio described tour at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
- Tate Britain
- Climb the o2
Future on-line events
- fun and friendly social hour followed by music quiz with Steve Reed 27th February
- book club – Bookworms – moving to the 6th March
- audio described chair Yoga 5th March 6pm, followed by a social
Supporting Eye Matter
External activities
- DANCE CLASSES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SIGHT LOSS
Your contribution is valued
Noodles of fun with Eye Matter.
My personal experience by Fiona Musgrove.
On Saturday 10th February, around thirty Eye Matter members and volunteers initially met at the Cutty Sark DLR Station. Having preselected our meal from a very extensive menu supplied from Tai Won Mein Noodle House, we enjoyed catching up with old and new friends.
After the delicious supper, we walked across the road to the comedy club, Up The Creek. We were instantly greeted by its staff, at the door and shown to our reserved seats facing the stage. Eye Matter volunteers were on hand to ensure members were able to purchase drinks at the large bar area and escort people to the toilets.
At first the compère seemed very taken aback with the large number of ‘blind’ people in the audience but, he soon engaged us in the comedy. Three comedians performed and ad-libbed to the audience’s responses. These included a Sikh man, who initially came out with a strong Irish accent, a flamboyant American and an overweight woman (her own words). The laughter of our members resounded around the room and the applause was deafening.
One member said, “it was my first time in a comedy club, and I enjoyed it so much.” Another member commented, “I hope Eye Matter does this again.”
Eye Matter event, Tate Modern, 21 Feb
A few thoughts on the fabulous Tate event by Sarah Matthews
Spending the morning with Eye Matter at Tate Modern was a delight and really gave me a boost. It can be hard to engage with art as a totally blind person, especially when it was once a major part of your life, but I knew I was in good hands with Suzie and the team as they’re always so encouraging, supportive and understanding.
We met at Southwark station and were introduced to each other as people arrived which felt so welcoming. we then made our way to Tate Modern and were joined by the excellent Access Team. We started with introductions and as there were about 20 of us, all with different levels of sight, Tate gave us a room away from the main galleries which was great as there was a fair bit of distracting background noise. Anyone who needed a guide was paired up with a volunteer and we were all given audio headsets so once we went out into the busy building we could clearly hear what was being said. This was particularly important for at least one person who had significant hearing loss but so helpful for us all to be able to focus, not straining to hear if we were at the back of the group at any point in the tour.
We then went to the Turbine Hall to hear about Behind the Red Moon by El Anatsui, a complex installation made of 1000s of metal bottle tops. This piece fills the vast space and is in 3 sections so it was a bit like being shown 3 pieces of art. The describers had their work cut out, explaining the scale and form of it and did a great job. They told us about how the work was constructed alongside the concept and historical context which was fascinating. I particularly appreciated the time and effort put in to producing tactile boards which had small example sections of the artwork for us to feel. It allowed me to visualise the piece so much better and made me feel more connected to it. That was fantastic.
After that we went to see Babel by Cildo Meireles, which is a piece I’ve heard about but never experienced. We listened to the swirling sounds of the circular tower of radios and were told that the lighting in the room is kept very low so visitors focus on sound and can see the various coloured LED lights shining. It was so fascinating to consider how the tower was constructed (old tech at the bottom, changing to new tech as it rises) and what the artist was interested in conveying. We could hear a mix of constantly changing music and voices from all the different stations which creates a unique experience for every viewing of the piece. We then headed back to the room downstairs and a vintage radio was passed around for us to feel while we quizzed the knowledgeable staff about this exhibit.
We stayed in this room for a bite to eat afterwards before heading home. What a wonderful event which not only got us thinking about art, history and culture, but got us chatting to new people and left us feeling enthusiastic for the next outing.
Testimonial re: Tate Modern Audio-Described Tour on February 21st
“I was so energised and inspired by attending Eye Matter’s collaboration with Tate Modern in providing an audio-described tour of artworks by Ghanaian artist, El Anatsui, and Brazilian artist, Cildo Meireles . It was brilliant to meet other Eye Matter members at the barriers at Southwark Tube, and to walkthe short distance to Tate Modern,where we were given a very warm welcome……..there was much expertise in assisting all of us to get the best experience in being able to take in the depth of these brilliant artworks, through a variety of sensory approaches, and elevate our voices in rendering our own interpretations aloud. Having a group collaborative experience about what it all meant was fabulous”.
To read the full testimonial and learn more about the work Eye Natter has achieved please click here: https://www.eyematter.org.uk/testimonials/
Keep in contact with us through Facebook
Thank you to Sarah for running our amazing Facebook page, please use this link to join us.
https://www.facebook.com/eyematterofficial
Future events
All our events will be listed here: https://www.eyematter.org.uk/events/ but, here are a few highlights:
Eye Matter Choir is coming back
Eye Matter is delighted to announce
The Eye Matter singers is coming back.
Choir will be commencing on Wednesday 20th March
Further choir sessions will be on:
Monday 25th March, 1st April, 8th April ,15th April, 22nd April, 29th April, 6th May, 13th May, Wednesday 15th May, Monday 20th May and Wednesday 22nd May.
Performance: 25th May 2024
Venue: St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre
If you have any song recommendations please send them to suzie@eyematter.org.uk
With subject ‘song’
private audio described tour at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Where: The Peter Harrison Planetarium, Astronomy Centre, Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ
When: Saturday 18th May
Meet and greet at 10:15am at Cutty Sark DLR Station
This is a 15-minute uphill walk to the planetarium
Cost: Tickets are £5 per person
At 10:40am the Planetarium Show – Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System will start:
- Experience the Solar System like never before – by travelling on a spacecraft that can turn the objects in space into sound!
- Prepare to be transported inside a special spacecraft to the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) to view the stars in the night sky, before
- lifting off into space to visit the Earth, Moon, Sun and all the planets of the Solar System.
- Unlike traditional planetarium shows the soundtrack takes the lead role. Each of the objects in space are represented
- with sounds as well as being presented with the incredible visuals.
- This will go on until 11:30am after which we can take a self-guided tour with an audio guide of the Historic Site, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Please bring a picnic lunch
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Space’
Tate Britain Tuesday 23rd April Free
Climb the o2 Thursday 11th July £25
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Tate visit’ or O2 climb’.
Future on-line events
Keep up to date with our activities :
https://www.eyematter.org.uk/events/
Highlights include:
Tuesday 27th February from 6pm
fun and friendly social hour followed by music quiz with Steve Reed
Wednesday 28th February from 11am – moving to 6th March
Our monthly book club – Bookworms takes place
Tuesday 5th March from 6pm
audio described chair Yoga followed by a social
Supporting Eye Matter
Obtaining funding is always difficult for small charities but Eye Matter is constantly striving to ensure its services can continue to be delivered.
Two Eye Matter members have already raised over £500 towards supporting these projects. Please continue to donate as all the proceeds will go towards your future activities.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/eyematter
Any amount is welcome.
External activities
DANCE CLASSES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SIGHT LOSS
Learn contemporary dance through improvisation and self expression at Rambert, in partnership with EYES 4 POSITIVITY.
Where: Rambert 99 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP.
When: Saturdays, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
You can book on our website, over the phone or in person.
www.rambert.org.uk/eyes-4-positivity or call: 0208 630 0600
Cost: £7 per class.
For any questions or more information:
Email us on dance@rambert.org.uk
To find more about EYES 4 POSITIVITY please call 07730410788, email suzie@eyes4positivity.org or visit http://eyes4positivity.org
Your contribution is valued
As a member of our Eye Matter family, we are keen to hear from you. Have you recently participated in one of our events? Do you have any photographs to share with us? (please include a description). Have you attended a good audio descried event, or received excellent service, as a VIP? What content would you like included within this newsletter? Please send your articles to: suzie@eyematter.org.uk
End of Year 2023 Newsletter
Dear Eye Matter members and friends,
Happy New Year and thank you for being a part of Eye Matter’s busy and brilliant 2023.
Eye Matter was delighted to welcome many new members and volunteers as the charity continued to grow and reach more visually impaired people.
In November we launched our new website www.eyematter.org.uk which offers PayPal and has a brand-new donate button. We are also now registered for Gift Aid.
Eye Matter was also delighted to add Visionary www.visionary.org.uk to our list of partners.
Members Matter,
In the past 12 months, Eye Matter members have been invited to join over 200 free Zoom events and 36 in person outings.
Our packed Zoom timetable has featured favourites including audio described yoga with Jackie, Zumba with Louise from Illuminate Freedom, Neurobics with Steve Wax, drama and confidence building with Victoria Hogg, VI cookery, and our ever-popular Bookworms book club.
Across 2023, Eye Matter welcomed insightful and inspiring talks and concerts, from friends including our very own “Musical” Mark Pampel, and VI snowboarder Haren Thillainathan. Eye Matter member Katriona Taylor wowed us online and in person at her album launch at Piano Smithfield in September which members were thrilled to attend.
Peer Support Matters
Eye Matter’s twice weekly “fun and friendly social hours” continued to bring members together to laugh and chat in an informal and relaxed Zoom room whilst monthly “Bounce” meetings have been another space for members to share problems and find solutions or workarounds for a visually impaired life.
Volunteers have generously offered fellow members remote iPhone Voice Over training which has been of great benefit to many.
Living Well Matters
In partnership with RNIB, Eye Matter delivered two “Living Well with Sight Loss” courses.
These popular and practical courses provided attendees the opportunity to learn about available support, including technology, mobility and transport with much more besides. Our next course will be held in May.
Outings Matter
Across the year, Members enjoyed some fantastic outings to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Ronnie Scotts, and London Zoo.
Tideway Sailability facilitated members’ sailing days at Surrey Docks Watersports Centre! Members have also loved being welcomed by accessible museum tours, including at the Wellcome Collection, at Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the Postal Museum.
Members also loved joining in the first ever Eye Matter sports day in June, taking part in VI tennis, VI football, VI cricket, and having a wonderful community day including a community picnic.
In October, members were delighted to be guests of RNIB and Netflix at the premiere of “All the Light We Cannot See” at the Everyman, Broadgate.
We’ve also been treated to critically acclaimed theatre and accompanying touch tours of audio-described performances including “Guys and Dolls”(Bridge theatre), “Standing at the Sky’s Edge (National Theatre), “Groundhog Day” (The Old Vic) and La Cage au Folles (Regents Park Open Air theatre). More than 30 Eye Matter members and friends have just been thrilled to attend “Peter Pan” at London’s Palladium, this brilliant and hilarious production has given everyone the best start to 2024’s theatre going!
And finally, Eye Matter enjoyed a fabulous festive season with a concert from the Eye Matter Singers in early December which was rapturously received and featured some glorious solos. Our thanks to Kevin Satizabal, our pianist and Linn Davies, our singing teacher for all of their hard work.
Our “Winter Extravaganza” held at The Crown Hotel, Cricklewood, was a brilliant day filled with dining and dancing, laughter, and fun.
Thank you for being a part of our Eye Matter year and we can’t wait to see you either online or in person very soon.
Lots of love, Suzie and the Eye Matter team