Eye Matter Matters/Newsletter

End of Year 2023 Newsletter

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2024 Issue 11

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2024 Issue 13

2024 Issue 14

Dear members and friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue 14. 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@eyematter.org.uk

This edition includes:
Eye Matter Zoom events

  • Sweet Dreams with Eye Matter – Steve Wax provides a talk about sleep and 50 ways of how to improve it.
  • Are you a confident iPhone and Android user willing to share your knowledge?

Eye Matter Outings

  • An audio described tour of Sparkle in the Park 2024, in partnership with Festival.org
  • An audio described performance of Robin Hood Panto
  • Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity- Stand Up Comedy Tour.

Special features

  • The blind leading the blind – follow our Italian adventure
  • Hey “What’s Going On?” with Eye Matter and Lesta Woo.
  • The latest brilliant improv comedy session with Eye Matter
  • “Being funny makes me not feel invisible” (Ruby Wax, September 2024)
  • Eye Matter’s first in-person Grief Counselling workshop, hosted by Joanne (“Jo”) Williams on September 28, 2024, in King’s Cross, London.
  • Part 3: The delivery of audio description and training into UK theatres featuring VocalEyes.

Eye Matter Zoom events

Keep up to date with our activities here.

Highlights include:

Sweet Dreams with Eye Matter – Steve Wax provides a talk about sleep and 50 ways of how to improve it.

On Tuesday 8th of October. On our Zoom account- 6pm to 8pm (social hour beforehand). During this workshop, we will discuss why we sometimes find it challenging to have a good night sleep. We will also discuss how lack of sleep might affect the function of our brain. Lastly, we will explore 50 approved methods of improving our sleep patterns.

 If you would like to join us, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk    

Are you a confident iPhone and Android user willing to share your knowledge?

We are seeking confident iPhone and Android users within our membership who are interested in sharing their skills with other visually impaired individuals. To support this initiative, we are excited to introduce our new Volunteer VoiceOver Training Manager, Charu Bansal, alongside volunteer IT Trainer Mark Evans, who will facilitate a short training program designed to enhance your teaching abilities.

Our first training session is scheduled for October 29th at 2 PM. If you would like to learn how to effectively teach iPhone VoiceOver or Android TalkBack skills.

Click here to our Facebook page to read more:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0wiRpYrB1Dr71TY2ozaebiDeQLFiFVWj5Cgtr3pmG2GwMGDQ6jYfxqsQru2YSpUFsl&id=100064088379673

To sign up for the teaching training, please email us with the subject line “Teach.”

Eye Matter Outings

Find all our events here

Highlights include:

An audio described tour of Sparkle in the Park 2024, in partnership with Festival.org

Sunday 1st December

Meeting at 4pm at Woolwich Station, Elizabeth Line and travelling to site together by bus. Returning to Woolwich Station at approximately 7pm.

Sparkle in the Park 2024 is a free audio-described holiday event at Charlton House with a large-scale light trail and soundscape experience.

There will also be a choir, markets (food, crafts, gifts etc.), and a fun fair.

For more information and to sign up, email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘sparkle’

An audio described performance of Robin Hood Panto

At the London Palladium

8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF

On Thursday 9th January 2025 at 7:30pm

Touch tour time tbc

Meet and greet at Oxford Circus Station time tbc

Tickets are £25.50 each

To buy your ticket email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Panto’

Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity- Stand Up Comedy Tour.

At the Duke of York theatre

St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG

On Saturday 18th January 2025

Performance starts at 7:30pm

Meet and greet at 6:45pm at Leicester Square Station

Tickets are £20.13

To buy your ticket, email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Stupidity’

You can also keep  up to date with events on our Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02wFmBPyPqoVHQgMMwjUPp4BKtp9gcjK8BGKgViyXHavTZkUY4KZ8jDxXSHJEXwdJfl&id=100064088379673

Where you can join the Eye Matters members’ group.

Special Features

The blind leading the blind – follow our Italian adventure

With around 2000miles stomped across England, France, Switzerland and now down into Italy Richard and Fiona are on the last leg of their mammoth trek. It has been an amazing adventure tasting new food, meeting some great people, and showing to the world blindness is no barrier to enjoying life. Richard’s determination and sense of fun has led them up and down mountains, across fields., over planks of wood spanning a river and down into a snowy valley where they began their Italian adventure.

On Tuesday 8th October they land once again back to where they left off, in Pisa. After a quick look around this leaning towered city they will be making their way on foot (approximately 200 Miles) towards Rome.

Fiona will be raising money to support the many projects Eye Matter delivers to nearly 300 members across the UK. These include access to a mental health and wellbeing blog, regular group counselling, trips to theatres, museums and so many exciting Zoom events.

You can follow their adventures through Facebook and Instagram.

If you would like to donate to Eye Matter, please click here:   https://www.justgiving.com/page/eyematter

Hey “What’s Going On?” with Eye Matter and Lesta Woo.

Lesta Woo (a visually impaired Dance teacher) (in collaboration with Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being) hosted an energetic Lindy Hop session via Zoom for Eye Matter members on September 17, 2024. Participants learned the techniques of the perfect Twist and listened to various tracks from James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Nina Simone. “Dancing has always been part of my life,” said Lesta. From a young age, and for many years, she studied modern dance, ballet and tap before being able to demonstrate her skills at various venues whilst at university.

Although Lesta confesses she doesn’t have a favourite dance style, she expresses the sensation of freedom she feels while dancing to the rhythms and compelling momentum of the chords of Jazz and Swing music. “Being able to connect fully to music, to the person you are dancing with and with the earth brings me a lot of joy,” she admits, “especially since connection is something I felt I was losing through sight loss.” 

In Eye Matter’s first session with Lesta (August 2024), participants were taught the principles of the Charleston, which is regularly featured on the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing”. (Coincidentally, “Strictly” is choreographed by some of Lesta’s own dance teachers, Ryan François, and Jenny Thomas.). Having been featured on such a high-profile broadcast, this dance style has attracted new fans and become popular among both able-bodied and disabled viewers. “I think it’s amazing that a VI person – Chris McCausland – is on the show this year,” she said.

Jazz and Swing have roots in African American culture. In the 1930/1940’s, Lindy Hop emerged from this musical fusion of expressions, out of the ball rooms in Harlem, New York. It was an example of social inclusion in a country still divided by the colour of their skins, let alone having an impairment…  Lindy Hop was effectively the street dance of that era. It was all about expression of freedom through movement which provided an escape for some of those who experienced oppression (including disabled people).

Lesta is teaching us a solo version of this dance   but, Lindy Hop is traditionally a partner dance created to encourage social inclusion. Even today there are limited opportunities for disabled people to compete reflecting a problem first incurred by one of its founders Jimmy Valentine. Despite only having one leg he competed and beat, non-disabled dancers, at the Harvest Moon Ball (1940) in New York. Although this launched Jimmy’s career, particularly dancing the Lindy Hop, it wasn’t his disability that stopped him advancing.

In contrast, today, As a VI dance teacher, Lesta has developed her own techniques especially when teaching via Zoom. About her work with Illuminate Freedom, she highlights Jazz as a community-driven dance form and that compliments the organisation’s ethos of providing community projects for VI people.

If you would like more information about this opportunity or would like to participate in our next session, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Follow Lesta here:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566630082055

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/dis_swing_thing?igsh=MnV0aXR1dWtwczVt&utm_source=qr

The latest brilliant improv comedy session with Eye Matter

On Saturday September 21, 2024, 10 Eye Matter members participated in various games and scenarios at the Confidence Building Workshop hosted by Vic Hogg and Steve Reed.

One member described how the workshop enabled her to feel uninhibited when expressing herself through comedy. The facilitators explained that everyone may experience feeling unable to convey opinions, and sometimes using different techniques such as comedy can alter another person’s attitude. Participants shared examples of how sight loss has left them feeling less confident.

Other points of discussion included the concept of “status,” and how easy it can be to judge others. Participants noted how VI people make assumptions about others based on their voices, tones, and interactions rather than facial expressions.

For more information and to sign up for a future confidence-building workshop, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject title “Confidence Workshop”.

“Being funny makes me not feel invisible” (Ruby Wax, September 2024)

In a change to the lighter-hearted performances members usually attend, 32 Eye Matter members and volunteers attended Ruby Wax’s “I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was” at London’s Ambassadors Theatre.

From the outset, Wax’s reputation as a brash diva was dramatically upended, as she appeared on stage wearing a cozy, pair of pink pyjamas. In her monologue, Ruby tackled the taboos against discussing mental health, and the array of emotions this triggered in herself and others.

Ruby was born in the US in 1958 to Austrian Jews who had fled Vienna just ahead of WWII. She came to the UK in the 1970s and enrolled in the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her first notable appearance was as loud-mouthed American Shelly DuPont in the ITV sitcom “Girls On Top” (1985-1986). This role placed her among Britain’s top female comedians – alongside Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Tracey Ullman, and Joan Greenwood – with whom she worked for many years.

“I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was” was the first show without live AD that some Eye Matter members have attended. However, Ruby described the sights and sounds of her surroundings in such vivid detail that it seemed as if this was for the benefit of Eye Matter members.

Ruby also hosted a question-and-answer session for the audience of 400 during which she revealed that working with the Royal Shakespeare Company was the highlight of her career.

Click here to read the full article along with photos on Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0roVjKt6SBqMVSZgu1bSr8aQM1DnsxTHmSvDhigBTZeaBrJSyzmwzvNpVeWwowrSGl&id=100064088379673   

Eye Matter’s first in-person Grief Counselling workshop, hosted by Joanne (“Jo”) Williams on September 28, 2024, in King’s Cross, London.

Members discussed the subject of giving and receiving help: why it can be so hard to accept that we need help in the first place, and even harder to ask for it. The session touched on what may be going through our minds when we need help, how it feels to be helpless, and how helping others can be therapeutic.

“It was beautiful to share space, thoughts and feelings with friends,” said Eye Matter member Charmain. “I’d wholeheartedly recommend these sessions, both via Zoom and in person…Such a brilliantly supportive space – thank you, everyone.”

Another member said, “Thank you so much for today’s session on Grief. It was really informative, and I felt empowered from all the different feedback given by other members. Also, I appreciated Suzie’s advice and together with Jo, they both empowered us all with suggestions on how to express our concerns to others.”

For more advice and strategies about coping with grief, please see Jo’s new blog on the Eye Matter website:  https://www.eyematter.org.uk/eye-matter-blog-by-joanna-williams-psychotherapeutic-counsellor-specialising-in-grief-and-loss/    

Eye Matter would like to thank therapist Joanne Williams for supporting participants during the emotional session. Likewise, Eye Matter thanks volunteers Hayley and James for escorting members to/from the station.

If you would like to take part in an upcoming Grief Counselling session, please email us.

Part 3:    The delivery of audio description and training into UK theatres, featuring VocalEyes.

This is part of our series exploring the development and delivery of formal audio description (AD) into UK theatres, focusing on VocalEyes –

VocalEyes was formed in 1998 by Andrew Holland, an audio describer originally based at London’s National Theatre. It provides training, advice, and other resources to professional audio describers, who in turn offer live and recorded AD in theatres, museums, and arts heritage organisations. Its website and ‘What’s On’ newsletter list events and links to relevant audio notes.

Following an initial grant from the National Lottery, VocalEyes received additional funding that was used to launch the “See of Voice” project: this enabled 26 regional theatres and two touring companies to provide AD by 2010.
In 2008, 168 blind and visually-impaired (VI) people attended an audio-described performance of “Les Misérables”, putting VocalEyes into the “Guinness Book of World Records”:

https://guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-audience-for-audio-described-theatre

VocalEyes works with a range of venues and producers to deliver audio described performances. Based on a preliminary discussion about the production – which may involve awareness training, VocalEyes will work with the production team to implement the full AD scenario. This includes a pre-recorded audio introduction (also available in print); a touch tour shortly before the performance, giving participants access to the set, props, and costumes; and the live AD during the performance, broadcast to blind and VI audience members through headphones.

In 2023 VocalEyes arranged a survey of the websites of 465 venues to determine, among other things, how many publicised an audio-described performance. The research revealed 414 for that year – a significant decrease from the 897-odd AD performances identified in 2019, the last time a similar survey was conducted.

Between 2023-2024 to date, VocalEyes has delivered 236 live audio-described performances. These have included several performances at The Curve Theatre in Leicester, The Royal Court Theatre in London’s Sloane Square, and West End hits such as “The Lion King” and “Back to the Future.”

Claire Saddleton, VocalEyes CEO explains, “VocalEyes has come a long way since its early days, overcoming challenges like the pandemic and its impact on arts and culture. It’s heartening to see audiences returning to theatres and visitors heading back to museums and galleries. While financial challenges continue to affect venues, service providers, and audiences alike, these are exciting times for audio description (AD). New technology is driving better access and inclusion, and more companies than ever are offering AD services. We’re proud to promote so many shows through our regular What’s On guides. Personally, I’d love to see more venues and heritage sites invest in additional training to ensure that the visitor experience is as smooth and welcoming as possible.”

VocalEyes has a core team of five staff (including VI representatives) and a board of nine Trustees, of whom four are also VI. They have a pool of around 50 describers; trainers; consultants, and technicians. In October 2024, they hope to name some additional Trustees.

Eye Matter has worked closely with VocalEyes on some of these projects ensuring the importance of service user engagement. In our next episode we will be focusing on the use of podcasts used by Tim Calvert (from Calvert Creative Concepts) and his continued work with the Audio Description Association.


Dear members and friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue 13. 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@eyematter.org.uk

This edition includes:

Eye Matter Zoom events.

Eye Matter Outings

Highlights include:

  • Eye Matter’s New In-Person Grief Counselling and Mental Health Wellbeing Blogg
  • Eye Matter Group Grief Workshop
  • Katriona Taylor at Piano Smithfield

Special features:

  • Eye Matter Matters’ team grows
  • Eye Matter Trustees join Visionary Zoom with RNIB Chairperson
  • Grief Counselling Workshop Focuses on Dealing with Anxiety
  • Eye Matter’s Choir “Zooms” Into Action
  • Revolutionary Personal Hygiene Device for VI Women
  • Eye Matter at Dancing City 2024 with Festival.org and VocalEyes.
  • Part 2: The delivery of audio description and training into UK theatres.

Eye Matter Zoom events.

Keep up to date with our activities here.

Eye Matter Outings

Find all our events  here

Highlights include:

Eye Matter’s New In-Person Grief Counselling and Mental Health Wellbeing Blog

The inaugural face-to-face grief counselling session will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Somerstown Living Centre, King’s Cross, London.  Members are invited to venture out from behind their screens, to meet and continue the discussion.   This session will be facilitated by our regular therapist Jo Williams, in a safe, secure environment.

Volunteers will be available to escort attendees from King’s Cross Station, and refreshments will be provided.

These sessions have been kindly underwritten by the Marway family and Natasha Cazin, to allow blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to explore a range of topics related to sight-loss. 

To book your place or receive more information about this event, please email with the subject” King’s Cross therapy”.

Please click here for our new blog supporting this project and our regular Zoom sessions.:  https://www.eyematter.org.uk/eye-matter-blog-by-joanna-williams-psychotherapeutic-counsellor-specialising-in-grief-and-loss/

Eye Matter group grief workshop

Saturday 28th of September 2pm

Please pay a £5 voluntary contribution

Meet and Greet at 1:30pm at St Pancras Station

For more information or to book your place contact Suzie

Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Grief’

At this very special in-person meeting, we’ll be considering the subject of giving and receiving help.

Why can it sometimes be so hard to accept that we need help, and even harder to ask for it? What is going on for us inside when we need help? What buttons does feeling ‘helpless’ press?

How can helping others be therapeutic, and how do we recognise when it’s too much?

Katriona Taylor at Piano Smithfield

Thursday 17th October 8pm

Piano Smithfield, 14 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN

These tickets were generously reduced to £12.75 for Eye Matter until the 1st of October.

Meet-and-greet at Barbican Underground Station at 7pm

For more information or to book your place contact Suzie

Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Jazz’

Our member, outstanding jazz vocalist Katriona Taylor premieres her uncharted melodies at Piano Smithfield.

UK vocalist Katriona Taylor premieres her new unreleased original songs and some of her hits from her highly acclaimed albums “Daring Dreams” and “Blind Passion”.

Katriona is famous for her sultry, smooth vocals, and funky vibes, and these original songs expertly blend a fusion of jazz grooves.

Katriona and her musicians will light up the stage and you’ll hear a remarkable hit of instrumentation and musicianship.

Katriona is at home on the intimate stages of the UK’s top jazz clubs like Ronnie Scotts and 606 or at large International festivals. She has opened for the legendary George Benson and the James Taylor Quartet amongst others. Her 6 albums have received multiple plaudits & airplay and rave reviews, as well as being featured on BBC National radio and JazzFM.   

The bar sells pizza if you wish.

If you’d like to come, email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘JAZZ’ or call Suzie on 07968722664

Please keep up to date with our activities on our Facebook page:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02wFmBPyPqoVHQgMMwjUPp4BKtp9gcjK8BGKgViyXHavTZkUY4KZ8jDxXSHJEXwdJfl&id=100064088379673

and join our members of Eye Matter group.

Special Features

Eye Matter Matters’ team grows

We are delighted that Maggie Rosen will help with editing. She will be ensuring the t’s are crossed and I’s are dotted!  

Eye Matter Trustees join Visionary Zoom with RNIB Chairperson

On September 4, 2024, two Eye Matter Trustees participated in a Trustee Forum Zoom session organised by Visionary, a charity that in turn, supports small, local sight loss charities. The session’s guest speaker was RNIB Chairperson Anna Tylor. She described the challenges of operating in a difficult economic environment; her role in supporting the RNIB’s CEO Mat Stringer; and ensuring that Trustees have the right information at the right time to enable them to make decisions.

She confirmed the RNIB’s commitment to increasing employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired people within the organisation with a range of new projects. Currently only 16% of its workforce are VI.

Eye Matter are disappointed about the RNIB’s decision to close their Technology For Life project, despite a petition that received over 1000 signatures protesting the closure – and especially in light of the RNIB’s stated aim of increasing its VI staff. The charity has yet to explain how it proposed to support the VI community’s technology-related needs.

Grief Counselling Workshop Focuses on Dealing with Anxiety

On Monday 9th September, 14 members engaged via Zoom in a grief counselling workshop to discuss the concept of physical reactions to anxiety and coping techniques.  The conversation covered how anxiety can cause subconscious reactions; the importance of relaxation; the stress of restless sleep; and coping techniques.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet were highlighted as important habits for facilitating a good night’s sleep as they can reduce symptoms of anxiety. 

Eye Matter’s Choir “Zooms” Into Action

Twenty members from across the UK joined Zoom for the first of 12 weekly rehearsals for our Christmas concert, scheduled for November 30, 2024. Eye Matter member and choir director Rachel Bowden led singers through a range of vocal warm-ups and two of the eight songs selected for the programme.

Eye Matter’s choir takes place every Monday from 6pm. It is a fun, social practice for everyone to enjoy.

Please email Suzie with the subject title “Choir”.

Revolutionary Personal Hygiene Device for VI Women

On September 10, 2024, Eye Matter hosted a presentation by Muna Daud, multi-disciplinary designer and inventor of FlowSense which is a new device that may change the lives of blind and VI women of menstruating age.

This project will engage with blind and partially sighted women to develop a new piece of equipment to assist with monitoring menstrual flows. Over a number of months, the women will examine new ideas and technics which will eventually lead to the development of a working prototype.  Eye Matter is actively recruiting more members to participate in both in-person and remote sessions exploring the concept and functionality of FlowSense.

Muna explained that she developed FlowSense in response to the profound challenges that many blind and VI women face when it comes to addressing their menstrual health. In the absence of adequate eyesight, “every period is not merely a routine inconvenience but a formidable battle for dignity and independence.

If you would like to take part in this project or would like more information, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Eye Matter at Dancing City 2024 with Festival.org and VocalEyes.

On Saturday September 7, 10 Eye Matter members attended a live, audio description-assisted route through Dancing City 2024 Stratford, organised by GDFI2024 as part of Festival.org. This annual event celebrates outdoor dance, showcasing exceptional home-grown and international talent in outdoor spaces across Stratford, in the new East Bank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  426,400 people attended Dancing City across the 10 different shows which were performed 2 or 3 times in the day. Eye Matter was a very small group when compared to the numbers of visitors around us including Land Empathy 333: Patois 1000: Frock 260:  Synergy 400. The various acts were situated around Stratford Park on the iconic area of London 2012 Olympics. This spirit was very much in evidence from the energy of every performance. It was truly amazing how much was packed into just 15 minutes.

The “Land Empathy” piece was an apocalyptic image of the result of human neglect of the environment.  As part of the touch tour, we were encouraged to play with pots of slimy clay the dancers used in the performance.  Although we had the fabulous audio description coming through our headsets, it was still nice for those of us with a little sight to be able to see the blurred images of the dancers moving so close to us.

In contrast to the grey sparseness of “Land Empathy”, we then moved to the bright colours of the “Patois”, the touch tour of which took place on stage before the show.  The performance, “reawakens the unwritten language of Patois, telling a story of culture, lost languages, longing and belonging”, from a movement of a large group of people in the 1950’s.  We were delighted to be introduced to the show’s British Caribbean choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, who, alongside Kate (from VocalEyes), described the many differently- shaped and multi-coloured trunks and suitcases used by the performers. Jeanefer explained how the costume and set designer had gone to great lengths to ensure authenticity of the colours and textures of materials used on stage, to reflect the bright colours of their homeland: For example, the backdrop was made from gently rippling chiffon scarves of blue, white, yellow and black, symbolising the flag of St Lucia. Laughing she recounted how the brightly coloured luggage had tempted a toddler, who tried to wander off with one of the smaller pieces.  Likewise, the female lead dancers wore brightly coloured skirts, shorter at the front, to allow them to move around the stage and then changed into clothes in muted colours, to reflect their opinion of their new home.  With the beat of the music in our chests our feet soon started tapping along with its energy.  Eye Matter members are renowned for their love of music and dance and were delighted to be invited to join the performers on stage at the end of the show.

We very much appreciated that the cast of “Frock” met us before their performance.  In turn, they introduced their characters and described in great detail their costumes.  They had swapped the stereotypical clothing used to distinguish male from female, possibly reflecting the challenge of not letting disability be a barrier to dance.   Indeed, their movements and synchronisation were so well incorporated that the ability – rather than disability – of the performers was in the spotlight. I loved the way Kate described the agility of one dancer, who was spun around by a performer in a wheelchair, who used his chair as part of the routine. Each dancer also had their own distinct teacup and saucer as a prop to perhaps portray conformity vs uniqueness.

The final piece, “Synergy”, was a futuristic, almost balletic show about embracing the wonders of our universe.  Dancers used their bodies to engage with this theme – with one dancer swirling her crutches around her, before leaving them behind, (This reminded me of my earlier dancing with my white cane on stage.). As their set ended, the dancers changed into some rather desirable bomber jackets reminiscent of astronaut gear.

Eye Matter would like to thank Access Producer Kat Gill and her team for all the care and consideration shown to our members throughout the day.  Likewise, we would like to show our gratitude to Kate from VocalEyes, without whom we would not have been able to understand what was happening during the performances. 

Please click here to our Facebook page to view the photos kindly supplied by  Emmanuel Cole:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0WxXbLZ734Zjq3dLBxzrPa1qXKs7FUXxEVCsyi7bfs81bhvq4mHnNtVn1jRxM2kPzl&id=10006408837967

If you would like to find out more about Eye Matter or join one of our events please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Part 2:  The delivery of audio description and training into UK theatres.

The first part of this episode will concentrate on the contributions made by Extant.  How it continues to ensure access to the Arts is maintained and its engagement with its service users as part of this process.

Extant was founded in 1997 by visually impaired Maria Oshodi. Currently it employs seven people (of whom two are visually impaired) and engages with a host of freelance audio describers / facilitators. They strive to ensure visually impaired people are at the heart of their management, training and opportunities. Aswell as providing artistic development for blind and partially sighted people in the theatrical sector, they run several different training programmes including, a ‘Pre-Enhance’ session for a theatre company to work with a visually impaired facilitator (for up to 5 days) on various stages of the production and incorporating the embedding of audio description (AD) into the whole creative process. ‘Lunch and Learn’, is a more informal programme (with limited capacity) where the group discuss related concerns and are provided with an introduction to the Social Model of Disability and Equality Act (2010).

Led by Caroline Jeyaratnam-Joyner, Enhance Training Manager (at Extant) they are currently delivering their ‘Post Enhanced’ Training to a Paul Hamlyn Foundation funded series of projects across 6 UK venues (2024-2026). These training sessions will involve the whole company (including front of house, stage workers, production and actors). All these programmes incorporate participation in their Visual Impairment Awareness Training (VIAT) and will receive a recognised “Enhanced Mark” which can be used in the theatres promotional content.

At a recent Extant Connect meeting (a monthly Zoom session for artists, creators and writers) members discussed the need to increase audio descriptions into live productions such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Extant highlighted, “A response to the sobering fact that only 17 shows are listed with the Fringe Society as having audio description in 2024. Although this figure increased to 27 AD shows (0.7%) out of 3,984 shows available Extant felt it severely discriminated against the needs of blind and partially sighted people. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has been operating for 75 years and boasts its commitment to inclusive access. Last year 2.5 million tickets were issued yet only 0.6% of shows offered any form of AD.

Louisa Sanfey (Artist Development Manager at Extant)

 explained, “It’s frankly outrageous that in 2024, VI people are almost totally excluded from this major celebration of arts and culture. So Extant decided to do something about it!  Along with our Scottish friends at VICS (Visually Impaired Creatives Scotland), we approached the Fringe Society to request a crisis meeting, the Fringe Society being the organisation that underpins the Fringe, selling tickets, supporting performers and assisting audiences. We also got in touch with ZOO Venues, one of the leading venues at the fringe, to set up an Open House for artists, venue staff and interested parties to discuss the situation.”

If you would like to find more about Extants work, please click here:  https://extant.org.uk/edinburgh-fringe-event

Next time we will explore the work of VocalEyes and how this record-breaking organisation continues to develop access into the arts. 


Dear Members and friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number twelve. 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 Zoom events.

  • Grief counselling workshop – Monday 9th September at 1.30pm
  • Eye Matter Singers return at 6pm on Monday, 9th September via the wonders of Zoom.
  • Introducing FlowSense (through Zoom)  on Tuesday 10th September 2024.

Eye Matter Outings

Special features:

  • Feeling the sun setting above ‘Fiddler on The Roof’ with Eye Matter.
  • Bullseye with Eye matter.
  • Eye Matter had plenty to say!
  • Poetry appreciation workshop with Diana Bramson.
  • Exercising “the little grey cells” with Steve Wax.

Eye Matter Zoom events.

Keep up to date with our activities here.

Some highlights:

Grief counselling workshop – Monday 9th September at 1.30pm

Our next grief counselling workshop takes place Monday 9th September at 1.30pm on Zoom.  These twice a month sessions have been kindly funded by the Marway family and Natasha Cazin to allow blind and partially sighted people a chance to explore a range of different topics related to sight-loss.  Facilitated by therapist Joanna Williams.

If you would like to find out more about these grief counselling workshops on Zoom, or, join us, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “thriving”. 

Eye Matter Singers return at 6pm on Monday, 9th September via the wonders of Zoom.

Come and start your Christmas early with 12 musical weeks working towards our fun and festive concert on Saturday, 30th November at Somers Town Living Centre, London, NW1.

Everyone is welcome to join, there are no auditions, and we sing for well-being, relaxation and most importantly, fun!

Rachel Bowden Waterson leads the weekly warm-ups and singer sessions and superb VI musician Kevin Satizabal will once again accompany the choir.

 For more information contact Suzie

suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘choir’

Introducing FlowSense (through Zoom) on Tuesday 10th September 2024.

By Fiona Musgrove.

As blind women, managing our periods can be challenging, especially as we get older and our cycles become more unpredictable. Or perhaps you’re just starting out on your menstrual journey and feeling a bit awkward discussing your fears!

If these sound familiar, please join us for this introductory session about Flow Sense.

Eye Matter is thrilled to collaborate on this groundbreaking project with FlowSense.

We are looking for six women of all ages who are still having regular periods.

Our first session will be on Tuesday 10th September at 7pm,on Zoom.

To book your place or to find out more about this unique experience please email Suzie: with the subject title “FlowSense”.

Eye Matter Outings

All our events are accessed here

These are the outings we still have space for, we hope you can join us.

21st September Confidence Building Workshop with Vic Hogg and Steve Reed £5

Join us for 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!

28th September visually impaired group grief workshop session with Joanna Williams in Kings cross Sommers Town Hall 2pm to 5pm with refreshments £5

Joanna Williams 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.

Please join her for our first in person session

17th October Katriona Taylor Jazz at Piano Smithfield £12.50

30th November Eye Matter Christmas Concert, Kings Cross Somers Town Hall, £5

12th December Eye Matter Winter Extravaganza, Crown Hotel London, meet and greet Kings Cross 10:30am, £40

For more information or to book your place contact Suzie

Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject [Name of event].

Please keep up to date with our activities on our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/eyematterofficial/

and join our members of Eye Matter group.

Special Features

Feeling the sun setting above ‘Fiddler on The Roof’ with Eye Matter.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Saturday 31st August, 28Eye Matter members attended the open-air performance of ‘The Fiddler of The Roof’ in Regents Park. Suzie Simons (Eye Matter’s Founder) said, “The access was very well done. Many of the actors came out to talk to us and we got to feel the props including the challah bread and the severed head from the dream sequence.

Eye Matter would like to thank all the access team involved in supporting their visit.  Suzie added, “Phoebe was so helpful and Jaime who Eye Matter have seen playing with his band TUNGZ were excellent”. A huge thanks to all our fabulous volunteers and members who enjoyed a lovely picnic, before the production, in the park.

A special thanks to Jo, one of our fantastic volunteers for supplying these images.

If you would like to take part in a future theatre trip, please email us.

Bullseye with Eye matter.

By Fiona Musgrove.

After every event I try to use feedback to express how the visit has gone. However, this has been a totally overwhelming experience after Eye Matter’s first PGL activity holiday which took place in East Sussex last week (Monday 26th to Thursday 30th August).  To accommodate the different activities Eye Matter participants were divided into three groups:  GROUP 1, 9 people:  Tiana, Sarah, Rachel, Vicky, Danielle, Erin, Steve, Chanel, Paula, GROUP 2, 10 people:  Noemi, Rose, Bushra, Nada, Kasia, Althea, Stuart, Daniel, Lauren, Priti. GROUP 3, 11 people:  Hayley, James, Anne, Jane, Andrew, Lucy, Darren, Amrit, Amar, Norin, Karen. Suzie floated between the groups.  Subsequently everyone had the chance to try disc golf, archery, rifle shooting, abseiling, giant swinging, axe throwing, climbing, buggy building, swimming, canoeing.  Along with a pool party campfire and lots of laughs.  Here’s some of their responses.

Steve, “When Suzie was putting Eye Matter together, she had lots of big ideas and dreams, and I would tell her to make sure she could walk before she could run. I think even this trip has been bigger than her dreams. What Eye Matter has achieved, and I don’t just mean Suzie, I mean all of the members has been immense and the last few days epitomises that achievement. Suzie and I have a saying that we use to help with mental health and wellbeing and that is to give yourself praise for the small victories. We say small victories because when you praise those the victories start to get bigger and bigger. Every single person who came to PGL should be praising themselves and giving themselves many pats on the back. Everyone pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and challenged themselves to do things they hadn’t done before. I hope you all have sore backs with all the pats you’ve been giving yourselves. But I also hope Suzie is taking a leaf out of her own book and giving herself a massive pat on the back, not only for arranging this holiday, but also for everything she has achieved with Eye Matter in such a short space of time. That award was more than well deserved.”

Vicky, “I am so proud of us all for achieving so much and pushing our boundaries! For me, my favourites were the archery especially getting the bull’s-eye on my second shot, and also the giant swing which I was a little unsure about but absolutely loved apart from the harness! Hope they come up with some sort of nappy next year 🤣 You are all absolutely amazing as Vip especially but not specifically Pretty, Althea and Bushra and Danielle and Erin. just love those videos from the meta Rayban specs, I expect a lot of us will have those by next year, I am certainly planning to get some myself 😎 who would’ve thought we would all produce such excellent videos and photos as ViP. We are al awesome and amazing people and should be very proud of all of us. The team spirit was amazing, and the support from the PGL staff and all the wonderful volunteers from I Matter was superb . I guess we all exceeded any expectations that the PGL staff about dealing with a load of adult VIPs as opposed to a bunch of truculent children! 🤣 so looking forward to next year and doing even better”

Amar (Amrits daughter, “I just want to say a big BIG thank you to Suzie for organizing an amazing trip at PGL. I am honestly so proud of everyone and how much u guys really pushed out of your comfort zones when taking on the challenging activities. I am also so impressed with how well the PGL team adapted activities to make them accessible and how they taught and explained everything so well! I honestly had a rollercoaster of a time on the holiday. From saying I’d never do some activities because I was too scared to pushing past my limits and overcoming my fear of heights on uneven surfaces😆. Special thank you to my team for cheering me on and all the people who encouraged me to go try the activities!! I honestly cant decide what activities where my favourite but if I had to choose I liked Rifle Shooting, Rock Climbing and the giant swing (sky is the limit Anne😝) I hope we have another successful trip like this and Suzie keep up the amazing work and effort you do to organizing these trips!❤️”

Priti, “I’m not a fit or active person so for me this break was a real challenge and I was determined to conquer my fears. With the support and encouragement of the amazing PGL staff,  guides and team mates in  team 2, I did all the activities apart from Buggy building as my sciatica was painful. Thank you wonderful team mates for insisting on giving me a ride on the buggy so I felt a part of it. It was so much fun.   I really struggled with climbing the wall but I was told I managed to get a third of the way up that too.   One of my biggest fears  was abseiling with a fear of heights, but with constant encouragement I even managed that. I was  so happy and felt such a sense of achievement and elation  when I got to the bottom.   The PGL staff were outstanding, so friendly, encouraging , motivating and happy to help in any way including guiding and helping us with getting our dinner.  The rooms were comfortable and the food ok, we were never hungry.   The friendship, spirit and chatter with  and amongst everyone always had a buzz of joy,  excitement, anticipation and pride too, it was so nice. This break really took me out of my comfort zone and I now feel  great apart from my arms and legs aching. It built my confidence and self esteem. Thank you, I really couldn’t have done some of this without the support and encouragement of everyone, days later I still can’t believe I actually absellied,  I saw so many nervous  people scared of trying things like I was, it made it even more special seeing everyone’s euphoric faces when they’d just  done something they thought they never could, that made me really happy, thank you, thank you, thank you .  Let’s all remember, we can achieve so much if we put our minds to it, suzie, you’re a superstar!”

Althea, “Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the wonderful activities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. The experiences were thrilling, emotional, and incredibly challenging. Well done, everyone—we really are awesome and absolutely fabulous.  The words of a beautiful, encouraging song come to mind: “Lean on me!” We are one of many—a team, a network of beautiful souls who have supported each other emotionally, mentally, and physically. I made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and was surrounded by an amazing network of supportive people. A special thanks to Suzy and her incredible team of helpers and volunteers, as well as the PGL team of friendly instructors who pushed and encouraged us beyond what we thought was possible.”

Norin, “I had the best few days meeting you all and doing lots of activities, enjoying and having fun every moment.  I will mention a few names below, apologies if I forgotten someone’s name, hope you forgive me. 🙏🏻Thank you superstar Suzie for organising such an amazing trip James, Hayley, Tiana, Rachel, Naomi, Andrew, Amar greatly appreciated your support every step during the trip.  I had a lovely conversation with pretty woman pretty, Amrit ji dancing/language buddy Bushra, 😊 got a very good friend in Darren.  Short and small catch up time with Sarah, Steve, Chanel, Nada, Kasia, Karen, Althea, Stuart, Daniel, Lovelyto meet some New amazing people from this trip, Anne, Lucy,  Jayne,  I wish there could be more time to know more Danielle, Erin, Rose, Vicki, Lauren, Paula.  Thank you everyone again for motivating me on activities you all are amazing. I enjoyed taking part in all activities, but my favourite one is abseiling, X throwing, pool party, and disco night.  Special thanks to PGL Staff, they were amazing and really really helpful. Also, my special thanks to James as well, he is a very helpful and very supportive person.”

Bushra, “Suzie did an incredible  and awesome job and really made the holiday  special for us. Amazing trip. I really really enjoyed it.  Thank you so much to all the volunteers and guides and everyone behind the scene organising it all for us. The PGL staff were amazing and helpful. I really challenged myself and so proud of myself and everyone, well done.”

Chanel, “A big thank you to everyone. It was amazing. Loved it. It was incredible. Thank you all.  I’d say the abseiling was my favourite but, overall, I had a wonderful time. It was absolutely fantastic!!!! Loved it. Was absolutely brilliant. “

Suzie “I cannot pick a favourite activity, although I love the pool party and I also loved sitting in the dining room listening to the wonderful lively chatter between the participants and the giggling I also loved the incredible team spirit the support everybody gave each other and the Dancing on the last night.”

Hayley, “as a sighted volunteer, it was great to take part, and I had an amazing experience! The ethos of the group is enjoyable as everyone had a positive attitude, friendly and appreciative. It’s lovely to meet new people too.”

Paula, “Thank you to Eye Matter and Susie Simons for all their hard work for putting this together. So, there is the bonfire night, Rachel and Paula on the big swing, that’s all I’m saying about that. Paula bullseye at axe throwing, Paula and Cassie relaxing, Cassie eating even more grass doing a very good impression of a cow, Rachel and Paula abseiling we got better the more we did it.  It was a lovely way to spend a few days in the Company of some very nice people. The staff were fab, friendly, supportive and fun.

Tiana, “As a sighted guide/ volunteer, it has been truly wonderful to see the VI’s step outside of their comfort zones, push their boundaries and the relief and pride on their faces when they accomplished the achievement! Moreover, the incredible team spirit and camaraderie which I think everyone experienced even if they didn’t participate in that particular activity.”

Nadia Thank you to all the volunteers, especially to James and Hayley who waited with me for my Taxi thank you so much. Susie, a big thank you for arranging such a beautiful holiday!   I would like to say a very big thank you to you and all of the helpers for such a fantastic holiday.”

Rachel, “We all accomplished so much, above and beyond my wildest expectations of what we could all achieve. Obviously, I saw the list of activities written down but never imagined how much fun it would all be! I still can’t believe that I abseiled and loved it, was thrilled by the giant swing, learned to canoe as a team with Vicki, somehow managed to be a useful part of a buggy building team, found archery so natural🏹, shot my first ever rifle and met so many marvellous people.🤸🏻‍♀️ There are so many highlights but the pool party was an absolute dream, just paradise to be in a gorgeous heated pool in the open air alongside many new friends🥂 I also loved sharing a room with Suzie, we never stop laughing😂. Thank you for everything super Suzie and you incredible sighted guides and PGL people who made it all possible😘😘”.

Darren, “I have felt it has gone from a good swing from start to the end making it a long swing!  I have made some fantastic friends.  I was able to conquer one of my biggest challenges which was doing the abseiling when I got to the top. I realise the only way out of this was to go down and continue. I was very hesitant at first and but didn’t want to be the only one out that didn’t rise to the challenge and was so pleased with myself that I did so I really enjoyed this holiday and really want to return next year. I have made loads of friends. The pool party was lovely and the sense of friendship, I gained from this Eye Matter outing was incredible. I also liked playing disc golf, which was using a frisbee into a basket. This was the first time I had played. Thank you all.”

Daniel, “A big thanks to Susie for organising such a fun and wonderful event. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and it was great to catch up with many of you again and meet new people as well.  My favourite had to be the pool party. It’s just a shame I didn’t go in earlier, as I only learnt about the ball games in the pool when I got back :-).  Axe throwing was good and the problem-solving really made me laugh as Lauren and Althea were just so funny LOL.  A big thank you to Rose, James, Stuart and Althea for helping me throughout the trip. Also, thanks to you Hayley and Naomi for also helping me and anyone else that did.  Well done, Bushra, Priti and Althea you guys were amazing in the activities you did.  I had fun with you all and couldn’t stop laughing when I was around you Steve, Lucy, Susie and many of you who put a smile on my face throughout this trip.”.

Lucy and Andrew, “We had a lovely activity holiday, thanks to Eye Matter.”

Apologies to those who submitted voice notes and other testimonials along with a gallery of images.  I hope to collate some. Of these into a movie within a week and will share on our Facebook page.

If you are interested in booking a place on next year’s PGL activity week or would like more information about this year’s holiday, please email, suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Eye Matter had plenty to say!

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Friday 23rd August, at 11am 10 Eye Matter members joined Professor Finlayson, (Alan) on Zoom.  Fiona (me) presented an argument to encourage people to take ownership of their own environment by stating some facts and examples of hazards faced by blind and partially sighted people.  Another member read her speech about providing free childcare.  She drew from her personal experience in Poland and the benefits this provision would provide for young parents. Sarah provided a whimsical speech.

Alan discussed the use of speeches containing opening questions or giving an introduction to themselves.   We also discussed how much content should be given and knowing when to adapt a speech for a specific audience.  One member gave an unwritten speech on his concerns about changes in Personal Independence Payment (PIP).  Another member said she had really enjoyed the chance to write in a professional way and had been determined to submit her speech.

Eye Matter would like to thank Alan for his work in providing such an interesting and informative workshop.  We would also like to thank all those who contributed to these sessions.

Poetry appreciation workshop with Diana Bramson.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Friday 16th August 12 -members took part in our monthly poetry appreciation workshop.  This month’s poems were based on a child’s perspective and examples from the Victorian times to modern day poets from the UK and beyond were discussed.

“I chose never to grow up and found these poems very powerful today”, Suzie Simons.

Diana began with a poem entitled, My Party by Queenie Scott-Hopper which incorporated traditional nursery characters such as Littel Red Riding Hood, Little Miss Muffet and Sukie and Poly taking us straight back to our childhood. However, this painted image was somewhat shattered Within, My Space by J H Rice. A member commented that it made her feel sad that some childhood recollections a not full of fun and happiness. “My space fits my shape, Helps me find my own escape, Lets me take a little break “. In contrast an American contemporary poem, Hide and seek by Zaro Weil explored the need to find inner peace.  Members enjoyed the vivid imagery and use of words used to describe sounds.  Foster Child by Louise Greig, a Scottish poet described the insecurities of a “labelled child” and the perceptions attributed to their own position in society.

The Good Little Girl by A. A. Milne engaged members to recollect their childhood connections to this poet in his many writings about his son Christopher Robin. However, this poem was centred on the perception of what a good girl is.

A whimsical poem, Dear Mum by Brian Patten had us giggling as we could imagine an angelic little boy penning this to his exasperated mother “How the self-raising flour managed to self-raise”.  What I love about school by Roger McGough, provided a narrative of constant questions, synonymous with many young children to reflect the poets tangle of thoughts about school life.  She Crochets the Stars by Vicky Arthurs taken from Poems for Grandparents was another whimsical and fun poem – which even inspired me to try crocheting again!

“Crochet me a cobweb decked with dew”.

If you would like to learn more about the enjoyment of poetry in our exclusive workshop, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk including the subject “poetry”.

Exercising “the little grey cells” with Steve Wax.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Friday 9th August, 17 Eye Matter members attended our monthly session of Neurobics, (aerobics for the memory) which is a fun brain workout facilitated by Steve Wax.  These sessions have been kindly funded by The National Lottery.

Neurobics Brain & Body Fitness – is a preventative and rehabilitative treatment programme which supports people to “Challenge the Body, Stimulate the Brain & Lift the Heart.”  These sessions aim to recognise that, “Brain & Body Fitness has become a vital element for lifelong well-being, and Neurobics can help you to manage, postpone or eliminate cognitive decline as well as support those recovering from brain injury.”.  This is achieved by providing a range of stimulating, interactive memory games to encourage maximum participation.

Members engaged in a range of games designed to stimulate our brains including writing words and numbers simultaneously, memory word games in different subjects, and number games.

Try these:

What is the highest amount you can calculate using the 24-hour clock i.e. 02.23 or 12.12 etc?

Singing twinkle twinkle little star and ABC together what letter would be reached on the first “star”?  

If you would like to take part in our next session, please email us with the subject title: “Steve Wax”.


Dear Members and friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number eleven. 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 Zoom events.

Eye Matter Outings

Special features:

  • I Don’t Like the Olympics By Malcolm Day
  • Returning to the empty well of anger.
  • Exploring audio description with Eye Matter.
  • Part 1: Introduction and the history of audio description.
  • Exploring the meaning of a hole with Henry Moore.
  • Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.
  • How was your Election 2024 experience?

I Don’t Like the Olympics

By Malcolm Day

I don’t like watching the running

I’m told the sprinting is stunning

They speed twice round the track

Or run there and back

Once the starter pistol is gunning

I don’t like watching the skating

The dancing on ice I am hating

I give naught as my score

I can’t stand no more

For the end of it all I am waiting

I don’t like watching the jumping

Doesn’t send my blood a-pumping

Whether it’s long or it’s high

It just makes me sigh

Grumpy old man keeps on grumping

I don’t like watching the swimming

It makes me go channel skimming

Breast stroke, butterfly, crawl

I just hate them all

You can’t tell who’s losing or ‘wimming’!

 

Eye Matter Zoom events.

Keep up to date with our activities here.

No matter where you are located in the UK, come and join our growing on-line group of friends on Zoom.

Second Monday of the month 1:30pm to 3pm

New Surviving to Thriving facilitated by Joanna Williams, writer, workshop leader and therapist

Tuesdays

20th: Fun and friendly social followed by Neurobics with Steve Wax aerobics for your brain

27th: No meetings

Last Wednesday of every month 11am

Bookworms, our monthly book club, discussing The Mystery of the Parsee Lawyer by Shrabani Basu

Fridays 11am

23rd: Fun and friendly social followed by speech writing workshop

30th: Fun and friendly social followed by drama improv with Steve Reed

Eye Matter Outings

All our events are accessed here

These are the outings we still have space for, we hope you can join us.

Outdoor Performance – Five parkour performers take an unforgettable journey through Greenwich Peninsula’s stunning architectural landscapes. Featuring a jaw-dropping integration of movement and climbing skills, this breathtaking performance receives its UK premiere at GDIF. Live Audio Description available 1st September £5 voluntary contribution

Dancing City – London’s much-loved, annual, celebration of free outdoor dance showcases a host of exceptional homegrown and international talent in amazing outdoor spaces across Stratford – in the new East Bank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Live Audio Description Assisted Route with Eye Matter – 7th September £5 voluntary contribution

Confidence Building Workshop with Vic Hogg and Steve Reed 21st September £5

Ruby Wax at The Ambassadors Theatre 26th September £20

Visually impaired group grief workshop session to be held in Kings Cross Sommers Town Hall 2pm to 5pm with refreshments 28th September £5

For more information or to book your place contact Suzie

Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject [Name of event].

 

Returning to the empty well of anger.

By Fiona Musgrove.

A grief counselling workshop was delivered (through Zoom) to 12 Eye Matter members on the 12th August, at 1:30pm. These twice a month session have been kindly funded by the Marway family and Natasha Cazin to allow blind and partially sighted people a chance to explore a range of different topics related to sight-loss. Facilitated by therapist Joanna Williams, we were guided through the various manifestations and emotions around ‘anger’.

Astonishingly it was only in 1969, ‘that anger’ was first recognised within “The five stages of grief.  Although anger is a natural emotion to any kind of loss it still remains an emotional many people find hard to accept or understand.    We discussed the importance of recognising the source of the anger: Does it mask other concerns or emotions?  to consider why that person is lashing out and in doing so identify the trigger points.  It is agreed that it is important to face these emotions rather than allowing them to be suppressed.

Jo asked for examples of anger:  One participant said they felt angry at the r children’s lack of understanding in keeping the home tidy, another example was the frustration of technology and, one person’s feeling of inadequacy within the home. The group expanded the importance of accepting anger as a natural reaction of an active emotion, often felt in times of high stress or, frustration.

“I got angry when I bumped into a lamp post”. this person realised that this reaction was a frustration caused by diminishing sight loss and not a physical aggression against the inanimate object on the street.

Jo explained that there are two main forms of anger:

Aggressive anger:  A person may throw something or lash out.

Passive aggression:  This is typically seen as sarcastic comments making the person feel frustrated indirectly.

Then she identified a third form:

Assertive anger:  This is a realised emotion and can be controlled and used in a positive way.  The aim of this “assertive anger” is to be able to “rephrase these thoughts of anger”.

we discussed the ownership of this anger and how having this control of our own emotions can determine its impact.  Here are some of the coping methods discussed:

Grounding:  Having a physical object to hold (when this emotion occurs) eg: A chair or table edge.

Deep breathing:  Taking slow, regular breaths lowers the feeling of anger and despair.

Regular exercise:  One member explained, how important it was for them to take a 45 minute walk each morning.

Walking away: “The ability not to return to the empty well” This relates to recognising a “flashpoint” and simply walking away for a period before returning.

Distraction:  not returning to the same problem but using a distraction to comprehend the same problem.  One member explained how using a cross-trainer, whilst listening to an audio book, distracted their frustrations.

Jo elaborates, “Every individual’s experience of grief is unique – as unique as their relationship with the person who has died or the thing that was lost. Therefore, the things that help also vary widely. However, from many years of working in bereavement care, I have noticed 3 simple things that seem to make the biggest difference:

Exercise/fresh air – if you are able to, get out and move your body and be in nature, regularly, even if only for a very short time. The change of environment, and connections with your physical self and the elements, causes shifts in emotions and can be calming.

Peer support – having someone to talk to or be with who “gets it” is one of the most powerful coping tools there is. The closer their experience to your specific loss, the better, which is why so many support groups exist. Grief is a lonely journey to take alone.

Self-compassion – ditch the ‘should’! There is no right or wrong way to ‘do’ grief and the truth is that coming to terms with a significant loss is actually a life’s work. Be kind to yourself. There will be good days and there will be days when the wave of grief and yes, despair, feels overwhelming. These days and these waves won’t come in any logical order. When a voice says you ‘should’ be feeling one way or another, ask yourself, who says? Do nice things for yourself. Get into the habit of talking to yourself and treating yourself the way you would treat a treasured friend.”

It is a two-tier process of relief and acceptance.  The techniques are not the ‘magic cream’ but, a coping technique to give yourself this acceptance of loss. .  In previous sessions members were encouraged to write their own stories to understand themselves and how this loss has impacted their lives along with people around them..  They discussed the importance of “being kind to themselves”.  Often the frustrations have us criticising ourselves when in fact it may not be our fault at all.

One person explained how disappointed they had been that an outing had been cancelled which had left them feeling angry.  They were able to accept this was not their fault, as  it was out of their control.

Another participant admitted, to feeling angry after refusing an invitation to a family gathering. They explained “I was more angry that. My decision hadn’t been questioned and it was just accepted that I wouldn’t attend.” The fear of feeling awkward due to their sight loss and not being able to see the people in the room were causing a host of anxieties leading to the sense of anger. Jo discussed how family expectations and reactions to loss are often in contrast to the response from friends.

Eye Matter is arranging an in-person grief counselling session on Saturday 28th September, to be held at, Somerstown Living Centre, Kings Cross, London. For the first time Eye Matter is encouraging members to venture out from behind their screens, to meet as a group, to continue this discussion. This session will be again facilitated by our regular therapist Joanna Williams in a safe secure environment. Volunteers will be available to assist from Kings Cross Station and refreshments will be provided. If you would like to book your place or receive more information about this event, please email us with the subject “Kings Cross therapy”.

Our next Zoom Grief Counselling Workshop with Joanna, is on Monday 9th September, at 1:30pm.  If you would like to find out more about these grief counselling workshops on Zoom, or, join us, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “thriving”.

Exploring audio description with Eye Matter.

Part 1:  Introduction and the history of audio description.

By Fiona Musgrove.

Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing a series of articles based on the delivery and experience of audio description in theatres on television and in cinemas. Contributions from VocalEyes, Extant, audio describers (Ruth and Ellie) from the Barbican Theatre and Netflix, amongst others, will provide some unique insights into our enjoyment of this relatively new concept. According to Wikipedia (2024), “Audio description (also referred to as visual description) is the narration of information given to the surrounding key elements of media work for blind and partially sighted people”. By providing us with this information we can understand the non-verbal communications such as facial expressions, the landscapes relevance and movement of actors.  As part of this series, we would like to hear your experiences of audio description, so if you would like to send us a contribution (good or bad) please email us. This week I want to take you back in time to when we didn’t have access to audio description on televisions, in cinemas, at the theatre or museums.  Back to a when it all began with a publication of a report in the USA.

“The Social Life of Blind People” (a leisure activity study) was published in 1961 confirming what many already knew, that blind people were watching as much television as their sighted neighbours. The report conducted by Martin Burker concluded that despite some common frustrations blind people were equally enjoying television. During the 1960’s there were various attempts to address this problem, which included, issuing a cassette tape to accompany early episodes of “Star Trek”. A radio show host in Philadelphia 1970”s) came up with a novel idea to transcribe audio description for movies being broadcast on television at set times.

It was 30 years after this initial report when the idea of audio description was first devised for television and movies by WGBHT in 1991.    This Boston (USA) based company created “Digital Video Service” (DVS).   For the first time    A clear narrative element was designed without interfering with the dialogue to improve the understanding of non-verbal activity.  It was also, during this period, that the influence of one woman in Washington DC would change access in theatre and museums forever.

Despite being diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition, Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Magaret R. Franzine used her experience to form the Metropolitan Washington Ear in 1974    Additionally, in the late 1970s, she also became one of the founding members of the International association of Audio Services (IAAS), who were a radio transcription service.   With all this experience and her rapidly deteriorating sight in the early 80s she was invited to work with Wayne Wright from Arena Stage to improve access for blind and partially sighted visitors to a Washington Theatre.    With the support of her husband Cody, the key principles of audio description and training describers to identify pictorial references was developed, which is still used today all over the world.  Consequently, In 1981, the first ever audio described performance of “Major Barbara’”, was delivered at the Arena Stage (Washington DC) lighting a beacon for the thousands of such productions all around the world to follow.

In our next edition we will examine how audio description continues to improve our access to live theatre performances in the UK.  We will hear how VocalEyes was created and about its commitment to improving our access not only to theatres but museums galleries and much more. How Extant embeds creative audio description in their own productions, delivers a range of related training and access consultancy through their Enhance programme and reflections on their event at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival with VICS and ZOO Venues.
In a future edition we will explore more into audio description from    different people and organisations:  We will hear how the Barbicans audio describers prepare for each performance and their delivery of live commentary.

If you would like to find out more about Eye Matter please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

 

Exploring the meaning of a hole with Henry Moore.

By Fiona Musgrove.

 

On a rather grey, cloudy day 19 members and volunteers set off to the depths of Hertfordshire to explore the work of the renowned sculpture Henry Moore (1898-1986) at the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens.  Suzie (Eye Matter’s Founder) explained, “the Henry Moore Foundation did a super job.  We were split into Two groups lead by guides Nicky and Sophie.”

 

Within these groups Eye Matter were lead around the extensive grounds (70 acres) just outside Ware, Hertfordshire.  Members were encouraged to feel the large, stone monoliths whilst listening to the eclectic stories about their origins and designs.  Eye Matter member Vicky said, “Fabulous audio described tour arranged by Eye Matter. We were divided into two groups, ours was led by the amazing Nikki who provided so much information about the wonderful sculptures in these beautiful gardens on a dull cloudy day. We were fortunate that the rain kept away!”

 

“They both provided great, beautiful descriptions about the exhibits.”, added Suzie referring to the two guides from the Henry Moore Foundation. Vicky agreed “It really brings everything to life for us”

 

Eye Matter would like to thank the staff at the Henry Moore Foundation for making us feel so welcome, “Everybody had a fabulous day”.  One member appreciated that there was a space reserved inside, as an alternative to the outside picnic area, in case the weather changed.

 

Suzie has been working with the Henry Moore Foundation to improve Accessibility for blind and partially sighted visitors and was pleased with their accommodation of Eye Matter. “They all did a really good job.” Both guides were very passionate in showcasing and explaining, in great detail, the various pieces created by Henry Moore. “They had taken on board everything I had told them about accessibility for blind and partially sighted people to enjoy their visit. Consequently, I felt that it was an educational, informative and entertaining fun day for Eye Matter”.

 

A huge thanks to Vicky for providing the photography.

Please click here to our Facebook page:  https://fb.watch/tXC0B0SweU/ 

If you would like to take part in a future event with Eye Matter, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

 

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.

Suzie Simons, Eye Matter Founder and Coordinator (RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 – Winner, “Volunteer of the Year”) said, “I wanted to give a massive thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for this incredible grant which will enable us to continue helping so many visually impaired people. We’re so proud to have received this grant for the second time and look forward to our ongoing work together in the future.”

Eye Matter has over 200 blind and partially sighted members who will benefit from this award. In 2023 Eye Matter delivered 36 in-person outings including theatre trips, visits to art galleries and even a comedy club night!  In addition, the team also delivered over 200 Zoom events such as; concerts, comedy nights, drama sessions, cookery, book clubs, counselling and technology advice sessions.   In 2023 Eye Matter ran their first sports day for over 60 blind and partially sighted people (in Islington) and celebrated their Winter Extravaganza along with 50 members.

National Lottery funding will enable access to various health and wellbeing projects including our, “Living Well with Sight-Loss” course (in partnership with the RNIB) which is now in its eleventh series. Additionally, this massive boost, from the National Lottery Community Fund, will enable Eye Matter to continue to deliver another sports day in 2025, a number of confidence boosting workshops, drama improvisation sessions, our Christmas concert and subsidy for our Winter Extravaganza in December.

We would like to thank Rachel Bowden-Waterson and Kinnari Patel for all their hard work and support, in assisting with this application.

If you would like to know more about our opportunities, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

How was your Election 2024 experience?

By Fiona Musgrove.

In a previous Eye Matter Matters edition, we provided information on registering a postal vote along with, the legal requirements of voting stations, for blind and partially sighted people.   It was therefore, encouraging to discover at a Greenwich polling station that there were large print examples of ballot slips, a number of magnifiers and assistance if required.

The RNIB was keen to promote the use of a McGonagle Reader which not only provided tactile guidance but, also, audio description of the text upon the ballot sheet using a headset.  Here is an extract taken from an RNIB article (5th July 2024, Facebook). “Khadija was able to vote independently and in secret today using a McGonagle Reader…it was the first time I’ve ever voted by just listening to the ballot myself and marking the box for myself.  I think the box cutouts are a lot more defined than with a traditional tactile voting device so that gave me a lot more confidence as well. So, the whole thing just felt really smooth, at least for me, and much better than I’ve ever voted before.”

However, this does not reflect everyone’s experience and reveals that not all polling stations have access to this type of equipment. One lady, on social media, was frustrated that she had gone to the wrong polling station whereas, another said he was concerned when using an external piece of equipment, “I wasn’t sure it had been lined up properly”.  As all votes are anonymous if the X mark is outside the box this would be calculated as “spoilt”.  Another example (taken from RNIB 5th July, Facebook) demonstrated one polling stations inability to provide adequate support, “I had a humiliating experience in my hometown. I am severely sight impaired and went along with my partner, so he could assist me.”  To read the RNIB’s full article please click here:  https://www.facebook.com/rnibuk/videos/346017585046302/

The RNIB is still interested in collecting your experiences of voting on 4 July (good or bad).  These experiences will form the basis of their Turned Out reports, which will be shared with the government and the Electoral Commission. If you’re blind or partially sighted, take part now: rnib.in/TOGE24

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Dear Members and friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number ten. 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:
  • Hurrah! Eye Matter conquered the O2 Arena.
  • Let’s go to the hop with Lesta and our social chat.
  • Sharing experiences about loss with Eye Matter.
  • “Too darn hot” with Kiss Me Kate.
  • Eye Matter makes a persuasive argument for change.
  • Jackie encourages us to be “human beings not human doings” with chair yoga.

Eye matter spotlight special

  • Eye Matter balances the world of See Saw.

Future events

  • We still have tickets available for.

Future on-line events

 

Hurrah!  Eye Matter conquered the O2 Arena.

By Fiona Musgrove.

So they did it! Twenty-seven members conquered the O2 Arenas 52 metre high (reflecting the number of weeks in a year) and 365metre wide (representing the number of days in a year), roof-top walk. A huge thanks to the incredible team of volunteers and staff who assisted this fantastic achievement. One member said, “It’s been ages since I’ve done something like this, and it has really helped in lifting my spirits and makes me realise there’s so much more that I can do, but just don’t know it. We enjoyed it so much that we are going to take the kids and climb it again.”

Suzie (Eye Matter’s Founder) was delighted at the response from those who attended, “Two of our gorgeous members had prosecco up there at 10:30 in the morning, very grand. It was a brilliant day. 27 people joined us for the climb and 20 joined us for lunch afterwards. It was a wonderful community event, as we sat in the beer garden of Wetherspoons.”

Not only was this event designed to boost confidence and provide a sense of achievement but, also, to give members a chance to help raise funds for the charity.  Each climber could be sponsored, or a donation given to reward their personal accomplishment.  Bakul explained, “I really enjoyed climbing the O2 Arena with Eye Matter, who I met at the North Greenwich tube station. My allocated sighted guide was brilliant. He alerted me on obstacles as we made our way up the O2 Arena and describe the views from the top. It is quite steep as you start the climb and then as you get to the top, it gets flatter. We wore security harnesses for safety. Thankfully, the weather was excellent 😎 This was a great experience, and I am glad that I did it.”

Suzie added, “Eye Matter is so proud and grateful that our members, friends and families have raised a whopping £2,264 in sponsorship for the brilliant members and sighted guides who climbed the o2 on the 11th of July.”

There is still time to make a contribution to show your appreciation of our brave blind and partially sighted members who valiantly conquered the O2 Arena. This JustGiving page will close on the 14th of August.

 

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eyematterclimbstheo2

 

Click to our Facebook Page for a video compilation of their magical day in the skies above Greenwich.

 

https://fb.watch/twGzmfCQCs

 

Let’s go to the hop with Lesta and our social chat.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Tuesday 23rd July 2024 (at 6pm) 14 members joined Lesta Woo, from Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being, to take part in a Lindy Hop dance taster session.  Lesta (who is also visually impaired) is a professional jazz dancer. She has taught, performed and competed both nationally and internationally. With 15 years’ experience of dancing Lindy-Hop she certainly delivered a well-structured and fun session. Accompanied by an ecliptic range of music from the 1940’s featuring Ray Charles to Olly Murs, we were guided through a succession of dance routines.

Lesta provided clear descriptions over the rhythmic beat of each track and explained the importance of recognising the “pulse” (the heartbeat) of every piece of music. It is this basic concept that denotes this type of jazz known as “Skat” which differs to “Swing” Jazz which lands on the 8th beat.

The tempo increased as new steps and routines were introduced culminating in us kicking in a style synonymous to the Charleston. After the energetic session finished Lesta joined us in a relaxed social chat. Conversations ranged from the new Blind Barbie doll to reviewing the audio description of the Euros. One member said that the audio description was sometimes too detailed and because it was out of time with the television commentary it was hard to follow within a group of sighted friends.  She said “I heard the goal scored before my friends and had to keep a straight face as not to spoil it for them!”

Warren on the topic of Barbie with a white cane quipped “The reason Barbie doesn’t have a Guide Dog is that it takes two years to be made” (referring to the excessive time it takes from an application to be granted a Guide Dog.

If you would like to find out more about these sessions or, join us, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Lindy Hop”.

Sharing experiences about loss with Eye Matter.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Monday 21st July 2024, at 1.30pm, ten Eye Matter members attended

Our “Surviving to Thriving” course, facilitated by Joanna Williams, writer, workshop leader and therapist. On the second and fourth Monday of every month at 1:30pm, they explore various topics or concepts around the subject of grief and loss.

This week they discussed Robert Neimeyer’s constructivism, or ‘meaning making’ model.  His work suggests that one way of working through and making sense of a loss is to actively engage with what it means for your life and to actively construct a new narrative for yourself.  Members were encouraged to share their experiences in a safe space.

These twice a month session have been kindly funded by the Marway family and Natasha Cazin to allow blind and partially sighted people a chance to explore a range of different topics related to sight-loss.

If you would like to find out more about these sessions or, join us, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “thriving”.

“Too darn hot” with Kiss Me Kate.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On a warm Wednesday evening (17th July 2024), twenty-four members and volunteers, gathered at the Barbican tube station before a short walk to the magnificent Barbican complex. On the stage of Kiss Me, Kate we met the Stage Manager and Deputy Stage Manager Stevie, who introduced us to the Barbican and the staff assisting with the touch tour.  We were shown various props, including fake food, the heavy tankard Kate throws across stage and an array of costumes. Suzie tried on the donkey’s head, much to the laughter of everyone, before pretending to speak with an American drawl into an old-fashioned telephone. The group were shown around the circular stage which represents three scenes of the show.

A unique feature of this Barbican Theatre is that its orchestra pit (which has an 18-piece ensemble) is sunk within the actual stage rather than down in front of it.   Actors perform their parts around the music pit moving carefully to the front apron towards the audience. The stage manager admitted that he sometimes holds his breath as the dancers occasionally dance precariously close to the pit! The Barbican Theatre can hold up to 1200 people and is tiered to provide maximum viewing opportunities. This production has a 15-week run and was completely full when we visited.

Vicky said, “Kiss me Kate with Adrian Dunbar, that guy can sing! Excellent performance with great audio description. Good to see friends from Eye Matter. It has an amazing large set with revolve and orchestra Pit within the stage!”

Adrian Dunbar takes the lead role but many of us would recognise him from the gritty BBC detective drama “Line of Duty”. For me, I liked the gangster duo who broke into “Brush up your Shakespeare”. Using their canes, during the dance routine, they seemed to pay homage to us when our audio describer said “as if using them to sense their positions” (I imagined them to be curving on the floor in front of them).

Audio description was accessed through specialised headsets and performed by Ellie and Ruth, who are “in house” describers. Ellie explained she had been part of the Royal Shakespeare Company for over 15 years which was now housed at the Barbican. Their enthusiastic, yet detailed commentary, was worthy of an on-stage curtain call of appreciation.

Charlie wrote to the Barbican and Eye Matter, to thank you for the great night at the audio described performance of Kiss Me, Kate last night (Weds 17 Jul):

Barbican team, I was one of the Eye Matter charity group of blind and visually impaired people who attended. Being totally blind, audio description is essential to me being able to follow theatre productions properly. Without attending the touch tour beforehand and listening to the audio commentary during the show, it would have been impossible for me to know what was happening, particularly during Act 1 which was especially fast paced. I hope you’ll continue offering audio described performances when possible.

Suzie, thanks again for organising another great event, and to the volunteers for their help.”

One of our members hasn’t visited the theatre for nineteen years but was encouraged at our sports day to attend. “I was in awe and admiration at the actors’ zest, enthusiasm, powerful, energetic, professional performances. They seemed to make the whole stage vibrate! wow…amazing, could quite easily become a Theatre addict: Going backstage, feeling the props gave a visualisation of the drama production. The audio descriptors were spot on, so accurate for each scene/ act.”

Thanks to our lovely photographers Joanne and Vicky for these memories of our visit to Kiss Me Kate.

Please click to our Facebook Page to view the video:

https://fb.watch/twFD37yhzx

If you would like to participate in a future show with us, please email Eye Matter:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Eye Matter members make a persuasive argument for change.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Friday, 19th July, ten members joined a unique Speech writing workshop led by Alan Finlayson, renowned professor of political and social theory from the University of East Anglia.

During the session members learnt how to make a powerful and persuasive speech.  professor Finlayson, (Alan), outlined what a political speech was and helped attendees decide what to make their speeches about. He remarked how it was always interesting to hear everyone’s ideas.

Karen, a member (from Bournemouth), spoke about the difficulties with shared spaces. She felt that as a visually impaired pedestrian having to share space with a multitude of cyclists and E-scooters often caused her to feel anxious. On a recent visit to London she noticed how the pavements were largely the domain of pedestrians as the cycle paths were on the road.

Another member, Natalie, felt passionately about providing young children access to mindfulness and a safe emotional space, to discuss their anxieties. She drew from her personal experiences suggesting that her life may have taken a different path if she’d had such opportunities available.

Suzie wanted to highlight the many benefits of volunteering. She explained how receiving the RNIB Volunteer of the year award after 15 years of volunteering was a torch she wanted other people to take into their lives and communities.

Mo discussed his concerns regarding the wastefulness of supermarket packaging.   He spoke about how the UK compared to other countries and the effort some supermarkets were making.

Gheorghe was conscious of the high cost of childcare during school holidays. This was particularly problematic in the South East but equally for those on low incomes across the country.

Warren wanted to speak about having subsidised meat for dogs, which might encourage manufacturers and providers to improve the percentage in their products.

Irena would like to encourage a focus on free childcare provision for parents to enable them to return to work. She compared the UK’s lack of support to Polish amenities for families.

After trekking hundreds of miles from Southwark, London to Luca, Italy, I wanted to raise the idea of citizens taking care of their environment. This would entail addressing the blight of fly-tipping, littering and keeping our overhanging gardens and trees in order.

From these basic ideas, participants discussed a five-point outline that they would use to write a unique speech. Alan said that to create an effective speech it was important to know the end result that was being aimed for. He invited us to think about how we’d like our audience to feel, remember or learn from our speeches?  The next session with Alan has been planned for 16th August and he has kindly circulated an information booklet to accompany this workshop.

If you would like to find out more about this workshop or would be interested in future opportunities in Creative Writing please email Suzie: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Creative Writing”.

Jackie encourages us to be “human beings not human doings” with chair yoga.

By Fiona Musgrove.

Jackie Turner, from My Chair Yoga, lead ten Eye Matter members through a rigorous, yet empathetic journey into Chair Yoga this evening (Tuesday 16th July,2024 at 6pm) live on Zoom. This was the first of a seven-week programme which has been kindly funded by The Boost Charitable Trust to promote healthy living and wellbeing for blind and partially sighted people who may feel isolated or unable to access local sessions.

Members sitting on their chairs were encouraged to stretch and move their bodies into different yoga positions, under clear directions given by Jackie.  With our legs outstretched and raised in the air, we were asked to write the word “breathe” with first our right-side large toe and then the left.  For Jess being left-handed this was a doddle!   At the end the sound of the gentle lapping waves guided our breathing as the session came to a close.

Suzie (Eye Matter’s Founder) said,” We are delighted to announce that the Boost Charitable trust is going to fund Audio Described chair yoga with Jackie Turner from My Chair Yoga from June 2024 to June 2025. Boost provides funding and support to inspiring programmes which help improve the lives of the disadvantaged and disabled through the power of sport.”

There was a good mixture of genders in the group and Jackie gave positive feedback to those who had their cameras switched on. One member commented that she felt “invigorated”, whilst another admitted that despite just being diagnosed positive with Covid and self-isolating, she felt better after the session.

If you would like to take part in our next session, please email Eye Matter with the subject title “Chair Yoga”.

 

Future events

Eye matter spotlight special

 

Eye Matter balances the world of “See Saw”.

By Fiona Musgrove.

The See Saw Podcast is a weekly half hour podcast focussed on all areas of disability and sight loss including news, sport and entertainment. See Saw Podcast aims to keep things light, balanced and bring a smile to those dealing with a visual impairment. The podcast is available on all major streaming platforms (see below for more details), or simply search ‘See Saw Podcast’. Last week I caught up with Eric (AKA Cleaves), from See Saw and asked him why this show was created?

“Tony and myself (whose podcast names are T and Cleaves) felt that other podcasts that focussed on sight loss, usually focussed on educating people or telling the stories of those with a condition. While there is a place for these, we felt they could often be too long, too niche and sometimes quite dull.”

Eric admitted they were more influenced by the lack of engaging podcasts which drove them to create See Saw Podcast. “We listen to a number of sports, music and gaming podcasts such as FF1S, Chris Demakes a Podcast and Remember the Game, but they all have a lighter edge to them and we wanted to offer something similar, but within the sphere of disability and sight loss.”

Consequently, Tony and Eric, created See Saw Podcast four years ago, as a fun alternative. They aimed to provide a platform to cover “all aspects of sight loss and disability: news, sport, leisure, social issues etc. that could provide both light entertainment, yet take an uncompromising look at the big issues, all wrapped up in a weekly 30-minute episode.”, explained Eric.

The See Saw podcast has showcased a number of sports and activities specific to sight loss, “we’ve promoted blind cricket, football and baseball among others, but we also promote business that are either run by visually impaired people or offer a service that may interest them such as Two Blind Brothers, All Things Dotty and Wel-co.me as well as spotlighting disabled people in creative industries such as author Macy Lewis, musician Chris Hendricks and photographer Robyn Lindeman. We’re always looking for guests that want to promote themselves, so we urge them to get in touch!”

In the early days of See Saw there were just the two guys. I wanted to know how bringing on a third person into the dynamics changed the show.

“Selina P joined after an episode aired about a documentary, she featured in called ‘Blind Young Things’ (available on All 4) about her life at the time of attending R.N.C. We reached out and she came on a different episode to discuss the documentary and we got on so well that she became a regular guest and eventually permanent co-host. Selina P is what she describes as ‘proper blind’ whereas myself and T are partially sighted so she has that perspective and is also heavily involved in sport, being a former Commonwealth athlete and current member of England’s women’s blind football team, so it was great to have her knowledge on those subjects. By her own admission she also ‘ticks a lot of diversity boxes’ which gives us a much more rounded approach to things we talk about and she can also give as good as she gets where the banter’s concerned so having her permanently on the show seemed like a natural fit.”

He described some of the recording process and time spent producing each show: “We record our episodes live on Twitch which usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the comments and questions asked by the listeners during the record. I’ll then create an unedited episode with the See Saw credits tacked on the end for YouTube and the website, and then I’ll edit the audio file down to create the main podcast that goes out to all streaming platforms. All in all, it usually takes around three times as long as the episode length to edit and upload the final productions.”

I then asked Eric if he has a favourite show or moment during his time with See Saw, which he would like to share with Eye Matter? “I don’t have a specific favourite, but any episode where a guest comes on and speaks passionately about what it is they do because their enthusiasm always transfers to us as hosts. I also love some of our mini-series such as ‘Price is Blind’ where we each describe a product and have to guess the cost. Episodes like these where the three of us just have a relaxed chat about something always turn out hilarious.”

The latest See Saw Podcast featured their visit to the Sight Village in Birmingham.  Apart from meeting our founder Suzie he wasn’t enamoured with the event: “I think Sight Village is great for a person that hasn’t been before, and I’d definitely recommend it. For me personally, I’d like to see more stands outside of the product and tech space that have active demos that visually impaired people can take part in. I’d also love to see more from an entertainment standpoint, such as a live radio stand during the day that could get eventgoers involved while giving out information about Sight Village itself and lastly, I’d like to see a few more stands offering help and advice for those trying to find work.”

Eye Matter would like to thank Eric for his honest contributions to this article.  Outside of See Saw he works is a Wholesale Manager for a large food company but admits, “I spend my evenings and weekends out with friends, playing guitar and going to gigs as I’m still a punk at heart.  I also travel as much as I can with a trip to Vietnam and Hong Kong planned for later this year.”

If you would like to listen to their latest podcast, please click here:

Connect with See Saw Podcast through social media:

If you would like to know more about Eye Matter, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

All our events are accessed here

 

Here are a few highlights:

We still have tickets available for:

31st August Fiddler on the Roof Saturday £15

1st September Outdoor Performance – Five parkour performers take an unforgettable journey through Greenwich Peninsula’s stunning architectural landscapes. Featuring a jaw-dropping integration of movement and climbing skills, this breathtaking performance receives its UK premiere at GDIF. Live Audio Description available. – £5 voluntary contribution

4th September £5 Sailing Wednesday

7th September Dancing City – London’s much-loved, annual, celebration of free outdoor dance showcases a host of exceptional homegrown and international talent in amazing outdoor spaces across Stratford – in the new East Bank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Live Audio Description Assisted Route with EyeMatter. – £5 voluntary contribution

21st September £5 Confidence Building Workshop with Vic Hogg and Steve Reed

28th September Visually impaired group grief workshop session to be held in Kings cross Sommers Town Hall 2pm to 5pm with refreshments £5

16th October TINA The Tina Turner Musical £39.50

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.

No matter where you are located in the UK, come and join our growing on-line group of friends.

Tuesday 30th July, 6pm:

Fun and friendly social followed by a concert by Jorgen Hansson, Live on stage from Sweden by the magic of Zoom

Wednesday 31st July, 11am:

Bookworms, our monthly book club, discussing An Angel Called My Name: Incredible True Stories from the Other Side by Theresa Cheung, hosted by Sarah

Friday 2nd August 11am:

Fun and friendly social followed by a general knowledge quiz with Steve Reed

If you want more information about any of the above events, please email us:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk.

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Dear Members and friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number nine. 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:

  • How blind people play sport.
  • Eye Matter is joining the renowned Greenwich Festival. In August.
  • “I could have danced all night” with Eye Matter.
  • Locking that spikey anxiety ball away!
  • Eye Matter: the UK Tour!
  • Bounce with Eye Matter.

Future events

  • We still have tickets available for.

Future on-line events

 

How blind people play sport.

By Fiona Musgrove.

Eye Matter was delighted to welcome over 40 members and volunteers, to our second Sports Day, held at Islington Sports and  Tennis Centre on Saturday, 22nd June. Participants were given the chance to try four accessible adapted sports including visually impaired (VI) football with Arsenal FC, cricket and tennis with Metro Blind Sport  and “Showdown”, which was delivered by Croydon Showdown Club.  Louise Dickson, from  Illuminate Freedom, kicked off the day  by putting everyone through a rigorous audio described warm  up.  Members were divided into groups according to sight classifications as defined by  British Blind Sport and rotated between the various sports throughout the day.

For many members, myself included, this was our first time trying out a new VI sport.  Originally developed in Canada and enjoyed in Australia as “Swish”, Showdown combines air hockey and table tennis, with a jingly ball skidding across a long table, divided by a Perspex screen, to the opposing goal.  Robin Faulkner , whose background is in table tennis and Tom Britain ,formerly a Goalball player, supervised the games.

Odette from Metro Blind Sport, was soon donning a blindfold and like myself and Vicky, thrashed her opponent.  Parm, one  of our sighted volunteers, was challenged by a member to a match.   After he emerged defeated 3-6 Palm laughed and said ”although I am used to wearing blind folds when  delivering visual impairment training this is the first time I have used them to play sport.”

VI Cricket delivered by Robert McKenzie, Prem and Jarvid from Metro Blind Sport,provided members with the chance to bat and bowl using a small football whilst over on the tennis courts, Odette and Fiona  encouraged  members to try out the  smaller, sponge Soundballs.  Arsenal FC coaches Luke Howard and Abdul, used the larger rattling balls to be dribbled and shot into the goal.

One member said, “I really enjoyed the football and wonder if next year VI rugby could be included?”

Everyone enjoyed the delicious lunch provided by, “Tripoli express” whilst taking time to relax on a large picnic mat.   Eye Matter would like to thank our amazing team of volunteers and coaches ( including Steve Reed) who made the day such a success.

Suzie said “I was delighted with the help we were given from everybody at Islington Tennis centre and Gym and we really admired the enthusiasm people showed towards all the sports. I was so delighted with all the positive feedback and I’m so pleased to say that we will be doing a sports day in 2025. I’m so grateful for all our wonderful sighted guides without whom we could not run such brilliant sessions. “

If you would like to share your thoughts regarding this year’s event or have any  suggestions ahead of the Eye  Matter Sports Day 2025, please email Eye Matter uk with the subject “Sports Day.”

Please click here to view our Facebook page and video of Eye Matter Sports Day 2024. our thanks to Richard Simpson. For kindly formatting this.

Eye Matter is joining the renowned Greenwich Festival. In August.

By Fiona Musgrove.

Kat Gill who recently appeared on our “Inspiring Speakers”event,  , has worked as Access Producer, for Festival.org since March 2023, and is looking forward to her second  Greenwich and Docklands International Festival this summer.  She manages the creative development and implementation of the organisation’s sector-leading access provision across FESTIVAL.ORG’s projects, with a particular focus on Greenwich and Docklands International Festival (GDIF) which takes place from 25th August 2024 and this year will welcome Eye Matter..

The Greenwich and Docklands International Festival developed out of the former Greenwich Festival into a cross-river festival. Founded by Artistic Director Bradley Hemmings in 1995 and next year they  will celebrate their 30th anniversary.  In 2023 they welcomed 62,650+ audience members to GDIF2023, 17% of the audience identified as Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent.  GDIF 2023, also featured 145 performances of 37 productions from local, national and international artists.

GDIF 2024 will feature 79 performances of 25 productions from local, national and international artists.  It is estimated that over 60,000 people will once again attend these events..   Festivals.org is seeking to make this years events more accessible for blind and partially sighted people in a range of ways including; providing live audio description(AD) through headsets with highly skilled and experienced performance audio describers.   Organising touch tours for performances where the scenic elements like set and costumes are an important part of the overall experience.  Organising station meeting points to support travel to get to sites.   Having a dedicated access phone line and email address for individual questions.  Using Navi lens QR codes for digital audio descriptions and having trained volunteers and staff on hand to support with accessing digital audio description.   They are also creating dedicated pages on their website to host digital audio description to minimise the need for scrolling.

Apart from  requiring tickets for Bodies of Water  All other performances are free, and you can just show up.   In order to  guarantee  they have enough headsets for you to enjoy the live A.D., please contact Kat by calling: +07899 893 935 or by emailing: Access@festival.org“.

Eye Matter will be organising group trips to Life Lines and Dancing City. We willalso be promoteing their other audio described events.  Here is a list of the opportunities available for members to attend:

Life Lines presented By Lézard Bleus

31 August – 1 September, 4pm, NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ

Five parkour performers take an unforgettable journey through Greenwich Peninsula’s stunning architectural landscapes.

Featuring a jaw-dropping integration of movement and climbing skills, this breathtaking performance receives its UK premiere at GDIF.

Duration: 1 Hour

FREE

Live Audio Description available.

Audio Flyer:

Dancing City 2024

Saturday 7 September | 1pm-6pm | Stratford

London’s much-loved, annual, celebration of free outdoor dance showcases a host of exceptional homegrown and international talent in amazing outdoor spaces across Stratford – in the new East Bank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

FREE

Live Audio Description Assisted Route for blind and visually impaired audiences with EyeMatter.

12pm Meet at Stratford Station in the ticket hall of the Westfield Stratford City exit/entrance.

1.15pm Land Empathy Touch Tour

1.35pm Land Empathy Performance

2pm Break / Move to next site

2.30pm Patois Touch Tour

2.45pm Patois Performance

3.15pm  Break/ Move to next site

3.45pm Frock Touch Tour

4pm Frock Performance

4.45pm Synergy Performance

5pm Walk back to Stratford Station

Audio Flyer:

Other Live Audio Described Events:

ParkWorks

Sunday 25 August 1pm-6pm

Stratford Park, West Ham Lane, Newham, E154PT

Free

Family-friendly street theatre, circus, dance and installations transform Stratford Park into a theatrical and creative playground for children and their families for two magical days.

FREE – just show up.

Live Audio Description Assisted Route for blind and visually impaired audiences – to book email access@festival.org

12 Meet at Stratford Station – the entrance on Station Street, opposite the bus station and Stratford Shopping Centre.  Or meet at 12.40 at the access info point near Whalebone Lane and the Sensory Garden entrance to Stratford Park.

12.45 Touch Tour The Awakening

1 The Awakening Performance

1.15 Lunch break

2.15 Touch Tour Pram People

2.35 Pram People Performance

3.15 Break

3.45 Touch Tour Beautiful Butterfly Performance

4.35 Manjis join in weaving

Audio Flyer:

Bodies of Water by Actors Touring Company

31 August 7pm

Ahoy Centre, Borthwick Street, SE8 RJY

Duration: 40 Minutes

Ticketed: Email access@festival.org to book Audio Description

“No one leaves home… Unless home is the mouth of a shark”

Sharing the stories of those who have travelled across land and water to seek refuge. Staged on the banks of the Thames, this theatrical experience mixes the soul-stirring poetry with live performance live music and live audio description.

Audio Flyer:

World Kiosk by Variable Matter

29 August – 1 September | 12pm – 6pm | Queen’s Square, Green Street, Newham , E13 9JJ

Duration: Stay for as little or as long as you like (Durational)

A magical kiosk pops up in Green Street offering a haven of calm and connection.

Take a seat, put on your headphones and be transported to a place where stories come alive.  Sip tea while making new connections. In person individualised audio description available at all times.

Free- Just Show Up.

Audio Flyer:

A Ballad of Thamesmead by A Dante or Die production

6 September 2024 8.30pm Touch tour at 8pm

Thamesmead Clocktower, 26 Meadowford Cl, London SE28 8GG

Duration: 45 minutes

A Ballad of Thamesmead gently peeks into how the world around us impacts how we feel about our home. Live folk songs by Abbey Wood native Marie Bashiru alongside Thamesmead Community Choir interweave with a soaring sound design that includes local peoples’ voices, culminating in the clocktower illuminated like never before.

Free.

To book audio description email access@festival.org

Audio flyer: https://soundcloud.com/gdif/thamesmead-1#t=0:00

If you would like to take part in either Life Lines or Dancing City, please email Eye Matter with the subject. Title “Life Lines” or “Dancing City:.  We would appreciate a £2 per person donation to cover our volunteer expenses and to  ensure future opportunities.

“I could have danced all night” with Eye Matter.

By Fiona Musgrove.

Tuesday nights are social nights for Eye Matter members.

On a rainy Tuesday evening  (9th July) Eleven members, joined Sarah and Steve for an informal social discussion and musical quiz on Zoom.  The hour long quiz featured songs from the “Lion King”, “Evita”,“Cabaret” and “Wicked” amongst others.  From the short piece of music members had to guess the shows  name, song title and the year they were first performed in London.

Sarah stunned everyone  when she answered 1958 for “My Fair Lady” and Angela Lansbury receiving a Tony award for her role in “The Gypsy”(1969).  Chanel  correctly identified the name of the drag queen, Zsa Zsa  from the show  “Le Cage aux Falls” )which  Eye matter had seen in 2023).  Malcolm was able to answer a question on Billy Elliot and Alexandra knew Billys father was a coal miner.

If you would like to  take part in our next on-line session please email Eye Matter with the title “Tuesday socials”.

Locking that spikey anxiety ball away!

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Monday 24th June at 1.30pm sixteen members attended the fourth session of our new “Turning Surviving into Thriving” programme live on Zoom.  Facilitated by Joanna Williams, writer, workshop leader and therapist the group discussed the complexities around anxiety.

According to Mind.org.uk each week in the UK, 8 in 100 people are suffering from some sort of depression or anxiety, 6 in 100 people suffer from GAD (General Anxiety Disorder and 4 in 100 people suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

This week’s session explored anxiety in relation to grief and sight loss.  Members openly discussed their own relation to anxiety and its debilitating effect upon their everyday life.   Joanne discussed the concept of “Visualisation” in owning the anxiety but, also, its importance to keep us safe.

These twice a month sessions have been kindly funded by the Marway family and Natasha Cazin to allow blind and partially sighted people a chance to explore a range of different topics related to sight-loss.

If you would like to find out more about these sessions or, join us, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “thriving”.

Eye Matter: the UK Tour!

Eye Matter is delighted to announce that our award-winning founder, Suzie Simons, will be visiting Sight Villages across  the UK to promote the charity’s fantastic work.  Eye Matter currently reaches more than 200 visually impaired people  and hopes to attract many more to its free membership and exciting program of in-person and Zoom events.  Together with an expert team of facilitators, volunteers and partner organisations, Eye Matter offers something for everyone.

From Monday 8th-9th July Suzie attended the Birmingham Sight Village where she met representatives from other sight loss organisations.  It was also a chance for her to meet some of Eye Matters members such as Alexandra and tell potential members about the fantastic opportunities Eye Matter provides.

Suzie said “It was lovely to meet so many other organisations supporting people with sight loss, such as; Seable Holidays, Thomas Pocklington, RNIB and VocalEyes.   Our stall had lots of visitors and I was able to talk about the many activities we are delivering to people all across the UK.”

Please come and say hello to Suzie and the team at the following sight villages later this year:

 

Sight Village North

Leeds

Royal Armouries

Tuesday, 24th September

https://www.qac.ac.uk/exhibitions/sight-village-north–leeds/1216.htm

Sight- Village South East, London

Kensington Town Hall

Tuesday, 5th November 2024

https://www.qac.ac.uk/exhibitions/sight-village-southeast/3.htm

If you would like to find out more about these sessions or, join us, please email:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Bounce with Eye Matter.

Sixteen Eye Matter members attended our monthly Bounce session on Wednesday 12th June at 11am.  This provides a chance for members to share their concerns or recommendations, on products and services available for blind and partially sighted people.

Thanks to all of our members for their contributions and to Rachel for collating these wonderful notes

Here are some highlights for a full list of their discussions please contact Suzie:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Apple VIs is well worth signing up to and subscribing to their online newsletter:

https://www.applevis.com

RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999

Question 1: How to easily save events from Gmail into an iPhone calendar?

To read the full article please click here

If you would like to join in our monthly meetings, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk

 

Future events

All our events are accessed here

 

Here are a few highlights:

We still have tickets available for:

Fiddler on the Roof Saturday 31st August £15

Sailing Wednesday 4th September £5

Confidence Building Workshop with Vic Hogg and Steve Reed 21st September £5

Visually impaired group grief workshop session to be held in Kings cross Sommers Town Hall 2pm to 5pm with refreshments 28th September £5

Come from Away 9th October £18.20

TINA The Tina Turner Musical 16th October £39.50

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.

No matter where you are located  in the UK, come and join our growing on-line group of friends on Zoom.

Tuesday 16th July 6pm:

Fun and Friendly social followed by audio described chair yoga

Wednesday 17th July, 11am:

VI Cookery, easy and delicious recipes

Friday 19th July, 11am:

Fun and friendly social, session to be confirmed

Monday 22nd July, 1.30 to 3.00pm:

New Surviving to Thriving facilitated by Joanna Williams, writer, workshop leader and therapist. These sessions explore the complexities and concerns around living with sight-loss.

Tuesday 23rd July, 6pm:

Fun and friendly social followed by Lindy Hop trial session. This is an audio described dance session with Lesta. This is a taster session to see if we like it. As always, your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Friday 26th July, 11am:

Fun and friendly social, session to be confirmed

Tuesday 30th July, 6pm:

Fun and friendly social followed by a concert, artist to be confirmed.

Wednesday 31st July, 11am:

Bookworms, our monthly book club, discussing An Angel Called My Name: Incredible True Stories from the Other Side by Theresa Cheung

If you want more information about any of the above events, please email us:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

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Dear Friends,

This edition includes:

Eye Matter Spotlight.

  • A song for Eye Matter’s friend Davinder Marway.
  • In the groove with MJ The Musical
  • Eye Matter leads the way across the o2 Arena!!!!

Social media update.

Future events

  • We still have tickets available for.

Future on-line events

A song for Eye Matter’s friend Davinder Marway

By Fiona Musgrove.

Eye Matter was devasted at the sudden death of their friend Davinder Marway earlier this year. Suzie, along with other members, met Davinder’s family at her funeral who acknowledged how happy she had been since joining Eye matter. It was, therefore, with humble appreciation that Eye Matter received so many kind and generous donations, from her family and friends. In tribute over 40 people attended a celebration of Davinder’s life with the Eye Matter choir, on Saturday 25th May at Somers Town Community Centre, Kings Cross.

In an emotional speech from Suzie (Eye Matter founder) she explained how some of this money would be allocated to support members through a grief workshop and establishing a hardship fund.  Davinder was a bubbly, friendly member of Eye Matter, explained Suzie and like the other members of the choir decided, as a mark of respect, to wear bright colourful clothing to celebrate her life.

Rachel Bowden (Eye Matters Trustee) who had led the choir, on Zoom and arranged the orchestration content confessed she had been initially daunted at the challenge.  Like the other choir performers Rachel is registered blind yet, despite this she, along with her friends, provided an eclectic range of music including songs from the Eurhythmics, the Monkeys and the Beatles.

Sarah Brooks, part of the choir, admitted how the time delays on Zoom were often frustrating especially when rehearsing as a group which made them sound unsynchronised. However, she smiled happily adding that she was pleased with their final live performance.  This was echoed by the applause from the audience which consisted of friends and family of Davinder. Eye Matter was also grateful to Mark Pampel (who regularly plays on the grand piano at the Victoria and Albert Museum) for his piano contribution.  As well as group singing several members of the choir, including Amrit Dhaliwal performed solo pieces accompanied our fantastic pianist, Thuy Mallalieu.

Eye Matter is equally appreciative of our amazing volunteers who were on hand to guide members to and from the station along with serving refreshments during the concert.

Click here to view the video (kindly formatted by Richard Simpson) from our Facebook page:

https://fb.watch/sPXGmERMp9

If you would like to be involved in future choir opportunities, please email Suzie with the subject “Choir”:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

In the groove with MJ The Musical

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Tuesday 18th May, 25 Eye Matter members joined 31 more people for a touch tour, on the stage of Prince Edward Theatre, ahead of watching NJ The Musical.  One member added, “it was incredible all being on stage together.” The group was able to feel the keyboards, mirrors, light bulbs, walls, wigs, masks, leather jacket and the iconic Fedora hat.

Jessica (also from VocalEyes) said, “A fab evening at MJ the musical! A busy touch tour, lots of people and lots of amazing costumes to explore. Then a great audio described show.”

The audio description was delivered by Tony and Lonny, from VocalEyes, in such a synchronised way as not to disturb the singing but to just describe the dancing or who was speaking.  They also continued to relate anything happening on stage which Eye Matter members would be unable to see in the performance. This included facial expressions, describing the Classic Michael Jackson pose “he’s put his hand on his crotch” and when he tips his hat to the audience. The audio describers also explained the dance moves including when Michael performs his iconic “Moonwalk”.

Eye Matter was all sat together (in rows C, D and E) and Suzie had ensured everyone’s headsets were operating properly before the performance began. They all enjoyed the different singers depicting Michael within his three stages of life (child, adolescent and adult) within his musical career.

Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ The Musical 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. The show includes a wide variety of hits, including “Beat it”, “I’ll Be there”, “ABC” and much more.

Suzie said, “it was chest banging brilliant”, explaining she could feel the music in her body and enjoyed being able to dance along to the songs.  Connie agreed, “It was rather good”.

If you were also there and would like to send your review, please email us or if you would like to join us on a future theatre trip please contact:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

 

If you would like to read more please click here to our Facebook page:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0ZVoNE2ZdAXrw2pjgBj6UXk2HrLG1zFDqPEDst8MaekUtC6QWUhfciMTmqsVeDknEl&id=100064088379673

 

 

Eye Matter leads the way across the o2 Arena!!!!

Twenty-eight Eye Matter members and sighted guides will be climbing London’s iconic O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) on Thursday 11th July to raise funds for our charity.

As of 2022 it is the ninth largest building in the world by volume capacity. It has a diameter of 365meters over which our adventurers will be clambering!

The O2 Arena boasts spectacular views over 15 miles away. However, whilst many of our members will never be able to witness this, they will be able to experience its height (50 metres) and feel the exhilarating climb far above our city.

Imagine climbing the O2 Arena without sight- for many of us it is a reality and now a determination to look beyond our sight-loss to help others.

Please support Eye Matter’s quest to continue to provide more activities for blind and partially sighted people.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eyematterclimbstheo2

Social media update.

Eye Matters Facebook page provides information on future events, reviews and articles about our activities.

Please follow and support us.

Members and friends of Eye Matter

The Eye Matter Trustees, supported by Sarah our social media administrator has created a new private Facebook group for friends and members of Eye Matter to share reviews and articles.   This is a space for you to interact with other members rather than on the public Facebook page.

If you would like to join this group, please contact either Sarah or Fiona.

X (formerly Twitter)

Our X page provides information from other similar organisations and people with sight-loss.

Please look up Eye Matter VI @Eyematter1

All our social media platforms are monitored.  Eye Matter will not tolerate any bad behaviour or disrespect to other users.  Please refer to our Social Media Policy if concerned or contact Suzie directly:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk

Future events

All our events are accessed here

 

Here are a few highlights:

We still have tickets available for:

  • A private audio described tour to the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens, Hertfordshire on Thursday 25th July- Meet and greet at 9:50 am at Liverpool Street Station, platform 10. Tickets are £27 which includes return train tickets from Liverpool Street (edge of zone 6) to Ware station transport between Ware station and the Gardens and entrance fee.
  • “Fiddler on the Roof” on Saturday 31st August at 2:15 pm at The Open-Air Theatre, Regents Park, London. £15 per ticket.
  • *Sailing Wednesday 4th September £5
  • “TINA The Tina Turner Musical”, 7:30 pm, Wednesday 16th October at Aldwych Theatre, London. Tickets are£39.50 each.

For more information or to book your place contact Suzie

Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject [Name of event].

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Dear friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number seven. 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 Blind Knitter.

The problem of longitude and our discovery of Sonification.

Congratulations Suzie – winner of RNIB’s Volunteer of the year for Eye Matter

Future events

  • Eye Matter Sports Day Saturday 22nd June
  • We still have tickets available for.

Future on-line events

Eye Matter Spotlight.

 

The Blind Knitter.

By Fiona Musgrove.

Ruth Hollingshead, from the Isle of White (AKA ‘The Blind Knitter’), is a totally blind knitter. Initially her Nan taught her the skill of knitting, over 40 years ago and she then progressed to crochet learnt from her mother-in law 30 years ago. The ‘Blind Knitter’ Facebook page provides a platform to discuss ideas, knitting styles and demonstrate how to produce garments without sight. Ruth also volunteers for her local sight-loss charity, where she often reassures people on the verge of losing their sight, how they can still continue to enjoy needle craft. She explained that once learnt knitting and crochet continues as a muscle memory action by people as they had for many years not used their eyes to perform these tasks whilst watching television or reading a book.

Her preference is to use either Double Knitting yarn, or Aran weight yarn. For the Double Knitting yarn, she normally uses a 4 mm needle or crochet hook.  Whereas, for the Aran weight yarn Ruth utilises a pair of 5 mm needles.  There are so many different varieties of needle sizes which relate to the weight of the wool, or the size of the piece being created. Needles can also vary in length and shape (circular needles are used for socks and leg warmers).  Knitting needles are now produced in a selection of materials, including, wood, aluminium, bamboo, steel, carbon fibre, plastic and even glass.   It is easy to pick up needles from charity shops or on Amazon. Last year, whilst working with some exceptionally chunky yarn Ruth had to use 15mm needles and recalled “it was rather like knitting with rolling pins!”

Ruth’s favourite crochet stitch is called a ‘Bubble’ or ‘Popcorn’ stitch. It is achieved by working three or four times in the same stitch, and then moving on. She explains that this creates a sort of bubble in a straight line which is very effective.  In contrast, her preferred knitting stitch is the “old fashioned”  ‘Moss’ stitch. She enthused about it creating a really nice flat piece of work that Hass an even stretch in all directions.

An equally old-fashioned children’s wooden abacus is used to count the rows by sliding the balls backwards and forwards.

She has experimented with a range of yarns including, acrylic, cotton, silk, Yak, Marino, camel, and eucalyptus! However, Ruth’s favourite is alpaca, she has an alpaca farm nearby on the Isle of Wight who provide a lovely range of soft baby alpaca yarn. Inspiration for her unique garments comes from either the type of yarn purchased or matching a colour to an outfit. Sometimes the initial ideas simply come   from her family describing either a pattern, or style they have seen on television. She says that many knitting and crochet YouTube videos are too visual or confusing without clear audio description for her to follow. There are, also, not many audible knitting patterns available so she has learnt to invent her own unique designs. Ruth has also developed a way to size her own clothes by wrapping them around herself and making the adjustments.

To celebrate her 50th birthday (last year) she bought some rather

expensive llama and alpaca yarn to create a calf length coat in granny squares of different shades of pink and purple. Ruth laughs as she admits that it is rather heavy to wear and is topped with a large, distinct collar which was subsequently dubbed, “hideous” by her son. Despite his remarks Ruth enjoys wearing it out on family outings!

If you would like to find out more about ‘The Blind Knitter ‘:

Instagram: blind.knitter

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blind.Knitter

The problem of longitude and our discovery of Sonification.

By Fiona Musgrove.

On Saturday 18th May 36 members and volunteers attended a special visit to the Greenwich Royal Observatory. This included a talk about the history of the location, its importance in maritime development and a multi-sensory exploration into space.

Today we take for granted the ability to be aware of our location (at anytime) with our Smart phones but, many years ago this was achieved by studying the sun, moon and stars. Over the years astronomers and various countries battled with the need to have a more efficient way to measure time and be able to calculate longitude as maritime travel increased.

We were entranced by the knowledge of our guide Paul as he explained how this was eventually solved by a humble carpenter (from the North of England) and  consequently, we still use his invention of the bio-metric strip today in many of our electrical items.  John Harrison (1693-1776) in a career spanning over 40 years, revolutionised maritime travel and saved countless numbers of lives in his discovery of measuring longitude.  He developed four variants from 1735 resulting in a smaller pocket watch product which measured time to an almost perfect accuracy.  His designs were subsequently released as a pamphlet allowing copies to be manufactured.  The principle idea was to align local time (anywhere in the world) with Greenwich time to calculate longitude.   A universal agreement was eventually agreed in USA (1884) denoting Greenwich Mean time as the centre of time.

Twelve prominent astronomers have lived with their families and worked at the Royal Observatory since 1675.  We were able to wander around the various telescopes and using Seeing AI read some of the display information. One of the highlights was a multi-sensory show within the Planetarium. Developed with a partially sighted Astro-physics Fellow, Dr Nic Bonne (based at Portsmouth University) who will be doing an inspiring talk for Eye Matter on the 6th of September, the film provided access to space using ‘Sonification’. This process allowed visual images to become aligned with specific sounds. The glittering stars above us suddenly appeared as a multitude of distinct pitched sounds determining their unique sizes. Our spinning Earth was presented with different sounds for land mas compared to water and then it was placed within the Solar system which was defined by using different instruments such as a flute, piccolo and clarinet.

“Truly incredible” said one member. Another added, “the experience allowed me to understand through sound how many stars there must be in the sky”.

 

Congratulations Suzie – winner of RNIB’s Volunteer of the year for Eye Matter

 

Despite the drizzle outside our Suzie sparkled as she received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year trophy (for her outstanding delivery of activities for Eye Matter members), at the RNIB See Differently Awards on Tuesday 21st May.

In front of over 200 specially invited guests in the ballroom of eight Northumberland Avenue, London and announced live on social media, Suzie was selected from hundreds of nominations to recognise her dedication to enhancing the lives of people with sight-loss.

For more information about Suzie and the other winners please click here:

https://www.rnib.org.uk/our-campaigns/rnib-see-differently-awards/winners-of-the-rnib-see-differently-awards-2024

The photo below shows Richard Simpson (Eye Matter member) dressed in a dark suit between award winning Suzie Simons dressed in a long pale pink dress and Eye Matter Trustee Rachel Bowden in a dark dress.  They are all swathed in pink lights at the RNIB event.

 

Future events

All our events are accessed here

 

Here are a few highlights:

Eye Matter Sports Day Saturday 22nd June £10

Islington Sports and Tennis Centre.

Volunteers are available to escort from Caledonian Road tube station.

This event offers a range of sports and activities including vi tennis, football and cricket.  Eye Matter is proud to also introduce the new game of ‘Showdown’ which is a cross between air hockey and table tennis.

A scrumptious lunch is provided in the park.

Please don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to have some fun with friends.

We still have tickets available for:

Eye Matter Sports Day Saturday 22nd June £10

Sailing Wednesday 17th July £5

Henry Moore Studios and Gardens Thursday 25th July £27

The Constituent Wednesday 31st July £22

London Zoo Wednesday 21st August £3

UK Hailsham Activity holiday 26th August to 29th August £309.60

Fiddler on the Roof Saturday 31st August £15

Sailing Wednesday 4th September £5

Come from Away Wednesday 9th October £18.20

TINA The Tina Turner Musical 16th October £39.50

 

Future on-line events

Keep up to date with our activities here.

Save the dates

1st September GDIF Stratford Park

4th September Sailing

7th September Dance City North Greenwich GDIF

9th September choir practice restarts

10th September

Calling all visually impaired women who are still menstruating! We invite you to be part of an exciting study for FlowSense, an innovative device designed by Muna Daud for accessible menstrual health management.  Join us to learn about the incredible journey and design inspiration behind FlowSense.  Your participation will help create a product that aims to improve menstrual care for visually impaired women everywhere!

21st September visually impaired group grief workshop session to be held in Kings cross Sommerstown Hall 2pm to 5pm with refreshments £5

26th September Confidence Building Workshop with Vic Hogg and Steve Reed £5

Join us for 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!

9th October Come from Away at the New Wimbledon Theatre £18.20

16th October TINA at the Aldwych Theatre £39.50

5th November Sight Village at Kensington Town Hall

30th November Eye Matter Singers’ Concert in Kings Cross

The Eye Matter singers are starting rehearsals on the 9th of September for this wonderful Christmas show. If you are a musician or a singer and would like to do a performance, please contact Suzie.

12th December Eye Matter Winter Extravaganza £40

9th January 2025 Robin Hood Panto at the London Palladium £17.50

For more information or to book your place contact Suzie

Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject [Name of event].

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Dear friends,

Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number six. This is a fortnightly publication for you to share experiences, engage with our extensive range of activities and learn more about Eye Matter’s objectives for its members. If you would like to contribute an article to a future edition, please contact: fiona@eyematter.org.uk

This edition includes:

Eye Matter Spotlight.

The camera never lies.

Doing an Italian Job for Eye Matter.

Don’t strip PIP cash payments from sick and disabled people petition.

 

Future events

 

  1. Eye Matter Singers proudly present our spring concert in loving memory of Davinder Marway.
  2. A private audio described tour to the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens
  3. We still have tickets available for.

Future on-line events

External Activities

Eye Matter Spotlight.

The camera never lies.

By Fiona Musgrove.

Vicky Blencowe works part-time as an Assistive Technology Coordinator for  Sutton Vision and is passionate about photography. On her 18th birthday Vicky was given her first 35mm SLR camera with 2 zoom lenses.  In 1985, she attended a short photography course, where Vicky learnt to compose pictures and use chemicals to develop the images.  As her sight began to fail (1999) it was fortunate that her hobby could continue with the introduction of the digital camera which contains a small back screen.  More recently Vicky has been reviewing her many photographs taken both with a 35mm camera and digital camera. She revealed shyly that it appeared “I always seemed to have an eye for a good picture”.

In 2014, she was given her first iPhone, which began her interest in learning about its various applications and features around photography.  During the Pandemic Vicky discovered   an on-line photography course which re-ignited. her passion for photography.  Vicky still has enough peripheral sight left to assess the composition of a landscape but uses the zoom function to validate the final image. Over the proceeding years she has needed larger screens and eventually, upgraded two years ago to a 13 Pro Max iPhone.  Vicky’s top three subjects are flowers, landscapes including along the River Thames and architecture.

There are many apps which are accessible such as Snapseed, by Google and Immovie. Vicky created the NFB UKs 75th anniversary video from audio recordings, photos and videos using voice over in iMovie.  Through a work collaboration with Visionary, Vicky was invited to create her own video presentation in March 2022 about her photography experiences called  “My world of Visually impaired photography on iPhone”,  demonstrating the functions with and without Voice Over.

Vicky admits it is difficult to choose a specific place where she would like to photograph.  For her it is all about the shapes and colours she observes around her on a daily basis.

She emphasises the importance of providing clear audio description on images displayed in social media.   RNIB have produced some useful information:

Sutton Vision uses Vicky’s photography on their quarterly magazine, and she has twice won a photography competition, for an annual Stargardt’s Connected charity calendar in both 2023 and 2024, capturing nature in two different images.

Follow Vicky on Instagram.

@VI_VickyPhoto

https://www.instagram.com/vi_vickyphoto?igsh=MWVlMWk4azF1aGM0bA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Threads

@VI_VickyPhoto

https://www.threads.net/@vi_vickyphoto

Also on Twitter @VickyBlencowe for work and volunteering in the site loss sector.

Doing an Italian Job for Eye Matter.

Eye Matter would like to continue providing blind and partially sighted people a range of opportunities in the arts, culture and sport. In a quest to raise funds for Eye Matter, Fiona and Richard, are trekking 500 miles across Italy towards Rome.   Averaging 30,000 steps per day, they have trudged through fields of sweetcorn (higher than themselves), walked alongside busy traffic and clambered over countless fences.  Their arrival into these quaint colourful villages continues to attract interest.  In one village they were bought coffees whilst other helpful Italians wave their arms in excitement as they struggle to communicate problems locating various accommodation facilities or the nearest cafe.

Walking provides an opportunity to experience Italy through many senses. The aroma of lavender, rosemary and freshly cut grass accompanied their recent riverside walk.  Whereas the scrumptious flavours of Pistachio croissants tickled their taste buds in a local cafe. Please continue to support their fundraising. All money raised goes directly to Eye Matter activities. If you want to follow Richard and Fiona’s Italian adventure, please check them out on social media.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/eyematter?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Feyematter&utm_source=slack&utm_campaign=pfp-slack

 

Don’t strip PIP cash payments from sick and disabled people petition.

 

We would encourage you to sign this important petition

Don’t strip PIP cash payments from sick and disabled people! https://organise.network/s/9808079a4ad3

 

Future events

All our events are accessed here

 

Here are a few highlights:

 

Eye Matter Singers proudly present our spring concert in loving memory of Davinder Marway.

When:  Saturday 25th May, 3:30pm to 6pm.

Meet and Greet at St Pancras International Station Midland Road Exit by the Thameslink barrier at 2:50pm

Where:  St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 150 Ossulston Street, London NW1 1DF

please come and join us for this fun afternoon featuring popular and contemporary songs.

Free tickets

 

A private audio described tour to the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens

 

When: Thursday 25th July

Meet and greet at Platform 10, which is next to the ticket office at Liverpool Street Station at 9:50am

For train at 10:12am. Please be on time.

We will be going to Ware in Hertfordshire and catching a minibus to Henry Moore Gardens.

Where:  Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG10 6EE

Cost:  Tickets £27 – this covers the train from Liverpool Street to Ware, only paying from zone 6, the minibus from Ware to the Gardens, entrance to the gardens and the return travel to Liverpool Street Station.

Sighted guides will need to have a ticket to cover them from Liverpool Street to Enfield Lock (zone 6)

The tour will include some context about the site, house, visit a couple of studios & of course interact with the outdoor sculptures!

We still have tickets available for:

Eye Matter singers Concert Saturday 25th May

Eye Matter Sports Day Saturday 22nd June £10

Sailing Wednesday 26th June £5

Sailing Wednesday 17th July £5

Henry Moore Studios and Gardens Thursday 25th July £27

The Constituent Wednesday 31st July £22

London Zoo Wednesday 21st August £3

Fiddler on the Rood Saturday 31st August £15

Sailing Wednesday 4th September £5

Sailing Wednesday 2nd October £5

For more information or to book your place contact Suzie

Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject [Name of event].

 

Future on-line events

Keep up to date with our activities here.

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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

  1. Eye Matter’s Second Annual Sports Taster Day and Social
  2. An audio described performance of Fiddler on the Roof
  3. A 2-hour audio described tour of London Zoo
  4. We still have tickets available for.

Future on-line events

External Activities

  1. Last chance to enjoy a tour with Guide Dogs around Canary Wharf.
  2. Boat trip with the Barnet Borough Sight Impaired group.
  3. Sight Loss Council for North London.
  4. 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.

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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

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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

mail@sailingvision.org

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.

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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:

RYA Sailability

Sailing Vision Trust

VISA_GB

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

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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

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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

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