For the summer months, we will be running a reduced programme of activities, as many of our staff, members and volunteers will be enjoying a well deserved holiday.
Please note the following changes to our activities schedule:
- Tuesday's Social Eyes lunch is cancelled during August
- Thursdays Lunch Club is cancelled during August
- Mondays Ten Pin Bowling is cancelled during August
- Tuesdays Macular Group is Taking a summer break
If you would like to stay active over the summer and perhaps try something new, why not come along to one of our other clubs and activities that will continue to run throughout the season.
- Indoor Bowls
- Swimming
- Feel Good Moves
- Wheels for All Cycling Continues as normal throughout August
- Outings and Social Events
Taking part in activities is a great way to stay active, meet new people and enjoy new experiences. We look forward to seeing you at one of our sessions over the summer.
Try one of our NEW Summer Special Activities!
Art Taster session
KSS is offering a small Art Taster Session to seek interest among our members and to showcase how assistive technology, including CCTV magnifiers, can support painting and creative activities.
When: Friday 17th July from 11am to 1:00pm
Venue: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston.
Cost: This taster session is Free.
Materials: Members are required to bring their own water based paints and brushes. Unfortunately, oil paints are not permitted in the centre.
Due to the nature of the session, spaces are limited to 5 members only. If you would like to take part, please register your interest as soon as possible. Booking is essential.
Have a Go at Tennis this summer!
Thanks to a grant from the Royal Borough of Kingston Sports Department, KSS is delighted to offer four tennis taster sessions specially adapted for blind and partially sighted players this summer.
Blind tennis was invented in Japan in 1984 and was introduced to England in 2006. Since then, the sport has grown significantly, providing an enjoyable and inclusive way for people with visual impairments to stay active and have fun.
Our coaches, Odette Battarel and Amanda Green, are both visually impaired and qualified Level 2 Tennis Coaches through the Tennis Foundation. They have played an important role in developing blind tennis both in the UK and internationally. During the sessions, they will share their experiences as visually impaired players and provide a fun and supportive introduction to the sport.
The game is played on a slightly smaller court using special jingly balls, allowing players to hear the ball as it bounces.
We are currently visiting tennis courts across Kingston and have not yet finalised the dates, times, and venues for the sessions.
If you are interested in giving it a try, please contact the KSS office by phone or email to register your interest and we will keep you updated with further details.
We look forward to hearing from you and introducing you to this exciting and accessible sport! 🎾
Kew Gardens Visit
Henry Moore Sculptures Touch Tour
Join us for a special visit to Kew Gardens, including an exclusive touch tour of the renowned Henry Moore sculptures.
Henry Moore is one of Britain's most celebrated artists, and this exhibition represents the largest ever presentation of his outdoor artworks, set within Kew’s iconic landscapes and world famous botanical collections, Henry Moore: Monumental Nature brings art and nature together on an extraordinary scale, blurring the boundaries between sculpture and living form.
During this multi-sensory guided walking tour, designed specifically for blind and partially sighted visitors, you will have the opportunity to explore Moore’s sculptures up close through touch, while also enjoying detailed audio descriptions of the artworks and their surroundings.
When: Thursday 6 August
Meeting Point: Quaker Centre, where we will travel together by minibus.
Departure Time: 10:00am
Touch Tour Begins: 11:30am
Please note: Spaces are very limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To book your place, please call the office.
Launch of Audio Described Bus Guides
When: Tuesday 15 September, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Where: Quaker Centre, during our Social Eyes Lunch
KSS has been busy developing a new Audio Description Bus Guide for Kingston to help blind and partially sighted people travel more independently around the borough.
At this special launch event, taking place during our Social Eyes Lunch, we will introduce the guide and demonstrate how it works. The guide provides detailed audio descriptions of Kingston’s bus network, including all bus routes operating within the borough, every bus stop served, and detailed route information for each bus service.
The audio guide will announce each bus number and every stop along that route, helping passengers to familiarise themselves with their journey before they travel or while they are on the bus.
Designed to make planning journeys easier and more accessible, the guide aims to support blind and partially sighted people to travel with greater confidence and independence.
We will also demonstrate how to access and use the guide, which will be available on our website once it is fully completed and ready for launch.
Whether you are a regular bus user or would like to become more confident using public transport, this is a great opportunity to learn about this new resource and ask any questions you may have.
Please contact the office for more information.
Theatre Trip, Three men in a boat
Join us for an enjoyable evening at the Rose Theatre to experience the comedy classic Three Men in a Boat. Audio description will be available, making the performance accessible for blind and partially sighted audience members.
Based on Jerome K. Jerome’s beloved novel, Three Men in a Boat follows the hilarious adventures of three friends (and a dog) as they set off on a boating holiday along the River Thames.
When: Saturday 10 October
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Rose Theatre, Kingston
Spaces are very limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Please call the office to book your place.
Volunteer Spotlight: Taban Ali
Taban generously volunteers her sewing skills at our Social Eyes lunch sessions, helping to create and mend items for people living with sight loss.
“I love volunteering at KSS and doing sewing work for people with sight loss. Every stitch feels like a way to bring comfort and practical help to those who need it. It’s rewarding to use what I can do to support such a wonderful cause, and I’m grateful to be part of this kind community.”
Feedback from members who bought items for Taban to repair:
- June had a jumper with holes, which she was ready to throw away. When she heard about our session she bought it to the lunch session and Taban repaired it. June was so happy that the volunteer was able to extend the life of her jumper and June can continue to wear her favourite jumper. June was delighted and described Taban as excellent.
- Christina bought in a dress, a pair of trousers and a cardigan that all needed mending. She would have thrown them away if Taban didn't repair them. She was very pleased and said the repairs were carried out to a high standard.
- Jeffrey
brought in a pair of trousers to be repaired. He was extremely happy with the result, explaining that he would not have been able to carry out the repair himself.
We are very grateful for Taban’s dedication, kindness, and practical support. Her contribution makes a real difference to the lives of our members and highlights the positive impact volunteers have across KSS.
Beat the Heat, Stay Safe in Hot Weather
The guidance below gives details on actions to take to stay safe in hot weather.
Our summers are getting hotter, with UK temperatures reaching 40°C for the first time in 2022 and is likely to reach those high temperatures more frequently. Hot weather can make people unwell, particularly older people and those with existing health conditions, such as diabetes, strokes, heart conditions can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Protect yourself from the heat by:
- Staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Wearing loose, light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol consumption
- Using SPF 30+ sunscreen, higher is even better
- Keeping an eye on weather forecasts and heat warnings
If you become too hot:
- Move to a cooler place
- Remove extra clothing
- Drink cold drinks or eat ice lollies
- Spray your skin with cool water
- Place a cold pack under your arms or on the back of your neck
- Close curtains or windows exposed to direct sunlight
Know the Signs
Heat Exhaustion is caused by the body overheating and is usually not an emergency if treated quickly.
Symptoms include:
- Tiredness, weakness or faintness
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling or being sick
- Heavy sweating
- Extreme thirst
Cool down as soon as possible using the tips above.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the body can no longer cool itself.
Symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
- Fast heartbeat or breathing
- Hot skin with little or no sweating
- Seizures
Call 999 immediately if heatstroke is suspected, then begin cooling the person down.
Staying Safe Around Water
Swimming can help you cool off, but open water can be dangerous.
So always:
- Swim where lifeguards are present
- Check warning signs
- Never swim after drinking alcohol
- Stay close to shore
- Leave the water if you start to feel cold
- Wear a life jacket when boating or fishing
- Swim with another person whenever possible
Stay aware, stay hydrated and take sensible precautions to enjoy the summer safely. 💧
Guide Dog Hot Weather Advise
As the weather gets warmer, it is important to take extra care of your guide dog to ensure they stay safe, healthy and comfortable.
Watch the Temperature
Dogs can begin to feel the effects of heat when temperatures rise above 20°C, and the risk of heatstroke increases significantly at 25°C and above. Keep an eye on both the weather forecast and how your dog is coping with the heat.
Exercise Wisely
On particularly hot days, try to limit strenuous exercise and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. Early mornings and evenings are usually the safest and most comfortable times for outdoor activity.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water at all times. Adding a few ice cubes to their water bowl can help keep it cool and refreshing throughout the day.
Protect Against the Sun
Dogs can suffer from sunburn, particularly those with lighter skin or shorter coats. Consider using a pet safe sunscreen on exposed areas such as the nose and ears if your dog will be spending time outdoors.
Offer Cooling Treats
Chilled treats or frozen dog friendly snacks can be a great way to help your dog cool down and enjoy a refreshing treat during hot weather.
Know When to Seek Help
If your dog shows signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek veterinary advice immediately. Prompt action can be vital in preventing serious illness.
Remember
When it comes to hot weather, prevention is always better than treatment. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure your guide dog stays cool, comfortable and happy throughout the summer months. 🐾
Andrew's Tech Corner
by Andrew Brooks, KSS Trustee
Tech Talk Number 3
Embracing AI
In celebration of 40 years in business by “Eye Contact” opticians in New Malden, Ray Ban were in store demonstrating their Meta AI Glasses.
These glasses have a tiny microphone speaker and camera hidden within their frames, this allows you to use them like a mobile phone but worn on your face, leaving your hands free.
Like a mobile phone you can talk to it, answer hand free calls, send messages and take photos. I Was SO IMPRESSED I’ve ordered a pair. I was, potentially, in the market for a new pair of spectacles, but since the total cost is only £50 more than I would typically pay for a pair of glasses anyway, it was a bit of a no brainer!
Why I thought I needed AI glasses in my life:
- I am normally hard pushed to select a frame style that can support the thickness of prescription for the lenses I require. Ray Ban frames, no problem!
- You’re getting high definition photo and video cameras, Bluetooth stereo speakers built into the arms, 8 hour battery life and a recharge in an hour in the special case!
- They allow you to do hands free telephoning, texting, emailing, etc once it is setup within the Meta AI App. I’m looking forward to training it to do my tax return, although I may be expecting too much!
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The Meta AI app works like a helpful assistant. You can ask it questions, get information, and receive help with everyday tasks through your glasses, without needing to take out your phone.
- For those more techy, The companion Meta AI App can use Open AI, which, in effect, acts as a curator for other AI Apps and Agents, thus leveraging the whole AI Universe, all from a device which is on your face every waking hour!
Also I need to give a big shout out to Eye Contact in New Malden through whom I am purchasing the glasses. They gave a good price, ordered the frames and gave me a very thorough eye test. I really felt as if the optician, Urja Patel, really understood all the nuances of my Albinism, and even recommended, and is providing as a “free upgrade” the very latest in optics technology which she thinks will improve the overall clarity of my vision. I am quite sad to be not going back to the opticians on City Road in London who I have been going to for nearly 20 years, but it is such a long way to go to get the test, then go back for the fitting, etc. etc. New Malden is just around the corner!
I am planning to document my journey with the glasses and the AI App from the perspective of a visually impaired user. I am fortunate to have a good degree of vision, so may not cover all the uses.
R.I.P. Analogue Telephone Lines
From 31 January 2027 the UK Government has pledged the demise of the UK’s copper network in favour of fibre optics. This means if you still have a traditional landline phone service from BT, Virgin Media, or another provider, your provider will contact you about the upgrade.
If you only have a telephone handset, it is very likely your existing handset will be compatible with the digital switchover. All you will notice is that your phone gets connected to your broadband router rather than the telephone socket on the wall.
If you do not have broadband or WiFi, your provider will supply a digital router so that you can continue to use your telephone service on the new digital network.
For some members, there may be an issue if you have additional products connected to your phone line. For example door entry systems, telecare products or alarms may not be compatible with the digital network. If you have any of these types of equipment connected to your phone line, other than a standard telephone handset, you should contact your service provider to check whether it needs to be upgraded for the new digital service.
Need more information? Contact your telephone service provider
BT Customer Services: 0800 800 150
Virgin Media: 0345 454 1111
New Speech Labels Make Everyday Labelling Easier
Hable has recently launched Speechlabel, an innovative product designed to help blind and partially sighted people organise, identify and label everyday items using recorded voice labels.
This new technology allows you to use your mobile phone to create and manage labels, reducing the need to rely on the PenFriend, which has long been one of the main labelling solutions available.
If you'd like to see how it works, Hable recommends watching a demonstration by Sam from The Blind Life, which shows how Speechlabel can simplify everyday tasks and support greater independence. This is played in youtube via this youtube link
Speechlables are now available through the RNIB shop. You can order by calling 0303 123 9999.
Save our Rivers
Our CEO, Odette, and her husband recently took part in the Standing for the River event.
They attended a rehearsal at Kingston University Town House, where local residents learned a series of simple movements performed in time with music. A few days later, around 100 local residents joined dancers from Kingston University to perform on the bridge beside the Stanley Picker Gallery and along the Hogsmill River. Everyone was dressed in black, and the event was filmed from above by a drone.
The footage will form part of an application for official bathing water status for the river. This would require the water quality to be regularly tested and help raise awareness of pollution levels.
Odette and her husband described the event as an amazing experience and were proud to represent KSS while supporting the campaign. The initiative aims to encourage action to improve water quality, including investment in sewage infrastructure and the adoption of more sustainable farming practices, both of which are major contributors to river pollution.
KSS will also be working with the South East Rivers Trust to identify accessible areas and organise guided walks along the Hogsmill River, from Ewell West through to Kingston town centre, where the river joins the Thames.
Reporting a Faulty Pedestrian Crossing
If you find that the rotating cone on a pedestrian crossing's push-button unit is not working, please report it to Transport for London TfL on 0343 222 1234.
The rotating cone is an important accessibility feature that helps many blind and partially sighted people know when it is safe to cross the road.
Kingston has many busy and congested roads, so it is important that these facilities are kept in good working order. By reporting faults when we find them, we can help make it safer and easier for visually impaired people to travel independently around the borough.
Got Something to Share? We would Love to Hear From You!
For our September issue of Eyeopener, we would especially love to hear about your holidays and travel experiences this summer.
Have you travelled recently, either in the UK or abroad? We would be interested in hearing about your holiday highlights, travel tips, and reviews of places you've visited. You may have discovered a useful app, gadget, service, accessible hotel, attraction, or travel technique that made your trip more accessible and enjoyable. Your experiences could help inspire and support other members planning their own holidays.
Whether it's a memorable day out, advice on navigating airports or public transport, recommendations for accessible destinations, or practical hints and tricks you've learned along the way, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send your stories and ideas to the KSS office, you might see them featured in a future issue of Eyeopener! ✈️☀️🌍
