Kingston Upon Thames Association for the Blind

KAB EYE OPENER

KAB Eye Opener - January 2025 - Issue 56
KAB Eye Opener

January 2025 - Issue 56 
Office hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm 

Phone: 020 8605 0060
Please leave a message on our answer phone if we do not answer and we will call you back as soon as we can!

 


KAB NEWS

 
 

Happy New Year! As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for your continued support.

2024 ended on a high note, with KAB being awarded several grants to cover our costs and a big thank you to our donors for their generous contributions.

Our station collection raised £600, and our festive Christmas lunch brought us together to celebrate the spirit of giving and community.
We’re delighted to report that the event was a great success, raising over £150 through the raffle! All funds will directly support our ongoing projects and initiatives at KAB. A special thank you to John Lewis for generously donating a beautiful DAB radio as our first prize, which was won by Jo. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers. We could not have achieved any of this without your dedication, and we are excited to see what we can accomplish together in 2025.

This year, our AGM will take place on Thursday, 26th June. We already have an exciting guest speaker confirmed: Julian McCarthy, author of The Kingston Historical A-Z, from which we have extracted snippets for the Kingston Talking News over the years. We are delighted to offer you the chance to meet him in person at the event!. We hope you will be able to attend.

Looking ahead, we are excited about all the events planned for 2025 and invite you to get involved as we continue our journey of making a positive impact!
 



KINGSTON COMMUNITY LOTTERY

It’s easy to support Kingston Association for the Blind (KAB) while having a chance to win big! By playing the Kingston Community Lottery, you help raise funds for great causes benefiting local communities in Kingston, including our ongoing work at KAB.

The Kingston Community Lottery is a weekly online lottery, with a draw every Saturday night. A six-digit winning combination is chosen each week, and tickets cost just £1. Every ticket gives you a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize, with a top prize of £25,000!

Currently, KAB receives around £400 per year from the lottery, with some of that coming from our own KAB members who participate. A huge thank you to those already playing and supporting us! If you haven’t joined yet, please consider participating. Not only will you be supporting our cause, but you could also win the £25,000 jackpot!

Please visit the KAB page on the Kingston Lottery website: https://bit.ly/4gT2yLJ
 

Exciting Fundraising Events in 2025!

Throughout 2025, KAB will be organizing a variety of fundraising events, and we encourage all our members and volunteers to get involved. Your participation will help us raise vital funds for our ongoing projects and make a real difference in the lives of those we support. Stay tuned for more details on how you can take part!


Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you!

 



The NHS APP

South west Londoners order at least one repeat prescription every minute on NHS app since start of the year
 
Local people continue to take advantage of the NHS app’s convenience by ordering at least one repeat prescription every single minute on average since the start of this year.

Latest figures reveal that more than 369,500 prescriptions were requested on the NHS app between 1 January and 30 June 2024 – that equates to around 85 on average every hour.

The number of repeat prescriptions ordered through the app by south west Londoners has grown by 92% since April 2023 while views of records have increased by 210% in that time.

Nationally, there are more than 33.6 million NHS app users – the health service recently pointed out that is “twice as many users as Netflix’s 16.7 million subscribers”.

As well as requesting repeat prescriptions, people can use the updated, user-friendly version of the NHS app to:

  • choose their usual pharmacy or collect from any pharmacy in England
  • check if they need urgent medical help using 111 online
  • view GP-held medical records, including medication, test results and immunisations
  • register for organ donation and change their preferences
  • access NHS services on behalf of somebody else (for example, their children or other family members)
  • find NHS services near them, such as dentists, pharmacies or mental health services
  • view messages from for example their GP or about hospital appointments
  • to view information from their local hospital including appointment information, correspondence, medical records and waiting times.

NHS England recently calculated that each repeat prescription ordered electronically saves GP practices three minutes of time. Patients also save an average of 18 minutes with each online order, making it more convenient for them and freeing up frontline staff to do other important duties.

While there are now 900,000 registered NHS app users in the south west London boroughs of Merton, Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Croydon, more people are being encouraged to access its benefits.

South west London’s chief medical officer Dr John Byrne said: “Whether you’re sat at home or out and about, the NHS app is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and information. “So I’m delighted that so many south west Londoners are already using it for their repeat prescriptions – more than one order every minute since the start of this year is fantastic as it saves time for both patients and GPs.

“But it would be great if even more south west Londoners enjoyed its benefits to continue the trend of rising logins – they have increased by nearly 90% since April 2023. “I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t used the NHS app for a while, or who has never downloaded it, to tap it and see what it has to offer – whether that is viewing a GP health record, finding a service near them or arranging a repeat prescription.”

To download the NHS app, visit your device’s app store and follow the easy step-by-step registration instructions.
It will help if you know your NHS number (although this is not essential), and you will need to have a form of ID (passport or driving licence) to hand.

 

KAB would like to offer its members support in setting up the NHS APP on their phones. We can guide you through the process and teach you how to use the app during our tech sessions. Please call the office for more information and advice. 
 


Grants For Older People

Friends of the Elderly’s grants programme is designed to assist older individuals, living on low incomes, facing financial difficulties. Our aim is to provide support to older people who are struggling to make ends meet, and to ensure they are able to live with dignity and in comfort.

Grants can be used to cover essential expenses such as purchasing a new fridge, paying unexpected bills, food, clothing, or covering gas and electricity costs.

The application process is managed through organisations who register with Friends of the Elderly and work with older people in their local communities.  These organisations are known as Referral Agents, they might be community centres, religious centres, carers centres, housing associations, advice organisations like
Citizens Advice Bureau or other charities like Age UK.

Referral Agents will write and submit the application on the older person’s behalf, ensuring they understand their situation, the support required and assessing any evidence.

If you or someone you know would benefit from a Friends of the Elderly grant please click on our link ‘Finding a Referral Agent’ help sheet which will help you take the first steps to identify a Referral Agent who can submit the application. We can also post information to you, please call 0330 332 1110.


If you think you qualify, KAB can assist you with completing an application form. Please contact the office in the first instance, and we will refer you to our welfare officer for further support.

 



TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY USAGE
 
Roughly 40% of the climate changing emissions generated in Kingston come from heating and powering the borough’s homes. That's why CREW ENERGY  are  working with Kingston Council to offer Kingston residents half-price home energy audits to help make our local area greener.
 
How it works
One of our trained energy auditors will come to your home and conduct what is known as an 'audit' or a 'survey' on the way you currently use energy. In doing so, we will help you understand the best steps for you to take on your pathway to net zero. This includes:

What we assess

  • ​Boilers temperature and flow
  • Radiators and your heating system
  • Draughts around windows and doors
  • Electricity usage, including lighting and appliances

The normal price for an audit is £300, we are offering a discount and will only charge £150
 
To book an audit or get more information call: 
Terezie Wickenden, The Programme Officer for Climate Action in the Council.
Telephone: 07873 703894 do leave a message if she does not reply.


SOLAR PANELS

Many Brits don’t realise that they could be saving money on their energy bills with solar panels. Even in the UK’s sometimes gloomy weather, savvy homeowners are able to make these savings because photovoltaic solar panels are simply dependent on daylight – not on hours of sunshine.

The cost of solar panels has tumbled more than 30% in the past few years. This has significantly reduced the upfront cost of solar for people across the UK.  Another plus is the 0% VAT on solar panels until 2027!

For more information please see: https://bit.ly/4alRPqv

 


New Upcoming

KAB Trips


 


Kew Gardens - Sensory Guided Walking Tour & Peruvian Orchid Festival

Join us for a one-of-a-kind sensory experience at Kew Gardens! This guided walking tour offers the chance to touch and smell various elements of the Gardens, led by one of Kew’s Visitor Guides. As part of the tour, we will also visit the spectacular Peruvian Orchid Festival, celebrating the incredible diversity of Peru’s 3,000 orchid species—many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Date: Sunday, 09 February
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Please note: There will be substantial walking involved.

Itinerary:
1:30pm – Meet at the Quaker Centre, then take the mini bus to Kew
3:00pm – 4:30pm – Sensory tour begins
5:00pm – Mini bus departs from Kew
6:00pm – Arrive back at the Quaker Centre

Cost: £10.00 per person

Places are limited, and it’s first come, first served. To reserve your spot, please contact the office via email at kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org or by phone.


Dorich House Museum Visit
 

Dorich House Museum at Kingston University is located just a ‘Deer’s Leap’ from Richmond Park, along Kingston Vale in South West London.

The museum is housed in the former studio home of sculptor Dora Gordine and her husband, the Hon. Richard Hare, a scholar of Russian art and literature. Completed in 1936 to Gordine’s design, the building is now Grade II listed spanning three floors, the museum’s principal spaces include a plaster studio, a modelling studio, and a gallery, originally used by Gordine for the creation and display of her works. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of Gordine’s works, including pieces produced at Dorich House from the mid-1930s, as well as her early paintings, drawings, and sculptures made in Paris and Asia in the late 1920s. The museum also showcases an important collection of Russian art and artefacts, which were acquired by Gordine and Hare during their marriage.
 

Join Us for an Early Spring Walk and Museum Tour!

KAB has arranged a special opportunity for its members to enjoy the fresh air and nature with an early spring walk. This will be followed by a fascinating, tailor-made tour of Dorich House Museum, where you will be able to touch and feel some of the museums artistic creations. This is a fantastic chance to explore the outdoors and uncover the history and art of this unique museum. Don’t miss out on this wonderful experience!

When: Saturday 15th March from 11:00am until Approximately 2:00pm

Itinerary: 
10:00am - Meet at the Quaker Centre then take the bus together to Kingston Vale.
11:00am - Begin the walk through Richmond Park at Ladderstile Gate (approx. 1 mile) 
12:00pm - Exit the park at Deer's Leap near Dorich House Museum.
12:15pm - Tea and cake at the museum followed by the accessible tour of the museum including a touch tour of exhibits.
 

Exciting Interview Coming Up!

We are thrilled to announce that there are plans to interview Fiona Fisher, the curator, in one of the February editions of the Kingston Talking News. Stay tuned for insights into her work and upcoming projects!If you are interested in taking part or for more information please call the office or email us at kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org.  


Kingston 2025 Celebrations 

Marking the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of Athelstan, first King of a united England. The beginning of May 2025 heralds the start of a 6 month celebration of the historical crowning of Athelstan in 925. Prepare for dramatic performances, public art installations, a river festival and amazing music. Below are a just some of the events. 

For more information v
isit: www.kingstonheritage.org.uk 

  • Saturday 3rd May - Kingston 2025 Launch and Opening Event, Market Place, Kingston IT1 1JT. 
  • ‘Bridging Kingston’ at the Rose Theatre – is a new music production specially commissioned for schools and young musicians to be staged at the Rose Theatre.  
  • Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July. Athel’s Town Tournament at Canbury Gardens – a free two day event for all the family giving everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in all things Saxon.  
  • 60 Years of Fashion – Kingston School of Art and The Community Brain will be working together to celebrate 60 Years of Fashion in Kingston.
  • 6th June to 8th June  - Kingston International Film Festival – KIFF provides a platform for filmmakers from around the world, and in particular up and coming talent, to showcase their projects on the big screens of the Odeon, the Curzon, Rose Theatre, and an outdoor screen in the riverside setting of Canbury Gardens.
  • 6th June – The Children’s International Film Festival,  Ciné Schools will launch London’s first Children’s International Film Festival, in collaboration with Kingston International Film Festival. This will be the largest of its kind in the UK and will take place at various venues across Kingston. 
  • Kingston Glamour: Art, Innovation and the Suburbs, opening May – An exhibition at Kingston Museum exploring the contributions of creative entrepreneurs living and working in the borough from the 1920’s – 1970’s
  • Saturday 6th September from 12 noon, River Cultures Festival, Canbury Gardens, Thames Side, Eagle Brewery Wharf – As part of the Totally Thames Festival come along and enjoy a fun-filled family extravaganza. The first River Cultures Festival will see a flotilla of boats of all shapes and sizes, processing from Hampton Court to Raven’s Ait and Canbury Gardens. Boats will represent the communities of Kingston as well as our Saxon heritage. On the riverside, music, dance and family activities will take place throughout the day at Canbury Gardens, Thames Riverside  and Eagle Brewery Wharf. 
  • Sunday 7th September. Kingston Carnival, , Kingston Market Place and Kingston Town Centre – a colourful programme for all ages, with family activities, live music stages and authentic street food from around the world.
  • East South East Asian Festival (ESEA) – The ESEA Culture Festival will be back in 2025 to proudly celebrate the vibrant diversity of East and Southeast Asian heritage in Kingston. Opening with the Autumn Moon Festival, live performances, interactive demonstrations and audience participation will all combine to provide a delightful day of food, culture, music and dance. Organised by the Korean British Cultural Exchange the Festival honours the different Autumn Moon traditions from across East South East Asia with a variety of countries and cultures represented

KAB will be organizing several group visits to enjoy these festivities during this celebratory period. Keep an eye on this space for more information - details are coming soon!


KAB Activities
January - March 2025
For more details and to book: 
Phone 020 8605 0060 
Email: 
kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org
 

Meet and greet by arrangement
 
We understand how difficult it can be to go to unfamiliar places, so KAB will be very happy to meet and greet at the closest bus stop or train station so that you can take part in any of our activities on offer. Please contact the office to prearrange any assistance. 

KAB AGM
Save the date Thursday 26th June 2025 from 11:00 - 3:00pm
 

Social Eyes Lunch

Join us for a light lunch followed by a chair-based exercise session for those who would like to participate or simply just socialize with your friends! 

When: Alternate Tuesdays from 1:00pm – 3:00pm 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT. 


2025 Dates:
21st January
4th and 18th February
4th and 18th March



Macular Society Support Group in Kingston

These meetings aim to offer information, encouragement, and friendship to those people who are affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions. Family, friends, and carers are also welcome.

Venue: Rose Theatre Café, 24-26 High Street, Kingston,KT1 1HL
When: On the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 
10:30am – 12:30pm
 

2025 Dates:
11th February - Venue to be advised.
11th March - Venue to be advised.

** Venue to be advised as the Rose Theatre Cafe is being refurbished.

Would you like more details about these meetings or other related resources? please join us at the next session.



Lunch Club and Quiz

Why not come and spend a relaxing afternoon with us! Enjoy a light lunch, socialize and test your grey matter with our quiz. 

When: Last Thursday of each month 1:00pm – 3:00pm 

2025 Dates:
30th January 
27th February
27th March

 


Swimming lessons for beginners and improvers 

If you are a beginner or a swimmers looking to improve, these swimming sessions are one-to-one with our coach Emily Hampton.

If you are interested, please contact the office to arrange a session and discuss any specific needs you may have.

Where: New Malden Leisure Centre, New Malden, KT3 4TA.  
When: Dates and times are flexible and by arrangement.

 



Football Club  

Junior football for Blind and Visually Impaired boys and girls aged 5 to 16 years old.  These sessions can be the first step for a player on their footballing journey or for the more experienced footballer looking to play regularly in a safe and inclusive environment. Players will develop their footballing ability, build their confidence as well as meeting new friends and socialise with other budding footballers.

The session take place at the Fulham FC Training Ground, in a huge indoor bubble, 3G Astro pitch,  protecting the players from the unpredictable British weather.


If you are planning to join, please visit this website link for information: bit.ly/3Beyom3  and please share with someone who might be interested!


To book: click on this link bit.ly/3Beyom3. If the website is inaccessible, please call or email our office. 

Venue: Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park, KT3 6PT. 

2025 Dates:
Saturdays, 10:45am to 11:45am. 
Term Time only
 


Adult Football: Join Our New Football Team!

Becky, our Outreach Officer, is currently organising a football team for adults. Whether you're an experienced player or a beginner, we'd love for you to get involved!

If you're interested in joining the team or would like more information about future sessions, please contact the office.
 



Tandem and Adapted Cycling Club 

Next Tandem sessions take place from April 2025. 

Where: Weir Archer Athletics Centre, Mondays except Bank holidays from 1:00pm – 1:45pm.

For more information please call the KAB office.
 

Ten-pin Bowling 

Come and enjoy a couple of games at the 32 lane top-quality bowling centre in Tolworth!. Our lovely volunteers, Sue, Lorraine and Mike are on hand to assist you. 

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Charrington Bowl, Kingston Road, Tolworth,KT5 9PB. 

When: Alternate Monday, Term time only,  from 11:00am to 1:00pm. 

2025 Dates:

13th and 27th January 
10th and 24th February
10th and 24th March 
28th April
12th May


Phone or email the office to register your attendance.



Bowls 

The King George Field Indoor Bowls Club in Chessington, offers the opportunity for people with a visual impairment to play bowls all year round. This friendly club is very welcoming and allows you play for fun and enjoyment, with sighted volunteers available to assist. There is free parking, a licensed bar, and full catering facilities. New members are always welcome. 


Venue: King George Field Indoor Bowls Club, Jubilee Way, Chessington, KT9 1TR. 

Alternate Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm 

2025 Dates:

23rd January 
6th February
20th February ( cancelled )
6th and 20th March 

 



Tech Sessions 

Are you struggling with technology, would you like to be able to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop independently?.

Sign up for one of our monthly tech sessions. The 30 minute one to one session aims to show you how to use your existing devices. The trainer will guide you with simple settings that will allow you to easily read or listen to your device using magnification and voiceover.  
As it is an individual session you are also encouraged to think about what you would like to learn and let the KAB office know in advance so that the session can be tailored to your needs. 

Booking is essential, places are limited, so please phone the KAB office to book your place. 

Venue: Kingston Library, Fairfield Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2PS
When: First Thursday of each month from 11:00am - 1:00pm 

2025 Dates:

6th February - Kingston Library 
6th March - Kingston Library 

 
 

Living Well with Sight Loss  


Each course includes information and advice on a variety of topics, including Registration of sight impairment, understanding benefits, staying independent, daily life skills, using technology, Eye health and available eye care services in the area. We will also cover wellbeing and leisure opportunities.

When: Friday 07th February 2025  
Time: 10.30am - 2:00pm 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT


When: Friday 04th April 2025   
Time: 10:30am - 2:00pm 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT


Phone or email the office to register your attendance.
 

Audio Book Club

Once members decide on the book, it is ordered from the RNIB audio book library just by phoning 0303 123 9999. Listen to it and join the book club in a month's time for a cup of tea and some great discussions!

Booking details: If you would like to join please call the KAB office to register. 

Venue: Surbiton Library, Ewell Rd, Surbiton KT6 6AG 
When: Second Thursday of the month from 1:00pm – 2:00pm  

2025 Dates:
23rd January - Albion Pub, Fairfield East, Kingston from 12:00-1:00pm

Future dates:
13 February
13 March

Venue: We are hoping to return to the Surbiton Library - to be confirmed.

 

NEW - KAB CD Audio Book Collection!

Audiobooks are the perfect way to make those long, cosy winter nights even more enjoyable. Whether you're curled up by the fire or snuggling under a blanket, a great audiobook can transport you into different worlds, sparking your imagination and making the hours fly by. From thrilling mysteries and epic fantasies to heart warming dramas and inspiring non-fiction, there's something for every mood and taste.

KAB has received a donation of audiobooks on CD, and we’re excited to offer them to our members. If you're interested, you can either call the office to check if a specific book is available or request a list of available titles to help you decide which one you'd like to dive into.
 



Queen Promenade Audio Walk 

Our audio-described Queens Promenade river walk is now available for download onto your mobile phone anytime from our website. With the weather improving, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan a visit with friends and family along this scenic path.

If you’d prefer to have the audio tour on a USB stick, please contact the office, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Link on our website: https://kingstonassociationforblind.org/queens-promenade/
 

 



Volunteer for KAB
 


Join Our Team – Volunteer with Us!

At KAB, our activities and services are only possible thanks to the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers. We are looking to grow our team and are keen to hear from anyone interested in the following volunteer roles:

  • Eye Buddy Volunteers
  • Walking Buddy Volunteers
  • Drivers
  • Help at Sports Sessions
  • Information Technology Volunteers

We are also urgently seeking a Volunteer Treasurer to join our team of trustees. If you have experience in finance and would like to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

If you're interested in any of these roles, please contact us for more information or to apply. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of our members!

 
 

Visual Awareness Training for Volunteers

We’re offering several sessions of Visual Awareness Training for our volunteers to help enhance your understanding and support for visually impaired individuals.  

When new volunteers are recruited we will organise the training as and when required. if you wish to join one of the sessions as a refresher course please call the office for dates and times.

 



Other Events London
 

Here are some events and information from other charities and organizations that might be of interest to our members:

 

Ahoy Shipmates! SAILING - Visually Impaired Sailing Association 

As winter draws near, it's time to think about sailing for 2025. Here are our plans so far. To make it all happen, we need you to tell us if you want to participate in all of it, some of it, or none of it. Yes folks, we do need your answers! We hope to secure some funding from our wonderful supporters, but until we do, we can't confirm costs.

Mallorca: May 10th to 17th

The plan is to sail around the Island of Mallorca from May 10th to 17th. Fly to Palma, pick up the boat at Port De Pollenca. This will be self-funded, so costs are around £700 plus flights. Please let us know as soon as possible, mail membership@visa-gb.org.uk

Milford Haven: End of May/Early June

Marvellous Milford, one of our favourite spots. We'll be back there for early summer to enjoy being bombarded by puffin poo when we visit the bird sanctuary on Skomer Island. One week, dates not yet confirmed but late May or the first week of June. Cost depends on available funding.

Plymouth: End of June

Two boats for a week from Plymouth, with its easy transport links. We plan trips to the delightful Fowey and other harbours ready to welcome us for some sea shanties and a few shandies. Cost will depend on available funding.

Cross Channel: End of July

Did you know the King visited Guernsey when we were there last year? Building on the success of this trip, we know a cross-channel jaunt is a very popular adventure. Dates are from Wednesday, July 23rd to Tuesday, July 29th, starting and finishing in Southampton.

Solent & Beyond: September 8th to 14th

Starting and finishing in Southampton, we will head to Wonderful Weymouth or Breezy Brighton.

Sailing for Young Adults Aged 18 to 25: Dates to be Agreed

We want to encourage young visually impaired adults to experience the joy of sailing. We have secured funding specifically for 18 to 25-year-olds, so plan a short introductory day’s sailing in May with a week-long cruise to follow. Please do all you can to encourage those youngsters to give it a go.

Round the Island Race: Saturday, June 7th

We haven't decided if we should enter. How many of you would like to do the race in 2025? We need to know. The cost for four days would be approximately £500 as it's expensive to charter boats, race insurance, and such like. It's a fantastic experience and you'd be there amongst 8,000 other sailors.

That's all the plans so far, sorry we can't confirm costs yet but please let is know which trips you'd like to apply for.  Now, here’s more about Mallorca:

Our friend and supporter, James Barlow, has come up with a wonderfully hair-brained scheme to raise money for us. James has decided to run, yes, that’s run, around the island of Mallorca. There’s a link to his message at the end of this. So we thought if he can run, we will sail. Here’s a link to the news article on our website along with James’s message: https://visa-gb.org.uk/2024/10/22/james-barlow-and-his-mad-run-around-mallorca-2025/

How to book:

You’ll need to email membership@visa-gb.org.uk stating which trip, or trips, you are interested in please state your preference, e.g., first choice and second choice.   

For more information please contact Sue Hogge, our membership secretary:
07767 717440 or visit their website:
https://visa-gb.org.uk/

 

LIVING PAINTINGS

Discover "Touch to See" Story Books

Are you a visually impaired parent or grandparent who wishes you could share a book with your child? Living Paintings "Touch to See" story books might be the perfect solution! These unique books allow you to explore and share stories through touch and reading, offering an interactive, sensory experience for both you and your child.

Founded in 1989, Living Paintings has grown into a remarkable organization, reaching thousands of blind and partially sighted individuals. Their ever-expanding library of Touch to See books provides a fun and engaging way for people of all ages from 2 years old to 102 years to enjoy stories through touch. These tactile books make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone.


Contact details for more information:

Website:
 https://livingpaintings.org/

Library services: 01635 299 771 or email: library@livingpaintings.org
General enquiries: 01635 299 771 or email: info@livingpaintings.org

 Contact Details for the KAB office


020 8605 0060 
Please leave a message on our answer phone if we do not answer straight away, we will call you back as soon as we are free.


Alternatively please email us:

kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org
 

End of Newsletter

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Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2PT

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KAB Eye Opener - November 2024 - Issue 55
KAB Eye Opener

November 2024 - Issue 55 
Office hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm 

Phone: 020 8605 0060
Please leave a message on our answer phone if we do not answer and we will call you back as soon as we can!

 


KAB NEWS

 


KAB Christmas Office closure Notice

Please note that our office will be closed from Monday, 23rd December 2024 for the holiday season and will reopen on Monday, 6th January 2025. We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year and invite you to join us for our first New Year's SocialEyes Lunch on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. We can't wait to start the year with you and look forward to seeing you there!

Useful and Emergency numbers:

Royal Borough of Kingston Emergencies, evenings, weekends and bank holidays
Housing: 020 7361 3008
Social Services: 020 7361 3013
Environmental health including noise or nuisance: 020 7361 3002
Switchboard: 020 7361 3000


NHS 119

The 119 service is a really helpful resource for those who need assistance with COVID-19 vaccinations or flu jabs but are unable to access online options. 

Calls to 119 are free from mobiles and landlines. 119 provides support in 200 languages and will help you locate your closest vaccination/flu jab centre, pharmacy or other venues offering the vaccines and flu jabs. 


NHS 111 
NHS 111 can help if you think you need medical help right now. 111 can direct you to the best place to get help if you cannot contact your GP during the day, or when your GP is closed or out-of-hours.


Triathlon Fundraising Event 


We're excited to share that our recent triathlon on the 26th September raised £330 in support of KAB. A huge thank you to Emily for organizing the event, her attention to detail made everything run smoothly. We're also very grateful to all of our members, friends and supporters who participated and pushed themselves to the limit, as well as to everyone who generously donated to help us reach this amazing total. Your support means the world, and together, we've made a real difference. Thank you all for being a part of this incredible effort! 


Member Engagement and Feedback


We Value Your Input – Help Us Shape 2025!

As we approach the end of the year, we want to hear from you! Your opinions and insights are incredibly important in helping us improve and develop our services and activities for 2025. Below are five quick questions to give you time to think about, and we’ll be collecting your answers during our Christmas lunch. If you’re unable to attend the lunch, please feel free to email us your thoughts. Your feedback will help us fundraise and plan for the future.


1. What other activities would you like KAB to offer?
Any new activities or events you'd like to see in the coming year?

2. Do you think KAB should have a community low vision clinic for magnifiers, and provide home visits?

3. A green question: As a visually impaired person, how do you separate your rubbish, paper, plastic, and general waste?

Would you like this process to be made more accessible, and do you have any suggestions on how we could improve it? Feel free to share how you manage it, or how we could support others in doing so.

4. Do you think KAB should represent the voices of blind and partially sighted residents at council meetings and work to make Kingston more accessible and a better place to live in?
We’re considering attending meetings related to public transport, pedestrian safety - faded zebra crossing, broken twirly cones, overhanging branches, cyclists, health, employment, and accessible information. Would you be interested in being an activist and having your voice heard? If so, please provide your name and contact details.

5. How can we improve the role of KAB, and what more can we do to support you?
Any ideas on how we can serve you better and make a bigger impact in the community?

Thank you for taking the time to consider these questions. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we look forward to hearing from you!


Indoor Climbing Group - A New Adventure for Our Working Age Members

In September, we launched our Indoor Climbing Group sessions at White Spider Climbing in Tolworth for our Working Age Group. The climbing sessions take place in a large warehouse with 10-meter-high walls - 32 feet, for those who prefer the old measurements, and the walls are studded with colourful handles and footholds to guide climbers as they ascend. For safety, all climbers are harnessed, and each session is led by a qualified instructor who is both knowledgeable and experienced in working with visually impaired participants.

Each session lasts an hour, giving everyone the opportunity to complete two climbs. Most of our members are beginners, and many have never tried climbing before. Despite this, they’ve all managed to reach the top and then rappel back down, each feeling a great sense of achievement. One participant shared that he had trained specifically for the sessions by doing press-ups to strengthen his arms, while another said that the experience had opened his eyes to the many opportunities available, and he couldn’t wait to do it again.

One climber mentioned how valuable it was to connect with other people who understand the unique challenges of being visually impaired. “We rarely get excluded by visual interaction with VI friends, which often happens with sighted friends,” he said. “We also get to laugh together. It’s a great release to share the same experience. It’s crucial to talk to people with similar experiences, as it reminds you that you’re not alone.”

We’re thrilled to see how much our members have enjoyed these sessions, and we look forward to more climbing adventures in the future!



Getting Winter Ready

 


Getting Winter Ready is such an important topic as the colder months approach! It’s always a good idea to prepare early for winter, whether it’s making sure you're staying healthy, safe, or comfortable. Here are a few things that might be helpful to keep your energy bills low this winter!

South West London Energy Advice Partnership
South West London Energy Advice Partnership (SWLEAP) is a partnership between Habitats & Heritage and CREW working across the London Boroughs. 

SWLEAP provides energy advice across boroughs to anyone in fuel poverty. This could be an energy visit to your home but they also provide advice at energy cafes in community settings, over the telephone or by email if you prefer.

More detailed advice is available to those who are on benefits, have long term health conditions, are over 65, have children under five, speak English as a second language or otherwise find it hard to manage at the moment.

If you are eligible for a detailed advice session they will arrange a time to suit you and one of their experienced and fully trained Home Energy Advisors will visit you at home or ring you.  They will look at your energy usage, heating systems, insulation, lighting and energy behaviours (such as leaving on lights in empty rooms!). They may lend you energy saving equipment such as an Owl energy monitor. They may install, at no cost, reflective radiator foil, insulation materials and low energy lights (LEDs).

A home visit or telephone consultation usually take about an hour depending on the size of your property and is completely FREE.

Please click on this link to listen to what they offer: 
South West London Energy Advice Partnership – SWLEAP

If you’re interested in booking a visit or want more information, please call 0800 086 2706.

 

Prepare for Winter: 50% off Home Energy Audit Available

As we approach the colder months, we know that many of our members are feeling the financial strain of rising energy costs, particularly those on low incomes or benefits. To help ease this burden, CREW Energy is offering half-price home energy audits for Kingston residents.

Normally priced at £300, you can access the audit for just £150, and it can help you identify ways to reduce your energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient this winter.

If you’re interested in booking an audit or want more information, please call 0800 086 2706 or visit their website by clicking this link: Kingston Home Energy Audits - CREW Energy

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to lower your energy costs and stay warm this winter!
 

10 Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bills This Winter

With winter approaching, many of us are concerned about rising energy costs. Here are 10 practical tips to help you reduce your energy bills and stay comfortable without breaking the bank:

1. Switch Off Standby You can save around £45 annually just by remembering to turn off your appliances at the plug instead of leaving them on standby. Most electrical devices can be switched off without affecting their settings. Consider using a standby saver to turn off all your appliances in one go.


2. Draught-Proof Windows and Doors If your home isn’t brand new, draughts around windows, doors, and floors can result in significant heat loss. Professional draught-proofing can save around £80 a year. If you're on a budget, DIY draught-proofing is a much cheaper option.


3. Turn Off Lights, Turn Down heating Simply turning off lights when you leave a room can save around £7 per year.

For even greater savings, switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. A traditional bulb will use 40 – 60 watts and are very inefficient. LEDs use between 4 and 6 watts and can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Each bulb can save you up to £35 a year and last for up to 10 years!

Turn heating down Set you thermostat between 18C and 21C.

4. Careful With Your Washing You can save £24 per year by making a few simple changes in how you use your washing machine:

Wash clothes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures.
Reduce your washing machine use by one load per week.


5. Avoid the Tumble Dryer Skip the tumble dryer and dry clothes on a rack instead. This can save you up to £50 per year.


6. Spend Less Time in the Shower Cutting your shower time to just 4 minutes could save you around £60 per year on your energy bills.


7. Swap Your Bath for a Shower Enjoying a relaxing bath is great, but swapping just one bath a week for a 4-minute shower can save you £9 a year.


8. Be Savvy in the Kitchen Kettles use a lot of energy, especially when overfilled. Only boil as much water as you need and save £10 per year. You can also install a tap aerator, which reduces water flow without compromising performance. This small and inexpensive gadget could save you £19 a year.

Keep a lid on Keep your saucepan lid on when cooking so the heat remains in the pan and your food cooks more quickly.

Don’t overfill your kettle Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. Descale your kettle to make it more energy efficient.

 

9. Fill Your Dishwasher Only run your dishwasher when it’s full to make the most of each cycle. Reducing your dishwasher usage by just one load per week can save you £12 per year.

10. Top Up Your Insulation Check your hot water cylinder’s insulation. Upgrading from a thin foam jacket to a British Standard 80mm jacket could save you £40 per year. Insulating your water tank, pipes, and radiators is a simple way to keep your home warmer and your energy bills lower.


By following these simple tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money this winter, all while helping to protect the environment. If you’d like more personalized advice or need help with energy audits, don’t forget to reach out to SWLEAP or CREW Energy for more support!



New Upcoming

KAB Events


 

Christmas Station Collection – Join us at Surbiton Station!

Get into the festive spirit with KAB at Surbiton Station on Thursday, 12th December from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm! We’ll be joined by the talented NewMugs Ukulele Band, who will be entertaining commuters with some cheerful tunes as we shake our collection buckets to raise vital funds for our charity.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to spread some holiday cheer while supporting a great cause. We’d love to see you there—whether you’re passing through or staying for the music and fun. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue our work supporting people with sight loss in the community.

Come along, enjoy the music, shake a bucket and help us make this festive season one to remember!

 

Christmas Fair Visits – A Festive Outing for Our Members

We’re excited to offer our visually impaired members the opportunity to enjoy a one-to-one outing to the Kingston Christmas Market this holiday season. This is a wonderful way to soak in the festive atmosphere, explore the market’s unique stalls, and perhaps even find that perfect gift for your loved ones!

The market runs from November 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and we’ll be organizing outings based on members availability. Each visit will be paired with a friendly volunteer to ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience.

The Kingston Christmas Market features a fantastic variety of arts and crafts stalls, ideal for finding one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. There’s also a mouth-watering selection of food and drink, including bratwurst, hog roasts, street food from around the world, and traditional mulled wine served in steins. For entertainment, enjoy carol singers, live music, and even a brass band in lederhosen! Don’t miss the fun ice alleys at All Saints' Church, where you can try your hand at curling.

To book your outing, please give us a call at the office. We look forward to sharing this festive experience with you!

 

18-65 Club!

Becky, our new Outreach Officer, is developing a fantastic range of activities for our members aged 18-65. These activities are designed to be fun, engaging, inclusive, and include:

  • Climbing at White Spider Climbing Centre in Tolworth
  • Virtual Golf in New Malden
  • Football at Fulham
  • Theatre Club
  • Talking Walking Group

If you are interested in joining any of these activities or would like more information, please contact Becky at the KAB office or email her:
outreach@kingstonassociationforblind.org

We can’t wait to see you there!


KAB Activities
November - December 2024
For more details and to book: 
Phone 020 8605 0060 
Email: 
kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org
 

Meet and greet by arrangement
 
We understand how difficult it can be to go to unfamiliar places, so KAB will be very happy to meet and greet at the closest bus stop or train station so that you can take part in any of our activities on offer. Please contact the office to prearrange any assistance. 

Please Note: All January events and dates will be confirmed in the next issue of our newsletter. Stay tuned for more details!


Social Eyes Lunch

Join us for a light lunch followed by a chair-based exercise session for those who would like to participate or simply just socialize with your friends! 

When: Alternate Tuesdays 1:00pm – 3:00pm 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT. 

2024 Dates:

12th and 26th November
10th December - Christmas Lunch - Fully Booked! 
Make sure to bring cash or your credit card for drinks, and don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets for  all the great prizes we have waiting to be won! 


Macular Society Support Group in Kingston

These meetings aim to offer information, encouragement, and friendship to those people who are affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions. Family, friends, and carers are also welcome.

Venue: Rose Theatre Cafe, 24-26 High Street, Kingston,KT1 1HL
When: On the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
 
2024 Dates: 
12th November
10th December

Would you like more details about these meetings or other related resources? please join us at the next session.


Lunch Club and Quiz

Why not come and spend a relaxing afternoon with us! Enjoy a light lunch, socialize and test your grey matter with our quiz. 

When: Last Thursday of each month 1:00pm – 3:00pm 

2024 Dates:
28th November
No December session

 

Swimming lessons for beginners and improvers 

If you are a beginner or a swimmers looking to improve, these swimming sessions are one-to-one with our coach Emily Hampton.

If you are interested, please contact the office to arrange a session and discuss any specific needs you may have.

Where: New Malden Leisure Centre, New Malden, KT3 4TA.  
When: Dates and times are flexible and by arrangement.



Football Club  

Junior football for Blind and Visually Impaired boys and girls aged 5 to 16 years old.  These sessions can be the first step for a player on their footballing journey or for the more experienced footballer looking to play regularly in a safe and inclusive environment. Players will develop their footballing ability, build their confidence as well as meeting new friends and socialise with other budding footballers.

The session take place at the Fulham FC Training Ground, in a huge indoor bubble, 3G Astro pitch,  protecting the players from the unpredictable British weather.


If you are planning to join, please visit this website link for information: bit.ly/3Beyom3  and please share with someone who might be interested!


To book: click on this link bit.ly/3Beyom3. If the website is inaccessible, please call or email our office. 

Venue: Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park, KT3 6PT. 

2024 Dates:
Saturdays, 10:45am to 11:45am.

Closed for the holiday season, Term Time only


Adult Football: Join Our New Football Team!

Becky, our Outreach Officer, is currently organising a football team for adults. Whether you're an experienced player or a beginner, we'd love for you to get involved!

If you're interested in joining the team or would like more information about future sessions, please contact the office.


Tandem and Adapted Cycling Club 

Please note: We have been informed that there are no sessions taking place for 3 months from December 2024 - March 2025.

This event is in partnership with Wheels for All Kingston. To pre-book a session, please call the office. Keep in mind that sessions are weather dependent.

Where: Weir Archer Athletics Centre, Jack Goodchild Way, 422a Kingston Road, KT1 3PB. 

2024 Dates:

Mondays except Bank holidays from 1:00pm – 1:45pm EXCEPT December 2024 - March 2025


Ten-pin Bowling 

Come and enjoy a couple of games at the 32 lane top-quality bowling centre in Tolworth!. Our lovely volunteers, Sue, Lorraine and Mike are on hand to assist you. 

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Charrington Bowl, Kingston Road, Tolworth,KT5 9PB. 

When: Alternate Monday, Term time only,  from 11:00am to 1:00pm. 

2024 Dates:

18th November
02nd December - last session


Phone or email the office to register your attendance.


Bowls 

The King George Field Indoor Bowls Club in Chessington, offers the opportunity for people with a visual impairment to play bowls all year round. This friendly club is very welcoming and allows you play for fun and enjoyment, with sighted volunteers available to assist. There is free parking, a licensed bar, and full catering facilities. New members are always welcome. 


Venue: King George Field Indoor Bowls Club, Jubilee Way, Chessington, KT9 1TR. 

Alternate Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm 

2024 Dates:

14th and 28th November
12th December 


Tech Sessions 

Are you struggling with technology, would you like to be able to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop independently?.

Sign up for one of our monthly tech sessions. The 30 minute one to one session aims to show you how to use your existing devices. The trainer will guide you with simple settings that will allow you to easily read or listen to your device using magnification and voiceover.  
As it is an individual session you are also encouraged to think about what you would like to learn and let the KAB office know in advance so that the session can be tailored to your needs. 

Booking is essential, places are limited, so please phone the KAB office to book your place. 

Venue: Kingston Library, Fairfield Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2PS
When: First Thursday of each month from 11:00am - 1:00pm 

2024 Dates:

05th December
January dates to be confirmed
 

Living Well with Sight Loss  


Each course includes information and advice on a variety of topics, including Registration of sight impairment, understanding benefits, staying independent, daily life skills, using technology, Eye health and available eye care services in the area. We will also cover wellbeing and leisure opportunities.

When: Tuesday 26th November  
Time: 10.30pm - 12:30 followed by a lunch in our monthly lunch
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT


When: Monday 16th December   
Time: 14.00 - 16:00 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT


Phone or email the office to register your attendance.


NEW - KAB Audio Book Collection!

Audiobooks are the perfect way to make those long, cosy winter nights even more enjoyable. Whether you're curled up by the fire or snuggling under a blanket, a great audiobook can transport you into different worlds, sparking your imagination and making the hours fly by. From thrilling mysteries and epic fantasies to heart warming dramas and inspiring non-fiction, there's something for every mood and taste.

KAB has received a donation of audiobooks on CD, and we’re excited to offer them to our members. If you're interested, you can either call the office to check if a specific book is available or request a list of available titles to help you decide which one you'd like to dive into.


Queen Promenade Audio Walk 

Our audio-described Queens Promenade river walk is available for download anytime from our website. With the weather improving, why not plan a visit with your friends and family along this beautiful path?
https://kingstonassociationforblind.org/queens-promenade/

 

 



Volunteer for KAB
 


Join Our Team – Volunteer with Us!

At KAB, our activities and services are only possible thanks to the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers. We are looking to grow our team and are keen to hear from anyone interested in the following volunteer roles:

  • Eye Buddy Volunteers
  • Walking Buddy Volunteers
  • Drivers
  • Help at Sports Sessions
  • Information Technology Volunteers

We are also urgently seeking a Volunteer Treasurer to join our team of trustees. If you have experience in finance and would like to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

If you're interested in any of these roles, please contact us for more information or to apply. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of our members!

 
 

Visual Awareness Training for Volunteers

We’re offering several sessions of Visual Awareness Training for our volunteers to help enhance your understanding and support for visually impaired individuals. Please see the dates and times below:

  • Monday 11th November – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 20th November – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Thursday 21st November – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Thursday 21st November – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 26th November – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday 17th December – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Volunteers, please call the KAB office to book your place on your preferred session.
 



Other Events London
 

Events and Information from other charities and organisations which might of interest to our members.


SEABLE 

Seable confirmed group holiday dates are below for Blind and Partially Sighted people of all ages.


GROUP HOLIDAYS:


SKIING ALL LEVELS 19-24 JANUARY - The last few spaces are available. This holiday is one day longer than our usual skiing trip, which means a full four days of skiing. It is suitable for all levels of skiers, including first-timers. 3 spaces left

NAPLES 22-26 FEBRUARY - We are excited to release our annual group holiday dates to Naples! It's a magical place where colours, flavours, culture, and history are intertwined! If you want to live like a local Italian for five days, this trip is for you. 4 spaces left

ROME 13-18 MARCH - Join us on our Group Trip to Rome, where you will experience the full magic of The Eternal City with behind-the-scenes tactile tours and wander the streets like a local as our sighted guide uncovers many of its hidden treasures. 5 spaces left

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS 7-11 APRIL - New dates! If you love hiking and the outdoors, this one is for you. You’ll hike in ancient Caledonian Pine Forests, across heather-clad moors to beautiful lochs, along a wild coastline, and in the foothills of some of Scotland's highest mountains. 5 spaces left

LANZAROTE RELAXING HOLIDAY 23-28 APRIL -  A holiday where you can truly unwind. Due to the island's calming, quiet nature, time seems to stand still, and travellers understand that they are in one of the most special places on Earth. 6 spaces left

BOLOGNA 8-11 MAY -  A city rich in curiosities and legends that make it unique and waiting to be discovered. Bologna may be a young city with an enchantingly rich history. 5 spaces left

STOCKHOLM 25-29 MAY - We are thrilled to announce our new group holiday to Stockholm next May. On this five-day tour of one of the world's most inclusive and welcoming cities, you will enjoy a jam-packed sensory and tactile itinerary. 1 space left

BERLIN 29 MAY-2 JUNE - You will explore Berlin, including its cutting-edge architecture, incredible nightlife, delicious food, and some of the world’s best beer. Positivity and a casual approach are something you will love about this place. 6 spaces left

EDINBURGH 11-15 JULY - Edinburgh is an exceptional destination as it is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. It’s full of incredible history and secrets that we will explore together! 6 spaces left

LONDON 23-28 JULY - This unique accessible tour has been designed to show you the best bits of London plus so much more. With an all-access pass, you will make one-of-a-kind memories that can only come from travelling to the city. 6 spaces left

CAMBODIA & VIETNAM 14 - 30 AUGUST Cambodia is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, where ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure. Vietnam is a land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages. We have curated this holiday to make dreams come true! 8 spaces left

Contact Details: Please visit their website - www.seable.co.uk 
Or email Lucy at: lucy@seable.co.uk. Alternatively give them a call to discuss your requirements: 0203 3756947

 

Equipment for Sale: Clear View CCTV

One of our members is selling a Clear View CCTV with additional Asian language support. The equipment was purchased in 2018 but has been barely used.

Original cost: £3,500
Asking price: £1,000

If you're interested or would like more information, please call the KAB office.

 Contact Details for the KAB office


020 8605 0060 
Please leave a message on our answer phone if we do not answer straight away, we will call you back as soon as we are free.


Alternatively please email us:

kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org
 

End of Newsletter

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Charity registration number: 249295
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Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2PT

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KAB Eye Opener - September 2024 - Issue 54
KAB Eye Opener

September 2024 - Issue 54 
Office hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm 

Phone: 020 8605 0060
( Please leave a message on our answer phone if we do not answer and we will call you back as soon as we can )


Charity registration number: 249295
Follow us on social media for the very latest news and events from KAB:
Facebook:
 facebook.com/people/Kingston-Association-for-the-Blind/
X: twitter.com/kingston_blind
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstonassociationforblind
Website: www.kingstonassociationforblind.org
 


KAB NEWS

 

We hope you all had a good summer and were able to take advantage of some of the warm and sunny days. These last few months our staff and volunteers have been busy supporting members and developing new activities which you will read about in this issue.
 
We wanted to take this opportunity to update you on what we at the KAB office's have been doing! Kingston association for the blind welcomes an average of 8 new members per month and we now have 256 visually impaired  members. We have also recruited a couple of new volunteers but this is proving to be difficult and we still need some more volunteer drivers, Eye Buddies and walking buddy volunteers, and quite urgently a new Trustee Treasurer,  so please do tell any colleagues, family and friends you know that we are still looking for more volunteers.
 

Be a shaker and a mover! Make a difference!

We would like to invite our members to register with us if they are willing and interested in contributing to our work to improve things in Kingston for blind and partially sighted residents.

At present mostly staff and Trustees  go to meetings, take part in consultations, focus groups and surveys, but we would love you to help us do this work. We are regularly consulted on raising awareness of barriers and issues faced by our community on a wide range of topics like health, the NHS, the environment, public transport, websites and services accessibility  and much more.

In the summer we attended various meetings like the Health and wellbeing network, public transport forum and the Kew Gardens access forum. 

Help us make a difference, contact the office to let us know you are interested and we will let you know when the next focus group, survey or meeting is taking place. 

We are now planning for the Autumn and Winter season, your feedback and ideas are always welcome and are invaluable in helping us to develop our activities and services.

Lastly, you might have heard that the RNIB are closing down their Tech for Life department.  For KAB this has meant that we will not be able to have our lovely trainer Davinder run the sessions for us. However, we are currently looking at a new trainer and will resume our sessions from October.


 


New Upcoming

KAB Events


 

TRIATHLON 

                 

Pictograms illustrating the triathlon of a person running, people dancing and person on a spin bike        

Emily, our wonderful chair-based exercise and swimming instructor, is organizing an exciting fundraising event for KAB. Members, their families, and friends can participate in the Triathlon, which will include walking or running, dancing, and spin bike session to raise funds for our charity.

When: Sunday 29th September
Where: New Malden Centre, Blagdon Rd, New Malden KT3 4TA
Time: 12.30 – 14:30

Registration is now open please contact the office or visit our website to register to participate, sponsor someone or donate to us.


 
KAB Information Stall – Saturday 28th September
Hook Centre Chessington

 

KAB will be holding a stall at this event as we are reaching out into the community to ensure we bring our services and support to those who might not be able to make their way to the Quaker centre in central Kingston. Our members are very welcome to visit us and say hello, please do bring your families and friends too!. If you know of anyone who lives south of the borough please let them know about the event or bring them along.

When: Saturday 28th September 2024
Time: 
11:00 - 14:00  
Where: Hook centre, 13 Hook Rd, Hook, Chessington KT9 1EJ


The One Stop Shop
 
Carers One Stop Shop is organised by several Local Surgeries for the community. Visitors can find out about health, Information, Support, Resources and other community services that are available to make your care giving journey that little bit easier. 

At this event the participants include:  Kingston Association for the Blind, Yourhealthcare, Alzheimer Society, Kingston Hospital, Kingston Talking Therapies, Carers Network, DWP and there will be there and much more.


Please come along and drop by at our stand. 

Next date: 03 October 2024
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Where: United Reform Church New Malden, KT3 6DR


 
AUDIO BOOK CLUB IS MOVING TO A NEW VENUE!

The Audio book club has now moved to the Surbiton Library and has had its first session in September. 

Note: We will need to move again, hopefully this is just for the month of October, until the Surbiton Library has its roof repaired.  So the 10th OCTOBER Session will take place at the Rose Theatre Cafe from 1:00-2:00pm.  The book is called: Life after Life by Kate Atkinson. 

Booking details: If you would like to join, please call the KAB office to register.
Where: Surbiton Library, Ewell Rd, Surbiton KT6 6AG
When: Second Thursday of the month from 1:00pm – 2:00pm 

2024 Dates:
10th October - Rose Theatre Cafe
14th November - Surbiton Library
12th December - Surbiton Library


18-65 Club
Becky our new outreach officer is developing activities for our members aged 18-65 years old. These activities include climbing at White Spider climbing centre Tolworth, Virtual golf in New Malden, Football, Theatre Club and Talking walking group.
 
Anyone interested to join or would like more information please contact:
Becky: 
outreach@kingstonassociationforblind.org


SAVE THE DATE - Christmas lunch 2024
We are busy planning our next fun end of year event - The Christmas lunch. Please make a note in your diaries, the date is Tuesday 10th December 2024, timings to be confirmed. Its going to be an exciting venue, details will be confirmed shortly, you wouldn't want to miss this one!!. 
 

 


KAB Activities

September - December 2024
For more details and to book: 
Phone 020 8605 0060 
Email: 
kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org
 

Meet and greet by arrangement
 
We understand how difficult it can be to go to unfamiliar places, so KAB will be very happy to meet and greet at the closest bus stop or train station so that you can take part in any of our activities on offer. Please contact the office to prearrange any assistance. 
 

Social Eyes Lunch

Join us for a light lunch followed by a chair-based exercise session for those who would like to participate or simply just socialize with your friends!

When: Alternate Tuesdays 1:00pm – 3:00pm 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT. 

2024 Dates:

01st, 15th and 29th October
12th and 26th November
10th December - Christmas Lunch - Venue to be confirmed!


Macular Society Support Group in Kingston

These meetings aim to offer information, encouragement, and friendship to those people who are affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions. Family, friends, and carers are also welcome.

Venue: Rose Theatre Cafe, 24-26 High Street, Kingston,KT1 1HL
When: On the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
 
2024 Dates: 
08th October 
12th November
10th December

Would you like more details about these meetings or other related resources? please join us at the next session.


Lunch Club and Quiz

Why not come and spend a relaxing afternoon with us! Enjoy a light lunch, socialize and test your grey matter with our quiz. 

When: Last Thursday of each month 1:00pm – 3:00pm 

2024 Dates:
26th September
31st October
28th November
No December session

 

Swimming lessons for beginners and improvers 

If you are a beginner or a swimmers looking to improve, these swimming sessions are one-to-one with our coach Emily Hampton.

If you are interested, please contact the office to arrange a session and discuss any specific needs you may have.

Where: New Malden Leisure Centre, New Malden, KT3 4TA.  
When: Dates and times are flexible and by arrangement.

Swimming Session for independent Swimmers 

Run in association with the Spartans Swimming Club. All new members are required to complete a form which needs to be signed by their GP before commencing the sessions. Please phone or email the office to obtain the form and further details, and remember to prebook.

During these sessions, the pool is closed to the public and only open to disabled swimmers.

Cost: Sessions are £2.
Where: New Malden Leisure Centre, Main Pool, New Malden, KT3 4TA .

2024 Dates:
Every Thursday evening from
 7:00pm to 8:00pm.

Football Club  

Junior football for Blind and Visually Impaired boys and girls aged 5 to 16 years old.  These sessions can be the first step for a player on their footballing journey or for the more experienced footballer looking to play regularly in a safe and inclusive environment. Players will develop their footballing ability, build their confidence as well as meeting new friends and socialise with other budding footballers.

The session take place at the Fulham FC Training Ground, in a huge indoor bubble, 3G Astro pitch,  protecting the players from the unpredictable British weather.


If you are planning to join, please visit this website link for information: bit.ly/3Beyom3  and please share with someone who might be interested!


To book: click on this link bit.ly/3Beyom3. If the website is inaccessible, please call or email our office. 

Venue: Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park, KT3 6PT. 

2024 Dates:
Saturdays, 10:45am to 11:45am.

Closed for the holiday season, Term Time only


Adult Football:

Becky, our outreach officer, is currently organising a football team for adults. If you are interested in being a player for this team please contact the office for information and future sessions.

Tandem and Adapted Cycling Club 

This event is in partnership with Wheels for All Kingston. To pre-book a session, please call the office. Keep in mind that sessions are weather dependent.

Where: Weir Archer Athletics Centre, Jack Goodchild Way, 422a Kingston Road, KT1 3PB. 
 
2024 Dates:

Mondays except Bank holidays from 1:00pm – 1:45pm 


Ten-pin Bowling 

Come and enjoy a couple of games at the 32 lane top-quality bowling centre in Tolworth!. Our lovely volunteers, Sue, Lorraine and Mike are on hand to assist you. 

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Charrington Bowl, Kingston Road, Tolworth,KT5 9PB. 

When: Alternate Monday, Term time only,  from 11:00am to 1:00pm. 

2024 Dates:

09th and 23rd September
07th and 21st October 
04th and 18th November
02nd December - last session


Phone or email the office to register your attendance.


Bowls 

The King George Field Indoor Bowls Club in Chessington, offers the opportunity for people with a visual impairment to play bowls all year round. This friendly club is very welcoming and allows you play for fun and enjoyment, with sighted volunteers available to assist. There is free parking, a licensed bar, and full catering facilities. New members are always welcome. 


Venue: King George Field Indoor Bowls Club, Jubilee Way, Chessington, KT9 1TR. 

Alternate Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm 

2024 Dates:

03rd, 17th and 31st October
14th and 28th November
12th December 


Tech Sessions 

Are you struggling with technology, would you like to be able to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop independently?.

Sign up for one of our monthly tech sessions. The 30 minute one to one session aims to show you how to use your existing devices. The trainer will guide you with simple settings that will allow you to easily read or listen to your device using magnification and voiceover.  
As it is an individual session you are also encouraged to think about what you would like to learn and let the KAB office know in advance so that the session can be tailored to your needs. 

Booking is essential, places are limited, so please phone the KAB office to book your place. 

Venue: Kingston Library, Fairfield Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2PS
When: First Thursday of each month from 11:00am - 1:00pm 

2024 Dates:

03rd October
07th November
05th December

 

Living Well with Sight Loss  


Each course includes information and advice on a variety of topics, including Registration of sight impairment, understanding benefits, staying independent, daily life skills, using technology, Eye health and available eye care services in the area. We will also cover wellbeing and leisure opportunities.

When: Thursday 31st October  
Time: 10.30pm - 12:30 followed by lunch in our monthly lunch 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT


When: Tuesday 26th November  
Time: 10.30pm - 12:30 followed by a lunch in our monthly lunch
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT


When: Monday 16th December   
Time: 14.00 - 16:00 
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT


Phone or email the office to register your attendance.


Queen Promenade Audio Walk 

Our audio-described Queens Promenade river walk is available for download anytime from our website. With the weather improving, why not plan a visit with your friends and family along this beautiful path?
https://kingstonassociationforblind.org/queens-promenade/


 

 



Volunteer for KAB
 

Our activities and services depend on the support of our volunteers.

We are looking to grow our team and are keen to hear from anyone interested in the following volunteer roles: 
  • Eye Buddy volunteers
  • Walking Buddy volunteers
  • Drivers
  • Help at sports sessions
  • Information Technology Volunteers
We are also urgently looking for a volunteer treasurer to be part of our team of trustees.
 
Dates for Visual Awareness Training for our Volunteers

Wednesday 09th October from 10:00 - 12:00

Wednesday 20th November from 10:00 - 12:00

Tuesday 17th December from 14:00 - 16:00 

Volunteers please call the KAB office to book your place.


 


Other Events
London

 
Events and Information from other charities and organisations which might of interest to our members.


SEABLE 

Seable offers holidays for Blind and Partially Sighted people of all ages. Their mission is to provide accessible tailored holidays to the visually impaired community.

Visit their website to check out the exciting holidays currently on offer including the Berlin Christmas markets, Skiing in Italy or Sweden or if you prefer stay a bit closer to home explore the outdoors and hiking in Scotland. 

Contact Details:
Please visit their website - www.seable.co.uk
Or email Lucy at: lucy@seable.co.uk
Alternatively give them a call to discuss your requirements: 0203 3756947






 

 Contact Details for the KAB office


020 8605 0060 
Please leave a message on our answer phone if we do not answer straight away, we will call you back as soon as we are free.


Alternatively please email us:
kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org
 


End of Newsletter

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Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2PT

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