KAB Eye Opener
January 2025 - Issue 56
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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!
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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
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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 visit: 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!
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KAB Activities
January - March 2025
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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/
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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.
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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
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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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