|
KAB Eye Opener
July 2024 - Issue 53
|
|
June has been a very busy month for KAB. As part of the national volunteer week, we held an event at the Kingston Museum for about 25 volunteers. This was an occasion where the trustees and charity said thank you to our amazing volunteers. We also want to thank the Kingston Museum for allowing us to use their venue and giving us a tour of their exhibits.
Without our volunteers we would not be able to offer half the activities and services which we currently offer to our members. We are always looking for new volunteers so do spread the word.
KAB attended the event “Celebrating local volunteers” at the Kingston Communities Awards.
On 06th June, Kingston Council came together with voluntary and community organisations from across the borough, at the All-Saints Church, Celebrating Communities Awards 2024. Approx. 300 people attended the event. KAB Nominated Sue Foster for her commitment and dedication, hours of volunteering for our Socialeyes lunches, driving members, Ten-pin bowling and helping at the KAB office.
We also nominated the Kingston Talking News Team for their dedication and hard work. We were very proud when it was announced the Kingston Talking News Team won the “Community Team award 2024”. David Broughton received the award on behalf of the team - Well done All!
On the 11th June we held our Annual General Meeting.
35 members attended the event at the Quaker Centre and 22 members voted by proxy. We would like to thank everyone for their support as this was an important AGM, where we had to take a vote on KAB changing its status from a Charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Our members supported us for this change, and we will now start the process of the changeover.
As part of the business of the AGM we had some changes within the board of trustees. We welcomed 2 new trustees, Alan and Jo Turnbull and we said goodbye to our treasurer Anne White who stepped down.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Ian Williams as our guest speaker and hearing all his experience of being a voiceover artist. His stories were particularly interesting as many of our members use Audio description on television and audio books.
KAB and the Sight and Hearing service from RBK held a Low Vision Day at the Kingston Methodist Church on the 25th June. Approx 70 residents attended. Visitors we able to visit and chat with the stall holders which included the ECLO from Kingston Eye Hospital, Miriam from Sight and Hearing, Optelec, Macular Society, Better bones offered health checks, Vocaleyes as well as our very own Kingston Talking News. This was a first event after 5 years of absence and we are hoping to make this an annual event.
Tower Bridge Visit 03rd July. 13 people including KAB Staff, Members, Trustees and Volunteers enjoyed visiting Tower Bridge Engine rooms and walking along the iconic Walkway on the top of the river Thames. We would like to thank the City Bridge Trust for the free tickets, everyone had an enjoyable day.
|
|
BETTER BONES
In conjunction with Kingston Association for the Blind, Better bones are running a Strength and Balance Class (10 weeks course). If you are interested in working on your muscle strength and general balance, then please register AS SOON AS POSSIBLE for this course, we have limited space.
The course is run over 10 consecutive weeks, on a Monday, starting the 3rd week of September. Once a member is accepted onto the course members are required to attend all 10 sessions. This is also open to KAB volunteers and their family members.
Dates: 16 Sept, 23 Sept, 30 Sept, 07 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 04 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov
Time: 10.00am - 11.30am
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre Fairfield East, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 2PT
Contact details: Better Bones service direct:
Telephone: 0300 123 8086. This is an answer machine so leave your name, contact number and state your interest as the “Quaker centre class” and we'll get back to you to run through some personal and medical questions to help us enrol you for the class.
Email: swlicb.betterbones@nhs.net ( You can also email with the above details)
OR
Contact the KAB office on: Telephone: 0208 6050060
Email: kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org
NEW WORKING AGE GROUP
Becky, our new outreach officer, is establishing a new working-age group. We will be offering new activities and services soon.
If you are interested, please contact her at:
Email: Outreach@kingstonassociationforblind.org
Phone:07554 077581
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 swimming to raise funds for our charity.
When: Sunday, 29th September
Where: New Malden Centre, Blagdon Rd, New Malden KT3 4TA
More details to follow...........
AUDIO BOOK CLUB IS MOVING TO A NEW VENUE!
The Audio book club will move to the Surbiton Library starting in September 2024.
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:
12th September
10th October
14th November
12th December
We would like more members to join us at some of these activities, so go on, give them a try!.
|
|
|
KAB Activities
July - September 2024
|
|
|
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:
23rd July
06th August
20th August
03rd September
17th September
Macular Society Support Group in Kingston
These meetings provide information, encouragement, and friendship to those affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions. Family, friends, and carers are also welcome.
They take place at Kingston Library on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
2024 Dates:
16th July
13th August
10th September
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, there's a chance to socialize and enjoy a quiz. Here are the upcoming dates for the Lunch Club:
Last Thursday of each month 1:00pm – 3:00pm
2024 Dates:
25th July
August – No Lunch Club
26th September
Swimming lessons for beginners and improvers
For beginners or swimmers looking to improve, the swimming sessions are one-on-one with Emily Hampton. If you're interested, please contact the office to arrange a session and discuss any specific needs you may have.
Where: New Malden Leisure Centre, Training Pool, New Malden, KT3 4TA.
When: Dates and times are flexible and by arrangement.
Swimming Session for independent Swimmers
In association with Spartans Swimming Club, all new members are required to complete a form signed by their GP. 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: At the New Malden Leisure Centre, Main Pool, New Malden, KT3 4TA
2024 Dates:
Every Thursday evening from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
Football Club
2 Inclusive football sessions are run at the same time for both Blind and Visually Impaired juniors (5-16 years old) and Adults (16+), regardless of their skill level, male and female
The sessions take place in a huge indoor bubble protecting the players from the unpredictable British weather.
Are you planning to join one of these sessions, or do you know someone who might be interested? Please visit:
To book: visit: tinyurl.com/Football-VI. 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 – will start in September 2024
Tandem and Adapted Cycling Club
To pre-book a session, please call the office. Keep in mind that sessions are weather dependent. This event is in partnership with Wheels for All Kingston.
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
Where: Hollywood Bowl, Charrington Bowl, Kingston Rd, Tolworth KT5 9PB.
When: Alternate Monday, Term time only, from 11:00am to 1:00pm.
2024 Dates:
Closed for the holiday season, Term Time only – will resume in September 2024
Phone or email the office to register your attendance.
Bowls
The King George Field Indoor Bowls Club in Chessington, offers indoor bowling sessions all year round. The club provides free parking, a licensed bar, and full catering facilities.
Venue: King George Field Indoor Bowls Club, Jubilee Way, Chessington, KT9 1TR.
Alternate Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm
2024 Dates:
25th July
08th August
22nd August
05th September
19th September
Tech Sessions
These monthly sessions at Kingston Library, supported by the RNIB Tech for Life team, offer support with:
- Using and setting up your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or eReader.
- Discovering accessible technology and devices.
- Making the most of the internet.
- Answering your questions about using accessible technology.
Since places are limited, it's essential to register. Be sure to phone the KAB office to book your place and mention any specific topics you'd like to learn about or need help with. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to boost their tech skills or need some help with your own devices.
Venue: Kingston Library, Fairfield Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2PS
When: First Thursday of each month from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
2024 Dates:
No sessions in August
05th September
03rd October
07th November
05th December
Living Well with Sight Loss
Each course covers a range of topics, including registering sight impairment and understanding benefits available, staying independent, daily life skills and using technology, eye health and available eye care services, as well as wellbeing, leisure, and opportunities.
When: Thursday 25th July
Time: 10.30pm - 12:30 followed by a light in our monthly lunch
Where: Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT
When: Thursday 05th August
Time: 11.00pm - 13:00
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/
We would love to have more members join us for these activities, so go ahead and give them a try!
|
|
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:
- Trustee Treasurer
- Eye Buddy volunteers
- Drivers
- Help at sports sessions
- Information Technology Volunteer
- Walking Buddy Volunteer
We are urgently looking for a volunteer treasurer to join our team of trustees.
Dates for Visual Awareness Training for our volunteers:
Friday 02 August from 10:00 - 12:00pm
Volunteers Please call the KAB office to book your place.
|
|
Events and Information from other charities and organisations which might of interest to our members.
Kingston Museum Saxon Fayre
The event has been organised by Kingston Council’s Culture and Heritage team and is supported by more than 20 community partners and an army of volunteers.
You are invited to join in the fun at Kingston Museum's Saxon Fayre which will give a fascinating insight into the skills and trades of the period, ranging from animal husbandry to metal working and how that relates to the skills we have today.
As we prepare to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan (first King of England) in Kingston in 2025, this event reminds us of Kingston’s history and the people who came before us.
The Saxon Fayre will feature stalls and activities ranging from a mobile farm, a working Saxon inspired forge, leather work, flax spinning, beekeeping and even a place where you can dress up in period outfits. Throughout the day there will be music, performances, re-enactment's and demonstrations.
When: Saturday 27th July 2024 - 11am-5pm
Where: Ancient Market Place, Kingston
Kingston Olympic Sports day
All ages - come along to the FREE Kingston Olympic Sports Clubs Day
When: Saturday 20th July from 9:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Weir Archer Athletics and Fitness centre, Kingston Road, KT1 3PB
Discover the exciting physical activities happening in your borough! We're bringing together local sports clubs, partners, and community groups in one place so you can explore all the amazing opportunities for you and your family to get active. Dive into some thrilling taster sessions: Skateboarding - Athletics - Wrestling - Football - Cycling - Martial Arts - Croquet - Aikido - Kettle Bell Training - Bowling - Table Tennis - Breakdancing - Park Play - AND MORE!
We realise that a number of these activities won't be suitable for blind or visually impaired people. Therefore, we would recommend the following sports:
Wheels for All, adapted cycling from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Fulham Foundation will offer blind/partially sighted football on the day from 3:00pm - 4:00pm.
Kew Gardens Sensory Experience Tour
Kew Gardens are offering Blind and Partially sighted people and their carers the opportunity to visit Kew Gardens and join their sensory experience tour. This will gives you the chance to touch and smell elements in the garden.
The Tour takes place on the 11th August at 2:00pm.
Booking details: They can only accommodate a limited number of people per tour, so registering is essential. Please register directly in advance by:
Email: discovery@kew.org with your name, contact email, and postcode
Phone: 07341114533
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
