Kingston Upon Thames Association for the Blind

Special Events

Images from Left: KAB Ten-Pin bowling members and volunteers, smiling with arms linked; Centre: Ina (Comms Officer) and our volunteer Josh, cycling on a tandem bike on a racing track; Right: A Social Eyes gathering at the Quaker Centre, a large group of our members are sitting around long tables enjoying a chat and a light lunch.

We have a few exciting events lined up for the new year


Sew and Repair

• Tuesday 9th January, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

On Tuesday 9th January during our Socialeyes lunch we will have the lovely Taghree who will be bringing her needlecraft skills to the Quaker Centre to help with any sewing needed.

So, if you have any trousers that need turning up, or skirts that need hemming or if you have a hole in a pocket, a button or two missing, bring them to the Quaker centre. She will be bringing some extra buttons so do not worry if you have lost them!

Social Eyes is fortnightly on Tuesdays, 1:00pm — 3:00pm, at the Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT. Enjoy a light lunch and socialise with other KAB members. Call the office to book your place at the Quaker Centre.


Better Bones

• Tuesday 23rd January, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

On Tuesday 23 January Nina from the better bones team will be coming to talk to us about bones and joint health, which foods and exercises are good for those of us with arthritis, rheumatism, brittle bone or just to keep ourselves healthy in general!


Calendar of Activities

January – March 2024

Calendar of Activities January – March 2024

For more details and to book call 0208 605 0060
or email us 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.

Social Eyes Lunches

We offer lunch plus a chair-based exercise session for those who would like to participate; at the Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT.

When:Alternate Tuesdays 1:00pm – 3:00pm

2024 Dates:

January 09th, 23rd,
February 06th, 20th
March 05th, 19th

Lunch Club and Quiz

A light lunch is offered, and members have the opportunity to socialise; at the Kingston Quaker, Centre, Fairfield East, KT1 2PT.

When:Last Friday of each month 12:30am – 3:00pm

2024 Dates:

January 26th
February 23rd

Swimming session for Beginners and Improvers

For beginners, or swimmers who would like to improve. The swimming sessions are on a one-to-one basis with Emily Hampton. The dates and times can vary, if you are interested, please contact the office to arrange a session and discuss any needs. New Malden Leisure Centre, Training Pool, New Malden, KT3 4TA.

When:Date and time by arrangement.

Swimming Sessions for independent Swimmers

In association with Spartans Swimming Club, please prebook. All members new to the session need to fill out a form signed by their GP. Please phone or email to obtain a form and for further details.

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

Cost:Sessions are £2
Venue:At the New Malden Leisure Centre, Main Pool, New Malden, KT3 4TA.
When: Thursdays, 7:00pm — 8:00pm

2024 Dates:

January 04th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Football Club

Two football sessions run at the same time for Blind and Visually Impaired Juniors (5-16 years old), and Adults (16+). Both sessions are open to all levels, male and female.
The sessions take place in a huge indoor bubble protecting the players and spectators from the British weather!

To book: Please call or email our office.
Venue:Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park, KT3 6PT.

When:Saturdays, 10:45am – 11:45am
January to April during term time

2024 Dates:

First session Saturday 13th January

Tandem Cycling

Please phone the office to pre-book. Sessions are weather dependent. In partnership with Wheels for all Kingston.

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

2024 Dates:

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

Ten-pin Bowling

Hollywood Bowl, Charrington Bowl, Kingston Rd,Surbiton KT5 9PB.

Phone or email the office to register.

When:Twice a month on Mondays 11:00am - 1:00pm.

2024 Dates:

February 05th and 19th
March 04th and 18th

Tech Sessions

We have started monthly sessions at the Kingston Library. Sessions are supported by the RNIB Tech for Life team. They can support you with:

• Using and setting up your smartphone, tablet, laptop or eReader.
• Discovering accessible technology and devices
• Making the most of the internet
• Your questions about using accessible technology

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

Places are limited and registration is essential. Phone the KAB office to book your place and let us know if there is anything in particular you would like to learn or get help with.

2024 Dates:

01st February, 07th March, 04th April

Bowls

Food and Drink is available to purchase at the Club after the session.

Venue: King George Field Indoor Bowls Club, Jubilee Way, Chessington, KT9 1TR.
When: Thursdays fortnightly, 10:00am - 12:00pm

2024 Dates:

February 08th and 22nd
March 07th and 21st
April 04th and 18th

South London Working Age Forum

February 13th - run by Croydon
Venue to be confirmed.
Let’s have fun speed dating – first impressions and how to present yourself in a few minutes. A useful skill for job fairs and networking events.

March 12th – run by MertonVision
Venue: To be confirmed
Blind in Business presenting the importance of having a mentor.

Volunteer for us

Our activities and services depend on the support of our volunteers, we are always on the look out to recruit and grow our team! We are looking for the following volunteers:

 Trustees
 Eye Buddy volunteers
 Help with Clubs and outings
 Help with sports sessions
 Drivers
 Information Technology Volunteer

Forthcoming dates for visual awareness training for our volunteers:

Tuesday 30th January from 1:00pm to 12:30pm

Please call the office for the volunteers to book their place.


KAB Concession Policy

In recognition of the high cost-of-living currently experienced by many members of the Kingston Association for the Blind, the Board of Trustees of KAB has instituted a concessions policy. Members of KAB who are in financial distress can apply for a concession which will exempt them from paying the £5 fee normally paid at all KAB activities.

For more details phone 0208 605 0060 or 07442 394 472. Or email kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org

You've successfully subscribed to Kingston Upon Thames Association for the Blind
Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to Kingston Upon Thames Association for the Blind
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
Unable to sign you in. Please try again.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.
Error! Stripe checkout failed.
Success! Your billing info is updated.
Error! Billing info update failed.