March 2023 Newsletter

Please see details and information from our first newsletter of the year.

Hello to all our VIPS – visually impaired and very important people.

Normally Angie does the newsletter introduction, but she is away from work at the moment recovering from surgery. We wish her well. The newsletter is a place where you can find out more about what we do and what activities and events we have planned.

Before Christmas our chairman Barry Carter sadly passed away. Barry was much loved and respected by all of us here at Carlisle Sight Support. He was a great supporter to and servant of our charity. We miss him.

NEW COURSE COMING SOON
Living Well With Sight Loss is a course designed and run by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). We have joined in partnership with the RNIB to run face to face courses at our resource centre, 9 Brunswick Street, Carlisle. The course runs over 6 sessions and aims to ensure that people experiencing sight loss are well informed, enabled, connected to others and have the information and support that they need to live full and independent lives. There will be a maximum of 6 people at each run of the course. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us on 01228 593104 or email: carlisleblindsociety@gmail.com

SOCIALS & GROUPS

MACULAR GROUP
The group has regular meeting and activity dates. Outings, art, eccentric viewing are some of our highlights this year. A full programme is available on request. 

GOURMET GOSSIP
Fancy a soup, toastie and a bit ‘chat? Come along to our new group starting on Thursday 20th April with monthly dates to follow. Call us if you are interested.

BRAMPTON TEA & CHAT
This regular monthly group continues to meet at St. Martin’s Cottage in Brampton. Starts at 11am with a cuppa on Tuesday March 14th, April 11th, May 9th & June 13th

TECH TALK/EXPERT BY EXPERIENCE
Why not come along and talk to Lou, one of our trustees who will discuss her experience with getting to grips with different aspects technology, including phones, smart speakers and other electronic devices. Wednesday 22nd March, 11am - 12.30pm at the resource Centre, 9 Brunswick Street, Carlisle. Call or email us if you are interested.

WONDER WALKS
Are you interested in joining us on accessible walks around local parks and places of interest? A chance for a stroll and a chat. Walk 1. Carlisle Cemetery. Meet 11am on Tuesday 23rd May at the Richardson Street Entrance. Call or email us if you are interested.

DALSTON TEA & CHAT
We are hoping to start a monthly tea and chat group in Dalston after Easter. Let us know if you would be interested in attending this. Call or email us!

OPTELEC OPEN DAY - April 5th. Please see additional information enclosed and book your slot directly with Optelec.

NEW ACTIVITIES

CARLISLE CENTRAL LIBRARY VISIT
Join us at Carlisle Library and find out more about what is on offer to people with sight loss from the Library and Archive Service. Meet in library foyer, The Lanes, 10am – 2pm, Friday, 17th March. Call or email us if you are interested.

CLIMBING AT EDEN ROCK, DURRANHILL
We have the opportunity to sample FREE climbing wall sessions in Carlisle. If you are able to walk up steps, you will be able to do this. You will be supported by guides as well as ropes and a harness where needed. If you have never done this before, why not give it a try! 8 max. Call or email us if you are interested.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
Would you like to take part in FREE Tennis sessions? Mon 6th of March and Monday 20th of March, 1-2 pm at Chatsworth Tennis Club, St. Aidans Road, Carlisle, CA1 1LS. All welcome. 12 max. Call or email us to join.

THEATRE TRIP
There are audio described shows at Keswick, Theatre By The Lake. The next show is Around the World in 80 Days. 2pm Apr 15th with touch tour at 12 pm. Cost £10 per person, limited numbers. Additional cost for transport. Interested? call or email us.

TEN PIN BOWLING
The price for a bowling session at Hollywood Bowl in Carlisle is £6.35 per person. A league is being set up and needs people to sign up. If we could get a team together, we could enter league 2. All scores count. So novices like me count.

GOALBALL
Fancy having a go at this fast paced ball game created specially for people with sight loss? Two teams of 3 players are needed for a game. If you are interested, dates can be arranged if enough people are interested. Call or email us.

OTHER IDEAS

MAGNIFICATION DAY
Learn and try out loads of different electronic devices. Find your levels.

AUDIO DAY
Where together we can learn how to Listen. It is an art form.

GAMES AFTERNOON
Thursday afternoon 1-3. Fancy a game of bingo, chess, dominoes, cards or ludo. Come and beat me. I am a novice at chess so you will have to teach  me how to play. Free tea and coffee and biscuits. A Warm space.

KNIT & NATTER 
Wednesday morning. Come and teach me to knit or crochet. All items can be donated to hospital or care home. Free tea and coffee and biscuits. A Warm space.

HORSE RIDING
To be arranged. Please let us know if you are interested limited numbers so first come, first served.

FINALLY

HELP WITH FORM FILLING & APPLICATIONS
Get in touch with us if you need help with blue badge applications, bus passes, T.V. licences etc. We are here to help.

TRUSTEES
Carlisle Sight Support is looking for trustees to help us to run our charity. The trustees meet 6 times per year and have responsibility for ensuring that we do the best we can with our finances and assets to provide benefit to people in Carlisle with sight loss. If you or a family member or friend is interested, please contact Mark Costello, email: markcostelloe@hotmail.com or call: 07864080596.

VOLUNTEER WITH US
Would you like to volunteer for us? Maybe you could help out at one off events or get more regularly involved. If you or a family member or friend is interested, please contact Mark Costello, email: markcostelloe@hotmail.com or call: 07864080596.