DECEMBER 2023

Walk coordinator: EILEEN INGHAM: 07952241775 or 01142814414


DOGS MUST BE ON LEADS AT ALL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED BY THE WALK LEADER

Please note there are to be no pet dogs on walks only guide dogs

From time to time we take photos to update our web site and also SRSB's web site. If anyone does not wish to appear on group photos please make it clear at the beginning of the walk.

Whilst every effort is taken by walk leaders, members attending do so at their own risk. All members are required to wear good walking boots and bring their own rucksack food and drink as well as waterproofs where appropriate.

A friendly reminder to Guides, please ensure all VI's travelling back to Sheffield from a walk have Guides to take them back into the city. Thank you.

THE CONTENTS OF THE EVENTS PAGE INCLUDE: WALKS, MEMBERS CORNER, SIGHTED GUIDE TRAINING AND TRAINING VIDEOS.

THIS MONTH'S EVENTS:

IMPORTANT - DUE TO RECENT WEATHER CONDITIONS - ALL WALKS WILL BE MUDDY IN PLACES

WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER - CASTLETON CIRCULAR WALK.
Meet at - Sheffield Interchange (main foyer) at 9.20 to catch the 9.46 no 272 bus to Castleton bus station, where the walk will start at 10.55.
The Route - Hollowford Centre, Lose hill Hall, Spring House Farm, Kill Hill Bridge, Netherhall Bridge, Hope, Peakshole Water, Spital Bridge and back to Castleton.
The Distance/Terrain - 5 miles. Terrain: Lanes, muddy paths, lots of wicket gates, a few stiles, relatively flat throughout. We hope to finish in time to see the Christmas lights.
The Leaders - Steve Brown (07801 906126 any walk enquiries).
It is important that you contact Martin Wing 07747443812 mrmartinwing@gmail.com. no later than 8th December, letting him know where you will be joining this walk.

WEDNESDAY 10TH JANUARY - A LINEAR WALK TO HUNTERS BAR VIA MILLHOUSES PARK, ECCLESALL WOODS PARKHEAD AND FORGE DAM.
Meet at - Poundland High Street at 9.45 to catch the 10.04 no 82 bus Cs123 on Arundel Gate opposite the Crucible, to the terminus at the junction of Abbeydale Road South and Hartington Avenue where the walk will start at 1030.
The Route - This is a linear walk to Hunters Bar via Millhouses Park, Ecclesall Woods, Parkhead and Forge Dam.
The Distance/Terrain - 5 1/2 miles. Terrain: Good paths, mostly through park and woodland plus some minor roads and lanes and no stiles. If needed, there are cut-off points at Parkead and close to Forge Dam, for buses back to Sheffield.
Car drivers can either park at the start of the walk and return there on the 82 bus from Hunters Bar (buses every half hour) or park near the end of the walk (there is unrestricted roadside parking in Rustlings Road and adjacent streets) and get to the start of the walk by catching the 10.12 82 bus from Hunters Bar.
The Leaders - Steve Brown (07801 906126 any walk enquiries).
It is important that you contact Martin Wing 07747443812 mrmartinwing@gmail.com. no later than 5th January to make sure there are enough guides at the start of the walk 07747443812.

GROUP NEWS

OUR HOLIDAY IN WALES.. A Thank You From Hilary

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE - Guides and VIs alike, WHO WENT ON OUR SIX DAY HOLIDAY ON ANGLESEY. You were Marvellous. We had six lovely HOT days away with great companions. A special thanks must go to the five lovely people, our friends from Wales, Margaret, Peter, Helen, Steff and Angie who joined us and led us on different days, giving us six different and interesting walks, we shall all remember.

To Phil, our skilful Coach driver and friend, thank you for looking after us all so well, and getting us safely back each day. I'm looking forward to finding out what Margaret Patrick is planning for us next year in Northumberland. Thank you all for your support over the last 12 years of my arranging the groups walking holiday. My records show that the first time we met and were led by Margaret Norwood was on Tuesday 6th September in 2011. She led us on a 7 mile circular walk, from our Hotel in Betws-y-Coed.

With Kindest regards Hilary.

GORDON WORTHINGTON - A SAD LOSS FOR OUR MEMBERS
I am very sorry to announce Gordon Worthington died Sunday 30th July at home with his family just after his 89th birthday. Gordon along with Jean joined our walking group just after it had started, and quickly got involved with the group. They started the fourth Sunday walk as we only had the Wednesday walk back then one walk per month and they were responsible for taking the group on their first holidays on public transport, not in the bespoke coach we have today. The first holiday being in the Isle of Wight with a coach company. Rod, who was with the group then, knew many walks around the Isle of Wight. After that, came two train trips to Teignmouth, and later in our cars to the Lake district.
Gordon and Jean were also responsible for helping to set up the committee.
Gordon was an excellent guide, becoming our No 1 guide. This was seconded by Betsy, which was praise indeed. His dedication to guiding and to the group was outstanding, and he always said he did not feel right unless he had someone to guide, he loved it.
Gordon also loved his garden and spent the afternoons in there when at home. He had lots of bird feeders and said he had to fill them up twice a day. He had a very long garden which kept him very busy. He loved the social side of our group, although he was a quiet man, he had a great presence.
Gordon and Jean were married for 65 years and were a truly devoted couple hardly ever to be seen without one another.
On behalf of the SVIWG we send our condolences to Jean, daughter Jacqueline and son Peter, their Grandchildren and their Great Grandchild. So lovely to have known you Gordon .... Gail

SHORT WALK WITH RSS AND SRSB...
The first Thursday each month Rotherham Sight and Sound and Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind have a short walk around the Wickersley area Rotherham. This is a steady 3 mile walk with a visit to the beautiful Winthrop Gardens then lunch in their cafe. Transport and Guides are provided. Please contact Ben Gilder for more information 0114 2722757 or email info@srsb.org.uk

GUIDES FOR THE 2024 CALENDAR...
Eileen our walk Coordinator will shortly be asking for Guides for the new program year. If you have never led a walk and want to give it a try or all our regular Guides please contact her to make sure you get your preferred month. All walks must be accessible by public transport. EILEEN INGHAM; 07952241775; 01142814414 /



MEMORIES OF OUR GORDON
I would like to share a funny story about Gordon and myself. I had arranged to meet Jean and Gordon for a walk but for some reason Jean could not make it. It was just the two of us. We had a nice walk and finished in the cafe at Norfolk Park. The chef is my neighbour's father, so I know him. I said, "hello Andrew this is my friend Gordon", straight away he said, "nowt to do with me, nowt to do with me". I looked at Gordon and said, "he thinks we are having it off".
How we laughed a lovely memory.
RIP my lovely kind caring friend, you will be reunited with George, Betsy and our John B....
Mary.

2023 - MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR - We are recruiting!!! WEBSITE MANAGER NEEDED .... After over 15 years of service setting up and maintaining our website, Christine has decided it is time to retire and let someone else take on the job. We need someone with the technical knowledge and expertise to maintain and potentially improve our website.
REWARD: A wealth of job satisfaction knowing you are making a valuable contribution to the largest and most successful VIP walking group in the UK. If interested in the first instance please contact Sue on tel: 07970311329 or email susanmaryhill56@icloud.com.
Please note this is a voluntary role.

DONATED CLOTHING UPDATE...
I would like to apologise if the wrong message was conveyed about walking equipment. I don't have the capacity at home to store items and it's not possible for me to carry home donated items, or carry the item to a walk to hand it over. If you have any item(s), please contact me by text, email or phone call I will keep a list of items and make it known in the newsletter. If you would like any of the items, let me know and I can put you in touch with the person donating, to make arrangements. Any new member who requests items before they decide if the group is for them and no longer come then we would request these items to be returned back to the group. Hope this clears any ambiguity.
Cheers, Judith
judemorton56@gmail.com mobile; 07896596413

SPARE WALKING EQUIPMENT...
If anyone has any items in good order Rucksacks, Walking Poles, Waterproof Jackets and Trousers they no longer require please inform Judith as we are collecting these items to circulate amongst any new members or anyone who requires these items. Thank You judemorton56@gmail.com mobile; 07896596413

SIGHTED GUIDE TRAINING VIDEOS - HOW TO GUIDE A BLIND PERSON....
Below is a link showing how to guide a VI person it will help our new guides, also well practiced members and also VI's. It is by Amar Latif who founded the company Traveleyes which specialises in holidays for VI's. I think it is extremely good, so perhaps members would like to take a look.
We regularly organise training days for new members and anyone who has already had training but would like a refresher. Please contact Gail
https://youtu.be/-jqepQ8yASM

GUIDE DOG SUPPORT - INFORMATION AND ADVICE....
https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/sighted-guiding-instructional-videos/>

MEMBERS LEAVING ANY WALKS EARLY PLEASE LET THE LEADER OR BACK MARKER KNOW

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
RULES FOR WALKERS... The following Rules for Walkers have been designed in order to provide clarity on how we organise our walks and to ensure that our walks are as safe and enjoyable as possible for all members of our group. They may be amended if appropriate and feedback is welcome, please see Sue Hill.

1.. All walkers must book their place on a walk in advance by the date indicated in the newsletter in order to ensure there are sufficient guides for VIPs. Booking is on a strictly first come first served basis. The decision of the person taking the bookings is final. Members who book on a walk and subsequently find they are unable to attend should inform the "booker" as early as possible, preferably by the date stated in the newsletter, in order to ensure that as many VIPs as possible have the opportunity to attend.

2.. All walkers should wear appropriate footwear, preferably boots with ankle support and wear/carry clothing suitable for the weather, such as extra layer for warmth, waterproof jacket etc. They should bring sufficient food and drink for the day and it is recommended that all walkers carry basic first aid items.

3.. Participation in the walk is at the leaders discretion. The walk leader is in charge of the walk and his/her instructions must be followed at all times. No one is allowed to walk in front of the leader. He/she will appoint a back marker, who will ensure that the group stays together. Anyone wishing to leave the walk early for whatever reason must inform the leader before leaving.

4.. Gates must be closed after use and no rubbish, including apple cores and banana skins, must be left in the countryside.

5.. No pet dogs are allowed on walks.

6.. Any guide dog not walking with its owner must be supervised by a sighted guide, who is responsible for knowing where the dog is at all times. The leader is the only person who may decide whether guide dogs need to be on leads or not. Guide dogs must be kept on leads/harness during coffee/lunch breaks.

7.. At the end of the walk, guides must ensure that all VIPs are able to find their way home, if necessary accompanying them to a suitable point where VIPs are confident to finish their journey independently.

8.. The group is made up of individuals with different needs and preferences. Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate these, all members are expected to respect and support the objectives and operation of the group as a whole.


THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK SURVEY ON HOW PEOPLE TRAVEL INTO THE PEAK DISTRICT. PLEASE COMPLETE THE SHORT SURVEY USING THE ONLINE LINK BELOW ......
https:////forms.office.com/r/6XMERXh7aue

A USEFUL VIDEO REGARDING GUIDE TRAINING
Many thanks to all the Guides who gave up their time to attend our VI/Guide training at SRSB. We hope you all got something out of it and below is the link Annette showed to us to perhaps have a look at again and also our Guides who did not attend to maybe have a refresher, Also VI's it is important to know how to be guided. I think this is a very good video by Guide Dogs. Thank you Gail
https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/sighted-guiding-instructional-videos/

ITEMS OF INTEREST - from previous months:
Below is a link which takes you to the SRSB web site about a Braille survey conducted by an organisation called "Sensory Trust" which has particularly asked to be brought to the attention of our walking group.

https://www.srsb.org.uk/Feepx?Key=0c563cb5-266e-44e8-9555-357e64a9a319&FeedType=DYN

Virtual Heritage Tour of the Central Library conducted by Wendy link below https://youtu.be/SawECBbDrcs COMMITTEE...
Election of Officers: everyone on the Committee is willing to stand again but if anyone would like to be on the Committee then please let Sue Hill know contact details at the top of this newsletter.
The Committee at present is: Chair: Sue Hill, Vice Chair: Martin Wing, Treasurer: Stan Wainwright, Minute Secretary: Pauline Bullivant, Social Secretary: Hilary Myers, Newsletter Editor: Gail Fagan, Walks Coordinator: Eileen Ingham and Christine Hewitt, Co-opted members: Judith Morton and Margaret Patrick.

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/sighted-guiding-instructional-videos/

Please send any photographs to chriswhittaker586@yahoo.co.uk. She will put them on our web site.
Please send articles for Newsletter to Gail Fagan 0114 2667764 email gail.fagan@guidemail.co.uk

GROUP PHOTORAPHS NEWS ITEMS WANTED. Please send any photos or news items to chriswhittaker586@yahoo.co.uk and she will put them on our website - www.sviwg.co.uk
Please send articles for Newsletter to Gail Fagan 0114 2667764 email gail.fagan@guidemail.co.uk

CPR LIFE SUPPORT TRAINING...
Would you like to know how to possibly save someone's life? We have not had a training CPR day for some time and there are only 12 places on the course. If anyone wishes to go on this please contact David Cadet by text 07554143262 or email davidcadet81@gmail.com

MEMBERS LEAVING ANY WALKS EARLY PLEASE LET THE LEADER OR BACK MARKER KNOW

HOLIDAYS FOR VIP's AND SIGHTED GUIDES... Traveleyes is a holiday company who specialise in holidays for Blind people and Sighted guides. They do short City breaks and World Wide Travel. Sighted guides can get a discount of up to 50 percent. For further information call 0113 8874275 or visit their web site traveleyes-international.com

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