SHEFFIELD VISUALLY IMPAIRED WALKING GROUP

Something Old, Something New, Experience by Carol Adams

I wouldn't say I'm scared, I wouldn't say I'm not. Memories of the past linger, rehearsing lines, adrenaline shot, I'm older now, my memory not what it used to be, Excitement in meeting new people, wondering what's next for me, It seemed so far off at first and then wow - So many more lines than I expected, right now.

On reflection, I wonder if I'll learn them all in time, Something new to dive into, but oh, will I shine? Will I have to dance or sing, make the audience ring? It's a wedding scene, so will there be bling? A lot on my mind - can I still stand tall, After surgery, and pull it off at all?

At first, I doubt myself, but then I take a stand, Rehearsals begin, lines spoken, all carefully planned. I hope to keep everything authentic and true, Looking forward to knowing my lines through and through, Then there are cues to remember, every one, How many times will I pour my soul into this run?

Today is a day of rest, tomorrow's the final prep, Opening night looms and I've got one last step. We started in July, now the end is near, Just a week to go, and we'll give it all here, The stage is set, the people I've met - What will the critics say, what will we get?

We hope for success in every show and pray for applause from row to row. I wonder about emotions, seeking approval high, The lines in my head, will they stick when I try? We all worry about missing a cue but the audience won't know, they haven't a clue.

Here's just one song but I won't be the singer, My lines are rehearsed, I won't be a winger, I'm playing a registrar - does this role fit me? I'll give it my best and hope for victory.

I'm so tired I could sleep for a week but I carry on, though rest seems bleak, The gym is my refuge at dawn's early light, Before trying to sleep, though it's still a fight.

The dress rehearsal was a bit of a flop, Missing lines and prop mishaps that just won't stop, Are we ready for this, is time on our side? But then adrenaline kicks in and I'm along for the ride.

The audiences are plenty, they clap as we leave, There's a buzz backstage, no time to grieve. At our first party, everyone craves more but there's still work to do, still things to explore.

Every day's different, changes are made, Lines and scenes cut, to make the grade, Suddenly, confidence rises and I find my stride, It's a great show, with pride I confide.

The audience laughs, and I make some cry, Despite any noise, we don't let it die, At last, it's here - we've made it through, Knowing 600 people have watched our debut.

Now it's all over, no more lines to learn, We scream, shout, and take our turn, The adrenaline fades, and I finally sleep, With memories of this time, forever to keep.

Thanks to all for their support - I'm worn out but proud, Proud I did it, that I made it, I say aloud, Proud of this unforgettable scene, Standing on stage, feeling serene, I owned it, just like the rest, That registrar role, I gave it my best.

We have received a grant from South Yorkshire Association Committee for Coach Ramble.
All members are entitled to claim back their £10 paid towards the coach.

We have now set a date of Thursday 3rd October 2024, 10am to approx 1pm.
This allows for members who have put their names down for any holidays they may have.

Sue will be contacting all to confirm they can still come to the meeting. I hope this date suits most of you.

Fiona and Keirian have the following items they wish to donate which were from Keirian's Grandmother;-

• VictorReader Stratus, Daisy CD digital talking book e-reader including a few book CDs (If registered as visually impaired can get sent more CDs by RNIB on a regular basis)
• Talking clocks x2 (both small square clocks)
• Liquid level indicator for a mug
• Various hand-held magnifying glasses including 3 light-up magnifiers
• BBumperStops tactile dots
• Couple of pairs of sunglasses (quite small size)

To all those who came on the Coach ramble thank you for singing on my birthday. It was a lovely surprise and made my day.

Current members:

• Sue Hill - Chair
• Martin Wing - Vice Chair
• Pauline Bullivant - Secretary
• Stan Wainwright - Treasurer
• Gail Fagan - Newsletter
• Eileen Ingham - Walk Coordinator
• Margaret Patrick - Social Secretary, co-opted member
• Christine Hewitt, Hilary Myers, Judith Morton - co-opted members

Election of Officers:

All members are willing to stand again with the exception of Chris Hewitt who has stepped down from the Committee.

Chris has been a long standing member of the group and an excellent Chair, also Membership secretary.
On behalf of the group we Thank You Chris for your hard work and look forward to meeting on social occasions and walks.

Anyone in the group who would like to take on any role or indeed join the Committee please let Sue know or anyone on the Committee.

Adrian Childs writes in the Guardian as he led his friend on a walk.

Nigel would like to thank all your good wishes during this stressful time of leaving his home at Nether Edge for several years.

Nigel has moved to a flat at Gleadless Townend, near to amenities and public transport.

We wish him lots of happy years there and look forward to seeing him on walks and social occasions when he has sorted himself out.

Ann Batty has a pair of good condition size 6 ladies North Face walking shoes.
If anyone would like these please contact Ann on 07989 053534

Below is part of a message from a potential new guide who has asked for our help.
Please send any comments or suggestions to Sue, who will forward them on.

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The Catholic Church is preparing for Jubilee 2025 with the theme of Pilgrims of Hope and here in Hallam we are keen that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in local pilgrimages being planned.
Please can you suggest what people with visual impairments would need to know in order to decide whether to take part?

This planning is at a very early stage so all ideas welcome. One pilgrimage site might be Padley Chapel at Grindleford.
Do you think this is something some group members might be interested in?

Apologies to all members who have put their names down to receive VI Training.

At present we have 6 names but would like a few more to allow for holidays and to make it worthwhile for Alison Anthony to teach.

As soon as we have enough names we will arrange, so if you would like training or extra training please contact Sue Hill.
(Email: susanmaryhill56@icloud.com or Mobile: 07970 311329)

Congratulations to Robert Nolan and sighted guide Tim who completed the London Marathon time 4 hours 35 minutes.
Robert has run the Marathon some years ago when he had more eyesight, this time attached to Tim a brilliant achievement.

Robert is Chair of Deaf Blind UK and all funds raised go to this charity.
If anyone wants to sponsor him, please check out his JustGiving Page.

David and Paul would like to thank all those members who came on the Tuesday walk on the 5th March. It was a fantastic turnout, there were 19 in total which is one of the highest we have had.

There were eight VI's so we had enough guides. It was especially nice to see Mary and Ken.

It was a nice day, the weather was kind, and although we had to change the walk due to the heavy rain we had just a few days before, it was a first Tuesday walk around Graves Park, Summerhouse and Cobnar Woods.

We are holding a training session, date not known yet, for any new guides wishing to come along. This is also open to any guides who have received training in the past but would like a refresher.

This is a great opportunity as Alison Anthony who works as a Re-hab officer at Howden House is extremely qualified to give this training. Please put your name down with Sue - it would be good to see our new guides there.
Email: susanmaryhill56@icloud.com

A month-long celebration of Sheffield as "The Outdoor City" featuring sporting events, community gatherings, guided walks, outdoor markets, film festivals, and more!
Check out this webpage for more information.

A warm welcome to James Percival, who volunteered through Voluntary Action Sheffield to take over our web site from Chris Whittakker.
Chris set up the web site some 15 years ago and has kept it running for us for all this time.
We are very grateful to you Chris - now you can relax and still enjoy coming out walking with us.

Congratulations to Mike Jackson who has received an MBE in the new year's honours list for services to the community.

Mike said one of his greatest privileges was joining the SVIWG soon after the group started, leading a Bi-monthly walk taking VI's to places we never dreamed of and indeed VI's who had been long time ramblers and lost their sight later in life they never thought it would be possible again.

The memorable ones like Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and leading a party up Snowdon. Mike was a warden on Kinder and we always knew we were in safe hands.

Well-deserved Mike on behalf of the SVIWG.

This magazine has printed a short article about SVIWG - you can find it in the January edition on page 6.

Thank you to all the members who have supported the Tuesday walks offered in 2023. It means a lot to us to have your support, and makes it all worthwhile. Plans for 2024 are already in progress, and we are hoping to branch out again as we did in 2023. This means journeys will be longer than others but we feel it will be worthwhile.

Thank you again

THE CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST has a number of circular walking routes available on their website. The walks are under the heading 'Off the water'.

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE - Guides and VIP's alike, who went on our six day holiday in 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.

Congratulations to Robert Nolan who is now on the board of Trustees at SRSB.
It is always good to have someone who represents the charities to which they serve and with Robert's dual sensory impairment he will be a good ambassador.

The Government gives sighted guidance in England the go ahead. For more information visit https://www.rnib.org.uk/news/government-gives-sighted-guiding-in-england-the-go-ahead/