Summer 2017 ck rwi shi a re W

V i t si o r o n S u p p Vision

WVS - Where Next? Page10 Food for Help us to help you Page 15

Eating Healthily to Thought Manage Diabetes Page 23

Warwickshire Vision Support

Your Local Charity for Local People GREAT HOMEMADE FOOD – MADE EASY Great tasting frozen ready meals delivered to your door 3 Over 100 meal choices in 2 sizes 3 Free delivery – no minimum order 3 Cool touch packaging straight from oven/microwave 3 Selection of blended meals 3 Free from options (Onions, Glutens, Dairy) 3 We will deliver your groceries at the same time

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Sugarswell Business Park, Shenington, Oxfordshire, OX15 6HW Contents Regional General Meeting...... 4 Editorial...... 5 WVS People...... 6 GREAT HOMEMADE FOOD – MADE EASY Christine Gill...... 6 Great tasting frozen ready meals Peter Joslin...... 6 Al Fellowes...... 7 delivered to your door A Year in Review...... 7 3 Over 100 meal choices in 2 sizes WVS Activities and News...... 10 3 Free delivery – no minimum order Warwickshire Vision Support - Where Next? ...... 10 3 Cool touch packaging straight from Community Update ...... 11 oven/microwave General Meeting...... 12 3 Selection of blended meals Atherstone Club’s Unusual Guest...... 13 Help us to help you! ...... 15 3 Free from options (Onions, Glutens, Dairy) Financial Matters...... 17 3 We will deliver your groceries at the same time Identification...... 17 Proof of Identity...... 17 Our food tastes homemade because it is! Out of Date...... 17 For a menu call 01295 680 999 Chip and Signature Cards...... 18 Visit our website at www.ofishial-foods.co.uk I’m Jim, and I live in ...... 18 Or email [email protected] Attendance Allowance...... 20 Sight Village 2017...... 20 Good Health...... 21 The Cost of Living...... 21 Eating Healthily to Manage Diabetes...... 23 A Good Night’s Sleep...... 24 On a Bicycle Made for Two...... 25 Act FAST Campaign...... 26 My Sudden Loss of Sight...... 27 Sugarswell Business Park, Shenington, Oxfordshire, OX15 6HW 3 Autumn ...... 28 Leisure...... 29 Fun in the Sun...... 29 Shakespeare’s Plays...... 31 Shakespeare Birthplace Trust...... 31 Why not take up Golf?...... 31 Sailing with EAST...... 33 East Anglian Sailing Trust ...... 33 Acknowledgements...... 34

Regional General Meeting • Would you like to learn more about YOUR organisation? • Do you have ideas that you would like to share? • We want you to help us to improve our services Please join us at our next Regional General Meeting. We will make a short presentation on our achievements, challenges and plans and then open the floor to you, our members, to share your thoughts and ideas. Everyone is welcome, but to save on costs, we will only send out agendas to those living in the and North Warwickshire area. If you do not live locally but wish to attend, please feel free to request an agenda from the WVS office by telephoning Barbara on 01926 411331 Date: 12th October 2017 Venue: Nuneaton Vision Support Centre The Methodist Church, Abbey Street, Nuneaton CV11 5BX Time: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm

4 Rosemary Went, Editor Rosalie Visick, Co-editor

Editorial We hope you enjoy reading this inexorable rise of diabetes, together Summer edition of Warwickshire with information on healthy living. Vision – perhaps it will supply food Diabetes UK gives some dietary for thought. advice; however, it is of equal The warm weather seemed to arrive relevance to most of us who do not quite suddenly this summer, broken have this condition. We also feature fairly quickly by heavy rain. Will this exercise opportunities. pattern continue? There is a report on the progress Prince Philip is to ‘retire’. He has made of our Strategy review - the future and fulfilled the role of consort to direction for WVS. The holiday that our Queen Elizabeth for 70 years. He was ‘the opportunity of a lifetime’ is relinquished a rising naval career described and one of our Volunteers to be the ‘strength and stay’ of the writes of her experiences working Queen. At the age of 96 the Duke of for WVS (don’t forget that new Edinburgh feels that it is now time to Volunteers are always welcome). withdraw from the public limelight, We thank Paul Hinksman, who where he has provided constant has continued to provide editorial support. We are sure he will continue assistance. to provide support for our monarch, It would be helpful if articles for a although not in a public role. We Christmas issue of Warwickshire wish him well for the future. Vision could reach us by mid- In the Health section of this magazine September. We appreciate hearing there is an article on the apparently from our readers.

5 WVS People Christine Gill I joined Warwickshire Vision Support recently as a Community Worker. My previous job was working with a Community Interest Company in North Solihull who improve the lives of local people through neighbourhood projects and outdoor education. Much of the work I did family is a mix of many nationalities was to support people of many ages and I enjoy meeting people from with physical disability and poor different cultures, learning about mental health enabling them to their lives and traditions. I particularly develop life skills, reduce isolation enjoy travelling to the Far East and and improve their overall physical have lived in both Australia and and mental wellbeing. Borneo. We relocated to Borneo with One of my favourite projects my husband’s job and it was exciting was working on a programme going into the jungle and visiting called ‘Wellies2Bellies’ where we the Iban community who lived in worked with children from local longhouses. schools showing them how to The position with WVS appealed to grow vegetables, eat healthily me as I have family members who and engage with nature and the have diabetic retinopathy, AMD and local environment. It was great fun other eye conditions and I feel this building earth ovens and bug hotels, enables me to understand some of and particularly showing the pupils the difficult challenges people face. the wormery – there were many I enjoy visiting the Vision Support cries of ‘urgh’ and ‘gross’ when they Centres and Clubs, particularly found out that worms enjoy dining hearing about people’s life stories out on hair, clipped nails, eggshells and shared memories. This coming and teabags and that their urine is a month I’m looking forward to wonderful fertilizer! increasing my knowledge further My home is in Warwickshire through training and learning on and I enjoy walking in the local the job. countryside. I am a member of a local gym where I swim three times a Peter Joslin week and enjoy taking part in classes We have received news that Peter such as step, Zumba and t’ai chi. My Joslin has resigned. He served as

6 President of our Association since Main. I introduced myself to her 1992, following his retirement as and Joanne, Assistant Administrator, Chief Constable of Warwickshire. discussed the available time I had, Peter was well known as one of the and was told briefly about the UK’s longest serving police officers. charity. He was mainly seen presenting Fast forward to my first day - when I trophies at our Annual Show before was shown to a desk and introduced membership support for the event to the other team workers present. declined. I began to take note of the calm atmosphere (compared to a busy, lit Al Fellowes up hospital) and of a conscientious Al served as Honorary Treasurer to group of people who managed great the Association in the 1990’s, which heaps of paper, and still managed included difficult times. When things to stay cool, calm and collected. On were more settled he retired from notice boards dotted around the the post and was awarded a Vice room there were three laminated Presidency. We have heard that Al pages, reminding readers to smile has left this area. and bring happiness. A Year in Review Of course, I was struck by the high Hollie Hammond, Volunteer morale that was displayed here and slowly, as time went on, I began to I distinctly remember the week a year ago when I became a volunteer for Warwickshire Vision Support. I was Recipe For Happiness considering volunteering as my own working life had felt like a chapter Ingredients: was closing, following a previous job role at a local eye unit. I was looking 1 Bag of smiles to maintain a bit of balance to my 2 Cups of sharing weekly routine, but had little idea 2lbs of positivity of the nurture that is the focus and support provided by WVS to people ½ Cup of good humour in the ‘Warwickshire community’ of 1 Cup of self esteem VIPs. 2 Spoonfuls of simplicity Having had experience working within ophthalmology I felt that this 1 Dash of goodwill would be a worthwhile option for me 4 Drops of easy going whilst learning to drive, so arranged to meet WVS’s Administrator, Barbara and 1 Packet of life loving!

7 appreciate the quieter energy field. at Season’s. I got to experience the Soon I had a DBS form to my name work that this involves behind the and was given a desk space to call scenes, working with Sue Morris and my own. the other Community Workers. After all of my worry beforehand, During the meal and at club I had found somewhere that gatherings last year, it was an remained as supportive as a hospital absolute pleasure to talk to you but without the added stress of about how you live, how you pass the waiting rooms, rooms full of patient time, your pasts and your families. notes and the open discomfort of Health concerns do arise and yet hospital corridors. The staff were you carry on, your personalities that as welcoming as a family. This are made more remarkable and encouraged me to remain here, to commendable as you overcome your a certain extent, but I did feel that fear of them. more could be accomplished. This The day I began to volunteer for chapter was getting more interesting Warwickshire Vision Support was just as time went on! the beginning of another chapter, Luckily for me, as soon as I had my and whilst I still struggle with my DBS form I was more than happy to driving and therefore progressing find myself freely able to spend more my working life, I have gained time working with the office team experience that has made more of but also helping at the VIP clubs in my own life. I wanted to write in and . your magazine after a year had gone I can honestly report that before by, then I could simply send out my experiencing these I hadn’t any message of thanks. Thank you for knowledge of the remarkable being yourselves, for teaching me characters that I would meet, who that life does continue after a major were strong and showed courage in loss of a sense, that there is more to the face of adversity. life than what is physical and that for The people I met in the local every terrible diagnosis, there will community had such positive always be a team to support! attitudes as they lived with their P.S. Since writing this article I have visual impairments, yet still mostly passed my driving test (and I’m managed to remain positive, polite continuing my volunteering work). and the sense of spirit made my days Editor: WVS carries out DBS a joyful experience! I still cannot (Data Barring Service) checks for believe how fast time has gone by everyone who works directly with since I was sitting amongst 28 of you Warwickshire’s VIPs. This is to protect at Leamington Club’s Christmas Meal everyone. 8 Read text Identify products Recognise faces

Freephone: 0800 358 5323 WVS Activities and News Warwickshire Vision Support - Where Next? Richard Orme, Trustee Your county organisation for people are we doing right? What more do with sight loss has a long history - people want their local organisation over a century. As the years pass, to do? How else can people help us change happens to the places we with volunteering or fundraising? live, to our needs and expectations. Rob spoke with attendees and Like any organisation, Warwickshire volunteers at our Vision Support Vision Support should from time Centres, and telephoned people to time step back and assess how it across Warwickshire to hear their can better serve the people it exists thoughts. He held group discussions to help. This process now has the with our staff team and the Board fancy term ‘strategy review’, but is of Trustees. As themes emerged, something that has been done over he then found other local charities the decades, to set ourselves new around the UK that were trying these challenges and consider how to approaches, and spoke with them make the best use of our funds. to understand how these ideas are At the end of 2016 the Board of working in practice. Trustees set out to develop our The Trustees met in May to receive next strategy. We were lucky to the report, which organised all this secure some expert help for this. input into options for consideration. Rob Legge is Warwickshire based, It was super to know that we were and considered a national expert discussing ideas that had been put on sight loss organisations. He has forward by people from all over run a large local blindness charity, Warwickshire, and beyond. If you worked for several national voluntary spoke with Rob in person or on organisations, and has family the telephone, attended a group members who live with sight loss. discussion or otherwise fed ideas into From January to May Rob supported this initiative, thank you for helping a working group of trustees and staff, your local organisation. helping us to develop important ideas for the next strategy for We don’t have the resources Warwickshire Vision Support. to deliver all these great ideas immediately, but we know they Rob is a great listener. His approach are important. We are now setting has been to hear the opinions, up a group to take responsibility challenges, and ideas from a wide for pushing ahead with the ideas range of people who can help us that we can afford, and looking for understand where to go next. What extra funds so that we can do more. 10 Furthermore, we know that there is are ‘Eye Clinic Liaison Officers’ and, scope for blind and partially sighted although our roles are a bit different, people to be more involved in they are generous enough to invite decision making. So, in addition to us along. It’s an opportunity to share welcoming more Trustees with sight best practice, compare services and loss, we would love to hear from generate ideas. This quarter’s venue anyone who would like to help us in was Vision’s offices a different way, in a small working in central Birmingham and (after group to turn a long list of great ideas getting lost a fair number of times) into reality. Felicity represented WVS on this Over the summer we will be putting occasion. Representatives of Blind ideas into action, and you will be able Veterans UK were there to provide an to read about this in the next edition update now they have restructured of Warwickshire Vision. their community services, and an employee of Henshaws, which If you are interested in joining the operates in major northern cities Strategy Group please call Barbara in such as Liverpool and Manchester, the office on 01926 411331 shared information about their Community Update Pathway Plan. This plan provides a structured approach to supporting Is it really time for another update service users, thus ensuring everyone already?! My, the time is flying! receives comprehensive support. Then again, we’ve been busy and After the formal meeting, there’s a don’t they say ‘time flies when you’re chance to network within the group having fun’? We have yet another and share advice, which Felicity has staff change to share with you; you’ve always found very helpful. probably already read her bio before Atherstone reaching this article so you’ll know her name’s Christine Gill and a little They won’t brag about it so we’ll do it bit about her background. It’s great for them! Our volunteers do a great to have Christine on-board and she’s job at Atherstone Social Club and this taken to the role really well. Out of County The area of Warwickshire is more than big enough to keep us busy but occasionally we have to go out of county to network with other sight loss charities. One of the regular trips we make is to Birmingham for the ECLO Forum. ECLOs 11 has been boosted by a £100 prize She was able to chat with service money donation from the recent users and learn more about visual winners of a local darts competition, impairments. In particular, she heard Maid of the Mill. A photograph of from Harold Smart about Charles some of the volunteers receiving the Bonnet Syndrome, which many of cheque from the players featured you will have read about when he in Nuneaton News in April. Well wrote an article about it for this done to the players but also to the magazine. She is keen to come back volunteers for raising the profile of in the future and she now knows Warwickshire Vision Support! about WVS, should she come across Leamington Spa any VI patients that may benefit from We’re used to welcoming a host of our support. different speakers and guests to General Meeting our Clubs and Support Centres so Let me introduce myself. My name it will come as no surprise that we is Janet Hurrell and I live locally in welcomed a trainee community . Having recently retired nurse to our Leamington Vision from a 37 year career in industry I Support Centre earlier this year. am a potential new Trustee/Director Lucy, who is a qualified nurse but is for Warwickshire Vision Support. As undergoing additional training to part of my introduction to the charity become a community nurse, chose I attended the General Meeting at WVS for one of her few ‘optional’ Rugby Baptist Church on 26th April placements, which says a lot because 2017. I was not at all sure what to there are so many services to choose expect. from!

12 The welcome I received was so part of a meeting is concluded and open and friendly. In the church it moves on to Any Questions there hall there was a good mix of is a vacuum with everyone suddenly service users, community workers, struck dumb. This was certainly not rehabilitation workers, the Manager, the case as an energetic audience trustees and other volunteers. asked many positive and thought There were more than 30 attendees provoking questions. I found it so with representation from across humbling to find out what sort of day the county that included Rugby, to day difficulties the VIP population Nuneaton, , Atherstone and can experience - inconsiderate Coleshill. people parking on pavements, poor The coffee clearly worked to lubricate public transport, street furniture vocal chords as there was a lot of on pavements, getting to polling conversation and chat between all stations and residents who allow attendees. Many friends and others hedges to grow over fences to list but seeking support with varying levels a few. After the meeting, I walked of visual impairment came together down Henry Street towards the car to understand what is going on park and was suddenly aware of the within the charity. difficulties VIPs experience with plant pots, A-boards, poor parking and Following a welcome from Jeff Perry advertising materials. I will certainly (Acting Chairman) Jeff and John be parking more considerately in Davis (Manager) provided reviews future. on progress within the charity. There was an update regarding the Atherstone Club’s strategic review and there was an Unusual Guest eagerness for all users to understand Paul Bowler, Coleshill the plans that will evolve from The Atherstone Ball Game is an the report. New employees and annual event that has been held representatives from the board of on Shrove Tuesday for over eight trustees were introduced to the hundred years. Teams of competitors attendees. The status of the contract play a huge game of football along with Warwickshire County Council the town’s main street, using a giant was discussed with one comment ball that is specially made for the being ‘You are doing a brilliant job occasion by sportswear manufacturer with the in-house service’ which must Webb Ellis. It has few rules, and tends be really gratifying for all those that to be a bit of a free-for-all where work so hard to support our users. things can get quite rough, but From my experience in the what is certain is that whoever has commercial world, when the formal 13 possession of the ball at the end of phone to take a picture of me with it, the game is declared the winner. which he did. In the weeks leading up to the As somebody who lived in game the ball makes a series of Atherstone for a number of years, visits to clubs and businesses in the but who watched the game from a Atherstone area, and the Atherstone safe distance and only got fleeting VIP club was among those to receive glimpses of the ball, it was nice to the unusual guest one Wednesday finally see it up close. I felt like I was shortly before the event was due holding a piece of history, and one of to take place. It was accompanied the things that struck me most was by Graham Beale, a member of the its size. It was much larger than I’d committee that organises the game. imagined, and much lighter too. Everybody had a chance to hold The 2017 game took place on 28th the ball, and have their picture February, and was the 818th to be taken with it, as well as adding their held. Each year a celebrity is invited signatures to the many people who to start proceedings by throwing had already signed their names on the ball into Long Street from the its surface. I was among those who window of Barclays Bank. This signed it, and in addition to having year’s guest was the actress Annette an official photograph, I asked Badland, familiar to many from Graham if he could also use my her recent role as the East Enders character Babe Smith. Sadly the ball was burst during the rough and tumble of the second half, so a reserve ball was used to complete the match. This year’s winner was Atherstone resident Danny Murray, who claimed the title for the first time. The game honours a football match that took place between and Warwickshire in 1199, and which was won by Warwickshire. At one time similar events were held in many towns throughout , but Atherstone’s is now one of only two such games that are played each year at Shrovetide. 14 was previously raised through the subscribing member fee, we need to be raising a great deal more. I would like to make a few suggestions about how you might be able to help us to help you. You might think that your contribution is too small to be of significance, but if just 10 per cent of the 2,400 people who read this magazine were to take up our challenge, then our funding problems could be a thing of the past. Here are some ideas. Please think whether you would be able to help: Help us to help you! Social Contacts • Many companies make charitable Over the last few years, it has become donations to local charities. increasingly difficult to raise funds for Perhaps you have a son or our charitable activities. Government daughter who could recommend cuts to local services means that that the company they work for more charities are competing for chooses Warwickshire Vision fewer funds to meet ever-increasing Support as its Charity of the Year? demand. • Pension companies, insurance In the last financial year, it cost us companies and many other service £285,000 to run our Vision Support providers also have charitable Centres, Advice Desks, Clubs, Home foundations that give grants to Visitors and produce this magazine charities chosen by their members. whilst our charitable income was just Could you nominate Warwickshire £162,000. We had to make up this Vision Support? difference through reserves and this is clearly not sustainable. If we are • Do you know any Lions, Rotary, to continue to provide these services Soroptimists, Round Table or we must redouble our efforts to raise Freemason members? These funds. groups give donations to local charities. Why not recommend us? Unfortunately, our regular giving campaign has not raised the sort of • Are your children or grandchildren income that we would have hoped. at a local school or college? Although we have covered what 15 Perhaps they can adopt us as their Donations Charity of the Year. • For those that are able and • Do you know anyone who enjoys willing, please consider making running? Why not persuade them a donation. This can be a one- to run for Warwickshire Vision off donation or you can set up a Support at the next fun run or standing order. marathon? • Perhaps you can leave a legacy Activities gift in your will – we have sent everyone a legacy pack over the • Do you enjoy baking? Perhaps last 12 months. Please consider it. you could invite your friends for a coffee morning in aid of • We are asking you to help us to Warwickshire Vision Support? This help you. would help to spread the word Warwickshire Vision Support has about what we do and help recruit been supporting visually impaired new volunteers. people in Warwickshire for 106 years. • Do you have a favourite pub, We want to continue to do so – but restaurant or local shop? Could this is only possible with your help. you ask them to take a collection If you, your family or friends can tin? This helps to raise our profile help with any of the above ideas, and raises funds. or you have better suggestions • Why not hold a collection in your yourself, please contact Phil Arkell local town or supermarket? If you on 01926 411331 and we will are interested, we can make all the do everything we can to help. necessary arrangements for you Thank you and provide you with a banner, buckets and tabards. • If you have a particular passion or skill why not see if it can generate money for Warwickshire Vision Support? You can sell your products, or get people to sponsor you. • If you enjoy public speaking, perhaps you could make presentations on our behalf to local clubs and groups. This can raise our profile and increase the Many thanks to Sarah Vernon who level of support we receive. raised £800 doing the Wolf Run

16 Financial Matters Identification to check if they have expiry dates to avoid further difficulties. There seem to be an increasing number of occasions in everyday Proof of Identity life when we are asked to provide Rosalie Visick personal identification. These days this usually includes a request for I do not have either a driving photographic identification - most licence or current passport to prove commonly a current passport or my identity. Utility bills are in my driving licence. husband’s name, so I do not have these either. Acceptable forms Some of the occasions when we need of personal identification that I to identify ourselves are applying for have used are a bank statement, travel passes, carrying out some bank a government pension payment transactions, applying for a passport, notification and a benefits payment applying for a driving licence, dealing notification. On the telephone I find with legal matters, benefit claims, I am always asked for my mother’s applying for a job, applying to do maiden name. voluntary work, joining a library, enrolling on educational courses, I was recently asked by a new cashier fishing, and many others. at my bank to show proof of identity. Unfortunately, the debit card I You cannot use one form of produced was out of date (I don’t use identification for both your name it very often); no replacement had and address. If you provide a current, been sent. signed passport for proof of name you will need another document for Out of Date proof of address – such as a utility bill One of our Members boarded a issued in the last 3 months. bus recently and showed his bus Having to carry personal pass. The driver refused it - the pass identification more frequently raises was out of date. He contacted the the risk of loss and theft, which Council and was told that it ‘tries to can in turn increase the risk of send out letters’ to people whose identity theft, property theft and the pass is due to expire. He had not threat to personal safety as well as received this letter, and as it takes up inconvenience. It is therefore vital to to 10 days to process a renewal, he ensure that we carry our documents had to pay to travel for that period. as safely as possible and to report any Today, many services and facilities loss to both whoever issued them are available on line or reminder and to the police. It is also important messages are sent electronically 17 to mobile phones; some of these high street shops including Marks services are exclusively electronic. and Spencer and House of Fraser. To avoid being caught out, check When the value of the purchase renewal dates regularly or make sure is entered into the till, a message that they are diarised (or whatever appears informing the cashier that it reminder system works for you). is a Chip and Signature card and the P.S. Don’t forget that WVS has its receipt needs to be signed by the own Information Technology Officer. cardholder. If you are interested in finding out If you wish to change from a Chip about IT contact the WVS office or and PIN card to a Chip and Signature drop in to your local Warwickshire card, all you need to do is contact Vision Support Centre. your bank, explain your reasons for changing and you should receive Chip and Signature Cards your new Chip and Signature Rosalie Visick card within a few days. The same On 14th February 2006 both Chip procedure applies to high street and Signature and Chip and PIN stores. cards were introduced to the British Editor public. It is a surprising fact that a An alternative to signing while at a till lot of people seem to be unaware is to use a rubber stamp of your own that the Chip and Signature cards signature. It would be important to were created especially for anyone ensure that the stamp was always experiencing difficulties with Chip secure. and PIN, which needs a Personal A third party mandate grants your Identification Number to be entered authority to an approved person to on a PIN pad each time the card is verify your payments. used. Some of the reasons given were for people who would have Contact your bank to discuss the difficulties such as - dexterity issues, options available to you. visual impairment, inability to remember a PIN or a problem with I’m Jim, and I live in mobility, making it hard to reach a North Warwickshire PIN pad. I have been losing my eyesight for I had sight problems and over 30 years. I had detached retinas immediately requested a Chip and in both eyes and have had extensive Signature card, which I received and eye surgery and laser treatments over have used continuously since then. I the years. I was registered partially also have Chip and Signature cards sighted in 2008 and by May 2014 that I have requested from several I was registered blind. 18 Next year I shall reach state to be entered in the next three retirement age, so I asked my wife to computerised draws. look through my pension policies, as The letter got my heart racing, as the government have recently given they used the word ‘approved’, but greater flexibility on what we can do then I realised it was only to go into with our pension pots. I am in the the draws!! On 11th April I received process of seeking professional help a letter stating that I had been to navigate my options. successful on my first attempt. I’m My wife noticed that one of the now the proud owner of an iPad Pro pension policies had a grant award ISO10 128GB WiFi. scheme. The OneFamily Foundation Please, Please Check provides personal grants to its customers of up to £500 each month So please check if you have a via a computerised draw, so eligible pension, it may also provide a grant applications are selected at random. fund to its customers. So on 7th March I requested a grant I then decided to telephone the application form. On receipt I got other pension provider to see if they my wife to read the eligibility criteria had such a scheme. They don’t, carefully and then I telephoned the however when I explained that I was Foundation to check that I met the registered blind and had a number criteria before my wife completed of health problems I was told that the application form, as the grant they can pay up to as much as 50 per application notes specifically stated cent more for people with health and that they do not pay for luxury items lifestyle issues. such as iPhones or iPads. I have been advised that next year I do not consider an iPad to be a when I am invited to access my luxury item for someone who is pension, I should tell them about all registered blind, but a useful tool, my health issues, including my sight given the number of new apps you loss. can now download that have been Ironically, for once in my life having developed specifically for the blind, poor health will pay a dividend! and the OneFamily Foundation OneFamily Foundation also provides agreed with me. grants for community projects up to The grant application was completed £25,000. I have asked Warwickshire and returned on 16th March and on Vision Support to submit an 25th March I received a letter from application, so fingers crossed that OneFamily Foundation stating that they will be successful. my application had been approved You can help as well: Do you belong to a society or maybe a trade union? 19 Many of them provide charitable Attendance Allowance (AA) is paid at grants - either a personal grant or two different rates, depending on the for a community project. If so, can level of care you need. you let Warwickshire Vision Support Lower rate - £55.65 per week know so they can look at the possible If you need care or supervision potential of applying for funding for during the day or night projects that benefit all of us. Higher rate - £83.10 per week Remember: If you are a member of If you need care or supervision the Co-operative Society, each region during the day and night or area may have its own grant awarding policy or funds, so why not If you are awarded AA this will not give WVS your society membership reduce any other benefits you may number and the exact name of the receive such as Pension Credit, Co-operative Society so they can Housing Benefit or Council Tax apply for a grant. Support. Sometimes it can entitle you to higher rates of these other Attendance Allowance benefits because of your extra needs. You may be eligible for Attendance To apply for Attendance Allowance Allowance if you download a claim form from Gov.uk or call the Department of Work and • are aged 65 or over Pensions helpline on 0345 605 6055 • have a long-term physical or to ask for an application pack. mental illness or disability. This can include sight and hearing difficulties • have needed help with personal Sight Village 2017 care or regular supervision This free annual exhibition will be from someone else for at least held at New Bingley Hall, Hockley, 6 months. You can claim whether Birmingham B18 5BE. National or not you actually receive this and international exhibitors help or supervision. Personal care show products and equipment tasks could include things like for Visually Impaired People to washing and bathing, dressing visitors who are VIPs, as well as and undressing, getting in or out professionals, business people of bed and taking medication. and family members. Doors open This benefit is not means-tested, at 9.30 am on Tuesday 18th and so you can claim it whatever your Wednesday 19th July, and close at income or savings. 5 pm and 3.30 pm respectively.

20 Good Health The Cost of Living 2, which they usually develop after the age of 40, although they can The price we pay for food, as be oblivious of it for years. ‘I was a proportion of household drinking quite a lot of liquid, and I expenditure, is far lower than it has was going to the loo rather too often.’ been in the past - despite food price rises. Food is readily available, in an It’s a story that’s been heard before increasing range of varieties, often and can often be a symptom of regardless of its seasonality. It is also diabetes. Extreme hunger and available to buy at most times of the obesity can also be symptoms of the day. disease. However, diabetes can also cause loss of weight. Ready-to-eat or take-away food is generally considered to be Diabetics’ bodies are unable to ‘unhealthy’ as it often contains high use glucose properly. Blood sugar levels of fat, salt and sugar which can levels should be below 8.5 mmol/1 exceed ‘recommended daily intake (millimoles of glucose per litre of levels’. Food portions have been blood). getting larger, and this has been Most diabetics are diagnosed over demonstrated by the increasing size the age of 40, but people of South of ready meals. The labels on some Asian or Afro-Caribbean origin are at fizzy drinks show high levels of sugar. risk of developing it from the age of Grazing – snacking between meals 25. Occasionally pregnant women – adds to the problem of overeating can develop Type 2 diabetes. and obesity. In the American state of Mississippi When we eat food our bodies change 13 per cent of the adults are diabetic it into glucose, a type of sugar. The with a further 8 per cent ‘at risk’. glucose goes into our blood and is And that is only the second highest converted into energy by a hormone prevalence rate in the USA. called insulin that is produced by our In a remote part of the world, pancreas. Diabetics have too much on an atoll in the South Pacific glucose in their blood so it is excreted called Tokelau, situated between in their urine. Hawaii and New Zealand, there is a There are two types of diabetes. frightening example of the increase People with Type 1 normally develop of diabetes. Up to the 1970’s the it before the age of 30 and the cause population’s diet was local produce, is not known. Their bodies are based on fish and coconuts; for feasts unable to produce insulin. Ninety they would have chicken and pork. five per cent of diabetics have Type At that time the population had 21 ‘low rates of coronary heart disease, complications suffered by 200,000 obesity and diabetes’ - just 7 per cent Britons each year are heart attacks, of the women and 2 per cent of men strokes and amputations. In addition were diabetic. Then freezers were the eyes can be affected. supplied and food imports began. The most common eye conditions In 1961 sugar imports had been the caused are cataracts, glaucoma and equivalent of 7lb per head; by 1980 diabetic retinopathy. High sugar the quantity had risen to 69lbs. This levels in the fluid of the lens around increase has continued, except for the eye increases the likelihood of 5 months in 1979, when cyclone a cataract at an earlier age than for damage prevented the island’s someone without diabetes. Higher supply ship from calling, so the pressure in the eye can cause islanders returned to their original glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is diets, resulting in some of them caused when the network of blood losing weight and feeling healthier. vessels that supply the retina at the Today 90 per cent of the island’s back of the eye become blocked, to population is overweight and two- leak or to grow incorrectly. thirds is obese. Life expectancy Diabetes can cause infection in has decreased, with few people the foot, so annual health checks, aged over 65. Tokelau is the world’s including foot checks, are advised. diabetes capital. Foot ulcers can develop; if there is Many trends have come to the UK sepsis in the foot it can lead to the from the USA and diabetes is one choice of ‘your life or your leg’. Every of them. Nearly one person in 25 day 20 people in England have an in the UK has diabetes. Since 1980 amputation necessitated by diabetes the global number of diabetics has - more than 7,000 amputations each quadrupled to 422 million. Today year. Eight out of every 10 diabetics diabetes is Britain’s fastest growing die within 5 years of having an epidemic. amputation. The International Diabetes Treating diabetes costs £674bn every Federation estimates that it claimed year and it is becoming a global 5 million lives in 2015 - more than health problem. However, diabetes the combined death toll for HIV, is a condition that can be managed tuberculosis and malaria. By 2040 if individuals follow a healthy one person in every ten will have lifestyle. In the UK one person in 25 diabetes. has diabetes. Some of the people in the public eye who live with it are Diabetes, if not treated, can lead to Theresa May, Steve Redgrave and other related health conditions. The Mick Fleetwood also Tom Hanks and 22 Halle Berry. Diabetes does not have other, avoiding second helpings to shorten peoples’ lives. and having a drink of water first. Every one of us is responsible for Breakfast is an important meal. noting changes in our own health • Carbohydrates in moderation and taking the necessary action. should be part of each day’s food Can we afford the price of not but they affect blood glucose living healthily? levels so choose ones which are slowly absorbed such as Eating Healthily to pasta, basmati or easy-cook rice, Manage Diabetes granary or rye bread, new or There has been a large increase in sweet potatoes and oat-based the number of people in the UK cereals like porridge or natural diagnosed with diabetes over the muesli. Other healthy sources of last few years. This not only has carbohydrates include wholegrain significant implications for those starchy foods, fruit and vegetables, individuals but is also placing a great pulses and some dairy foods. strain on NHS resources. Although • Eat less fat. Try unsaturated fats it is vital to seek medical advice and and oils like extra virgin olive oil treatment, there are things which can and rapeseed oil, as these are be done to help prevent the illness better for the heart. Use semi- or to cope with it. Eating healthily skimmed milk and other low-fat can play an important part in doing dairy products. Grilling, steaming so. As well as helping to manage or baking foods is healthier than diabetes, the following list offers frying. Limit overall intake if you positive advice to anyone who wishes are aiming to lose weight. to maintain a healthy diet. • Five-a-day: Aim to eat five portions Tips for managing diabetes and of fruit and vegetables every day healthy living to give the body the vitamins • Eat regular meals, spaced evenly it needs. One portion could be throughout the day. This will a piece of fruit, say a banana or help control appetite and blood apple, a small glass of fruit juice glucose levels. Portion sizes or three heaped tablespoons of should be kept under control if vegetables. weight watching is a priority. This • Eat plenty of beans. Beans, lentils can be done by using smaller and pulses are high in fibre and do plates, dishing up vegetables not have a big impact on blood first for main meals so that they glucose. Kidney beans, chickpeas, occupy more space on the plate, green lentils and even baked not piling foods on top of each beans can be used in a variety of 23 meals including casseroles, soups and vegetables, can contribute to and salads. the total. • Eat more fish. Oily fish such • Don’t bother with so-called as mackerel, sardines, salmon diabetic foods. They offer no and trout are particularly good benefit to people with diabetes because they are rich in omega-3, and may still affect blood glucose which helps protect against heart levels. They can contain as much disease, a higher risk for people fat and calories as ordinary with diabetes. versions, can have a laxative effect • Cut back on sugar. It is all right and are often expensive. to include some sugar as part of • Whilst taking all of these tips a healthy, balanced diet but aim into account, it is important to to have less of it by using other remember that food is also for sweeteners or choosing sugar-free enjoyment and that there is no drinks. However, sugary drinks harm in treating ourselves if not are good for hypoglycaemia – low done to excess. blood glucose level. Further information and ideas for • Reduce consumption of salt. Too healthy meals can be obtained by much salt increases high blood visiting Diabetes UK on their website pressure, which in turn increases www.diabetes.org.uk or by phoning the risk of heart disease. Cutting 0345 123 2399. back on processed foods will also decrease salt intake. A Good Night’s Sleep Advice from Age UK • Drink sensibly. The recommended alcohol limit for men and women It’s common to have trouble sleeping is no more than 14 units per week. as we get older because our sleep One unit is a single measure of patterns naturally change. The spirits (25ml), half a pint of normal struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep strength lager, beer or cider or leaves many of us tired and perhaps a 125ml glass of wine. It is not a grumpy the next day. It’s a myth that good idea to drink on an empty we need less sleep as we get older stomach, especially if you take but we are less able to stay asleep as insulin or medicines that put we age. you at risk of hypos – low blood When sleeplessness becomes a glucose levels. Drink 8-10 glasses regular occurrence this condition is of fluid each day. Water is best but defined as insomnia, which is more milk, tea and coffee, herbal teas common in women than men. It and some foods, particularly fruit can be triggered by a stressful event, health problems and medication 24 including beta-blockers and HRT. VISTA is based in Earlsdon, Insomnia can have a huge impact on but uses locations in the daily life. For example, it can affect Warwickshire countryside for its your mood and your appetite. It can organised rides. Using tandems, also increase the risk of accidents and sighted adults act as ‘pilots’ riding injuries. Studies show that people at the front while visually impaired with insomnia are more likely to members ride at the rear. suffer from anxiety, depression, heart The aims of VISTA are to enable the failure and diabetes. visually impaired to discover and Experts agree that the following enjoy the pleasures of cycling and to good habits can contribute to a good create a ‘fun’ atmosphere whereby night’s sleep. visually impaired and sighted people • Go to bed and get up at the same can relax and enjoy each other’s time every day company, make friends and enjoy • Establish a bedtime routine healthy exercise. VISTA encourages • Make sure that your bed and family participation in all of their bedding are comfortable activities. • Avoid caffeine, nicotine and There is a Rides Calendar, which alcohol in the evening provides details of events that take • Don’t eat a heavy meal late at place on Tuesday evenings during night the summer. In addition, members • Avoid exercise in the evening are allowed to use the bikes for ad • Cut out daytime naps hoc and weekend rides if permission • Keep your bedroom cool and dark is obtained. Safety is paramount in • Ban TV and computers from the all activities; riders are trained and bedroom expected to be reasonably fit. For further help you could try asking This year’s calendar includes your pharmacist for advice but if destinations throughout the county your sleeping problems last for more than a month it’s a good idea to see your GP. On a Bicycle Made for Two If you are looking for a different way of exercising, getting out more in the fresh air and making new friends, VISTA (Coventry Visually Impaired and Sighted Tandem Association) may be just the opportunity for you. 25 such as The Hatton Arms in Hatton, Speech Problems The Royal Oak in Brandon and The Can the person speak clearly and Queen and Castle in Kenilworth. understand what you say? Rides are £2 per session or £20 for the Time season. to call 999 In addition to rides, VISTA also offers a varied social programme, particularly during the winter months, which includes quiz nights, guest speakers, beer and skittle matches and theatre visits. VISTA always welcomes new members, visually impaired or sighted. If you are interested in joining please contact Clive Rayner on 07767 156 056. You can also visit their website at www.vista.org.uk Act FAST Campaign The symptoms of a stroke are easy In more detail the symptoms of to recognize, but do you know what stroke are they are and what to do? Public • Sudden weakness or numbness of Health England has just been running the face, arm or leg on one side of its annual campaign to remind the body people what to look out for. It uses a • Sudden loss or blurring of vision, simple acronym to act as a reminder - in one or both eyes F-A-S-T. • Sudden difficulty speaking or The letters F-A-S-T are the initials of understanding spoken language the Face, Arm and Speech Test, and it • Sudden confusion should be the response to any one of • Sudden or severe headache with the symptoms. no apparent cause Facial weakness • Dizziness, unsteadiness or a Can the person smile? sudden fall, especially with any of Has their mouth or eye dropped? the other signs Arm weakness Why act FAST? Can the person raise both arms? Stroke is a medical emergency. By calling 999, you can help someone reach hospital quickly and receive the 26 early treatment they need. Prompt Warwickshire Vision Support provides action can prevent further damage rehabilitation services on behalf of to the brain and help someone make Warwickshire County Council. It also a full recovery. Delay can result in runs Vision Support Centres all over death or major long-term disabilities, the county where nearly-blind and such as paralysis, severe memory blind people drop in and discuss loss and communication problems. any problem they may have with Ambulance crews use FAST and with managing their daily lives. It also hospital staff can act fast to identify runs an excellent IT department, and diagnose a stroke quickly. helping people with problems If you suspect a stroke, act FAST and particular to sight loss. call 999 WVS’s intervention resulted in me having an appointment with Mr My Sudden Loss of Sight Chris Baddon, the Vitreo Retinal Harold Smart, Kenilworth Consultant, explained in detail what I woke up on 26th August 2016 and had occurred in my eye. I had had was aware of a slight mist in my left a bleed through my retina, which eye. As the day progressed the mist whilst unusual was not rare. It had became thicker and by the next day I spread over the retina, blanking out could no longer see shapes, only light any light reaching it from the lens. or dark. Unfortunately, this was the He further pointed out that it was better of my two eyes, the right one customary to leave matters for two having severe macular degeneration, months to see if the eye would self- so my clear seeing range is now repair but after this time a surgical limited to some 2 metres. I now had procedure may be considered. to stop a bus to ask the driver its Early in November I was asked to number! attend for an examination by Mr I immediately reported my difficulty Baddon. He gave my eye a thorough to the Machen Eye Unit at Warwick examination and pronounced that he Hospital, where I had been under would operate the following Monday. treatment for the last 14 years, It was at 13.00 hours on 14th and was seen the same day. The November I attended the Machen gentleman I saw was unhelpful – Unit operating suite and was responding to my many questions prepared for the procedure. My left with the phrase ‘We’ll see’. This eye was heavily anaesthetised and left me in a state of considerable other tests carried out. After a time depression. Luckily I contacted I was wheeled into the operating Warwickshire Vision Support through theatre where I became aware of a one of its Vision Support Centres. pair of very expensive binoculars for 27 the surgeon’s use mounted above my head. Autumn An incision was made at the lower Schplat, a hefty thwack right corner of my right eye to gain Creates vibrations, access to the eye cavity. I was told He swings helplessly, afterwards that Mr Baddon then Spins make him dizzy. carefully evacuated all debris that had accumulated. He also had to Something steadies him, carry out a similar operation to the His innards settle, rear of my lens. The next act was to Composure returns, insert an air bubble into the cavity, presumably to compensate for A steely resolve. the release of pressure when the His glossy, brown skin insertion was made. Finally, two Remains unbroken. stitches were used to re-seal the cavity. He’s come a long way Since his exposure. I was then allowed to sit up and discovered a label had been attached He was protected, to my right-hand wrist stating that Cushioned when falling, ‘On no account was I to attempt By spiky armour, altitude or flying in aircraft’. I was told Which was cut away. later that this would be for about a month, but I would be notified. I also Mortally wounded? discovered that I now had sight in No, he’s still intact, my left eye, albeit blurry. This quickly Thanks to the heating disappeared as it was dressed and then covered with a shell to protect it And acetic bath. from damage overnight. He gains momentum The day after I had an appointment And returns that blow, with Mr Baddon, who removed the Noting the result cover and inspected my eye. He With satisfaction. pronounced it OK and asked how I could see. I was able to report that I A shoe lace shivers, could see better than I had for a year Dangles before him. or so. He’s undisputed I thanked him sincerely for his help Champion conker! and assistance. Sheila Venville, Warwick

28 Leisure Fun in the Sun into knee deep water to wade ashore Maggie Bowes, Warwick where the wedding was to take place on the beach. Everyone needs a holiday - I had the opportunity of a lifetime! After several days of tropical luxury we returned by speed boat to Koh My partner’s daughter was getting Samui and then flew to Chiang married and chose to have her Mai where we started our bespoke wedding in Thailand so we travelled tour on our own, which had been there to share that special occasion arranged by my partner’s son-in-law and decided to take the opportunity who works for a travel company. to have a holiday afterwards. We are both totally blind so we wondered Early next morning we were met how it would work out travelling on by our two tour guides and a driver our own. and car, which were at our disposal for the tour. We were taken to buy We had a long flight from to offerings of food to give as alms to Bangkok and then a local flight to the the Buddhist monks who parade island of Koh Samui where we stayed barefoot through the streets. Next, a couple of nights before a very we had a ride on a rickshaw taking thrilling journey by speed boat across in the sounds and smells of the local the sea to Koh Pha Ngan (The Island streets and market, weaving through of Love) where we had to disembark the horn blasting traffic. We then visited a Buddhist temple complex high up on a mountainside and were able to feel statues of lions, Buddhas and several other figures. We were introduced to a monk who blessed us by tying a bracelet of string round our wrists. The following day we were driven to Patara Elephant Farm, en route stopping to be shown how rice grows in a paddy field. The elephant farm has a breeding programme and teaches visitors how to care for the animals, including bathing them in a stream, brushing them with a branch, checking their 29 eyes, ears and feet, and I even had to hold on to other than the top to inspect their dung, but since I of the elephant’s head. After am a guide dog owner this wasn’t a about a 20 minute ride we were problem for me! photographed by the park staff We each then were able to clamber holding hands with each other from on to the bare back of our own one elephant’s back to the other elephant by placing a foot on its whilst the elephants entwined their knee, flinging one arm over its back trunks. and hauling ourselves aboard. The The next day we drove several miles Mahout then asked us to inch our from Chiang Mai into the foothills to way forwards till we were sitting a tribal village. En route we stopped astride the elephant’s neck with our off at a silk factory and were shown knees just behind it’s huge ears, the process of silk making from the which flapped gently as we rode. worm to the end product. In the It was quite scary as you are about inevitable gift shop there were some 10 feet off the ground with nothing lovely things such as silk headscarves, pyjamas, nightdresses, etc. – but all sadly very expensive! After arriving at the tribal village we met a local lady who fed us in her home. We walked up to a waterfall where we were told the view of the mountains was fantastic. For us the sound of the water falling several hundred feet below sounded like music and was very relaxing. In the village we were shown coffee beans growing and we felt lots of exotic fruits such as jackfruit and durian, which famously smells like vomit but is supposed to taste wonderful. After another night in our hotel we flew back to Bangkok where we met two new tour guides who expertly introduced us to many Buddhist temples in the city and to the Grand Palace. In each of these venues we were allowed to feel many statues 30 of Buddhas and various animals Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and birds. This Trust runs the properties with We visited a floating market, which Shakespeare had a connection which entailed travelling along in Stratford on Avon. It has recently a network of canals in long tail been awarded funds to improve boats whilst vendors in their boats access to its collection through audio come alongside to sell their goods and tactile images. The audio will including grilled bananas, ice cream, increase access and be available on mango and sticky rice pudding. line. Local Visually Impaired People I enjoyed going round a coconut are being asked what would enhance farm feeling all the products made their experience at the Birthplace from various parts of the coconut Trust properties. such as soap, bowls and utensils - and drinking the milk. Why not take up Golf? Sadly this fantastic holiday came to Visual impairment is no barrier to an end and it was time to get back to playing golf. At present there are 60 reality. However, one final experience VIPs playing golf in this country. One was to be served champagne during of them is the Chairman of England the long flight back to the UK & Wales Blind Golf - the organisation because the flight attendants were so that is there to help. impressed with what we’d achieved. If your sight disability qualifies you to become a member you are eligible Shakespeare’s Plays to have six free lessons with no At the Royal Shakespeare Company’s obligation. The Association also pays three theatres in Stratford, Audio for the training programme that is Description is usually available run three or four times each year. You for two performances of every will of course need a sighted guide. production during each season. In To find out more about England & addition there is a range of facilities Wales Blind Golf visit blindgolf.co.uk for VIPs. or call the New Members Secretary, Steve Beevers on 0151 632 3863 For information on a range of sporting opportunities visit britishblindsport.org.uk or call 01926 424247

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WarwickshireVision_A4_2016.indd 1 21/10/2016 10:08:51 Sailing with EAST East Anglian Sailing Trust Harold Smart, Kenilworth EAST is a registered charity that was The East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) established at the end of 1996 and is is a charity providing sailing facilities run entirely by volunteers. It is based for disabled people, especially those at Suffolk Yacht Harbour at Levington, who are visually impaired. Members near Ipswich, on the River Orwell. It of the Trust use their own yachts to provides disabled people and their run cruises for VIPs. friends and helpers the opportunity I have enjoyed cruises in members’ to enjoy regular sailing in a safe yachts over the last two years environment, using specialist including a weekend sail in June and equipment where necessary. EAST have booked a one-week cruise for has no paid staff and relies totally on September. its volunteers. In addition, there is continuing support from local sailing Yachts are equipped with an audio organisations and their members, compass, which blips high notes as well as funding from a number of when you drift to port and low sources, both local and national. notes when you move to starboard. This enables the VIP sailor to keep There is now a fleet of 12 keelboats an accurate course without being and two support boats. Disabled able to see the compass. Sighted sailing evenings are run at least members of the crew keep watch so twice weekly and most weekends that other craft can be avoided. throughout the summer. An annual taster day is held to attract new participants to sailing. EAST has hosted the UK National Blind Sailing Championships four times since 2009. In the Waterside Centre there are dedicated accessible changing rooms as well as a training room and boat maintenance facilities. To find out more about cruising for visual impaired people with EAST e-mail [email protected]

33 Warwickshire Vision is distributed FREE to all Spread the cost with members of Warwickshire Vision Support This publication is also available in digital audio, Sight and Sound Technology Braille and by email Did you know that you can now spread the cost on purchases over For more information, please contact us £100.00? DivideBuy is an interest-free credit provider working in partnership with  01926 411331 Sight and Sound Technology Limited, bringing you 0% APR credit on Email: [email protected] selected products online. Website: www.warwickshire.vision Spread the cost on one or multiple Warwickshire Vision Support is the operating name qualifying items, including upgrades, online of Warwickshire Association for the Blind by simply clicking the DivideBuy button. 90 A company limited by guarantee Dependent on the value of your order, you can choose instalment Registered in England and Wales Number 6511954 options from 3 to 12 months, and your application will take 90 seconds. Once approved, you electronically sign your agreement and we will Charity Registration Number 1123220 process your order. Typical Example of payments for Ruby 7HD. 3 6 9 12 Instalments Instalments Instalments Instalments RUBY 7 HD £233.00 £116.50 £77.66 £58.25

Acknowledgements For more information visit Grateful thanks are expressed to Kenilworth Talking News www.sightandsound.co.uk/hardware/video-magnifier/handheld-video- Association for producing the digital audio version of Warwickshire magnifier/ruby7.html Vision and to Phil Arkell for the layout of the printed version. We acknowledge the use of information from Connect, Instalment Plans are provided by DivideBuy (DivideBuy is a trading Coventry Telegraph, Diabetes UK, RNIB, name of Rematch Credit Limited, company number 08097204. and Telegraph Magazine. Rematch Credit is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, Views expressed in Warwickshire Vision are not necessarily those of registered number 626266.) the management of Warwickshire Vision Support. For more information: Call 01604 798070 or Email [email protected] 34 Spread the cost with Sight and Sound Technology Did you know that you can now spread the cost on purchases over £100.00? DivideBuy is an interest-free credit provider working in partnership with Sight and Sound Technology Limited, bringing you 0% APR credit on selected products online. Spread the cost on one or multiple qualifying items, including upgrades, online by simply clicking the DivideBuy button. 90 Dependent on the value of your order, you can choose instalment options from 3 to 12 months, and your application will take 90 seconds. Once approved, you electronically sign your agreement and we will process your order. Typical Example of payments for Ruby 7HD. 3 6 9 12 Instalments Instalments Instalments Instalments RUBY 7 HD £233.00 £116.50 £77.66 £58.25

For more information visit www.sightandsound.co.uk/hardware/video-magnifier/handheld-video- magnifier/ruby7.html

Instalment Plans are provided by DivideBuy (DivideBuy is a trading name of Rematch Credit Limited, company number 08097204. Rematch Credit is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered number 626266.)

For more information: Call 01604 798070 or Email [email protected] ck rwi shi a re Your Local Vision Support Centre W is there to help you with all V i t si o r your sight needs o n S u p p

St Mary’s Church Alternate Wednesdays Atherstone Church Street 10 am - 11.30 am Atherstone CV9 1HH Quakers Meeting House Every Friday Coventry Hill Street 10 am - 12 noon Coventry CV1 4AN Chandos Court Every Monday Leamington Chandos Street 10 am - 12 noon Leamington Spa CV32 4YU The Methodist Church Every Thursday Nuneaton Abbey Street 10 am - 12 noon Nuneaton CV11 5BX Rugby Baptist Church Every Wednesday Rugby Regent Place 10 am - 12 noon Rugby CV21 2AG The Christadelphian Church Stratford- Every Tuesday Rother Street upon-Avon 10 am - 12 noon Stratford CV37 6LU

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