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Summer 2019 ck rwi shi a re W

V i t si o r o n S u p p Vision Celebrating Our Volunteers

Warwickshire Vision Support

Your Local Charity for Local People Anniversary offers

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To find out more Call 01604 798070 Visit www.sightandsound.co.uk Offer ends 31st August 2019 Contents AGM...... 4 Sight Village Central...... 4 Editorial...... 5 News from Warwickshire Vision Support...... 6 Phil’s Blog...... 6 WVS at Westminster...... 7 New year – New Roles!...... 8 Kate Perkins...... 8 Joanne Swann...... 9 High Sheriff visits Leamington Vision Support Centre...... 9 Open Forum - 10th April 2019...... 10 Robert Franklin...... 12 Health...... 13 Hallucinations...... 13 I Blink...... 14 Blood Pressure...... 15 Stickler Syndrome...... 15 OXSIGHT : Wendy’s View...... 16 WVS People...... 18 Our Wonderful Volunteers...... 18 Volunteer Excellence Awards 2019...... 19 Consumer Matters...... 25 The Priority Service Register...... 25 Accessible Smart Meters available now ...... 26 Switching Suppliers ...... 28 Thank you’s...... 29 Features and Leisure...... 30 Blind sailor completes non- stop Pacific voyage...... 30

3 Blind Paralympian conquers London Marathon...... 31 Richard Turner – The Cheat...... 31 Police Emergency?...... 33 The Silent Solution system - 55...... 33 Speed Limits...... 34 Silent Vehicles...... 35 Driverless Cars...... 35 Audio Description...... 37 Acknowledgements...... 38

AGM There will be an Annual General Meeting of Warwickshire Vision Support on Friday 18th October 2019. Details of time and venue will be provided when available.

Sight Village Central Sight Village Central will take place on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th July 2019 at Cranmore Park Conference and Events Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Solihull B90 4LF. Doors open at 9.30 am both days and close at 4 pm on the 9th and 3 pm on the 10th - the event is FREE to visit. A full programme of seminars and workshops will take place on both days and full information will be posted on the website nearer the date. For information about how to get to the venue, please go to [email protected], qacsightvillage.org.uk or call one of the team on 0121 428 5041 - they will be happy to help!

4 Rosemary Went, Editor Rosalie Visick, Co-editor

Editorial Welcome to the Summer edition of representing support, friendship Warwickshire Vision. and unity with a pupil in the centre The 75th anniversary of the D-Day representing vision and around the landings was commemorated on 6th eye are the words Warwickshire June but the same week, beginning Vision Support. Circling the logo 3rd June, was Volunteer Week, are the words Volunteer Excellence when Warwickshire Vision Support Award. Each winner was presented celebrated Our Wonderful Volunteers. with one of these paperweights together with a personal framed Unfortunately it has only been certificate. You can read about possible to feature a handful of the services they are giving in the our many volunteers in this issue. Volunteer Excellence Awards 2019 Volunteers are the people who give article. their time to enable our Association to provide the charitable services In this issue there is a new section that it does. on Consumer Matters that provides information on the utility services. The image on the cover is of a glass paperweight and is shown a little We learn of VIPs achievements and larger than the object. The glass is raising our profile at Westminster. clear, it has a raised rim round the If you would like to contribute to a edge and it is engraved underneath. Christmas edition please get in touch Engraved in the centre is our before the end of September. logo - a pair of light blue, cupped We wish you a pleasant summer. hands forming the shape of an eye,

5 News from Warwickshire Vision Support Phil’s Blog Warwickshire CAVA (Community (from Phil Arkell, CEO) and Voluntary Action) awards in recognition of going the extra mile Volunteer Excellence Awards for those they support. We look This edition of Warwickshire Vision forward to seeing whether they will celebrates our wonderful Volunteers be successful. and the amazing roles they perform on behalf of Warwickshire Vision Volunteering for WVS Support. It is no exaggeration to say The facts and figures about the work that our clubs, home visitor service of Our Wonderful Volunteers appears and of course this magazine would in the article of that name. In total, not exist without the commitment it is remarkable to think that about and dedication of so many people, 19,100 hours are donated annually whilst our Support Centres, IT to our services This is the equivalent training and admin support would of over 10 full time staff that would be impoverished without such a cost the charity almost £220,000 to valuable contribution. employ. This year sees the inauguration of It really is quite humbling to see just what will be our annual Volunteer how much support we receive. Excellence Awards. This is our way On behalf of the Trustees, Staff and of saying thank you and celebrating Service Users, I want to say thank you the generosity of spirit of so many to every one of the 243 Volunteers people. who support our activities. We really As with any awards, identifying the couldn’t do it without you. winners is always very challenging. Volunteering Opportunities We started with a very long list of Despite the incredible support we deserving candidates and it was only receive from our Volunteers, we after a series of meetings that we still need to recruit more people. were able to whittle the numbers Some of our existing volunteers down. I am acutely aware that some are approaching retirement, whilst very deserving people will be passed our desire to develop new services over this year but we plan to remedy creates new demand and sometimes this situation next year. a different range of skills. I would also like to say that we If you know of anyone who might like nominated two of our volunteers, to volunteer for WVS please ask them Andrew Harris (IT trainer, ) to contact us. We have many exciting and Meryl Beck (Leamington Club opportunities. and Support Centre) for external 6 Running for WVS Assistive Technology is an umbrella By the time this magazine is term that includes a wide range of published, Louise Jelley, our Senior assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative Vision Support Officer/Fundraiser will devices for people with disabilities have completed the Two Castles Run and/or the elderly population with and Liz Thiebe (Chair) and Richard the prime objective of increasing Orme (Vice Chair) will have run the independence and personal Leamington Half Marathon – all in decision-making. aid of Warwickshire Vision Support. Warwickshire Vision Support I would like to congratulate them on promotes the use of assistive their exertions and thank everyone technology across all its services, who has sponsored them. ranging from liquid level indicators WVS at Westminster to reduce the incidence of scalding, through talking glucose monitors Warwickshire Vision Support was to help manage diabetes, to using among a number of charities and tablets and smart phones to access businesses that joined forces to information and keep in touch with demonstrate to decision makers loved ones. the power of, and opportunities for, assistive technology at the Leonard Although the majority of exhibitors Cheshire Assistive Technology were manufacturers demonstrating Showcase event hosted at Portcullis their products, Liz Rosewell House, Westminster on 8th May. (IT Trainer) and Richard Orme Attendees at the event included the (Vice Chair) were there to show Minister of State for Care, Caroline the practical benefits that digital Dinenage MP, also local Members technology can bring to everyday life of Parliament, Mark Pawsey (Rugby for people living with sight loss. and Bulkington) and Matt Western They pointed out that many of ( and Leamington). the people that Warwickshire

7 Vision Support helps feel cut off by all of the charitable services that our digital technology. They cannot Vision Support Officers provide. take advantage of online discounts, I will be working alongside Sue enjoy the convenience of online and Vicky who manage the Vision banking or keep in contact with Support Centres, Del who has friends and family through social taken on a new role as Volunteer media. We can give people the skills Co-ordinator and Liz who runs our and confidence to break down the Information Technology Training. The digital divide so they can remain Community Team has a new member independent and in control. of staff who will be working from Mark Pawsey and Matt Western within the Vision Support Centres as visited the Warwickshire Vision a ‘Supersaver,’ promoting innovative Support stall and were impressed ways for you to save money on by the technology on view and were your household bills. We have also very supportive of the IT training recruited an additional Volunteer that the charity has offered to people Co-ordinator and Assistant Vision living with sight loss in Warwickshire Support Officers. You will see me over the last 5 years. out and about at the Vision Support Speaking after the event, Liz Rosewell Centres on a more regular basis when said that it was a privilege to be able I am needed to cover staff absence or to demonstrate the life changing assist with a project. I look forward to nature of modern technology. seeing you all more. If you want to learn more about how Kate Perkins assistive technology can help you I recently joined Warwickshire Vision manage your sight loss, then why Support as a Community Support not visit one of our Vision Support Officer, with the unusual sub-title of Centres? ‘Supersaver’. Hopefully over the next New year – New Roles! few months I will be WVS’s ‘Money Louise Jelley Saving Expert’ with my role being to research and publicise the best utility, As you all know I have been working phone, water deals as well as other for Warwickshire Vision Support local offers that are available to help since last March as the Fundraising you save money. Officer. At the beginning of April this year I was appointed Senior Vision I live in Kenilworth and have two Support Officer. My new role is in grown up children, my son is due to addition to my fundraising role. I am graduate from Durham University now responsible for supervising the this summer and my daughter is Community Team and overseeing hopefully going to start university 8 trying to help provide some money saving tips for everyone over the forthcoming months. Joanne Swann Joanne Swann, who has been one of our Admin Officers for over 8 years is leaving WVS. She is moving on to fulfil her ambition to work in the funeral industry. On behalf of everyone at Warwickshire Vision Support, we would like to wish Joanne all the very best in her new role. High Sheriff visits Leamington this September depending on ‘A’ level Vision Support Centre results! On Monday 15th April 2019 I have run my own part time dog Clare Sawdon, the High Sheriff of grooming business for the past Warwickshire, visited our Leamington 12 years and have some very loyal Spa Vision Support Centre at customers who have been with me Chandos Court. Clare who has been from the start. I have three dogs of High Sheriff for the past year, has my own which keep me busy; two been actively involved with charities elderly Lhasa Apso’s, brother and sister Mabel and Monty, as well as a young Toy Poodle called Darcy who has been trained by my daughter and loves to do tricks and perform to an audience! In my spare time I love to play tennis for Kenilworth Tennis Club, and with their flood lights and artificial grass I manage to play all year round. I also enjoy cooking, specifically baking and cake decorating and enjoy gardening although I am only a novice. I am looking forward to the challenge of finding the best offers and 9 in Warwickshire and chose to come a result, referrals are now processed along and view our services in action. much more quickly, with a named Clare gave a brief talk about her worker being allocated straight background as a Justice of the Peace away. It has also enabled better and her time as High Sheriff and then communication between the she met with beneficiaries who were rehabilitation and community teams having IT Training and those that for an improved all-round service to were testing our different magnifiers users. with our Rehabilitation Team. We are Over the past year we have provided very appreciative of the time given a Rehabilitation Service to over 1,000 by Clare out of her busy schedule to people. There are 2,342 people come along and offer her support to registered blind or partially sighted our charity and our services. in Warwickshire, with 409 living in Thank You Clare Sawdon - Rugby and many more that are still High Sheriff of Warwickshire. unregistered. We aim to reach VIPs as early as possible in their eye care th Open Forum - 10 April 2019 journey as this means we can have a The Open Forum held in April at the greater impact. Rugby Vision Support Centre was Support Centre attendance across attended by members, volunteers, the county has increased by service users, staff and trustees. 15 per cent in the last 12 months. Janet Hurrell introduced the Support Centre has Trustees and conveyed apologies been replaced by pop-up support from Liz Thiebe (Chair of the Board centres in Coleshill, of Trustees). Judy Murdoch, Vice and Atherstone to better meet President, was also introduced. local needs and this is a service we Phil Arkell, CEO, had many new plan to expand. Two hundred and developments to report. Firstly eighty referrals each year to our he announced that the financial rehabilitation or charitable services position had improved, and in the come from Vision Support Centres. 2018-19 financial year the charity The Home Visitor Service has 92 had generated a small surplus, while people receiving home visits from 82 continuing to improve services. volunteers with each person visited This surplus had been achieved by receiving an average visit time of increased fundraising and reductions 40 hours per year. We are aiming in expenditure. to expand this service into south Admin systems have changed from west Warwickshire to cover , being paper based to an online Studley and Henley thanks to a grant cloud-based system, Charitylog. As from ‘Healthy South Warwickshire’. 10 We now have 14 clubs with 222 and more profile raising activities members and 76 volunteers. The so that we are better known within new club in Nuneaton is proving Warwickshire. popular with around 20 people De Montfort Talking Books has sadly attending each meeting. We also closed. The remaining books will be have bowls and luncheon clubs. sent to listeners who have requested Demand for the IT training sessions them and any that are left will be (IT4U) is rising and we are now donated to Vista Charity shops. running around 50 sessions Phil finished by thanking the per month. We have also been volunteers, staff and trustees for all demonstrating new devices such their hard work and support over as the In-Your-Pocket telephone. the past year. He then handed over Our Vice Chair will be joining Liz to Louise Jelley to say more about Rosewell, our IT trainer at the Houses fundraising. of Parliament in May to demonstrate equipment there. Louise reminded us that while the Rehabilitation service is funded We have Advice Desks at all eye by WCC, everything else we do is clinics in Warwickshire to help people financed by fundraising. She writes newly diagnosed with sight loss many grant applications to plead where we see over 200 people each our case for funds, mostly to local month. This is a free service, which organisations but also to national we are looking to expand if funding organisations such as the National becomes available. Lottery and Postcode Lottery. We Phil thanked all volunteers present. are always looking for corporate Some have been volunteering with sponsorships and need members WVS for many years, in particular, one and volunteers with connections lady has been making tea and cakes to organisations offering charitable since 1976 at the Alcester Club. In sponsorships to mention WVS. In total there are about 250 volunteers the past WVS has benefitted from a working for the charity. A new staff number of legacies and anyone in the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator has process of writing a will was asked to been created to give better support remember us. and training to volunteers and to A number of community events recruit new volunteers so that we can have raised funds for WVS. Stratford continue to develop our services. Edinburgh Woollen Mill held a Looking to the future, we are aiming fashion show raising £300, the to provide more services for ‘hard to Salvation Army charity carol service reach’ groups in Warwickshire, more in Rugby raised £350 and a craft fair support for economic well being in Leamington, for which WVS was 11 a nominated charity, raised over • Whether street collections are still £1000. Last year we sold Christmas worth doing. The reply was that cards for the first time and we are even though amounts raised have currently looking for images of local reduced over the years, it all helps scenes for this year’s Christmas cards. and also raises our profile. We have taken part in the green • Whether the £1 donation for token scheme at Asda and still have coffee could be increased. The collection boxes in local shops and reply was the donation will be card boxes to keep at home for small kept at £1 but anyone wishing to change. We are part of the Amazon donate more is welcome to do so. Smile system, so anyone ordering goods from Amazon is encouraged to • Whether we should ask people register for that. Louise has entered to order their Christmas cards in the Two Castles race and is also advance. The reply was that pre- looking for sponsors and finally our ordering will be available around Chair and Vice Chair of Trustees will August/September. run the Leamington half marathon The meeting was closed and was in aid of WVS. As well as fundraising, followed by informal discussion, all these activities help to raise our when members had an opportunity profile in the community. to ask questions of the CEO and Following Louise’s talk, questions Trustees. were invited and the following topics were raised:

Robert Franklin On Sunday 5th May 2019 the annual Rugby Sports Day for the Disabled was held at the Queens Diamond Jubilee Centre in Rugby. Robert Franklin, one of our service users who attends our Rugby Vision Support Centre, was awarded a trophy for ‘Endeavour’ for his participation in the Target Bean Bag competition. Congratulations to Robert.

12 Health • Blink your eyes once or twice. Hallucinations • A specific eye movement exercise. Charles Bonnet Syndrome is the When the hallucination starts, name used to describe hallucinations. look from left to right about once Hallucinations are illusions - seeing every second for 15 seconds things that are not there. The without moving your head. If hallucinations can take many forms, the hallucination continues, have each unique to the individual, and a rest for few seconds and then when appearing for the first time repeat the eye movements. You can be frightening. To anyone who may need four or five repeats of knows nothing of Charles Bonnet the eye movements to have an Syndrome the illusions might lead effect but there is no point in them to doubt their sanity. However, continuing beyond this if there is not only is Charles Bonnet Syndrome no benefit. a recognized condition but there are • Shine a torch upwards in front of coping strategies. the eyes - NOT INTO THE EYES - and the light stimulates the cone Some general ‘brain shunting’ cells - so the brain switches off the strategies to help stop hallucinations hallucination. whey they occur • If sitting, try standing up and It is very hard and extremely walking round the room. If wearing to have your life disrupted standing, try sitting. Walk into consistently by hallucinations - another room or another part of particularly if it is not easy to decide the room. whether or not the image is created • Turn your head slowly to one side by your brain or is real. If you are and then the other. Dip your head in unfamiliar surroundings, please to each shoulder in turn. check the area before you move - just • Stare straight ahead at the in case the dog/cat/person is not a hallucination. hallucination. • Change whatever it is you are If you find the hallucinations doing at that moment - turn off/ completely impossible to tolerate, on the television/radio/music. ask your GP for advice - it may be Other strategies target the brain possible to take medication, but regions involved in hallucinations. there is always the probability of These include side-effects. • Change the light level in the room. This is advice provided by Esme’s It might be the dim light that is Umbrella, a support group for causing the hallucinations. If so people experiencing Charles Bonnet turn a bright light on or off. syndrome – 020 739 3299 13 I Blink A poem about Charles Bonnet Syndrome Paul Bowler, Coleshill

The girl dances around my coffee cup Blonde, petite in Lilliputian splendour Pirouetting between the jammy dodgers I blink On the train home the backs of the two seats Morph into the twin shrines of the Aztec temple That I once saw on a trip to Mexico I blink Someone's put a scaffold around my fireplace Workers busy building, sawing, hammering Who said they could redevelop my lounge? I blink It's evening now, and I'm watching the news As Roman soldiers march from the kitchen Caesar wants to conquer my hallway, it seems I blink She's back again, as I turn out the light Life size now. Too big to dance round a mug I think, perhaps, she might be someone famous I blink Because the things I'm seeing are not real And my brain is trying to fill in the gaps Left by those in my vision, and because I'm tired I blink Because it was an overcast day in mid December When even the sun seemed to be deserting us And streetlights and ceiling lights were poor substitutes I blink Will I need to blink so much tomorrow?

14 Blood Pressure Sometimes high BP can be caused by There are at least 5 million adults medication. Anti-inflammatories such in the UK who have raised blood as ibuprofen and naproxen, steroids pressure, one in three of whom and the combined contraceptive remain undiagnosed. pill and HRT can push it up in some women. Over-the counter cold and You can help to lower your own high flu remedies can have a similar, albeit blood pressure by losing weight, transient effect. drinking alcohol only in moderation, eating a healthy balanced diet that Stickler Syndrome is low in salt, take more exercise and Stickler syndrome is frequently avoid too much caffeine. If you are inherited from one parent. It is prone to stress consider relaxation caused by mutations in several genes techniques and stop smoking. If you and is also known as hereditary are a heavy snorer, mention it to your arthro-opythalmo-dystrophy, doctor, as disturbed sleep can raise hereditary arthro-ophthalmopathy blood pressure. and Stickler dysplasia. NHS advice is that everyone over Marshall syndrome is very similar to 40 should have their BP checked at Stickler syndrome. least once every 5 years, and more Stickler syndrome is a group of frequently if borderline or high. conditions characterized by a Buy your own machine and record distinctive facial appearance, eye your readings two or three times abnormalities, hearing loss and a day over a week to get the best joint problems. Faces can appear picture of what your BP is really like. flattened, as the bones in the Your pharmacist or GP practice can middle of the face, including the provide you with the parameters for cheekbones and the bridge of the normal blood pressure. nose are undeveloped. Mutations Try a dietary or lifestyle change of the genes of people with Stickler before, or as well as, medication. Pills syndrome affect the production are a supplement to, not a substitute of collagens that provide the for, self-help measures. connective tissue in the body. The most commonly used drugs Many people with Stickler syndrome include those ending in –pine (e.g. have severe short sightedness (high amlodipine) and -pril or -sartan (e.g. myopia). The condition has been perindopril and losartan), which divided into a number of Types. work by relaxing blood vessels, and Stickler syndrome affects an diuretics, which help by getting rid of estimated 1 in 7,500 to 9,000 fluid (e.g. bendroflumethiazide) newborns. 15 OXSIGHT : Wendy’s View I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa when I was 7 years old. Retinitis Pigmentosa causes a loss of peripheral vision and a sensitivity to light. As a child I didn’t want to be treated differently, I never Do you have tunnel vision? talked about my eyesight at school but at the same time never felt as connected as other children. I was at OXSIGHT smart glasses can enhance the remaining sight for individuals with a visual impairment, such as conditions that cause peripheral vision times considered ‘dangerous’ with a loss, for example Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa, hockey stick! Myopic Degeneration, and other degenerative eye diseases. By the age of 30 my eyesight had They have also helped people with a visual impairment caused deteriorated and my night vision was following a stroke, such as homonymous hemianopia. dreadful. “I used to bump into a lot of lamp posts”. Even, when things became difficult for me at work I still Following a successful visit to did not want to admit to anyone that Warwickshire Vision in the spring, I was going blind. I didn’t want to be we wanted to share experiences labelled, I wanted a normal life. from members who currently have When I left my job due to the glasses and give more of you the difference to my life. Once I adjust opportunity to try them. redundancy, I finally admitted that them to the lighting conditions I I needed help. Within a couple of ‘zoom in’ and have for the first time Please feel free to drop in to one of the months I was given Lily, my beautiful in years seen my grandson play dates below. guide dog. football and the greatest gift of Earlier this year I was at the Nuneaton all has been to be able to see my 13 November - Rugby Vision Support Vision Support Centre when a youngest grandchild who is just over Centre, 10am - 12pm company called OXSIGHT visited. 12 months old. 14 November - Nuneaton Vision They demonstrated a pair of glasses To see the baby and my other Support Centre, 10am - 12pm called OXSIGHT Crystal. I tested grandchildren is the biggest benefit a pair out and for the first time in for me. I am no longer just seeing a 18 November - Vision years was able to see the heads dot of an image. The glasses have Support Centre, 10am - 12pm and shoulders of my friends at the given me confidence and I look Support Centre. 19 November - Stratford-upon-Avon forward to being able to see more Vision Support Centre, 10am - 12pm I now have a pair of OXSIGHT Crystal people and more places. glasses and they have made a real If you are unable to attend, please contact us for more information. 01865 580255 · [email protected] · oxsight.co.uk 16

RetinaUK-Ad.indd 1 06/06/2019 14:27:13 Do you have tunnel vision?

OXSIGHT smart glasses can enhance the remaining sight for individuals with a visual impairment, such as conditions that cause peripheral vision loss, for example Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Myopic Degeneration, and other degenerative eye diseases.

They have also helped people with a visual impairment caused following a stroke, such as homonymous hemianopia.

Following a successful visit to Warwickshire Vision in the spring, we wanted to share experiences from members who currently have the glasses and give more of you the opportunity to try them.

Please feel free to drop in to one of the dates below.

13 November - Rugby Vision Support Centre, 10am - 12pm

14 November - Nuneaton Vision Support Centre, 10am - 12pm

18 November - Leamington Spa Vision Support Centre, 10am - 12pm

19 November - Stratford-upon-Avon Vision Support Centre, 10am - 12pm

If you are unable to attend, please contact us for more information. 01865 580255 · [email protected] · oxsight.co.uk

RetinaUK-Ad.indd 1 06/06/2019 14:27:13 WVS People Our Wonderful Volunteers service into south-west Warwickshire When we access a service or receive to cover Alcester, Studley and Henley a visit from a WVS Volunteer it is thanks to a grant from ‘Healthy South just one of the many thousands of Warwickshire’. interventions that WVS engages in The volunteers of our 14 clubs over the course of a year. For all of contribute around 8,500 hours us, the needs of the individual are annually in planning, hosting and paramount, but, as we celebrate the transporting! The new club in work of our Volunteers, it is right that Nuneaton is proving popular with we see the big picture, and just how around 20 people attending each extensively WVS does reach. session. Some clubs host special There are 2,342 people registered activities, such as bowling. blind or partially sighted in Vision Support Centre attendance Warwickshire, with many more across the county has increased by unregistered. Over the past year 15 per cent in the last 12 months. WVS has provided essential services Atherstone Support Centre has to over 1,000 people across the been replaced by pop-up support county, aiming to reach VIPs as early centres in Coleshill, Polesworth and as possible in their eye care journey. Atherstone to better meet local The two largest service groups are needs. WVS is planning to extend home visits and club volunteers, services to harder to reach clients in accounting for over 80 per cent of rural areas in the coming year as part our Volunteers donating 12,765 of raising the profile of the charity hours of their time annually. generally. The Home Visitor Service has 92 Demand for the IT training sessions people receiving home visits from (IT4U) is rising and is being met by 82 volunteers with each person around 50 sessions per month. receiving an average of 1.5 to There are 243 volunteers working 2 hours per visit amounting to for the charity across all the above about 40 hours per year. Together services together with this magazine with travelling time and resource and in administrative support. A new planning, Home Visit Volunteering staff role of Volunteer Co-ordinator contributes over 4,000 hours per year. has been created to give better These Volunteers help with reading support and training to volunteers mail and checking use-by dates and to recruit new volunteers so that in the fridge as well as providing services can continue to expand and company. The aim is to expand this develop.

18 Volunteer Excellence and Nuneaton, Dave was Awards 2019 one of the first to volunteer. Not only does he drive for this club but also Meryl Beck - Club, Vision Support provides support for other clubs. Centre and Fundraising Volunteer Meryl has been volunteering for Jenny Cobley - Stratford Club 3 years at our Leamington Spa Vision Jenny started at the Stratford ‘As You Support Centre and is also a lynch- Like It’ Club in 1994, firstly as club pin in the volunteer team of the helper, but quickly became Assistant Leamington Club. Chairperson then formally became Chairperson in 2001. She plans the Good Companions entertainment programme and Between 2006 and 2012 every provides transport. She is also summer Jenny and her husband took an active fundraiser for the club, a group of around 20 VIPs on holiday helping at all the local supermarket to the south coast, staying in hotels collections. designed and adapted for the sight impaired. Jenny describes these Meryl has planned an outing for the holidays as ‘tremendous fun’. Club on Toddington Railway for 30 VIPs and helpers. She has arranged Jenny works tirelessly and mini buses for transport, booked the professionally to run a very active accessible carriage and arranged and popular club and we are lunch. Meryl has gone the extra mile immensely grateful for everything to make sure that no one is excluded, that she does. ensuring that the mini buses and Hollie Hammond - Administration train are accessible to wheelchairs. Hollie came to WVS 3 years ago Dave Bosworth - Club and after meeting us at the Machen Eye Vision Support Centre Volunteer Unit at , where Dave started volunteering just over she was volunteering at the time. 12 months ago after he brought his She works with the Administration mum Joan to the Nuneaton Vision Team twice each week, helping with Support Centre and realised that he filing, archiving and mailshots but is could make a difference by helping always keen to get involved in other out. Dave is an integral member of activities. the team, arriving early to set up Hollie has represented us at and greet. Volunteer fairs and offered a helping He is committed and enthusiastic hand with fundraising and our social and always willing to go the extra clubs. This is alongside studying for mile. When it was decided in October a marketing degree. She is a very 2018 to start a VIP Club for people in committed and valued Volunteer of 19 ours who always strives to help out in to be able to use a mobile phone or every way possible. Hollie has found access talking books and news. WVS a rewarding and positive way In addition to volunteering for to use her time and we are grateful 2 hours a week at Nuneaton, Andrew for the effort and dedication she also makes himself available to continues to give. attend our other Support Centres Bill Hannis – Shipston Club (Rugby, Stratford and Leamington). Bill started as a driver for Shipston He regularly takes telephone calls Club in 2001/2, and around 2006 away from the Nuneaton Support was asked to become Chairman of Centre to help our service users with the Club. He was also a member of their devices and will also make the WVS Board for several years and home visits if additional support is was an organiser of the Centenary needed. Celebrations. Andrew has developed a website Bill actively rallies the volunteers and called Simply Informed – which club members and arranges street provides information for anyone collections in order to raise valuable working in a visual impairment funds for the Shipston Club. field to understand the basics of setting up smart phones, tablets and Bill has also been a club entertainer computers. There are links to other himself and given talks to a number useful websites. Andrew has created of our other WVS clubs across and maintains this website in his own Warwickshire. Bill continues to be time. the rock of Shipston Club, rallying around organising everyone and Andrew’s website: simplyinformed.uk driving the VIPs to and from the club, Bob Hessey - for which we are immensely grateful. Rugby Vision Support Centre Andrew Harris – Bob has volunteered in Rugby Vision Information Technology Support Centre since 2008, providing Andrew has been supporting a very personal service to all our visually impaired people on behalf visually impaired members. Bob of Warwickshire Vision Support for always makes new members feel over 3 years. He attends the weekly very welcome and knows everyone Nuneaton Vision Support Centre by what they drink firstly, then where he works on a 1:1 basis with their names, and has acquired the individuals who want to learn how nickname ‘Coffee Bob’. As soon as the to access the internet, social media doorbell rings he is there to welcome and emails and those that would like VIPs and make their drink, which is

20 often served before they have time to and service users ensuring that both take off their coats. parties have an enjoyable visit. When he has a spare minute he chats Sue is a huge asset to Warwickshire with the service users providing that Vision Support. much needed social and emotional Judy Murdoch - Volunteer (all areas) support. Bob also provides fantastic support to the staff. Judy has played a fundamental role in Warwickshire Vision Support (or Lesley House - Nuneaton and WAB as we were then known) since Bedworth Home Visitor Service. 1986. In fact there are not many roles Lesley has been Rota Organiser of the that Judy has not taken on! home visiting service in Nuneaton In addition to more than 10 years and Bedworth since the very running the Henley Club, Judy was beginning, some 10 years ago. She Chair of WAB for 3 years followed is well organised and meticulous, a by a further 3 years as a valued very committed volunteer. Lesley Trustee. During Judy’s tenure, liaises with the volunteers to arrange with the support of her Vice Chair, the visits and also slots herself into Vaughan Rees, she made the difficult the rota helping with the visits and decision to sell our office building in getting to know the clients. By doing Puckering’s Lane, Warwick thereby this she is able to match the right saving WAB from potential financial volunteer with the client depending ruin and releasing the resources on their need. She is very loyal, upon which we still rely today. caring, and communicates well with the clients and volunteers. Judy is a people person. She is a Home Visitor supporting those Lesley is well thought of and valued who are socially isolated, has given by her team and most certainly by innumerable talks to our clubs Warwickshire Vision Support for her about her extensive travels, and has time and dedication. organised the Annual Stratford and Sue Ling - South Warwickshire lunch for the last Kenilworth Reader Visitor Co-ordinater 20 years. Sue has been a volunteer with In 2008, Judy was made Vice Kenilworth Reader Visitor Service President of Warwickshire Vision for a number of years and recently Support, in recognition of her became the Co-ordinator for the commitment and dedication Service. to visually impaired people in She is a conscientious and dedicated Warwickshire. volunteer who adeptly organises the rota carefully matching volunteers 21 Judy Roberts - Alcester Club visits. She co-ordinates two separate Judy has been volunteering at the rotas always ensuring everyone has Alcester Club since it was launched their visits as requested. Maria will in 1976. Over the last 43 years, always step in herself to provide she has earned the Alcester Club additional visits should there be a a reputation for providing one shortfall during holidays. of the best afternoon teas in the She does an amazing juggling Charity - offering a wide selection act matching the service users’ of wonderful homemade cakes and availability with the volunteers, also sandwiches. taking into account their different Judy is now taking time to focus on interests and personalities. her family. She will be greatly missed As well as co-ordinating the by both members and volunteers. Leamington and Warwick Rotas Dr Siva - Rugby Home Visitor Maria is a Home Visitor in Stratford, demonstrating commitment and Dr Siva started volunteering for the enthusiasm for Warwickshire Vision Rugby Home Visiting Service in 1996 Support. and was soon asked to take on the role of Home Visitor Co-ordinator. Rosalie Visick – She ran this until she retired as Co- editor, Warwickshire Vision Co- ordinator a few years ago. Rosalie has been Co-editor of Dr Siva has visited and supported Warwickshire Vision for nearly 20 dozens of service users over the years years (originally WAB Mag.) During and up until recently was supporting this time, she has spent thousands five separate VIPs in their homes. of hours assiduously researching Dr Siva has provided resilience to articles, writing her own pieces, a service when it is needed and editing those submitted for her reliability and commitment is publication and contributing to the her strength. Dr Siva always goes audio production of the magazine. the extra mile and demonstrates Rosalie is a wonderful example of compassion and empathy with a person who shows that anything those most vulnerable in need of the is possible if we put our mind to it. greatest support. When she first joined the editorial Maria Smith - Leamington and team, Rosalie was registered Warwick Home Visitor Co-ordinator partially sighted; she has since Maria is a dedicated and passionate been registered blind and despite volunteer – nothing is too much being 86 years young, she still trouble; she will always try to makes an invaluable contribution to facilitate everyone’s requests for their Warwickshire Vision.

22 Mary Wilkins - Atherstone Club Mary additionally supports many Mary became involved in Atherstone other voluntary organisations, Club in the early 1990’s when she and as a result in May this year joined a team of volunteers who was rewarded with a visit to a were running a very successful club Buckingham Palace Garden Party, in for visually impaired people. In the recognition of her volunteer work past 2 years, Mary has taken on the and her positive impact on the local role of Club Leader/Co-ordinator and community. now runs the activities and ensures all the members enjoy the company and conversation provided on a bi- weekly basis.

ck rwi shi Serving all blind and partially a re sighted people in Warwickshire W

V i t si o r o n S u p p This Volunteer Excellence Award is Presented to: Insert Name In recognition of your outstanding contribution to services for visually impaired people in Warwickshire With sincere thanks

Phil Arkell (Chief Executive)

5 Charles Court, Road, Warwick. CV34 5LZ. Tel: 01926 411331, Email: [email protected], website: www.warwickshire.vision Warwickshire Vision Support is the operating name of Warwickshire Association for the Blind. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in and Wales No 6511954. Charity Registration No 1123220

23 Awardees from left to right: Hollie Hammond, Sue Ling, Judy Murdoch, Rosalie Visick, Meryl Beck and Phil Arkell CEO

Awardees from left to right: Lesley House, Andrew Harris, David Bosworth, Mary Wilkins and Phil Arkell

Maria Smith and Jenny Cobley Dr Siva 24 Consumer Matters The Priority Service Register • Bills sent to a relative, carer or Are you friend to help you check them • A pensioner? • Your bills and meter readings in • A disabled person? braille, large print, audio tape, • Hearing or visually impaired? textphone or typetalk if you’re visually impaired Or do you have • Help during an emergency such as • A chronic illness or long-term a power cut. medical condition? Case Study Then you may be entitled to sign up Client was referred by North to the Priority Service Register of your Warwickshire Borough Council to network operator (Western Power Citizens Advice . Distribution which maintains the She had given up her job as she has electricity lines and water supply to severe mental health issues. She your home) and your current energy was struggling to pay her bills and supplier. had problems with her ESA claim. There are a number of benefits to Her home was at risk as she had a being entered onto the Register. You mortgage that she could not afford. may be entitled to She had arrears with her energy • Advance notice if your energy supplier and had received poor supply is going to be interrupted advice from a local bank, which had • Priority reconnection if your compounded her problem. supply is interrupted Outcome - The client’s ESA claim • Alternative facilities for cooking was resolved. Citizens Advice (CA) and heating whilst your supply is assisted her with switching to a interrupted. new cheaper tariff and set up an • Password protection scheme arrangement with her supplier to • Regular meter readings if you can’t pay off her arrears in an affordable read your meter manner. She has been entered on • Annual gas safety checks to the Priority Service Register with Western Power Distribution for • Free advice on being more additional services. They applied to energy-efficient the Big Difference Scheme (Severn • Extra help to use your meter or Trent) and she is now receiving a appliances discount, saving her approximately • Having your meter moved free of £300 per year. Following a complaint charge if it’s hard for you to use or letter by CA to her bank, she received read your meter over £100 in compensation and 25 further assistance from the bank Priority Service Register. They can manager regarding her mortgage, also discuss how to make your home which is ongoing. In addition they more energy efficient. identified eligibility for the Warm For energy advice in North Home Discount, which is a saving of Warwickshire contact Lorraine Verrall £140 per year. CA continues to assist by phone on 01827 712852 or this client on other matters. e-mail: [email protected] In a climate of financial uncertainty There is a Citizens Advice in your area and reform, it can be challenging for a household to stay on top of its energy bills. Citizens Advice 10 Hamilton Terrace research shows that almost one in Leamington Spa CV32 4lY ten households fell behind with 0300 330 1183 an essential household bill over a Bedworth 12 month period. 25 Congreve Walk CV12 8LZ Citizens Advice North Warwickshire 02476 494 393/0300 330 1163 has been making people aware Stratford upon Avon of the savings that can be made 25 Meer Street CV37 6QB by switching fuel providers or 0300 330 1183 negotiating with existing providers by delivering a number of energy Rugby projects throughout the year. At 1st Floor, Chestnut House present, in conjunction with funding 32 North Street CV21 2AG from Western Power Distribution, it is 01788 566 238/0300 330 1163 promoting the benefits of the Priority Nuneaton Service Register and offering a ‘drop 23e Abbey Street CV11 5BT in’ service on Friday mornings. 02476 494 393/0300 330 1163 Switched on Fridays North Warwickshire Citizens Advice North Warwickshire The Parish Rooms, Welcome Street has set up a project in-house to Atherstone CV9 1DU promote its energy work. Clients can 01827 712 852 just ‘drop in’ to the office and receive Accessible Smart Meters initial help to find out if they can save money by changing to a cheaper available now Sue, Nuneaton tariff or supplier. Appointments can then be made to look at other energy A partnership of RNIB, Energy UK (the issues like fuel debt, smart meters, trade association for the UK energy and schemes including the Warm industry) and GEO (a smart meter Home Discount and eligibility for the display manufacturer) has produced 26 an accessible in home display unit was due to expire and they would that was due to be available from have been automatically transferred selected energy suppliers from June to the expensive standard tariff. this year. (A smart meter sends Their current supplier would not give details of your energy consumption the best deal available to them when direct to your supplier.) using a price comparison website. The new accessible in-home display However, before deciding to move unit will have all of the features to another supplier we contacted of a standard smart meter, plus the current supplier, told them of the accessibility features deal we had found, that we didn’t • text to speech function for screen really want to leave them, but unless navigation they could offer a better deal we • adjustable volume for the text to would have no option but to move speech function suppliers. We were told that not all of • six large printed buttons with their deals are on price comparison vibration that confirms a button web sites. They have now offered a has been pressed 12 month deal that betters any on • three coloured LEDs for indicating their price comparison site. As this electricity usage person already had a smart meter, • LED push button to replay speech the energy provider was able to take • large clear typeface their meter readings and they were • TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen transferred to their new tariff the with high contrast colour scheme following day. optimized for visual impairment If you need help finding the best and colour-blindness energy deal, visit your local Citizens There is no charge for having a Advice for free impartial advice and standard smart meter or a new help. Remember to take your most accessible in-home display unit recent energy bill with you. installed. If you ask your energy provider for Some energy suppliers now give the one of the new smart accessible best energy deals customers who in house display units and they have a smart meter, so you may save say that they do not have them, more money on your energy bills in tell them they could get one for the future. Another benefit of having you if they refer to the article on a smart meter is that you should the RNIB website: RNIB.org.uk – always receive accurate energy bills - Accessiblesmartmeterssettohit goodbye to estimated bills. homes I recently helped someone to find the For more information about smart best energy deal, as their current deal meters visit smartenergygb.org 27 Switching Suppliers For further information on the Sue, Nuneaton new standards for automatic st compensation for switching From 1 May 2019 the energy problems visit Ofgem.gov.uk regulator Ofgem has introduced new rules called guaranteed standards. Ofcom Compensation Energy providers who fail to meet Sue, Nuneaton the new energy standards will Ofcom has introduced new rules for automatically be liable to pay UK broadband and landline providers compensation to their customers. that are being phased in from 1st May So, from 1st May consumers will 2019. receive at least £30 compensation Customers who experience delayed for ‘erroneous switches’ (this may repairs, installations or missed be when you’ve been transferred engineer appointments will be to another supplier without your compensated without having to ask. consent) and delayed refund of credit According to watchdog Ofcom there balances of customers who have are 7.2 million cases every year where switched to a new energy provider. broadband or landline customers The automatic compensation is suffer delayed repairs, installations or designed to give customers peace missed appointments. of mind, knowing that they will be What can you expect? compensated if something goes • If an engineer does not arrive wrong and be a wake-up call to on schedule or cancels within energy suppliers. The minimum 24 hours you will be compensated compensation is £30 with a £25 maximum of £120 per customer. • If a service stops working and is Under Ofgem’s rules suppliers not fixed fully after 2 working days must refund credit balances within customers will be entitled to £8 10 working days of a final bill being compensation for each day issued when you switch suppliers. • For new services not started on Should the previous supplier fail time there will be a payment of £5 to pay the £30 after the 10-day per day period they will be liable to pay BT, Sky, Talktalk, Virgin Media and an additional £30 to their former Zen internet have all agreed to follow customer. these compensation measures from Sorry, if you switched suppliers prior April 2019. Hyperoptic and Vodafone st to 1 May 2019 these new standards will join the scheme later this year do not apply. while EE plans to start paying compensation automatically in 2020. 28 This will mean that 95 per cent of the on my husband’s return from the 7.2 million cases every year will be Vision Support Centre the following covered by automatic compensation, week I noticed that the Highways which should incentivise providers Department had made good the to act more quickly to avoid paying footpath. compensation and therefore drive up So if you should have a similar the standards consumers can expect problem, telephone 01926 410410 to receive. and ask for County Highways and Visit Ofcom.org.uk make sure you tell them of your sight N.B. impairment, so they can prioritise any Compensation is paid as a bill credit works that may be necessary. within 30 calendar days of the issue. A big thank you to Warwickshire Thank you’s County Highways for going the extra mile. Sue, Nuneaton Atherstone Library Warwickshire Highways My husband, who relies on talking My husband was returning home books, recently asked if I could track from the Nuneaton Vision Support down a copy of James O’Brien’s Centre when he fell over on the ‘How to be right.’ So I telephoned footpath, as a tree root had lifted Atherstone Library and asked if the tarmac and a small hole had Warwickshire Libraries had a copy, just begun to appear. He was quite or would they be able to tell me by shaken up and bruised from hitting searching their database if another the footpath and the fall broke the organisation, such as Calibre, case of his reading glasses. Listening Books or RNIB Talking Book I immediately telephoned Service, had a copy. Warwickshire County Council On searching their database nobody Highways Department. Firstly had got a copy, so they spoke to their they wanted to make sure that my central library service and agreed to husband was not injured and then purchase a copy of this talking book. they took down the details of where It was purchased immediately and he had fallen. At the end of the my husband has enjoyed listening call I was told that the Divisional to it. Surveyor would go out later that day to inspect and get a team to make He was amazed by the speed of this good the footpath. outstanding service and we would like to especially thank the staff at I must admit we didn’t really think Atherstone Library for always being that the footpath would be repaired so helpful. very quickly but to our delight, 29 Features and Leisure on the morning of April 20th (Easter Saturday). During the journey Blind sailor completes Mitsuhiro steered the boat with the non- stop Pacific voyage help of a talking audio compass and Paul Bowler, Coleshill a Braille guide to the switch panel, A Japanese man who lost his sight while Doug provided him with as a teenager has, according to the information and advice on wind Japan Blind Sailing Association, directions and potential hazards such become the first visually impaired as other boats. person to sail non-stop across the The voyage was Mitsuhiro’s second Pacific Ocean. attempt at making the crossing. He Fifty-two-year-old Mitsuhiro had first tried to make the journey in Iwamoto, who lives in the United 2013, starting from Japan, but had to States, undertook the journey in his be rescued by the Japanese military 40ft yacht, Dream Weaver, with the after 5 days at sea when his boat help of American Doug Smith, who was hit by a blue whale and sank. acted as a sighted navigator during However, in spite of this setback, he the voyage. decided to attempt the crossing for a second time. After leaving California on February 24th, Mitsuhiro and Doug completed In order to prepare for his second the 8,700 mile crossing in a little attempt, Mitsuhiro competed in under 2 months, arriving in the triathlon races, which helped him Japanese prefecture of Fukushima to learn how to swim in open water.

30 But fortunately his second voyage Year of Wellbeing 2019’ which aims proved to be far less perilous. to inspire and encourage people to Speaking shortly after his arrival in make better lifestyle choices and take Japan, he told the country’s Kyoto steps in the right direction to take News that completing the crossing better care of themselves. was a ‘dream come true’, and that he Melanie and Richard were runner was the ‘happiest person on earth’. number 35725 and managed to Mitsuhiro, who was born partially cover the 26.3-mile distance in sighted but lost his sight at the age 5 hours, 6 minutes and 41 seconds. of 16, embarked on the crossing Their efforts raised a combined in order to raise $40,000 for good amount of £2,613.26 through their causes, among them a charity that Virgin Money London Marathon page works to prevent diseases that cause and Go Fund Me, surpassing their loss of sight. initial target of £2,400 - all going towards the work of Blind British Blind Paralympian conquers Sports. London Marathon Richard Turner – The Cheat Melanie Barratt has found success Phil Tilston, Magician previously by winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the Atlanta and For over 25 years I have been Sydney Paralympic Games. Now she performing magic. I am a member has completed her first marathon of The Magic Circle, the premier in London along with her husband magic society in the UK. It means Richard. that I know good magic when I see it. Every year I go to the Blackpool The Kenilworth swimmer did this Magic convention. It is the world’s in aid of British Blind Sports, the largest annual magic convention organization that initially inspired and over 3,500 magicians descend Melanie to become actively involved on the seaside town for a weekend when they visited her school. of lectures and shows. Over the Each year in the London Marathon, years I have seen many of the best many participants registered blind in magicians in the world. In 2018 one the UK apply to run the distance and of the magicians performing at the can do so with the aid of a running convention was Richard Turner. He partner free of charge by enquiring doesn’t call himself a magician, but at disability@londonmarathonevents. instead a card mechanic. This is co.uk mainly due to the fact that his act In light of her recent success, is primarily a demonstration of skill Melanie’s blog is being used as part with playing cards, specifically with of the ‘ and Warwickshire respect to the ways that gamblers 31 can cheat. Not surprisingly he is cards in the world) periodically particularly well known for an act being sent batches of playing cards called The Cheat in which he plays to check that the texture, cut and the role of a 19th century riverboat degree of flex are correct. gambler. He is regarded as one His desire to not let his sight of the best (if not the best) card problems hold him back extends handlers today. beyond magic. He also holds a 6th He was born in 1954 in San Diego, degree black belt in karate and USA. At the age of seven he became has fought in hundreds of full infatuated with the TV show Maverick contact fights. - a western, the hero of which is Until now Richard has not been a gambler. His eyesight failed at very well known outside of the the age of nine, following a bout world of magicians. He has recently of scarlet fever. The macula (the received more exposure as a result centre of the retina) of each of his of fooling Penn & Teller on the US eyes was completely destroyed, TV show Fool Us. If you want to see preventing forward vision, and the Richard work with cards and see rest of his retinas suffered a condition him shuffle the deck multiple times he describes as a ‘shotgun pattern’ and then show the cards with all resembling and functioning as if they the aces, then twos, then threes etc. had been blasted full of holes by a all grouped together, or if you want tiny shotgun filled with bird shot. By to see him demonstrate dealing the age of 13, his vision deteriorated ‘seconds’ (where the second card of to 20/400, twice as low as the level the deck is dealt leaving the top card deemed legally blind in the State in place to deal into his own winning of California and, over the years, hand), or dealing ‘bottoms’ (where what little vision Turner possessed the bottom card of the deck is dealt gradually deteriorated to the point into the winning hand) then google where he presently sees little more ‘Richard Turner The Cheat’ and you than indiscernible shadows, and will find a You Tube link to his act, or those only peripherally. google ‘Richard Turner Fool Us’ for When he performs, he never tells his performance with Penn & Teller. the audience that he is blind. To However, I can assure you that even those who know, this is particularly with two perfectly working eyes I still amusing when he performs a did not see how he does it! blindfold act. He also acts as a quality control consultant to the United States Playing Card Company (the largest manufacturer of playing

32 Police Emergency? • Hate crime Only call 999 if • FGM (Female genital mutilation). • Forced marriages, honour based • There’s a danger to life violence • You have immediate concerns for • Human trafficking/Modern day someone’s safety slavery • A crime is happening/just • Domestic abuse, stalking and happened or you see something harassment suspicious that needs immediate • Repeat victim attention • A distressed or upset caller. • There’s a serious collision or blockage on the road. What happens when you call 999? Call 101 to All 999 calls are directed to call centres and will be answered by • Report crimes that have already BT operators. They will ask which happened service you need. If no service is • Talk with police about an ongoing requested but anything suspicious case is heard throughout the process, BT • Report non-emergency policing operators will connect you to a police issues. call handler. Police staff are trained to identify If you call 999 from a mobile it is vulnerability as part of their decision always best to speak to the operator making, they are asked to consider if you can, even by whispering. You what are individual or community may also be asked to cough or tap vulnerabilities and to identify how the keys on your phone in response police and partners are best able to questions. If making a sound to safeguard against harm. For the would put you or someone else in purposes of policing, Warwickshire danger and the BT operator cannot police state ‘A person is vulnerable decide whether an emergency if as a result of their situation or service is needed, your call will be circumstances, they are unable to transferred to the Silent Solution take care or protect themselves, or system. others, from harm or exploitation.’ This can include: The Silent Solution system - 55 • Those unable to protect (from a mobile phone) themselves due to drugs, alcohol This police system is used to filter out or mental health large numbers of accidental or hoax • Child in care, child abuse or 999 calls. It also exists to help people neglect who are unable to speak, but who • At risk of or victim of CSE (Child genuinely need police assistance. Sexual Abuse) 33 You will hear an automated police If you replace the handset, the message, which lasts for 20 seconds landline may remain connected for and begins with ‘you are through to 45 seconds in case you pick it up the police’. It will ask you to press again. If you pick up again during 55 to be put through to police call this 45 seconds and the BT operator management. The BT Operator will is concerned for your safety, the call remain on the line and listen. If will be connected to the police. you press 55, they will be notified When a 999 call is made from a and transfer the call to the police. landline, information about where If you don’t press 55 the call will you’re calling from should be be terminated. Pressing 55 does automatically available to the call not allow the police to track your handler to help provide a response. location. What then? Speed Limits Things have moved on a bit from When transferred to your local police the days when a man with a red force, the police call handler will flag preceded motor vehicles. This attempt to communicate with you by warned other road users of the motor asking simple yes and no questions. vehicle. The Red Flag Act in 1865 If you are not able to speak, listen limited motor vehicles to 4 mph in carefully to the questions and the country and 2 mph in cities. It instructions from the call handler so continued until 1896. they can assess your call and arrange help if needed. Today motor vehicles are able to travel a lot faster than walking speed If you call 999 from a landline and there are many more of them. because it is less likely that 999 calls The emissions from the internal are made by accident from landlines, combustion engine cause pollution the Silent Solution is not used. to our environment. In Greater If, when an emergency call on a London there has been a congestion landline is received charge since 2003 limiting the • there is no request for an vehicles that enter the area. emergency service • the caller does not answer Early motor vehicles were quite noisy, questions but today the internal combustion • only background noise can be engine makes a lot less noise and heard and BT operators cannot electric vehicles are quieter still. decide whether an emergency When traveling at speeds below service is needed 12 mph they make no noise, but at then you will be connected to a higher speeds there is noise from the police call handler as doubt exists. tyres. 34 Every year 25,000 people lose their The days of silence are numbered as lives on our roads. Nine in ten a new standard has been introduced crashes are believed to involve some requiring all new electric and hybrid form of human error. It was 50 years cars, seeking approval in Europe, ago that seat belts were brought to emit a noise when travelling in and their introduction made a at low speeds. It is expected that difference by saving lives. Perhaps existing vehicles will gradually be driverless cars will be safer. retrofitted with devices. By 2021 all In 2013 there were 3,500 electric electric cards in the EU must have a vehicles registered in Britain, now noise emitter. there are over 140,000. The National Driverless Cars Grid predicts that by 2030 there We have been led to believe that could be as many as 9 million autonomous or driverless cars will vehicles on Britain’s roads. be on our roads very soon. However, From July all new electric and industry experts disagree with this hybrid models seeking approval prediction. Some of the problems in Europe will have to emit a noise to be overcome are for them to be when travelling at low speeds. It is affordable and hack-proof. expected that existing vehicles will Politicians have been announcing be retrofitted with devices over a that the arrival of driverless cars on period of time. our roads is imminent – they are Silent Vehicles suggesting 2021. However, a survey Modern petrol fuelled cars are far of 54 experts from the automotive quieter than older vehicles. Electric industry indicates that the mass safe cars are green, clean and make very deployment of these vehicles on our little noise. When electric cars travel roads is at least 10 years away. at 12 mph or less they can barely be heard.

35 36 Audio Description increased visitor facilities. Audio Description (AD) is where There is an audio-described guide there is a live verbal commentary on to the Hall available on site. Guided the visual elements of a production, audio-described tours can be delivered as a performance unfolds arranged for groups and individuals through headphones. AD is available on request, with at least 2 weeks on televisions, at theatres and at notice. some sporting events. To book 020 8269 4799, There is recorded AD at some access@ ornc. org museums, galleries, heritage sites www.ornc.org and cinema performances. British Library Conservation Centre Here is a small selection from the on Tuesday 16th July at 2 pm at audio-described tours VocalEyes British Library 96 Euston Road provides London NW1 2DB Sir John Soane’s Museum where you can find out about the On Saturday 6th July at 10 am at behind-the-scenes work carried 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields out to conserve one of the world’s London WC2A 3BP most significant collections. On this where you can discover Sir John audio-described tour you’ll meet the Soane, his family life and highlights conservators and learn about some from his extraordinary collection. of the techniques used to care for the Throughout the tour you’ll also be Library’s collection given the opportunity to touch To book 01937 546546, original artworks. [email protected] To book: 020 7440 4254 www.bl.uk [email protected] If you would like to contact VocalEyes www.soane.org to find out at what other venues and Old Royal Naval College performances they provide AD King William Walk, East Greenwich Telephone 020 7375 1043 London SE10 9NN [email protected] The centerpiece of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the classical buildings of the Old Royal Naval College were designed by England’s greatest architects. Following a major project to conserve the ceiling of the Painted Hall, it re-opened in March 2019, with 37 Warwickshire Vision is available FREE to all members of Warwickshire Vision Support This publication is also available in digital audio, Braille and by email For more information, please contact us  01926 411331 Email: [email protected] Website: www.warwickshire.vision Warwickshire Vision Support is the operating name of Warwickshire Association for the Blind A company limited by guarantee Registered in England and Wales Number 6511954 Charity Registration Number 1123220

Acknowledgements Grateful thanks are expressed to the Kenilworth Talking News Association for producing the digital audio version of Warwickshire Vision and to Phil Arkell for the layout of the printed version. We acknowledge the use of information from Connect, the Guardian and the Times. Views expressed in Warwickshire Vision are not necessarily those of the management of Warwickshire Vision Support.

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