Andrea Doyle - Mobility for Visually Impaired People

33 Rotarians and one guest were present to hear Andrea Doyle and Dennis Davis talk about their work with V.I.Ps. - Visually Impaired Persons. There are over 2 million VIPs in the UK - approximately one in 20 of the population and the number is rising.

It emerged that a decade ago 12 people were employed to provide support for VIPs in Somerset. As a result of local government budget cuts Andrea and Dennis now provide this service alone.

Their main roles are to assist with -
Mobility, Independent Living Skills, Communication skills (increasingly computers) and Emotional support, which can be summed up as providing or maintaining independence.

They demonstrated several basic aids (many members present discovering that a red and white stick indicates that the holder is both deaf and blind). Towards the end of their talk those present were invited to put on a pair of spectacles that simulated some form of visual impairment while they were guided round the room by a partner.

Business:
David Stearn brought greetings from RC Christcurch and their president David Hancock (former RCTV member and president).

Terry Rowcliffe and John Binns were congratulated on the success of the weekend Disco which was greatly appreciated by those attending.

Ball Draw - Rob Clasby but no joker so a roll over.

Next Week - Breakfast meeting WEDNESDAY 6th December at Stragglers. OPT IN by phone or email to Rory asap.
Dec 11th (Mon) - SGM & Business Meeting. DR Rob Clasby.
Dec 18th (Mon) - Christmas dinner with partners. DR Will Coles.

Over the past 2 meetings there have been 13 non apologies and 4 apologies received well beyond the 9 30am cut off time. I understand that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances but in your own interest may I remind members that where ever possible apologies should be tendered by mid-day on the Friday preceding a Monday meeting (at that stage we give the caterers provisional numbers). Apologies are still valid until 09 30 on Monday morning to accommodate illness or last minute changes to personal or business circumstances.
As is customary at partners evenings - for our Christmas meeting on December 18th., 2 people will be assumed unless otherwise notified.