Somerset Sight Report
Mon, Feb 19th 2018 at 7:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Weekly Meeting at SCCC
39 members gathered to hear Jackie Sopwith and Paul Fellingham introduce Somerset Sight, one of the main charities our club will be supporting in the coming year.
Around 3,000 visually impaired people are helped and the number is rising year on year. The key targets are to maintain individuals' independence, avoid isolation and to provide emotional support, particularly in the early days. They can provide all sorts of gismos and apps to aid independent living and organise many activities including shooting (yes really) and tandem riding. Somerset Sight has 6 full time and 6 part time members of staff (4 of whom are visually impaired) and around 180 volunteers. It receives no central government support but does get grants from the County Council, the big Lottery and BBC Children in Need
In a remarkably upbeat and humorous presentation, Paul told how he lost most of his vision over 2 days after an adverse reaction to a flu jab. He said he had to re-learn to live with life. Sightlessness is a hurdle to overcome not a barrier to living. It effects the whole extended family, not just an individual.Club business:
£150 raised in the Swimathon.
Queen's Concert for children with special needs - March 6th at 10 30. Volunteers are needed from 9 45 for stewarding. Please contact Terry asap.
A big push now needed to sell tickets for the Speaker Dinner with Ian Wheatley (March 24th).
Despite an early lead - our skittlers were struck out of the district competition on Valentine's Day.
Members are encouraged to "wear a fancy hat" for the Hinton Cup on March 26th (proceeds to the Brain Cancer charity)
The Ball Draw was won by Peter Kirby (not present); £70 next time.
Next week - scattered (see email from David M previously circulated). Note most clubs have much longer lead times than ours for attendance and apologies.
Forthcoming meetings - Weds 7th March - breakfast, opt in.
Mon March 12th. Friends of the Quantocks. DR Mike Hill, SF Paul Mullens. Apologies to RA.
