tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60771115860139990132024-02-07T05:37:55.727+00:00SRSB and RSSSheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB) and Rotherham Sight and Sound (RSS) Blog.
A space for clients to share stories about living with sight and/or loss.SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-89726497560101422422022-08-16T11:42:00.002+01:002022-08-16T11:42:58.882+01:00Bronze Medal Winner - Phil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI4xlhUyjR9mbao5bIh2q4XWFNZYLiwD5gVTKe3nQ24yC2EjrgxIb5sAc8vaAGHcLgMp3hFXk0g6jTnTor8BwEvfHAcdCP34qxnIea41pdTY3jQgyBu0-o7RyhPON477qvFfGYhYuEg2aFRfCVhkg3DWKX6Qr-G1cyf_DaOJfWDZ8Wks6x8kFg3B7AQ/s542/BlogPhilBronze.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="542" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI4xlhUyjR9mbao5bIh2q4XWFNZYLiwD5gVTKe3nQ24yC2EjrgxIb5sAc8vaAGHcLgMp3hFXk0g6jTnTor8BwEvfHAcdCP34qxnIea41pdTY3jQgyBu0-o7RyhPON477qvFfGYhYuEg2aFRfCVhkg3DWKX6Qr-G1cyf_DaOJfWDZ8Wks6x8kFg3B7AQ/w286-h286/BlogPhilBronze.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Hi
folks, my name is Phil Tranter and I am writing this article about my
experience at the Para Archery competition in Rome 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">My
spotter Marina and I were in Rome for a total of 5days where t</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">he
temperature during our stay was a punishing 37 degrees during the day, falling
to 24 degrees overnight. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The
venue where the competition was held had little shade so conditions were a bit
testing.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The
first couple of days consisted of practice and acclimatisation. We all then
shot a 72 arrow round, this is used to rank each archer first to last.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This
information is then the basis of the elimination round, those who rank highest
shoot against the lower ranks. Eventually you have the archers who shoot the
Gold to Bronze matches.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">I
came 2nd in the qualification/ ranking round. Then I</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> shot against Norway in the first elimination round and won. Then I</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> shot against Spain in the second elimination round and lost. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This
put me into the Bronze medal match against Italy.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">At
the finals, the event was being televised. As 8 visually impaired archers all
began their practice session, one of the film crew almost came to a sticky end
when he started to walk in front of the line. Thankfully the line judges
prevented a potentially fatal shooting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One
of the B1 archers, who are completely blind, inadvertently shot into the
electronic scoring system, it continued to work following the arrows removal.
They quickly moved the system to a safer distance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">At
the Bronze medal match, each archer shoots alternating three arrow ends, best
score wins, four ends in total.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The
Italian won the first two ends. I then pulled back the next two ends which led
to a fifth decider end. We then had a tied score so it went to a sudden death
one arrow shoot out. The Italian shot a score of 8. I shot a 10x, the highest
score, game over, Bronze medal to me. Hurray!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><p></p>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-49547627363684967012022-05-31T10:03:00.003+01:002022-05-31T10:03:23.456+01:00Writing For Pleasure - Carol<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4gUds4Xhz9cmKZHrWFuodTxOLRUqk2OHT6X6JhpwbTEcjuAzE79duWJfLF0zQCqJMHNWa3yjOafDeYtmB5RRqKMr5vd-d4pH0n82rJqgoP4N-58dYXEQHdBlPohOxIxfTlVJxlt7NTkgWP8Zex1wNkEjEKl7_pPGGm8ox_V8Ef388TK6b-lm11iOrw/s200/Brochure_Carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4gUds4Xhz9cmKZHrWFuodTxOLRUqk2OHT6X6JhpwbTEcjuAzE79duWJfLF0zQCqJMHNWa3yjOafDeYtmB5RRqKMr5vd-d4pH0n82rJqgoP4N-58dYXEQHdBlPohOxIxfTlVJxlt7NTkgWP8Zex1wNkEjEKl7_pPGGm8ox_V8Ef388TK6b-lm11iOrw/s1600/Brochure_Carol.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Carol wrote this poem about the Creative Writing Group that meets at our Centre each week:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"I write because I want to, how about you, does it give you a buzz?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I write about what I know or about what I've heard</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And it's fun to write fiction too, what do you do?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Do you write like our Kay, who likes things her own way</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And if not, someone will pay, they will die or be sent to jail.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maybe you're like Mike who gives us information so useful or not.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Thelma let's us into her life & we feel her trouble & strife, we feel what she's saying.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Dorothy writes now & again, when she does she cooks up a storm.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Writing for pleasure is what our dentist Bill does</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In a world of his own he likes to stay but he always has a bloomin' lot to say.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We miss our June & her ditties, if she doesn't come back it will be such a pity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our newest recruit is on a level of his own</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">He's so new that I've forgotten his name</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It hasn't taken him long to make us all speechless.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We all write for pleasure & we all share with each other</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Local knowledge from our Diana who loves to write for children's events</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our volunteer Bill just does it well, even if it only makes sense to him &nobody else.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We get each other, we are united in our pleasure</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We write because we can, we write as a group, that is our pleasure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And our Andrea knows just exactly how to read it out, she has our measure."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Carol</span></p><p> </p>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-82030810951387910962022-04-29T09:13:00.000+01:002022-04-29T09:13:08.310+01:00Mummy's eyes and ears don't work well - Tia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHAR-P-MGHpsDghCRwEZAGVn_zn-TU7mZpMNG-T3Yx3TLcuyvtSdhxfvZ-6h5bbCXetq62TqM2pxNwN_qhLOFrAGiDGjt90xTtwjvDrbbLO0udDaEmL5An_LsELrCKils0gcr5j229nJCcXm5wM6R9_TrkB7V3IVpcp6UCGZeka9TKnejVyoAXIykjQ/s200/Tia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHAR-P-MGHpsDghCRwEZAGVn_zn-TU7mZpMNG-T3Yx3TLcuyvtSdhxfvZ-6h5bbCXetq62TqM2pxNwN_qhLOFrAGiDGjt90xTtwjvDrbbLO0udDaEmL5An_LsELrCKils0gcr5j229nJCcXm5wM6R9_TrkB7V3IVpcp6UCGZeka9TKnejVyoAXIykjQ/s1600/Tia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I've
been in many different situations in having to explain my condition to people
but the hardest by far has been to Lidia.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Mainly
due to her age, it's hard for any typical person to understand the impacts so
how can I expect her to?</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I
also don't want to scare or cause her to worry about mummy. I feel so strongly
about becoming a burden to anyone, never mind my own daughter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">But
I've always wanted to be open to her and it's important she understands why
mummy does some things differently and why I can't do everything she wants me
to.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The
hearing has been quite easy to explain. I think the physical element of hearing
aids and knowing they have a microphone to help mummy's hear things better
makes it an easier concept to grasp. She knows to talk directly in my ears when
I don't have my aids in or get closer to me when she's talking.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The
eyes is another story. I think she assumes glasses fixes my issues so it's a
bit harder for her to understand. I try to break it down to simpler specific
things - I need you to hold my hands as I can't see when you are far away or
running fast. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- You can't leave cupboards open as I might bump into them, remember mummy eyes
don't work as well as yours in seeing things.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It
is getting harder as she gets more independent but still not old enough to
understand. I feel like I set a lot of 'rules' to give her some way of knowing
what and why we do things. I hope this will improve as her understanding
improves with age.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">But
saying that she has picked many things up naturally to help me, from 6 months
she was picking her dummy off the floor when she dropped it as I could never
find the bloody things, now she tells me when microwave is beeping, she
regularly helps me find anything I'm struggling to look for and calls herself a
master finder 😄 she tells me what colour
things are when I need help, she even matches her outfits sometimes and better
than me! 😄 she cuddles me when I have
accidents/bumps and tells me I'm just a clumsy bum like her to make me laugh. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Wish
there was a guidebook sometimes, but I'm sure we will find our way together
eventually and with a smile on our faces </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">🙂</span></p>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-4418201032067138532022-04-28T11:14:00.007+01:002022-04-28T11:16:08.515+01:00WREN - Written by Greg<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3KvSOHETXNNFtazJ7wBOHV_h6bXWaFk0TFLcwtwIYgn65oyTLHoOszotklgm1zgK4NfTkDQuvqKR5MioW5bPIOYNepraroaeU8s-LuwPvftQws49sgKbji574SCE80P-UPBNNRACNYffXc-TXtmjnxNKbgvO128rjtIOfnZo57UU8dwAGG0Th_mz5g/s200/BlogGreg.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3KvSOHETXNNFtazJ7wBOHV_h6bXWaFk0TFLcwtwIYgn65oyTLHoOszotklgm1zgK4NfTkDQuvqKR5MioW5bPIOYNepraroaeU8s-LuwPvftQws49sgKbji574SCE80P-UPBNNRACNYffXc-TXtmjnxNKbgvO128rjtIOfnZo57UU8dwAGG0Th_mz5g/s1600/BlogGreg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This poem by Greg was inspired by the Birdsong Talk that we held at SRSB in April 22. Our Creative Writing Group used birdsong as a theme:</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I hear her song before the dawn</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Her lively, boisterous shrill<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">From woodland thicket she doth churr<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Rattle, rasp and trill<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">From bramble hedge and undergrowth<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">She warbles notes that ring<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Her rattling chit and vibrant chat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">With gusto she doth sing</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">She flits and flitters tween frosty hedge<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">And in bushes she doth hide<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Her determined strain-strong and loud<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Full throated, sung with pride</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Now she’s busy, active, foraging<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">This precious troglodyte<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Bobs and hops with neat cocked tail<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;">Then nimbly takes to flight</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">And still, she jounces, darts and waggles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Does this jenny ever rest?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Or snuggle neatly in her cave<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Like a wee mouse in its nest?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">I hear her song before the dawn<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">Her lively, boisterous shrill<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">From woodland thicket she doth churr<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Rattle, rasp and trill</span> </span></p><p><br /></p><br /><p></p></div>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-73935222752084008482022-03-03T18:03:00.004+00:002022-03-03T18:04:18.177+00:00Usher Syndrome - Tia<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaF2uhwcch2QrgArJWmG18_t6Me91bPcmue2cr2w6mYP5LzV6PuisDy96Va8qJzRKUyHBSwELwGKctSYpqmRn7djKqsHv_sH2dPP-_HONmJ7dbhkXQIXdsiDQj1BDQ9kG4I_JZcsZ9Ibcv-ixpXrQqFBwpdG5nOTwDu9uIsotZZy08-8XC0H-FB2rD3Q=s200" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaF2uhwcch2QrgArJWmG18_t6Me91bPcmue2cr2w6mYP5LzV6PuisDy96Va8qJzRKUyHBSwELwGKctSYpqmRn7djKqsHv_sH2dPP-_HONmJ7dbhkXQIXdsiDQj1BDQ9kG4I_JZcsZ9Ibcv-ixpXrQqFBwpdG5nOTwDu9uIsotZZy08-8XC0H-FB2rD3Q" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Photo of Tia</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We asked Tia who is one of our clients if we could share her post that she wrote about Usher Syndrome </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Awareness Day UK. This is her post (thank you for sharing Tia):</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sense org summarises Usher Syndrome as an inherited, genetic condition of which the main symptoms are hearing loss & sight loss due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Balance can also be affected.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There are 3 types;<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Type 1: usually born with profound hearing loss in both ears. Balance is affected. Development of nightblindness occurs in the first 10 years of a child’s life, progresses to tunnel vision & further sight problems due to RP.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Type 2: usually born with a mild to severe hearing loss in both ears. Balance is not affected. Sight loss is gradual starting from teens/early twenties.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Type 3: gradual sight & hearing loss, which occurs later in life. Balance can be affected.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I have type 2, severe hearing loss in both ears & sight loss from RP starting in my early teens.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Without going into the boring medical terms, what RP means for me;<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- night blindness<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- peripheral vision loss<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- gradual tunnel vision<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- I constantly see blinking/swirling/shimmering lights & black shapes<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- I struggle with bright lights & colours<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- my eyes are slow to adjust from dark to light & vice versa (think going from outside into a shop)<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- I get blurred vision<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- a few other symptom that even I don't know how to break down the medical terms into simpler ones🙈<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And that's the medical facts summary... what they don't detail is how much it impacts everyday life, every decision, every move, every thought, every situation, every relationship, every dream... just everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And these are all made harder from the lack of understanding and society views on disabilities. Though it has improved over time through dedicated organisations, Internet and social media helping people to share their stories, there is still more needed.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Any condition is so much more than it's medical terminology. I'm sure I can't be alone in feeling that greater awareness of medical conditions and their impacts would make life that little bit easier.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I've always wanted to do something positive with my skills and experience and so this is my way of contributing (however very small) to raise awareness and understanding for the condition.</span></p></div>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-52299783569496619922021-01-31T14:23:00.000+00:002021-01-31T14:23:07.836+00:00Robert’s Covid Year<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJpG-NMkLmUCbMJ7PtelUortCUp2N93XqY6cF6P4MpqZokoGrzRUbFZ-z8JWabIaxoCYq-oM90D2UGVH-fuJIF-ZZoeF6O3GYJUW89A6hXhfKTabmMYNtuW0I_fojbGCLBZd-fuEH2Tms/s200/aboutusambassadorsrob.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJpG-NMkLmUCbMJ7PtelUortCUp2N93XqY6cF6P4MpqZokoGrzRUbFZ-z8JWabIaxoCYq-oM90D2UGVH-fuJIF-ZZoeF6O3GYJUW89A6hXhfKTabmMYNtuW0I_fojbGCLBZd-fuEH2Tms/s0/aboutusambassadorsrob.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo of Rob at SRSB</i></td></tr></tbody></table>2020 started really well as I became a Grandad in February and my music trio made its debut at a local pub. As Chair of Deafblind UK, I started meeting with our Social Groups across the UK beginning with meetings in London, Peterborough and Belfast. I gave a talk to the Business Disability Forum in London and it is hard to imagine now there were nearly 200 people in the room! My band also enjoyed playing at a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea Party at Mappin Street and I enjoyed a couple of excellent hill-walks with the SVIWG (Sheffield Visually Impaired Walking Group).</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The worsening Covid-19 outbreak and the first lockdown, changed everything.</span><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">The local pool closed and the SVIWG also stopped, and we’ve all missed our guided walks for over ten months now. The other thing we noticed was the quiet on the roads in the Derbyshire Peaks where we live. It was very pleasant and I was amazed how much birdsong I could hear when out walking with my wife Louise and our two dogs. All the more so as I’ve only been able to hear birds at all these past 20 years, because hearing aids have improved. As we are surrounded by sheep farms Louise often has our dogs on the lead, which makes it difficult to guide me as well. Consequently, I learnt to walk with 2 walking poles feeling my way behind her, whilst Louise warns me of rocks, tree roots, over hanging branches and steep drops etc. As we walk everyday, I got better at it and by the summer I was even able to cross the stepping stones across the river, feeling for each stone in turn. It is slower going at times but I enjoy the increased independence!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Aside from walking I have an exercise bike and rower at home to keep fit as well as a safe running route which I do twice a week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We’re lucky to have all the essential shops including a butcher, greengrocer, pharmacy and a small supermarket, a short walk away in our local village. However social distancing was still difficult as I’m not always aware of others approaching or how far away people might be, especially indoors. Shops I know well became obstacle courses as I can’t make out floor and stop markings, so I may have skipped a few queues! Masks also make it impossible to lip-read shopkeepers and other customers, which resulted in some interesting conversations! However, my red and white cane is now a familiar sight in our village and most people know to give me space and some also lift their masks when talking, which is a great help. Our routine food shop now involves Louise popping inside each shop to pick up our essentials while the bag carrier waits patiently outside to carry it all home! I know how lucky we are as it must be much harder for those living in or near busy centres like Sheffield and Rotherham.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Socially not being able to see our two daughters, grandson and Louise’s elderly parents who all live close by, was very hard during Lockdown. I also missed playing guitar with my band and with the exception of some practise in the garden late summer, we have resorted to sharing songs and chat on zoom, like so many this past year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Like many others we enjoyed the relaxation of rules in the late summer and meeting up with our family and some friends again, not to mention resuming my swims in the local pool. One sunny afternoon in August we even managed a picnic lunch in our garden with all our family together, a memory to treasure. Despite being able to meet up with others outside, not being able to shake hands or hug is not the same and whilst I’ve been luckier than most, the sense of isolation and not being in-touch is very real for many, particularly for those who also endure sight and hearing loss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Being in a support bubble with one daughter meant we were also able to see her regularly over the winter months and Louise continues to walk in turn with her mother and our other daughter to keep in touch, which is great too.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At Deafblind UK we’ve had a busy year video-conferencing without the need to travel to Peterborough but as with SRSB, it hasn’t been possible to keep the offices open and attend regular events.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Living a more solitary stay at home life meant I hadn’t travelled by train or bus or been anywhere busy since early March last year. When I popped into Sheffield by train over Christmas, wearing a mask was the least of my concerns as I’d forgotten how difficult it is to make things out inside the carriage. There were a lot of other passengers too so I needed help to find a seat. It reminded me of the importance of routine and how not travelling or being close to larger groups of people for a long time, really can impact on one’s confidence, particularly in these challenging times. It was worth the trip though, as Father Christmas gave me a very nice guitar Amp!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Christmas passed by pleasantly though our son was unable to join us as he lives in London and the Government announcement the weekend before meant he had to stay at home. We just had time to post his presents, so we were able to share giving and receiving gifts on-line together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now we are back in Lockdown again and rediscovering the quiet and a more solitary life again. The weather isn’t as good as last spring and whilst I am missing the pool again, there are some bad weather days when I miss it less!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">However, there is light at the end of the tunnel with the roll out of the vaccine and like most of us, we will follow the rules and allow the NHS to do their magnificent work. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stay safe, well and positive everyone, we will meet again!<br />Robert</span></span></p></div></div>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-59922193729084352532020-12-10T13:46:00.003+00:002020-12-10T13:47:00.816+00:00Picture Sheffield Website - Graham<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJhsGuVdwWgcyhFPbAlIStznO1fdSznlj1PWHXEqh8KsLR2ySHWDj2wJLh0ObuMaClhageBenOf_6QsEec07bYADv6j7UDogmomUZSW1Hc1tB-hZMa5oDNxllf3WJ7QHEQkwlJ7-AXpCF/s125/GrahamPic.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJhsGuVdwWgcyhFPbAlIStznO1fdSznlj1PWHXEqh8KsLR2ySHWDj2wJLh0ObuMaClhageBenOf_6QsEec07bYADv6j7UDogmomUZSW1Hc1tB-hZMa5oDNxllf3WJ7QHEQkwlJ7-AXpCF/w200-h200/GrahamPic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Graham here! As people who know me know, I am a long term user of <b>SRSB</b>’s services, but I do have enough residual sight to enjoy looking at photos if they are blown up large enough. I used to be a keen amateur photographer before my sight put the mockers on this. I still have enough sight left though, to enjoy looking at photos on a large PC screen, so I still get a lot of pleasure from family snaps, scenery and more recently looking at old historical photos.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was recently ‘tipped off’ about the Sheffield Archive which now has an extensive collection of old mostly black and white photos of the Sheffield area through the ages. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It is FANTASTIC.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The website is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> <a href="https://picturesheffield.com/" target="_blank">Picture Sheffield</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and for partially sighted users, the pages and links are pretty bold and obvious and the site works with speech software.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">If you have some residual sight and are interested in local history or just curious about what ‘old sheffield’ looked like, check it out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Particular pics that I was impressed with include Chesterfield Road Toll Gate. A then rural area where B&M is now. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">A burning building in the city centre with an abandoned tram in silhouette I think on the high street. The Bombed out old Redgates Building on the Moor. The old Classic Cinema, one of my favourite old haunts as a teenager, burning to the ground with firemen sillouetted against the flames coming through the roof.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And particularly for me at Chapeltown loads of photos of Newton Chambers works all gone but for a much smaller cleaner ‘Business Park’ within sight of our home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One particularly relevant picture that has relevance to my earlier life is the photo of the clothing shop Tramps on King Street. I</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> bought my first wedding suit here. Black shiny crushed velvet £9.99. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I looked AMAZING!!! .. Errrr I think....</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Picture Sheffield is a fantastic free site to explore for you if you have some sight and for the rest of the family.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cheers<br />Graham</span></p>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-23919388430904138662020-10-16T14:15:00.004+01:002020-10-16T14:19:41.861+01:00Pattison the Ghost at Tapton Mount School _ Carol<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s125/CarolSRSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s0/CarolSRSB.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Carol shares a story about their
school ghost!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“I don't remember how old I was when I
first heard about Pattison's existence but, memories of having to go down into
the cellar to have showers still stick in my mind. I must have known because I
never wanted to be the last one to go back up from the cellar. I remember when
I had to stand in the corridor for being naughty and being scared that Pattison
would come and get me. I vaguely remember it being a threat from the
housemothers if we did anything wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“We were all scared of the thought of him,
we knew he had been there for a very long time. I don't ever remember anyone
saying they had heard or saw him except for adults.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-82333377528460405122020-10-16T14:13:00.004+01:002020-10-16T14:19:40.557+01:00Memories from Tapton Mount School - Carol<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s125/CarolSRSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s0/CarolSRSB.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: left;">We recently did an online presentation
about our long history with Sheffield to celebrate our 160th Anniversary.
Some of our clients attended, and it prompted some memories – these memories are about the school Tapton Mount from Carol:</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“I remember how big the school seemed and
how the corridors echoed at night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I looked forward to the tape lessons when I
was very little, this was wearing head phones, which were extremely big and
heavy which were connected to a tape recorder. You had to Braille on your
Perkins Braille machine, which was also big and heavy. Everything that the
person on the tape said, for example, </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">bag (b a g), write a line of the word bag
and so on. That's how we learned our Braille.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“I loved the drama room and the musical
movement things we use to do. The assemblies where we would sing hymns and I
loved and the choir. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“When I first started we had to do basket
weaving which I found extremely boring.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“The library was a big room that smelled
funny but had many books in Braille.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“I loved going to Brownies and getting out
of the school once a week to take part in the Sheffield Junior Choir's
rehearsals. We did a big concert at the City Hall and Albert Hall for Christmas
which was an amazing experience. That's where I first made friends with sighted
girls my age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My memories of Tapton Mount School were
great, much better than my next school at Tapton Comprehensive, except for the
house we stayed in called Hallam Lodge on Tapton Crescent Road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">At Tapton Mount there were kids from all
over the country, and we played all sorts in our dormitories including with a
football.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-11547081560928015302020-08-19T10:51:00.011+01:002020-08-26T12:22:41.755+01:00Gardens at Wentworth Woodhouse Trip - Graham<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJhsGuVdwWgcyhFPbAlIStznO1fdSznlj1PWHXEqh8KsLR2ySHWDj2wJLh0ObuMaClhageBenOf_6QsEec07bYADv6j7UDogmomUZSW1Hc1tB-hZMa5oDNxllf3WJ7QHEQkwlJ7-AXpCF/s125/GrahamPic.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Graham" border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJhsGuVdwWgcyhFPbAlIStznO1fdSznlj1PWHXEqh8KsLR2ySHWDj2wJLh0ObuMaClhageBenOf_6QsEec07bYADv6j7UDogmomUZSW1Hc1tB-hZMa5oDNxllf3WJ7QHEQkwlJ7-AXpCF/w200-h200/GrahamPic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Strange times for all of us, sighted and sight-impaired and
although there are some great walks in the woods near where we live, you can
sometimes have too much of a good thing. So it was interesting to hear
that <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6077111586013999013/1154708156092801530">Wentworth
Woodhouse</a> just past Chapeltown has opened its gardens to the public as
part of its fund raising work to restore the house to its former glory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">If pre-booked, it is only £5 per person or £7 for those who
just turn up. A couple of my friends are volunteers in the gardening team and
they were so encouraging, we decided to give it a try. I went with Marie and we
met our daughter there not really knowing if it would be OK. You know how it
can be if you have poor or very little sight, it sometimes seems to be not
worth the trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">This definitely WAS worth it. There is no other option
really but to go in the car, but there is plenty of parking near the garden entrance
which is through the arch of the original stable yard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once through the obvious, but temporary entrance, it is
slightly daunting as you don’t know if you should go to the left or right, but
it doesn’t really matter. We went left past the old ‘ice house’ to a cosy but
nice walled garden and then came back in the other direction, through some
trees and as the view opened out any fears of social distancing issues were
left behind.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The gardens are massive with open grassy areas, flower
borders that are amazing at present (early August). Clean toilet pods are
scattered about and they are spotless with hand sanitiser as well as the usual…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">We didn’t have much idea about where we were going but
walked round following paths and grass areas with flowers everywhere and looked
at the various ornamental bits including the low back wall with spectacular
views towards Kepples Column and Rotherham. We took a few photos and had a sit
down in deck chairs that were scattered about in fours for everyone to use if
wanted. They also were like new.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, 3 hours after entering we were totally relaxed and
ready for the trip home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">A great afternoon out and we all said that next time we go
we will take out own picnic (which is encouraged) Drinks were available, but we
had taken our own... but a picnic sounds a great idea to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Highly recommended, but this trip would definitely need help
from a sighted person.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">2 hours later at home Marie and I were still ‘chillaxed’ and
sat in our garden planning our next visit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Note. Guided tours are also available and I think that for
many people they would prefer this option as you would learn so much more about
the history of Wentworth Woodhouse.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Warning: Don’t get mixed up this and ‘the other place’
Wentworth Castle. This is a different building and gardens at Stainborough near
Barnsley.</span></p></div></blockquote><p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> UPDATE to this story. Graham asked Wentworth Woodhouse about carers and they <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>responded to say "We
allow all carers free entry to our gardens and house for all <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>events and visits. Please
contact us (Wentowrth Woodhouse) on 01226 749639 for <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>more information."</span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
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</div>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-85431536337723115382020-06-24T12:05:00.002+01:002020-06-24T12:05:08.694+01:00Social Distancing and Accessibility - Amy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Getting out and about is very challenging for people who are visually impaired even in normal circumstances.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As we all know, things have changed a lot over the last few months, and going out has become even more of a challenge. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some visually impaired people will struggle more than others depending on what useful vision they have.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some people do not have good central vision, whereas others do not have good peripheral vision.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even two people with the same eye condition may have a very different level of sight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It also depends on how confident the person is when they are out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> S</span>ome are more confident than others which makes a huge difference.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some people may be more confident at doing certain parts of the journey, not necessarily the whole thing. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have not had the opportunity to get out far myself yet, but I have been to my local shop occasionally and to a few parks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Luckily I have had my Mum or Dad with me when I have been going to these places otherwise I would find it extremely difficult.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even though I have not been to many places myself, I have heard about the changes that have been made in most places.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have also been told how difficult some of these changes are to understand and cope with.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Based on my experiences and things I have heard, so far I have been really quite frustrated about how inaccessible places have become for people who are visually impaired. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many places have signs up that can be hard to see, never mind read.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There are also floor markings which are hard to follow.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My local shop has introduced a one way system around the store which I do understand the purpose of, but I can’t always tell which way the arrows are pointing, so how am I supposed to know which way to go?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have also been told that some places have foot print markings instead of arrows, I imagine that I would struggle with that even more.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Queue areas also have two metre markings so that people do not stand too close to each other.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> I</span>t is often hard to tell who is queueing and who is shopping because of the large spaces between people.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Plus if I am stood two metres away from the customer who is being served, I can’t always tell when they have gone, depending on the layout of the checkout area.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I haven’t had to deal with these situations on my own, because I just won’t go on my own while all these changes are in place.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I find it difficult at the best of times, but impossible with all of these changes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Having to rely on others so much is not a nice feeling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is really important to me and other visually impaired people to be as independent as we possibly can be, however much this is.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the current circumstances I don’t feel able to be independent at all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The time I feel the most independent is when I am volunteering at SRSB.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I do still need help sometimes, but I can walk around a busy building without feeling rushed or worrying about walking into something.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Everybody understands, even staff and volunteers who are not visually impaired understand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all give each other plenty of time and space when we are walking around the building.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is the only building of that size where I can do this.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I haven’t been able to go in while all this has been going on and I really miss it. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I saw a video online yesterday which actually made me think.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I did already know this, but it did help to jog my memory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The video was about a lady who has a guide dog and how the guide dog is not trained for social distancing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Obviously I was aware of this, but it did get me thinking.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Guide dogs are trained to help people travel and go out more easily, safely and independently.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As most of them were trained years ago, they have no idea of what social distancing is.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The lady on the video said that her dog was trained to take her to the door of a shop, not queue up outside a shop.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So when her dog has taken her to the door of the shop and not the back of the queue, somebody in the queue rudely shouted at her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Guide dogs are also not trained to keep a two metre distance from people.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I do not have a guide dog myself, but I do know that they are very stuck in their ways and stick to what they have been trained to do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I sometimes have a guide dog laid under my desk when I am volunteering at SRSB.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She lays there because that is where her owner sits, he wasn’t in the room at the time but didn’t need to take her with him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the past people have tried to move her to give me more space and she was very reluctant to move. This is because that is where her owner sits when he is using a computer, so she was trying to make sure that he got his usual seat, which would make things easier for him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just to point out, I didn’t steal his seat, he was out of the office for quite a while and we are usually in on different days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is also my usual seat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t mind her being there though because I don’t want to unsettle her, so we just leave her now and she keeps me company. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; min-height: 16px;">
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the things that I really don’t like about social distancing is that people are not allowed to get close enough to help.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My friends are not allowed to help me if I see them because I don’t live with them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And I can’t see them without needing some kind of physical help or guidance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So I just haven’t suggested meeting up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One of the things that I am so desperate for is for the rules on this to change, so that we can have physical contact with our loved ones again and give them a huge hug.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The time that we need a hug the most has turned out to be the time when we are not allowed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And it’s horrible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t mind not being able to go to restaurants or have my hair done, I just want a cuddle with my boyfriend and to hug my best friends. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-46525432924041342292020-06-19T09:45:00.000+01:002020-06-19T14:02:32.037+01:00My Sight Loss - Tia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In November 2019, I was dealt a blow that after 6 months of regular hospital visits, surgery and various treatments, that nothing else could be done to improve the vision in my right eye. I would now be classed as blind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feelings of shock, hurt, grief and anger followed, I was trying to make what limited sight I had better with the surgery, not worse. I was supposed to be enjoying the last few months of my maternity leave with my first child, not worrying about what this meant for me and how was I going to cope. I felt like I was letting my baby girl and the rest of my family down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since my childhood diagnosis of Ushers Syndrome, I've always known that my vision would<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>deteriorate gradually over time. I honestly didn't think it would be this soon and I don't think I was prepared for it as much as I thought I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I spent the next weeks in denial, trying to ignore what had happened, and struggling with daily tasks. Then I was dealt a second blow in December that I was to be made redundant from a job that I had loved and dedicated 10 years of service to. My confidence and self esteem absolutely plummeted. How on earth was I going to find another job that I could physically do and do well. And how could I do this on top of everything else that I was still trying to figure out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was then that I asked for help, and to my surprise many people responded, SRSB was one of the first that I contacted and that's how I met Heather. She regularly visited and kept in contact, she listened, she answered questions (she really knew her stuff!), she found additional support for me, she offered advice, she supported me, and most importantly she showed me that I wasn't alone. She introduced me to the wider community of SRSB. My little girl first met Santa at the SRSB Christmas party. I remember feeling an absolute nervous wreck before as it was the first event that I'd taken her to alone. But everyone was so friendly, welcoming and helpful. I left the party with a very happy and tired out baby, but also a confidence boost and a feeling that I can do this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Heather and everyone at the SRSB, along with my family and friends, all paid a key role in the past 6 months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have accepted and am slowly embracing my differences. I have learnt new skills, knowledge and technology to help me continue to do all the things I need and want to do. I have learnt new ways of doing things and it has built my confidence back. For every new challenge that I came across, I have adapted and become stronger. I hope to continue this with all the new challenges yet to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The job situation is the next hurdle but I will tackle it once I am able to as the Covid-19 pandemic has put a hold on it. But I feel more prepared now and I hope to use the help and resources that SRBS have to help me when I can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have seen kindness and thoughtfulness that surprised me. It really is the case that if you ask for help, there are people that want to help you. I am forever grateful for the part that the SRSB played with helping me to feel like me again and being happy.</span></div>
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SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-85742249519228766882020-05-25T09:46:00.005+01:002020-05-25T09:47:49.033+01:00Week 9 in Lockdown - Amy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Week nine already? In some ways the weeks seem to be flying by, but then when I think about the last time things felt normal, it feels like so long ago. Things started to change slightly last week, the lockdown has eased a little. This is really good, but also very complicated and confusing. At least we are heading in the right direction, I just hope so much that it stays that way and that we keep moving forward. The sooner we all get to live normally again, the better. Even though the restrictions have eased slightly, things won’t be back to normal for a long time, if ever. For some people it will never be the same again. We came into the lockdown from one world and we will be leaving it into another. We never expected any of this did we? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you have read my previous posts you will know that mentally I have been really struggling with the lockdown. Not being able to go out and keep my mind occupied is not doing me any good. Also the feeling that I have no control over my own life, it makes me feel really uncomfortable and trapped. In real life I always make sure that I have things to look forward to and that really does help to keep me focussed. In this life, lockdown life, I can’t do that. I can’t plan anything. So with no real plans, what is there to look forward to? Other than what feels like an imaginary end to the lockdown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have had issues with my mental health in the past, so this isn’t just the usual being fed up and not liking it. Some days I have been really down and depressed. For anybody who hasn’t experienced true depression before, it’s a darkness that takes over my way of thinking. I describe it as a level beyond sadness. And it makes it hard to see the good in things. Even the things that would normally cheer me up, don’t always have much of an effect. On a dark day, the chances are that nothing will really cheer me up. Things may help, but the darkness still comes back quite quickly. Then after a dark few days I am mentally and physically drained. I feel quite numb for a day or so as I gradually start to feel more positive. This week has probably been my darkest week in years. Everything felt so hopeless and like the lockdown would never really end. Luckily I am feeling a lot more positive today, but it has taken me five days to go through the process. Luckily I have some very supportive family and friends to help me through it. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have also noticed that when I occasionally go out, I am feeling a lot more anxious. This isn’t just because of the virus, but my usual anxiety related to my sight loss. This may sound strange, but I feel that my eyes have got to used to not seeing beyond the four walls of my house. When I am outside there is so much more to see and I think my eyes can’t quite catch up. There are things in the distance, things that move, the weather and potential dangers to look out for. When I am in the house, everything is where it is and I don’t really have to use my eyes as much, because I know where everything is. I have got to used to staying in and that isn’t good. I knew it would happen though and it’s really annoying. I have spent so long building up my confidence and now all of that hard work has been undone. I feel like going back to normal is going to be a very nerve-wracking experience. Even so, it is something that I am so desperate to do sometime soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really hope that all of my SRSB friends are doing well. I really hope I get to see you all soon. Xxx</span></div>
SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-66840995350252614192020-05-11T16:35:00.002+01:002020-05-11T16:36:42.413+01:00Lockdown. Archery Update - Phil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ5DqRHiLpFflz4OSSKhysCXAzrPY8vA04XGfR3pE0iiwoSQL-o0eyNEh_aukv3024vHxDvZWyDVkOGC1BS79a3g3dh8Xd7jNYRSw4GW7XX9NubreuvfGoeL-3vb_KOeLrZ9jUnWeAcv3/s1600/Phil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ5DqRHiLpFflz4OSSKhysCXAzrPY8vA04XGfR3pE0iiwoSQL-o0eyNEh_aukv3024vHxDvZWyDVkOGC1BS79a3g3dh8Xd7jNYRSw4GW7XX9NubreuvfGoeL-3vb_KOeLrZ9jUnWeAcv3/s200/Phil.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Due to the coronavirus, my archery training and competitions have unfortunately been put on hold. Both the National competition at Lilleshall and the Para European International in Sardinia were postponed. They may be rescheduled for later in the year or early next year, depending on how we emerge from this pandemic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am still doing archery related training exercises to keep muscle memory and to keep fit. I keep in touch with my <b>SRSB</b> archery friends by phone and other clubs via email.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Otherwise, most of my time during shielding, is spent in the back garden with my partner. Thankfully the weather has been good and we have enjoyed sitting out listening to music. My sister has sent me a variety of vegetable seeds that she had spare. I have made some small wooden planters and the seedlings are now growing quite well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am hopeful that sometime later this year we might be able to get out and about. Stay well and stay safe.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-6270994367938931012020-05-11T16:14:00.000+01:002020-05-11T16:52:26.998+01:00The Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind - Mary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary is the married to Lee, one of our clients. She wrote this lovely piece entitled <b>The Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind</b> a few years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">T stands for thoughtful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">H stands for helpful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E stands for encouraging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">S stands for supportive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E stands for excellence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">F stands for friendly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E stands for enthusiasm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">L stands for laughter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">R stands for reassurance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">O stands for optimistic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y stands for young at heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y stands for young children who attends sparkles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">F stands for freedom it gives visual impaired<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">O stands for obliging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">R stands for reliable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">T stands for tactful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">H stands for hopeful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E stands for essential help and equipment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">B stands for the blessing of knowing that I can do stuff without worrying about Lee as I know he<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">is safe and sound<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">L stands for life changing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I stands for inspiring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">N stands for nice people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">D stands for discreet which the staff are<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are the reasons I love being part of the family and volunteering for the Sheffield Royal Society<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">for the Blind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary</span></div>
SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-22711224866853463152020-04-22T10:29:00.002+01:002020-04-22T10:30:42.117+01:00Lockdown Poem - Carol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s1600/CarolSRSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s1600/CarolSRSB.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In This Time </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by Carol Adams</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this time it would be easy to get low<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">but do not despair so<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">for we have social media and the news<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and you've got lots of time to snooze<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you venture out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">without your spouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">it would be very hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">you must be on your guard <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">you decide on your fate<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">if you go out of that gate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">can you see enough to know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's easier to just bake dough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">to get work done in the house<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">to give your spouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">jobs inside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and afterwards show them both off with pride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">at least it is warmer outside than it is inside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">you can get that tan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and make time to do that bulk cook in that pan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">feel lucky for what you have<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">it could be taken away<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">don't be daft<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">come on ninny<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">just be silly.</span></div>
SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-54998734155611793122020-04-22T10:23:00.001+01:002020-04-22T10:34:47.598+01:00Lockdown For Me - Carol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s1600/CarolSRSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNFYTigxakwBngDXWj-Pgx7XW4oy4Uy4ibexNd-OOe1w0NqYC5hyphenhyphen9JSfr37Tzj9iWvddgDaq_ptqITIY3bFqd3YajcacJ5S2FOPc6Izzi_011n86ZhrFlOvRSeFQiMEaOrKwp4e4GizA/s1600/CarolSRSB.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I wake up at some point during the day depending on how I've slept. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd hope that the sun is out so that I can enjoy time in the garden getting a sun tan </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">which I should have got on my holiday to Tenerife. T</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hat of course was cancelled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I love hearing the sounds of the birds singing, the children playing and the occasional neighbour talking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I also like to hear my husband doing the garden or doodling and tinkering with various tools as he makes items... usually to make my life easier in some way or another.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I sit covered in sun tan cream with a hat and glasses on, a lager in my hand... or sometimes something a little stronger, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">listening to a book or watching something.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">This is all in between going in to sort washing or tidy the kitchen for our next meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At evening time we would have dinner while watching something on Netflix or Disney plus.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">On Fridays it is so strange not to be picked up by our lovely driver Dennis on the minibus to go to Mappin Street for the <a href="http://www.srsb.org.uk/Mappin-Writers/" target="_blank">Writing Group</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I'd catch up with people on social media, or the phone, and I would take part in my choir session on line. I'd keep up to date with the news and by going on face book etc.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Friends and family would bring shopping to our front door and the same with Amazon and the chemist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The best thing about this all is that I get more time to spend with my husband and my gadgets without feeling guilty for missing anything and thinking about where I should be. I can exercise on my treadmill and get fresh air in the garden.</span></div>
SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-23602157202690553422020-04-15T11:11:00.000+01:002020-04-15T11:11:47.597+01:00Week 4 in Lockdown - Amy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are now in week four of lock down in the UK. Things have changed quite a lot since week one. Supermarkets are being more supportive to elderly and vulnerable people and also people who work for the NHS. I don’t think there is quite as much panic buying going on, but supermarkets are playing their part with that by limiting the amount of certain things we can buy. I haven’t been to the supermarket in weeks. My Mum and Dad are doing all of my shopping for me. Every so often I will go for a walk up to the local shops and obviously try and keep my distance from other people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The mood of the country seems to have changed a lot over the last few weeks. Everybody seems to be more accepting of it and trying to make the most of it. People are thinking of creative ways to keep everybody’s spirits up. There have been online church services, people singing outside care homes and children drawing pictures to decorate the new hospitals that have been built. Some people who work for the NHS have also been getting some lovely treats recently from various companies. We have also had Clap for our Carers on Thursday evenings. There has been some really heart warming things going on. It’s really nice to see some community spirit and people supporting the NHS in these tragic times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is still no sign of an end to this lock down, which is really bringing me down mentally. But everybody is doing their best to try and cheer me up and remind me how lucky I am. Luckily I have some very patient and understanding family and friends. </span></div>
SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-32509811950008841692020-04-15T09:03:00.000+01:002020-04-15T11:11:47.680+01:00Week One in Lockdown - Amy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As of Friday closing times last week, everything involving any kind of fun has closed. Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, cinemas, everywhere I live my life really. </span></span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the first week of lockdown in the UK, to slow down the spread of Coronavirus. It all just feels so wrong. I feel trapped and like I desperately need to escape. </span></span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In January this year I finished six months of therapy for post traumatic stress disorder, which was partly caused by my sight loss. I have finally got into a good place mentally and now this happens. I need to go out and socialise regularly to keep my mind healthy and happy. I don’t usually have the most hectic schedule, but I do try to go out and do something most days. Staying in the house for more than a few days makes me feel quite down. It is not anything to do where I live, or who I live with, I would be the same anywhere. I just need to be out there and living my life. Luckily I don’t live alone, but I still need to be out, moving around and seeing different people. The thought of doing this for weeks or even months really does scare me. I know things could be a lot worse for me, at least everybody that I know is well. I do understand why this is happening, but staying in for long periods of time really doesn’t do me any good. That worries me just as much as going out does. There is nowhere to go, nothing to look forward to. I can try and look forward to when this is all over but it seems quite cruel because nobody knows when this is going to end. That is what I really need to know, even if I don’t like the answer, I need a date to work towards and focus on. This might be lowering the risk of catching Coronavirus, but my worry is that it is going to cause major problems in other ways for people, physically and mentally. </span></span>SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-82676262488072525022020-02-14T11:30:00.000+00:002020-04-15T09:03:16.185+01:00Valentine's Day 2020 - Amy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBNZ1cXJHNH_UD_jr0bv4lc9DLECp3UjCbAPLovZOTJG6g1ljX5I35E3NfiSwTGF99-AXhLk0qhSILCtMmrpTaebc8ze7litGoQtP6zBWIUiv6rNYXD7C2ElpS0lehsVxVPBPExSO023L/s1600/Amy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">A few years
ago I wrote a post about Valentine’s day and how miserable and depressing it
can be for those who are single.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Every
year Valentine’s Day just felt the same, a big disappointment.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">The older I got, the less I believed that I
would find the man of my dreams. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">There
is so much to deal with when it comes to me, I need help in a lot of ways that
most people don’t.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">This feels quite
embarrassing and awkward when it comes to dating.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">It will put some guys off and the ones who
seem fine just don’t seem to understand.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I like to think that there is more to me than my health problems and
sight loss, but it takes very special people to see that too.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had been
on and off a dating app for a while and last year I was on a bit of a break
from it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to avoid any
unnecessary stress so I decided that I should leave it alone for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night I was feeling a bit more relaxed so
I decided to go on and see if there was anybody new on there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw from his profile that we had quite a
few things in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said on his
profile that he probably sounded boring, but the things that he thought sounded
boring were the things that made him perfect for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hoped that I would get to talk to
him, and I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have talked every day
since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is one of those special people
that can see beyond all the issues and he doesn’t let those issues put him off
at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants to be there for me and
help however he can and I do with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He understands a lot of things that most guys wouldn’t have the first
clue about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the past
there’s always been that awkward moment when I have to mention my sight
problems, with him it wasn’t awkward at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me a few things and I told him a few things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got it all out of the way from the very
beginning and it was never awkward at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both have rubbish that we wish we didn’t have to deal with, but we
deal with it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this year
I am actually looking forward to Valentine’s Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be my first one where I won’t be
feeling all left out and lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to
make it even more special, it will be six months since I first met one of the
most lovely guys in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-31900284372703846182020-01-20T13:51:00.001+00:002020-01-20T13:51:43.564+00:00National Hug Day - Amy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNjSE79DHc8JihIvj-T663ZSDfcAHTlsVth6CotJS6PNnw414ga_Bq-uLe628cJ4e72RAVNQ1r4YuYHus83hUCmn6fjadinfzU0pmNvBfufev_HK4mWqxRrgUV3ELXEUGb6CHa3yDf4l0/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNjSE79DHc8JihIvj-T663ZSDfcAHTlsVth6CotJS6PNnw414ga_Bq-uLe628cJ4e72RAVNQ1r4YuYHus83hUCmn6fjadinfzU0pmNvBfufev_HK4mWqxRrgUV3ELXEUGb6CHa3yDf4l0/s1600/Amy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Today is
National Hug Day so I thought I would write about that.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Some people don’t like hugs or any physical
contact with somebody else because of various reasons.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Some people find it really
uncomfortable.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">One of my friends is on
the autistic spectrum and she doesn’t like any form of physical contact with
people who she doesn’t know well and trust.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">She only feels comfortable hugging a small number of people.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Some people have had bad or even traumatic
experiences of physical contact, so they are not able to trust others or cope
with the feeling of being touched.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Some
people also have chronic pain conditions which makes things like hugging very
painful.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other people
are completely at the other end of the scale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people are very tactile, they thrive on physical contact with
others and feel comfortable walking up to a complete stranger and hugging them
at New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me, I
wouldn’t walk up to a complete stranger and hug them, but if they seem
trustworthy I feel fine if they come and give me a quick hug and some kind of
celebration, or if somebody saw me upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hugging people is an important part of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always hug my close friends as we are
saying goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are quite a few of
us in the group, so this takes a while!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I always feel really guilty if one person accidentally gets
missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which does happen
occasionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find hugging is a symbol
of caring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the strangers at New
Year, in that moment, everybody cares that we are all happy and having
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends and family hug because they
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If somebody hugs me because I’m
down or upset, it’s because they care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I hug people when I care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would
absolutely hate a world where there was no hugging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then there’s
cuddles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is a hug the same as a
cuddle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me a hug is fairly quick, and a cuddle is
when you are sat next to each other and lasts quite a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me a proper cuddle is tight, strong and it
makes you feel safe and protected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
so often I really need a proper cuddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if there is nothing wrong with me, every so often I just need that
big tight cuddle and the feeling of being protected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have recently found somebody who is perfect
for that job and I absolutely love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As well as me being the one feeling protected I do like to be the one
who makes somebody else feel that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me
cuddles and hugs are one of the best things in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-82765877796282168102019-11-04T16:42:00.000+00:002020-04-15T09:03:33.749+01:00Different Attitudes. Home and Away - Amy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbsO2HNqp0oVjc3I1F44V9DAMMyc1Mppk4Du2s3GPkoCR2KOLYkm4po3nJWt05ZkLkyGkfoI9m2HQuAQz77k9gL0iCck6VJ4otvG_YIMYOLj_61w55iWxOAcc34coA4HakVXPDCejyCX4/s1600/inspirationalpeopleamy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbsO2HNqp0oVjc3I1F44V9DAMMyc1Mppk4Du2s3GPkoCR2KOLYkm4po3nJWt05ZkLkyGkfoI9m2HQuAQz77k9gL0iCck6VJ4otvG_YIMYOLj_61w55iWxOAcc34coA4HakVXPDCejyCX4/s1600/inspirationalpeopleamy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have
recently been on holiday to Spain and I found it quite interesting how
attitudes vary towards sight loss. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I read
before we travelled that the airport do a pink lanyard, which shows staff that
you, or somebody in your group, may need extra help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I considered this, but I thought I would use
my guide cane so they can see that just like they can see a pink lanyard. It
said online to look out for any pink areas, as these are help zones for any
passengers that have any questions or are struggling to find their way
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it all sounded really
positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we got
to the airport however it was a completely different story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were in the check in area it was like
me and my white cane were invisible. Other passengers were constantly knocking
into me and we just checked in as normal. It wasn’t until we got to security
that a man actually noticed me and checked we were all ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that we should have all asked for a
pink lanyard so that they would know that we needed extra support. I never
really thought about it this way before, but if I had got a lanyard then they
would have known that I was there and that there is somebody coming through
that will need help. So they would actually look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I have seen it that way, next time I
will definitely get one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I still think
my cane was pretty obvious. When we went through the body scanner, I really
wasn’t sure which way I was going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> W</span>ith
all the machinery and people around it was hard to see which way to go. I tried
to follow my Dad who went through first, but it was still hard. My cane had to
go through the hand luggage scanner which I do understand, but it meant that I
couldn’t use it to guide me. I always have a person or my cane guiding me, so I
felt quite strange and anxious. I was the only one of us that didn’t beep. So
my Mum and Dad were taken to one side to be searched. The man on the scanner
made a point of telling the body searching staff that I was with them but I
hadn’t beeped. I tried to move nearer to my Mum and Dad to get out of the way
and they wouldn’t let me anywhere near them. I was just stood, not really sure
which way I was going or not going until they had finished. I was just kind of
stood in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After we had
finished in security we had the fun job of finding the gate. We looked around
for the pink zones that were mentioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually we found a pink machine that was out of order. Not very
useful at all. That was the nearest thing we saw to a pink zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting onto
the plane was amazing! We had to go up the stairs and not an air bridge which I
really don’t mind. It’s not the same getting an air bridge. I love going
outside and seeing a massive plane. I was so excited. I walked up the stairs at
my own pace, trying to concentrate on where I was walking and staring at the
plane both at the same time was quite difficult. But I didn’t feel rushed by
anybody which was nice. A lady from the cabin crew was stood by the plane door
trying her best to help me onto the plane and I accidently headbutted her!
Oops! I apologised and she was fine… I hope. But there was an announcement
before we took off about their friendly behaviour policy. My Dad was joking
saying that they only played that announcement because of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we
landed in Alicante, the staff saw me with my cane and let us straight through,
while everybody else had to queue around barriers. Straight away we all
thought, that is so different to the airport at home. This was one of the few
moments where my sight loss came in useful. I smiled as we walked past them all
feeling very pleased with myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However,
while we were actually on holiday, I found a lot of things not very accessible.
Hardly anywhere had accessible toilets and the few places that had ramps where
very narrow wobbly ones that were just placed over steps. Again, completely
different to at home, but in the other way. People just didn’t seem to
understand or recognise what my cane was for. I am not sure whether they are
actually used in Spain or not, but even other tourists just ignored it. I
wasn’t really after any special treatment, just a bit of space to get around. I
did have one positive experience though in a wildlife park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to see a dolphin show and they let us
sit on the front row. It was still hard
to see and we got quite wet, but it was very nice for them to let me do
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also went
on a coach trip to Valencia. The travel rep was very nice and had saved some
seats for us near the front of the coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However when we got to Valencia she was supposed to be taking us to the
meeting point for coming back and everybody left us. We couldn’t catch up and
lost them very quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all
really enjoyed our holiday, but the support for visually impaired people was
very unpredictable. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-4808375509481147502019-08-07T11:52:00.002+01:002019-08-07T11:52:27.682+01:00My Tramlines Weekend - Ken<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10WX2ydC_eieoEGo6jnM6UIicSdHkSs0y9-RqxPP0CYm8BnQydyldYnYBN9o2paQCSqQrhdDD-1RckT1i1fiC22iWAdhiFnoEyHhnENtlqJ5D5dg5wHmf2tmPRwyDOBbkTyj6nnZk2Ywx/s1600/InspirationalPeopleKen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10WX2ydC_eieoEGo6jnM6UIicSdHkSs0y9-RqxPP0CYm8BnQydyldYnYBN9o2paQCSqQrhdDD-1RckT1i1fiC22iWAdhiFnoEyHhnENtlqJ5D5dg5wHmf2tmPRwyDOBbkTyj6nnZk2Ywx/s1600/InspirationalPeopleKen.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
<a href="https://tramlines.org.uk/" target="_blank">Tramlines</a> music festival took place on Friday 19 July for 3 consecutive days at
Hillsborough Park Sheffield.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I,
along with my PA plus my guide dog Barley attended all 3 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
arrived at our destination via the Super Tram and located the special admission
entrance which saved us standing in a long queue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
were issued with wrist bands which we wore throughout the 3 days, which saved
us having to produce our tickets every time we were admitted. The first 200 attendees received a
voucher for a free drink at one of the bars scattered around the sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Initially
we walked around to determine where each stage was situated as there were 3 to
choose from, the main stage, the Leadmill, plus the Library stage. Eventually
we managed to obtain a programme with details of who was appearing on each of
the 3 stages and on which day and time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
were lots of food and drink stalls around selling a variety of food attracting
lots of people to purchase their goods although they were very pricey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
weather was cloudy on our arrival and the heavens opened around 6pm turning the
solid ground into a wet, slippery and muddy surface. However that didn’t dampen
the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the crowds that attended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
were portable toilets scattered around the sight which you had to be desperate
to use but you know what to expect at a music festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Appearing
on the main stage, amongst other performers, was a group from Liverpool who
sounded professional, tight and varied their style to accommodate different
tastes. The Manic Street Preachers appeared next playing there most famous
songs and performed the Guns and Roses track Sweet Child Of Mine which the lead
guitarist performed superbly the well-known middle solo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally to round off the first evening, the
Two Door Cinema Club concluded the first nights entertainment which most of the
people attending enjoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
PA and I proceeded to the Super Tram stop for a return journey to town. There
were long Queues but a representative from the Super Tram instructed us to walk
to the front of the queue and await further instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the next tram arrived he guided us on to
the vehicle and pointed to a couple of seats near the front for us to
occupy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came to disembarking
from the tram, there were so many passengers stood up that some of them had to
disembark, allowing us to do likewise before they climbed back on board to resume
their journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One
of my dear friends joined us for the 2nd day of the music festival. It had been
raining heavily throughout the morning. Most people on arrival at the site
expected the ground to be a quagmire but surprisingly it was firm and the
afternoon and evening became very pleasant and warm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
arrived in time to see the Everly Pregnant Brothers who are a comic group
changing the words of famous songs to incorporate their own rendition of the
tune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then decided to walk to the
Leadmill stage which was inside a tent but the thrashing loud music didn’t
appeal to either of us so we left and had a walk to the Old Fashioned clothes
fair which was on display. We then returned to listen to Miles Kane who along
with his band was superb playing an outstanding version of Donna Summer’s Hot
Stuff. Next to appear were Sheffield’s own Reverend and the Makers who were
very entertaining and performed brilliantly. Their rhythmic playing got
everybody dancing and they received a tumultuous reception on arrival and on
conclusion of their program. Half an hour later Johnny Marr performed songs
including some of the tunes made famous by the Smiths which he was an original
member of. His guitar playing was outstanding. Finally to round off the
evening, the Courteeners performed playing a variety of tunes both fast and
slow which was superbly received by fans of music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
couple of our friends kindly offered us a lift from the venue which we
gratefully accepted. The first two evenings concluded at around 10pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
final day had been sold out for weeks and the weather was gloriously sunny. We
set off early in order to catch the Happy Monday’s who were performing on the
main stage at 1:30pm and we were not disappointed on our arrival. They were
superb and displayed skill, entertainment and some cracking rhythms to listen
to. Two bands with differing styles which I was unfamiliar with appeared next. In-between
sets, my PA and myself walked to the front of the stage to watch the roadies
strip down the equipment and off the stage while another set of roadies set up
the equipment for the next performing band, all within half an hour. During
this process, I bought a Tramlines 2019 t’shirt for a special friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
then decided to walk to the Leadmill stage to listen to Peter Hook and the
Light. Peter was an original member of Joy Division and latterly New Order.
Peter and his superb musicians performed tracks by Joy Division and New Order. The
tent was packed and the atmosphere was electric. On completion of their hour
spot the audience were singing Love Will Keep Us Apart long after the group had
departed from the stage. It turned out to be a memorable and enjoyable gig.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
the singing still ringing in our ears we returned to the main stage in
anticipation plus excitement of watching and listening to The Rag And Bone Man
who along with his backing singers plus the musicians backing him gave a superb
performance playing songs he had written himself. The spot we chose was ideal
with the sound coming across crystal clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Finally
it was down to Nile Rodgers and Chic to conclude the festival and they didn’t
disappoint playing a variety of sole songs which Nile had written for various
artists including Chic, Cool and the Gang, David Bowie and Diana Ross. He more
or less had the packed audience eating out of his hands finishing the set just
before 9 pm. It was a memorable 3 days. We took away lots of happy, interesting
and superb musical memories. Barley my Guide Dog received so many strokes and
cuddles that she was in her element and behaved superbly coping very well with
the vast crowds she had to contend with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
journey back to the city centre was delightful with people singing their hearts
out sounding in a very good mood with some of them already looking forward to
next year’s Tramlines Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-52879034525506793652019-07-01T15:35:00.000+01:002019-07-01T15:35:22.278+01:00Para Archery World Championship - Phil<div class="MsoPlainText">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ5DqRHiLpFflz4OSSKhysCXAzrPY8vA04XGfR3pE0iiwoSQL-o0eyNEh_aukv3024vHxDvZWyDVkOGC1BS79a3g3dh8Xd7jNYRSw4GW7XX9NubreuvfGoeL-3vb_KOeLrZ9jUnWeAcv3/s1600/Phil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ5DqRHiLpFflz4OSSKhysCXAzrPY8vA04XGfR3pE0iiwoSQL-o0eyNEh_aukv3024vHxDvZWyDVkOGC1BS79a3g3dh8Xd7jNYRSw4GW7XX9NubreuvfGoeL-3vb_KOeLrZ9jUnWeAcv3/s1600/Phil.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My name is Phillip Tranter and I have been
asked to write a blog about my experiences as a blind archer at the
<a href="https://www.archery2019.com/Archery/goto20.aspx" target="_blank">Para Archery World Championship</a> in Holland in June 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was extremely pleased and honoured to be chosen to
attend the Championships, along with my full time spotter Marina. Even though I
had a place, I knew it was going to be tough, as I had been having a few issues
with my performance. Realistically, I was hoping to achieve a good placement,
if I was able to medal, it would be absolutely terrific!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found out the attendance at the Worlds this year was
the highest ever with 301 athletes due to compete. For the visually impaired
section, we had 17 athletes from 9 different countries, also a record for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We flew out to Holland on Saturday 1st of June and met up
with the rest of the team at our Hotel in Koningshof. Following our orientation
to the hotel, which was a vast 3 storey complex, set in its own largely wooded
grounds, we settled in and got our bearings. A meeting after dinner was
arranged and we went over the itinerary for the next few days. Our venue for
the Championship was at a large Rugby field in Eindhoven and we had to adhere strictly to the time
slots given to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday was a sunny and very warm day, 30 degrees, this
was our official practice session of 3 hours. This included, the setting up and
removal of equipment, so we had to make the most of the time given. The field
was very busy, with a total of 40 targets in use. We had 9 targets, which were
set at 30 metre distance. The other targets were for the archers with physical
disabilities and set at distances of 50 and 70 metres. When practice was
finished, we went to see the other Team GB archers, to catch up on how they
were. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the next two days we all would have
Elimination and Head to Head rounds. When we were not actually shooting, then
we would be supporting and cheering on our compatriots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the elimination round, I managed to come 5th, which I
was quite pleased with. This meant, on Tuesday, I was going head to head with
Mark Schrand from the USA, who had come 4th. Whoever won this round, would go
forward to contest the Bronze Medal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday afternoon, was another cloudy but warm day, storm
showers were expected later. I was nervous and tried hard to contain this in
the run up to the match. The scoring system for the round was, 12 arrows each,
in rounds of 3. The highest score was awarded 2 points, a tie was 1 point each,
first to 6 points was the winner. I managed to win my head to head 6 points to
2. I was mightily relieved to have progressed through to contest the Bronze
medal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that evening the storm arrived, with loud thunder claps, brilliant
flashes of lightening , hail and torrential rain, lasting well past midnight. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully, by the time finals took place at 2pm, it was
dry and sunny again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bronze medal match was against my fellow team mate
Nick Thomas, it’s always more difficult to shoot against someone who you know.
The scoring system was the same, first to 6 points was the winner. We were
close in scores, but each time Nick managed to get one or two points more than
me. Alas, he won 6-0, I will have to hope for a rematch if we get to the
Europeans next year. Even so, I am still ranked 4th in the World. Steve Prowse
won Gold, for team GB, his 3rd World title.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a mad dash back to the hotel to eat and pack, we
were on our way back to the airport by 9pm. We arrived at our hotel at 10.30 pm
and were just in time for a quick celebratory drink before bed and an early
flight home the next day.</span></div>
<br />SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077111586013999013.post-20635067465054191902019-05-15T16:24:00.001+01:002019-05-15T16:24:05.690+01:00The Light - Amy<br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbsO2HNqp0oVjc3I1F44V9DAMMyc1Mppk4Du2s3GPkoCR2KOLYkm4po3nJWt05ZkLkyGkfoI9m2HQuAQz77k9gL0iCck6VJ4otvG_YIMYOLj_61w55iWxOAcc34coA4HakVXPDCejyCX4/s1600/inspirationalpeopleamy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbsO2HNqp0oVjc3I1F44V9DAMMyc1Mppk4Du2s3GPkoCR2KOLYkm4po3nJWt05ZkLkyGkfoI9m2HQuAQz77k9gL0iCck6VJ4otvG_YIMYOLj_61w55iWxOAcc34coA4HakVXPDCejyCX4/s1600/inspirationalpeopleamy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is the
International Day of Light (May 16th), so I thought that I would
write something to explain what a difference the light makes to somebody who is
visually impaired. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, I
LOVE British Summer Time hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long
light days mean that I can be more independent, for longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the dark I can’t see well at all, I am not
confident going out alone in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I do, I get a taxi and I sometimes need help from the driver with
getting into the taxi and walking me to the door when we arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I am in the taxi I find it quite hard to
tell where we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my total trust
and faith into the driver and hope that they get me there safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does help is when businesses and iconic
buildings have decorative lighting or big clear signs that are lit up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example I know I am near town when I see
the big old building with the blue lights by the roundabout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I know I am nearly home when I see the
lights from the petrol station near my road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They help me a great deal to recognise where I am and also follow my
journey and feel confident that we are going the right way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Busses, trams and walking alone are not an
option for me at all when it is dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
I am with somebody that I know well and trust then I am fine, but if not then I
am just not confident enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talking
busses and trams do help a lot and if it was guaranteed on every bus and tram
every time, then maybe I would venture out in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have heard stories of bus drivers
turning the talking off because it annoys them, how true that is I don’t
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so far in Sheffield, talking
busses are just on one route, the 120 route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a bus I only usually use to travel through the city centre, so
it is very helpful, but not a bus I use all of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as I do not live near a tram stop it is
quite rare that I use the tram.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Light
evenings mean that instead of aiming to be home for 4pm, I can aim to be home
for 8pm or later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a massive
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending on where I am
travelling from and how confident I feel, I sometimes want to set off before it
even starts to go dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twilight is
worse than the dark in some ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
so disorientating. So in winter, this means leaving at around 3pm!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming
home in the light means that I can see where my house is, so that I can tell
the taxi driver when to stop, more accurately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus they can read my house number easier when it is light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I am confident with the route I may even
decide to get the bus home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does
depend on how busy the busses are likely to be though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do avoid going on busses alone during busy
times as they are scary and hard to find a seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also if a lot of people are stood up, it is
hard to see through the windows, so I will struggle to follow where we are and
recognise my stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being in a
well lit environment is also very beneficial for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a dull or very shaded environment I find
it hard to see what I am doing, I find it hard to see where potential hazards
are and I find it hard to look for things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some restaurants and bars are so dull, the flooring is dull, the
furniture is dull, the walls are dull and they hardly have any lights on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It makes things so difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
understand the whole ambience thing, if they want to sit in the dark then fine,
but they could do more to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
having the furniture a completely different colour to the flooring, so that
there is a big contrast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make it look
funky with all bright, random colours and styles. Making doors and door frames a different
colour to the rest of the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make
lighting good enough to read the menus and see your food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been occasions where somebody I
know has used their torch on their phone just to read menus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she has quite good sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t understand the logic of how some
places are designed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing that I
have noticed is that some places seem to forget that making things accessible,
also means making things accessible for visually impaired people. Not just people with a physical
disability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is just
a description of what is right for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody’s sight is different and some people really struggle with the
light and brightness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be
better described by somebody else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you are one of these people then please
tell us what you think?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />SRSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130403369169185854noreply@blogger.com0