Tag Archives: updated opportunities

News & Events Update – 26 May

26 May Weekly Events & News Update!
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Now that more opportunities are available to participate in sport and physical activity, we are using this newsletter to detail what is available from Metro Blind Sport and partners.

 

Netball

The netball skills sessions will take place at the Score Centre in Leyton.  If you want to take part, then please sign up for the first session here  https://blindsport.uk/VINetball22June

The course will start at 5.30 pm on 22 June and run every week until 27 July.

To book on to the other sessions, then use the links from the website http://blindsport.uk/VINetballLondon

To find out more, please contact Martin Symcox martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

 

Tennis

We are back in Islington this week for the tennis sessions. Use the links below to book on to the sessions at the Islington Tennis Centre.

For blind players (B1) and those new to the game

For partially sighted players  (B2 – B5)

If you are interested in playing for the first time, please contact Lucy charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

Plus, don’t forget to put the Metro Blind Sport friendly tournament on Sunday 12 September at Islington Tennis Centre in your diary. The application form will be sent out next week.

 

Football

The training sessions for partially sighted players are still occurring every Tuesday evening at the Score Centre from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm.

Please book in advance using the link below.

If you are interested in playing, please contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046 or Gareth Jones gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com

 

Bowls

It looks like the weather will get better, so hopefully, the outdoor bowls at Ravenscourt Park on a Monday at 2 pm and Paddington Sports Club every Thursday at 3 pm will be blessed with some sunshine.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, newcomers are very much welcome to come along and try bowls. Please contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

More details can be found on the Metro Blind Sport website https://www.metroblindsport.org/sports/bowls/

 

Cricket

The better weather will undoubtedly be good news for the Metro Blind Sport cricketers as well.

The net sessions continue each week at Highgate Woods on a Tuesday from 5.30 pm. If you are interested in playing this season or taking part in training sessions, then please contact our Sport Lead for cricket, Rory Field rory.field74@gmail.com  07742 323224 or contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

The Metro cricket team had their first competitive match this weekend against Somerset in the BCEW National League Division One. Great to hear that the full 60 overs were played. You can read the exciting full match side report by Paul Toplis on our website here: https://tinyurl.com/CricketMatch1

 

Sutton Tennis

Tennis sessions occur every Thursday at the Sutton Sports Village from 10.30 am – 12.00 pm. Booking is required, so please contact the venue to book: Andrew.jeffery@gll.org. The venue telephone number is 02086416611.

 

Ride Side-by-Side with Bikeworks and Metro Blind Sport

Remember, you can book in for one session or a series of sessions, and the great news is we are now taking bookings for June, so please contact Nikki at Bikeworks to book your space. If you would like to join a session, please contact Nikki Ray from Bikeworks Nikki.Ray@bikeworks.org.uk 07833757954.

There will be two time slots available for you to choose from on each of the days. Session 1 is from 9.30 am until 11 am, and session 2 is from 11.30 am until 1 pm.

 

Shape up with Spurs

Sessions continue on Zoom on Wednesday’s at 2 pm. If you wish to register interest or find out more, please contact: Adam Millar  07392091327 Adam.millar@tottenhamhotspur.com

 

Running Achilles International

The regular weekly group runs have restarted, and Achilles International are now training in Hyde Park on a Thursday at 6.30 pm. For more information about these free sessions, please contact Chris Blackabee chrisblackabee@gmail.com or visit the Achilles International UK Facebook page https://tinyurl.com/AchillesRuns

 

Yoga

Audio Described: Floor Yoga Class 3 with Claire Miller
The third class in our floor yoga is now available, link Below
https://blindsport.uk/FloorYoga3

 

Volunteers

Metro Blind Sport would not be able to do the things that we deliver without the fantastic support of our volunteers. If you have a family member or friends keen to get involved and volunteer with Metro Blind Sport, please ask them to contact Martin martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org

Volunteering can come in many forms, from helping people play sports or to help people travel to activities or promote our activities. We welcome all the help we can get, so please encourage friends to get in touch.

 

News

RNIB and British Blind Sport

The RNIB, in partnership with British Blind Sport, have received £1m in funding from Sport England for three years to develop participation in sport amongst people with sight loss.

The three organisations will develop the See Sport Differently programme to deliver opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to access and participate in sport, with a mass participation event in 2022 across multiple locations.

The programme will begin with a three-month research project to better understand the impact Covid-19 has had on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to undertake physical activity. The findings will also help understand the impact of Covid-19 on the sporting workforce and their ability and understanding to support people with sight loss.

The project will also create participation opportunities with national governing bodies while creating a volunteering programme at local sports and grassroots-club level, improving awareness of sight loss, and taking steps to improve the accessibility of sporting sector businesses.

 

Royal Collection Trust

The Royal Collection Trust is pleased to confirm that their Descriptive Zooms continue on the first Tuesday of the month. Please join them in a couple of weeks to find out more about Queen Victoria’s Scottish home, Balmoral Castle.

If you would like to join this session, from 2-3 pm, please email
Amy Stocker, Access and Inclusion Manager on amy.stocker@rct.uk

 

National Running Show South

Have you booked your tickets for the National Running Show South, 17-18 July at Farnborough International?

If not, then make sure you sign up now with our exclusive offer code:

METROBLINDSPORTS

To get yourselves, your friends and your family some free tickets. Speakers include Dame Kelly Holmes, Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Anita Bean, Vic Owens and Vassos Alexander. The offer ends 2 June so register to get your ticket now https://nationalrunningshow.com/south.

 

VICTA

VICTA is excited to share two exciting opportunities with the British Exploring Society (BES) with you!

When: Dates across July and August 2021
Who: Age 14 to 25 years
Location: Scotland, please see below for more information
Closing Date: 7 June 2021

 

Hartz Scottish Explorers

Open to anyone aged 14 to 17. Climb to the summits of spectacular hills or explore a secluded valley nestled in the Scottish Highlands, engaging with this remote environment in different ways – you might be conducting experiments, laying camera traps or comparing water quality in mountain streams.  Location: – Scotland
Dates: 26 July to 7 August 2021 or 9 August to 21 August 2021
To find out more and express your interest: https://tinyurl.com/HartzExplorers

 

Landmark Scottish Highlands

Open to anyone aged 16 to 25. Explore the 15-mile-long Loch Tay by canoe, making camp on the shores. You may also choose to trek around or over some of the local Munros (mountains over 3,000 ft). With no set itinerary, you can shape your adventures during this programme. Location: Loch Tay, Scotland
Dates: 2 to 14 August or 16 to 28 August 2021
To find out more and express your interest: https://tinyurl.com/TrekCanoe

 

Northern Ballet

Northern Ballet is very excited to return to Sadler’s Wells this Spring with their story of sexual power, cruelty and deceit. From Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 June 2021. Audio Description: Thursday 10 June at 2.30 pm.

Northern Ballet’s Audio Described performance will immerse audiences in Dangerous Liaisons, and with detailed descriptions of the ballet’s movements, you won’t miss a beat. More information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/ADBallet

To book: Call the Sadler’s Wells Ticket Office, requesting a headset in advance on 020 7863 8000.

 

Merton Sports and Social Club

Merton Sports and Social Club (MSSC) have a date set for their AGM.  It will take place on the afternoon of Saturday 24 July, to be followed by a BBQ in honour of the late Bob Waters, who served behind the bar for so many years and was often seen slaving away at what used to be the club’s annual BBQ. For more details, contact the committee via Email: committee@mssc.org.uk.

 

Upcoming tandem rides in June

Saturday 5 June – they are aiming to run four separate rides (levels 1-4)
Saturday 19 June – Beginner/Refresher workshop for pilots & stokers: 10 am -1 pm
MSSC members can sign up for any of the above rides by following the below link: –
https://tinyurl.com/JuneCycle

 

 

Metro Blind Sports Links & Social Networks

Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!

Metro Blind Sport:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

Metro Blind Sport membership:  more info or Join here

 

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News & Events Update – 19 May

Metro Blind Sport logo with a blue tinted spotlight behind it and a faded group photo of london pulse players and a netball player jumping high to shoot for the net and the text saying Wednesday 19 May Weekly Events & News Update
News, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Now that more sport and physical activity opportunities are available to participate in, we are using this newsletter to detail what is available from Metro Blind Sport and partners.

 

Football

The training sessions for partially sighted players are still occurring every Tuesday evening at the Score Centre from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm. Please book in advance using the link below.

If you are interested in playing, please contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046 or Gareth Jones gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com.

 

Bowls

Good news for those wanting to play bowls, we now have two opportunities each week for people to take part.

The Metro Blind Sport bowls sessions will be continuing at the Paddington Sports Club every Thursday at 3 pm. No booking required.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, newcomers are very much welcome to come along and try bowls. Please contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

 

Tennis

Training sessions in Islington occur every two weeks, so please use the links below to book your place.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, please contact Lucy charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046. It has been good to see new members come along since we have restarted tennis.

The Metro Blind Sport friendly tournament will be on Sunday 12 September at Islington Tennis Centre from 12 pm onwards.

The tournament will provisionally consist of a B1 singles competition and a B2-B5 mixed doubles competition.

Doubles partners will be drawn out of a hat. The application form will be sent out within the next two weeks.

 

Sutton Tennis

Tennis sessions occur every Thursday at the Sutton Sports Village from 10.30 am – 12.00 pm. Booking is required, so please contact the venue to book: Andrew.jeffery@gll.org.

The venue telephone number is 02086416611.

 

Cricket

Good luck to the Metro cricket team, who play their first match this weekend.
We are keen to welcome players who have never played before or perhaps haven’t played for some time.
We have already had new players come along and take part, and if you are interested in playing this season or taking part in training sessions, please contact our sport Lead for cricket, Rory Field rory.field74@gmail.com  07742 323224 or contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.
We invite new players and current players to come along to a training session and a net session at Highgate Woods. These sessions occur every Tuesday at 5.30 pm.

 

Netball

The course will start at 5.30 pm on 22 June and run every week until 27 July. Qualified coaches will lead the 1-hour weekly session on a Tuesday evening in a covid secure environment.

The project will deliver the skills and techniques played in netball, and they are free to attend. The netball skills sessions will take place at the Score Centre in Leyton with London Pulse Community Lead Lisa Brown

To find out more, please contact Martin Symcox martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

 

Ride Side-by-Side with Bikeworks and Metro Blind Sport

Remember, you can book in for one session or a series of sessions, and the great news is we are now taking bookings for June, so please get in contact with Nikki at Bikeworks to book your space. If you would like to join a session, please contact Nikki Ray from Bikeworks Nikki.Ray@bikeworks.org.uk 07833757954.

There will be two time slots available for you to choose from on each of the days. Session 1 is from 9.30 am until 11 am, and session 2 is from 11.30 am until 1 pm.

 

Merton Sports and Social Club Tandem

Their regular rides, open to all members, will begin on Saturday 22 May, then on the first and third Saturday morning of each month after that, unless the government guidelines change.

To register interest in a ride well in advance, please email cycling@mssc.org.uk

 

Shape up with Spurs

Sessions continue on Zoom on Wednesday’s at 2 pm. If you wish to register interest or find out more, please contact: Adam Millar  07392091327 Adam.millar@tottenhamhotspur.com

 

Running Achilles International

The regular weekly group runs have restarted, and Achilles International are now training in Hyde Park on a Thursday at 6.30 pm. For more information about these free sessions, please contact Chris Blackabee chrisblackabee@gmail.com or visit the Achilles International UK Facebook page https://tinyurl.com/AchillesRuns

 

VI runners challenge

In partnership with VI Runners Bristol, Great Run are excited to stage the first VI Runners 10K Challenge in 2021.

Their joint ambition is to use this event to promote and increase participation in running for people registered as severely sight impaired. For further details about the challenge and the entry requirements, please follow this link https://tinyurl.com/ViRun2021

 

Volunteers

Metro Blind Sport would not be able to do the things that we deliver without the fantastic support of our volunteers.

If you have a family member or friends who would be keen to get involved and volunteer with Metro Blind Sport, please ask them to contact Martin martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

Volunteering can come in many forms, from helping people play sports or helping people travel to activities or promote our activities. We welcome all the help we can get, so please encourage friends to get in touch.

 

Guide runner availability for marathon participation

Eva Henriques has kindly offered to support anyone with a vision impairment who is looking for a guide running partner with the intention to participate in any upcoming marathons.

If you are interested, please contact Eva directly either by email: evabhenriques@gmail.com  or phone: 07729 199 815.

 

 

News

 

What do you think about compulsory voter photo ID?

The Government has said it plans to introduce a requirement for voters in Great Britain to show a personal photographic identification document before being issued a ballot paper in polling stations for UK Parliamentary elections, local council elections in England, police, and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales.

The Government argues that requiring photo ID will protect the integrity of the ballot and ensure that there is a diminished opportunity for voter fraud. However, there is evidence that if you are young, if you’re a person from an ethnic minority, if you’re disabled, or you come from a poorer background, you’re much less likely to have a valid photo ID and could therefore find it more difficult to cast your vote.

Sight Loss Councils, supported by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, want to hear how you feel about the introduction of voter ID and kindly ask you to complete a short survey, which should take less than 5 minutes to complete: https://tinyurl.com/29xrehz6

 

 

Blind in Business parent and family Q&A workshop

Monday 5 July 2021, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm via Microsoft Teams.
For parents, carers, young people, friends, and family

  • Learn and speak with blind and visually impaired people who are working in modern and successful careers.
  • Gain insight into their education, finding work, the technology they use and what support they’ve received.
  • Be encouraged by others’ experiences to be ambitious through education and into employment.

For more information, please contact jess@blindinbusiness.org.uk

 

 

The London Learning Consortium

The social enterprise, The London Learning Consortium, has just started a new initiative and have been awarded government funding to support a small number of people in north and east London back into employment or training.

The support is virtual and would include:
•        Free CV support;
•        Job search;
•        Encouraging employment, training or voluntary work.

To qualify for the free support, residents must be:
•        Unemployed
•        Over 19 years of age
•        Live in East/North London

Ideally, they want to reach hard to reach groups, but it’s open to anyone who meets the criteria. For more information, contact Kavina on k.Kamat@londonlc.org.uk or call 07534816359. She will then assist the resident in accessing the relevant opportunity.

 

Travel Hands

Travel Hands is a product of VIP World Services. This service pairs blind and partially sighted people in London with sighted and verified volunteers to walk together towards their similar destinations.

Blind and partially sighted people can submit a trip request that is automatically sent to a volunteer near them, alerting the volunteer to their location. The accepting volunteer will then come and pick up the person and walk towards the requested destination.

The current call centre service is for free. But in the future, the application will cost £15/month or £150/year.

For more information, please visit the Travel Hands website https://www.travelhands.co.uk

 

World Blind Union

Every four years, the World Blind Union, holds a summit for “the largest international gathering of people who are blind or have low vision, working to build together a better future.”

Registration is free and allows access to nearly 50 online conference and webinars during the General Assembly, June 28-30, with voting (WBU business June 21-25). See event website for full details https://tinyurl.com/WBlindUnion

 

 

Metro Blind Sports Links & Social Networks

Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!

Metro Blind Sport:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

Metro Blind Sport membership:  more info or Join here

 

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News & Events Update – 12 May

Metro Blind Sport logo with a blue tinted spotlight behind it and faded images of a 4 bowls on the green and a London Metro futsal team player passing the ball behind anothers player back and the text saying Wednesday 12 May Weekly Events & News Update!
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Our sport and physical activity sessions continue this week so find out the details of what is on in the latest newsletter.

Football

The London Metro Futsal team took part in a friendly tournament last weekend in Nottingham. The futsal matches were the perfect way for the partially sighted football league to get a few teams together.

Six teams took part, and although London Metro Futsal lost in the semi-finals,  it was an opportunity to take some of the younger new players along for their first experience of playing in a tournament.

Players rotated regularly on and off the pitch, and this ensured plenty of game time for everyone. It was an excellent opportunity to ease people back into competitive football.

The training sessions for partially sighted players are still occurring every Tuesday evening at the Score Centre from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm.

Please book in advance using the link below. Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance.

If you are interested in playing, please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046 or Gareth Jones gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com

 

Bowls

 Good news for those wanting to play bowls, we now have two opportunities each week for people to take part.

We are pleased to confirm that the Ravenscourt Park Bowls Club sessions will begin on 17 May at 2 pm. Please register to play by following the link  https://tinyurl.com/RPBowls17May

The Metro Blind Sport bowls sessions will be continuing at the Paddington Sports Club every Thursday at 3 pm.  Bowls Event list:  https://blindsport.uk/BowlsEvents

If you are interested in playing for the first time, newcomers are very much welcome to come along and try bowls. Please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

 

Members Spotlight

Our latest member spotlight is about our bowls sport lead, Wilbert Williams:  You can read about Wilbert’s journey with Metro, bowls and beyond on our website. Link here: https://blindsport.uk/MSWilbert

 

Tennis

 Now that the LTA have launched their proposed tennis tournament schedule for 2021, Metro Blind Sport is seeking to supplement the number of events by delivering our friendly tournament on Sunday 12 September at Islington Tennis Centre from noon onwards.

Please pencil this date in the diary and details will be circulated next week.

Players are on court today and Friday for the training sessions in Islington, so please use the links below to book your place.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, please contact Lucy lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046. It has been good to see new members come along since we have restarted tennis.

 

Cricket

 We are keen to welcome players who have never played before or perhaps haven’t played for some time.

We have already had new players come along and take part, and if you are interested in playing this season or taking part in training sessions, please contact our sport lead for cricket, Rory Field rory.field74@gmail.com  07742 323224 or please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

We invite new players and current players to come along to a training session and a net session at Highgate Woods. These sessions occur every Tuesday at 5.30 pm.

 

Netball

The course will start at 5.30 pm on the 22nd of June and run every week until the 27 of July. Qualified coaches will lead the 1-hour weekly session on a Tuesday evening in a covid secure environment.

The project will deliver the skills and techniques played in netball, and they are free to attend. The netball skills sessions will take place at the Score Centre in Leyton with London Pulse Community Lead Lisa Brown

If you want to take part, then please sign up for the first session here: https://tinyurl.com/VINetball22June

All other session dates are available to book on the Metro Blind Sport website.

To find out more, please contact Martin Symcox martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

 

Ride Side-by-Side with Bikeworks and Metro Blind Sport

 Remember, you can book in for one session or a series of sessions, and the great news is, the sessions are all free!

It is an opportunity to do as much or as little exercise as you like and it’s certainly a chance to meet new people and have a chat along the way.

There are still some spaces left for May, but we are now taking bookings for June, so please get in contact with Nikki at Bikeworks to book your place.

If you would like to join a session, please contact Nikki Ray from Bikeworks Nikki.Ray@bikeworks.org.uk 07833757954.

There will be two time slots available for you to choose from on each of the days. Session 1 is from 9.30 am until 11 am, and session 2 is from 11.30 am until 1 pm.

 

Shape up with Spurs

Sessions continue on Zoom on Wednesday’s at 2 pm. If you wish to register interest or find out more, please contact: Adam Millar  07392091327 Adam.millar@tottenhamhotspur.com

Running Achilles International

 The regular weekly group runs have restarted, and Achilles International are now training in Hyde Park on a Thursday at 6.30 pm. For more information about these free sessions, please contact Chris Blackabee chrisblackabee@gmail.com or visit the Achilles International UK Facebook page  https://tinyurl.com/AchillesRuns

 

Volunteers

Metro Blind Sport would not be able to do the things that we deliver without the fantastic support of our volunteers.

If you have a family member or friends who would be keen to get involved and volunteer with Metro Blind Sport, please ask them to contact Martin martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

Volunteering can come in many forms, from helping people play sports or helping people travel to activities or promote our activities. We welcome all the help we can get, so please encourage friends to get in touch.

 

News

 The FA

 The FA seeks to recruit four independent members to join The FA Disability Football Committee for the 2021-22 season. Below is a link to the advert together with further details about the role and recruitment process. https://tinyurl.com/FADisabilityC

The application window will close on Friday 21 May 2021.

 

Tennis

The 2021 Event Calendar

Please see the current LTA calendar below, it is subject to change, and the LTA will update with any date changes.

https://tinyurl.com/VITennisComps2021

  1. Newport – 19/20 June
  2. Gosling – 7/8 August
  3. Brighton – 21/22 August
  4. London – 25/26 September
  5. Glasgow – 16/17 October
  6. Visually Impaired National Finals – 19-21 November, Wrexham Tennis Centre

Loughborough, Newcastle and Birmingham are still to be planned, and many venues are unable to confirm this year due to various issues surrounding the pandemic. The LTA is working hard to schedule as many events as possible, and Metro Blind Sport will update all of you as soon as possible. 

 

London Vision

The London Vision team has produced their monthly London Scene newsletter, informing people with sight loss about accessible activities and events happening around London.

The Latest London Scene newsletter is full of information, and you can download it here: https://blindsport.uk/LondonScene

 

Sport, leisure and hobbies 18 May   6 pm – 7 pm 

 Metro Blind Sport and Vocaleyes join us to share leisure, sporting and cultural opportunities in London.

 

Life hacks everyday living May 25th 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm

We will explore tips and tricks used by blind and partially sighted people to complete everyday tasks, from recognising bathroom products to simple DIY.

 

Advanced assistive technology May 25th 6 pm – 7.30 pm

This session is for regular users of assistive technologies and will be led by Graham Page from Thomas Pocklington Trust and Davinder Kullar from RNIB’s technology for life team and is a great opportunity to share ideas and thoughts

For further information and events links, please email info@londonvision.org

 

 

RNIB and VICTA product grant for an Orbit Reader Plus!

RNIB and VICTA are working together to support blind or partially sighted children and young people study with greater independence using technology.

If you are registered blind or partially sighted and a UK resident, you could be eligible for an Orbit Reader Plus for Braille users. The Orbit Reader Plus will only be considered for those aged between 0 and 29 years.

 Link here:  https://tinyurl.com/OrbitRPGrant

 

 

Activity Alliance

Today, the Activity Alliance launches its new 2021-2024 strategy – Achieving Fairness, with an immediate focus on how the national charity will respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a slight improvement before the pandemic, disabled people remain twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people. https://tinyurl.com/AAStrategy

 

Metro Blind Sports Links & Social Networks

Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!

Metro Blind Sport:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

Metro Blind Sport membership:  more info or Join here

 

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News & Events Update – 5 May

nd the text saying Wednesday 28 April Weekly Events & News Update!
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The weather might not be too nice, but we continue with activities in many sports. Details of what is on can be found  below.

Netball

Last week we announced that we had confirmed dates for the new netball sessions. Open for members and non-members, female and male players, the netball skills sessions will take place at the Score Centre in Leyton with London Pulse Community Lead Lisa Brown. Lisa and a team of London Pulse volunteers completed visual awareness training with Metro Blind Sport before the first lockdown and have been excited for weeks to get these skills sessions started.

The course will start at 5.30 pm on 22 June and run every week until 27 July. Qualified coaches will lead the 1-hour weekly session on a Tuesday evening in a covid secure environment. The project will deliver the skills and techniques played in netball, and they are free to attend.

If you want to take part, then please sign up for the first session here:

https://tinyurl.com/VINetball22June

All other session dates are available to book on the Metro Blind Sport website.

To find out more, please contact Martin Symcox martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

 

Tennis

 It was good to have the players on court last week, and we will return on court next week, so please use the links below to book your place.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, Please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.
It has been terrific to see new members come along since we have restarted tennis.

 

Kingston Tennis Tournament

Metro Blind Sport member Chris Blake is organising a friendly tournament for 8 B2 – B5 players on Sunday 16 May from 10 am until 4 pm. The matches will be on three outdoor artificial grass courts. It will be a singles event at the Coombe Wood Lawn Tennis Club, 38 Galsworthy Rd, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7BS.

They have four/five players confirmed, so they need three to four more to join in. For more information, please contact Chris Blake at 07873 790748, chrisjtb32@gmail.com.

 

Football

The sessions for partially sighted players are occurring every Tuesday evening at the Score Centre from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm. Please book in advance using the link below. Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance.

If you are interested in playing, Please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046. Or Gareth Jones gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com.

 

Bowls

 The Metro Blind Sport bowls sessions will be continuing at the Paddington Sports Club every Thursday at 3 pm for those that want to join a friendly game. The new venue has been very welcoming, and the players have settled in nicely to the sports club.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, newcomers are very much welcome to come along and try bowls. Please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

 

Cricket

 We are keen to welcome players who have never played before or perhaps haven’t played for some time. We have already had new players come along and take part, and if you are interested in playing this season or taking part in training sessions, please contact our Sport Lead for cricket, Rory Field rory.field74@gmail.com  07742 323224 or contact Lucy lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

We invite new players and current players to come along to a training session and a net session at Highgate Woods. These sessions occur every Tuesday at 5.30 pm.

 

Ride Side-by-Side with Bikeworks and Metro Blind Sport

 The sessions are still going well, so If you want to have a go, get in contact. You can come along by yourself or arrange to bring along a friend or family member. Remember, you can book in for one session, a series of sessions, and the great news is that the sessions are all free! It is an opportunity to do as much or as little exercise as you like and it’s certainly a chance to meet new people and have a chat along the way. The sessions in May will be on the following days:

  • Tuesday 18 May
  • Wednesday 19 May
  • Tuesday 25 May
  • Wednesday 26 May

There will be two time slots available for you to choose from on each of the days. Session 1 is from 9.30 am until 11 am, and session 2 is from 11.30 am until 1 pm.

If you would like to join a session, please contact Nikki Ray from Bikeworks Nikki.Ray@bikeworks.org.uk 07833757954.

 

Cycling Merton Sports and Social Club

Merton Sports and Social Club (MSSC) are keen to see as many people as possible experiencing the joy of tandem cycling and all its physical, mental and social benefits. So, they would like to know, Covid notwithstanding, if you have ever fancied having a go at tandem cycling with MSSC, but have never actually booked up for one of their rides, what is stopping you? Is it lack of experience, lack of fitness, lack of confidence, transport issues or perhaps the timings of rides?  Whatever it is, please let MSSC know, and they can see what they can do to address your concerns.  Email them at cycling@mssc.org.uk.

 

Cycling Wheels for Wellbeing

Wheels for Wellbeing are restarting their Saturday sessions at Croydon Sports Arena from 1 May 2021! From May, they will be running two open sessions per week at Croydon Arena – on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

To find out how to book a space at one of their sessions, please visit their website https://wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/.

 

Shape up with Spurs

Sessions continue on Zoom on Wednesday’s at 2 pm. If you wish to register interest or find out more, please contact: Adam Millar  07392091327 Adam.millar@tottenhamhotspur.com

Running Achilles International

 The regular weekly group runs have restarted, and Achilles International are now training in Hyde Park on a Thursday at 6.30 pm. For more information about these free sessions, please contact Chris Blackabee chrisblackabee@gmail.com or visit the Achilles International UK Facebook page https://tinyurl.com/AchillesRuns

 

Volunteers

Metro Blind Sport would not be able to do the things that we deliver without the fantastic support of our volunteers. If you have a family member or friends who would be keen to get involved and volunteer with Metro Blind Sport, please ask them to contact Martin martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org. Volunteering can come in many forms, from helping people play sports or helping people travel to activities or promote our activities. We welcome all the help we can get, so please encourage friends to get in touch.

 

News

 

BBC News Survey

 BBC News is running a survey asking people with disabilities about their experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is likely to feature in a range of BBC news programming, so definitely worth sharing to encourage friends, volunteers and partners to respond. All responses will remain anonymous and kept secure in line with the BBC’s Privacy Policy.

Take the survey here https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BBCDisabilityCovid19/

 

Sense

Sense has officially launched their new Arts, Sport & Wellbeing Activity Finder platform to help you to find and enjoy accessible activities in your own space.

The Activity Finder collates over 100+ free accessible activities suitable for people with sensory impairments or complex disabilities via their website. Search for activities using the activity finder here: http://blindsport.uk/SenseActivities

 

London Vision

The team at London Vision have produced their monthly London Scene newsletter, which informs people with sight loss about accessible activities and events happening around London, including local society events. May’s newsletter is full of information so have a read here https://blindsport.uk/LondonScene

 

Apps and Gadgets

Five of the RNIB Technology for Life volunteers have shared their favourite apps and gadgets for looking after your mental and physical Wellbeing, from guided meditation to activity trackers. Check them out here: https://tinyurl.com/RNIB5Apps

 

Croydon Vision’s Facebook Live events

These events occur every Thursday at 4 pm. To join, follow the link:

https://tinyurl.com/CroydonLive

May’s highlights include:

 

  • 6 May – Eye health and busting myths about your eyes

How to take care of your eyes and a bit of fun finding out if it is true or false with Dhruvin Patel.

  • 13 May – A thought: Diversity, Race & Generations

Join the conversation with Susanette.

  • 20 May – Your House, Your Gym!

Explore the possibilities of using your house as a gym and create your own circuit training with Odette.

Website: https://croydonvision.org.uk

 

 

Metro Blind Sports Links & Social Networks

Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!

Metro Blind Sport:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

 

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News & Events Update – 28 April

Metro Blind Sport logo with a blue tinted spotlight behind it and a faded image of a tennis player returning a low the ball and the text saying Wednesday 28 April Weekly Events & News Update!
Article, News, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Our return to play has continued strongly in the past week. Attendances at the activities that we have been running continue to be positive. Check out the latest on offer this week.

Tennis

 Now that we are back on court, we have decided to stop the online sessions. We want to thank Mark and Linda for their support and coaching with these sessions and the players who joined in. Online activity started just after the first lockdown, and we are pleased to have provided this service for so long.

We will return on court in the second week in May, so please use the links below to book your place.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, please contact Lucy charlie.raven@metroblindposrt.org 07956 292046. It has been terrific to see new members come along since we have restarted tennis.

 

Bowls

 The Metro Blind Sport bowls sessions will be continuing at the Paddington Sports Club every Thursday at 3 pm for those that want to join a friendly game. The new venue has been very welcoming, and the players have settled in nicely to the sports club.

If you are interested in playing for the first time, newcomers are very much welcome to come along and try bowls. Please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

 

Football

The sessions for partially sighted players are occurring every Tuesday evening at the Score Centre from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm

Please book in advance using the link below. Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance.

If you are interested in playing, Please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046 or Gareth Jones gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com.

 

Cricket

 The team are always hoping to invite new Metro Blind Sport members to play the game, and we invite any new players to come along to a training session and a net session at Highgate Woods. These sessions occur every Tuesday at 5.30 pm.

The Metro Devils congregated at Highgate Woods on Saturday for the first practise session as a team since September 2019. You wouldn’t have known it. Metro scorer, Paul Toplis, organised the players into pairs, and everyone got a chance to bat and bowl on a typically windy afternoon on the slope of the home pitch.

The players are keen for the season and the competitive matches to start. You can read more about their practice session here: https://blindsport.uk/CricketInTheWoods

We welcome players who have never played before or perhaps haven’t played for some time. If you are interested in playing this season or taking part in training sessions, please contact our Sport Lead for cricket, Rory Field rory.field74@gmail.com  07742 323224 or contact Lucy lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

 

Ride Side-by-Side with Bikeworks and Metro Blind Sport

 It has been a few weeks since we started this new project, so I wrote a short article about the project with input from people who have attended and from our partner organisation, Bikeworks. You can read the article here: http://blindsport.uk/5WeeksCycling

If you want to have a go, then get in contact. You can come along by yourself or arrange to bring along a friend or family member. This is precisely, what happened last week when Marvel came along with her two sons. You can book in for one session or a series of sessions, and the great news is, the sessions are all free! The sessions in May will be on the following days:

  • Tuesday 4 May
  • Wednesday 5 May
  • Tuesday 11 May
  • Wednesday 12 May
  • Tuesday 18 May
  • Wednesday 19 May
  • Tuesday 25 May
  • Wednesday 26 May

There will be two time slots available for you to choose from on each of the days. Session 1 is from 9.30 am until 11 am, and session 2 is from 11.30 am until 1 pm.

If you would like to join a session, please contact Nikki Ray from Bikeworks Nikki.Ray@bikeworks.org.uk 07833757954.

 

Shape up with Spurs

Sessions continue on Zoom on Wednesday’s at 2 pm. If you wish to register interest or find out more, please contact: Adam Millar  07392091327 Adam.millar@tottenhamhotspur.com

Running 

Achilles International

 The regular weekly group runs have restarted, and Achilles International are now training in Hyde Park on a Thursday at 6.30 pm. For more information about these free sessions, please contact Chris Blackabee chrisblackabee@gmail.com or visit the Achilles International UK Facebook page https://tinyurl.com/AchillesRuns

 

Parkrun

When the Government published their Roadmap for England back in February, Parkrun announced their intent to reopen English junior events on Sunday 11 April and English 5k events on Saturday 5 June. Since then, junior parkrun has returned successfully, and they now have 155 junior events in England either reopened or with a confirmed start date over the next few weeks.

Keep up to date with their latest news about adult sessions restarting here https://tinyurl.com/ParkrunRestarting

 

Swimming

Swimming lessons will soon be available again to Metro Blind Sport members. Metro Blind Sport, in partnership with Ealing Swimming Club and Everyone Active, will once again offer discounted lessons. This service was well used prior to the lockdown, and we are pleased that it will be back up and running in mid-May.

We will be offering one to one swimming lessons, as we believe this is the best way to start if you have always wanted to try swimming but need that one to one support.

Thanks to our great partners and coach at the Ealing Swimming Club, it may be possible to be flexible with times or days, with the one to one swimming sessions. As always, sessions will be subject to coach availability.

Dates, timings, and costs will be detailed in next week’s newsletter, but if you are interested in coming along, please contact Charlie lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

 

Volunteers

Metro Blind Sport would not be able to do the things that we deliver without the fantastic support of our volunteers. If you have a family member or friends who would be keen to get involved and volunteer with Metro Blind Sport, please ask them to contact Martin martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

Volunteering can come in many forms, from helping people to play sports or to help people to travel to activities or promote our activities. We welcome all the help we can get, so please encourage friends to get in touch.

 

News

 

Katriona Taylor

International vocalist Katriona Taylor and her band will be streaming live on Saturday 15 May at 8.30 pm.

Katriona Taylor and her band lock down in the studio to stream a live show to you. Don’t miss Katriona singing a great selection of Jazz, Latin & Soul songs, with full HD pictures and top-quality stereo sound to create an incredible music vibe.

This show is hot off the heels of her latest album launch, Blind Passion. This live show will be streamed FREE to watch, purely for your enjoyment.

To get your free tickets, register here:  https://tinyurl.com/KatrionaT

 

 

London Vision

Our friends over at London Vision have another packed week of activities this week.

2020 a year to remember – Thursday 29 April 6 pm -7.30 pm.

Renu, London Vision’s enthusiastic virtual intern will be chairing this session, which is an opportunity for you to share your experiences of living with sight loss throughout a pandemic.

Friday Lunchtime drop-in – let’s talk AT 1 pm – 2 pm.

London Vision’s weekly drop-in session to chat assistive technology, no script plan, just come along and ask your questions about assistive technology. Graham Page from Thomas Pocklington Trust supports this session to join; click here: https://tinyurl.com/LetsTalkAT and click the launch meeting button at 1 pm on any Friday.

All things Reading – Tuesday 4 May 6 pm-7.30 pm.

Exploring the joy of listening to books. Paul Porter RNIBs Digital Manager will lead the session and explain how to make the most of RNIB’s Reading Services.

 

Certification and Registration, your rights and benefits – Wednesday 5 May 6 pm – 7.30 pm. 

Exploring the benefits being registered partially sighted or blind brings along with your rights to accessible services and more.

Their sessions take place on Zoom, but if you’ve never done it before or are having difficulties, they can dial you in to the meeting on your phone. For further information or joining links, email info@londonvision.org

 

The College of North West London IT Courses

The College of North West London offers IT courses specific for blind and partially sighted people. These are part-time day courses, accredited by City & Guilds, and run for one year from September to June.

Classes are held two days a week – Level 1 on Thursday/Friday 9.30 am – 3.45 pm (at the Wembley Park campus).

At the end of the Level 1 course, students have the option to integrate into mainstream to continue IT at Level 2 or pursue another course of their choice.

For more information contact Gladieth Walker, Curriculum Manager, College of North West London 020 8208 5458 gladieth.walker@cnwl.ac.uk

 

Stay safe and best wishes.

Martin and the Metro Blind Sport Team

 

Metro Blind Sports Links & Social Networks

Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!

Metro Blind Sport:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

 

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