Sunday 31 May 2015

Laura Ross, Blog entry – 25th May

Hello all, this is my first blog entry so be kind! I’m Laura Ross and my role in East London Vision (which is a bit of a mouthful) is the ‘Service Delivery and Development Officer’. Hopefully this blog entry will let you know what me and the rest of the team at ELVis have been up to this week starting Tuesday 26th of May, thanks to the bank holiday Monday.

 

I started my week with a meeting with Visually Impaired People of Newham (VIPON) steering group. We discussed future meetings (which are held the third Wednesday of every month), potential outings in the future and volunteers. It was a really good meeting and I think we managed to get a lot of details ironed out for the future of the group.  The following day I had a catch up with Masuma, who I would like to congratulate on her new job title of ‘Operations Manager’ which will involve a lot more of the day – to – day running of ELVis and some strategic elements as well.

 

This week I also viewed a potential venue to hold ELVis’ 2nd birthday (October 15th). I’m afraid I can’t give away any more details than this at the moment as it is currently just a mix of ideas floating round in my head that I’m trying to nail down and confirm. After viewing the mysterious venue I went on to a Beyond Barriers members meeting, which unfortunately I had to leave early as I was unwell. However, luckily I remembered to put my £1 in for the raffle and I won!!

 

Despite me being unwell for half the week the rest of the team has been very busy indeed getting up to.....

  • Updating each of the 7 borough's Vision Strategy Action Plans with strategic aims clearly identified , so that on going and future priorities can be easily targeted
  • Organising the continuation of the ActivEyes Redbrdige tennis sessions
  • Finalising the speaker for the local society and sensory team quarterly meeting
  • Keeping the website and social media channels up to date 
  • Planning future events within the East London boroughs including multi-sports and art and cooking classes 
  • Finalising details with the Challenge Network, who are lucky enough to be working with us  this year across the region.  

 

 

For anyone who would like any more information on ELVis and what we are up to check out our Website, Facebook and Twitter where we share information giving updates of our work and on the events that are happening across the boroughs.

 



Tuesday 26 May 2015

Redbridge - Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight - 1 June to 14 June

Make a Noise in Libraries (MANIL) Fortnight is an annual campaign bringing public libraries and blind and partially sighted people together in an effort to improve access to books and information. 

Redbridge Vision Culture and Leisure are running events throughout Redbridge Libraries as part of Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight.

Events are as follows:

Friday 5 June, Gants Hill Library, 10.30am – 11.30am - IPad Training for the Visually Impaired
Find out how to make the most of your iPad if you have a visual impairment. Spaces are limited, booking essential.

Tuesday 9 June, Redbridge Central Library, 1.30pm – 2.30pm - Book at Lunchtime 
Join us to listen to a short story selected and read by an author. The reading will be followed by a discussion and information about our services for blind and partially sighted people.    

Wednesday 10 June, Wanstead Library, 10.30am – 11.30am - Coffee Morning

Come along for a friendly chat to library staff and find out about the services we offer for those who are blind or partially sighted. 

If you would liked to be met at the nearest public transport point, please call the ELVis office on 020 3697 6464.

To book yourself on to any of these events, please contact Mina Rehman on 020 8708 2337 or email mina.rehman@visionrcl.org.uk

Answer to the ELVis Friday fun

Last week Masuma set you the challenge of solving a maths riddle as part of ELVis Friday Fun, which is something we do on Facebook each week.

It is time to reveal the answer, first here is a reminder of the riddle:
Using only addition, how do you add eight 8’s and get the number 1000?
Answer: 888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1000

Have a great week all from Team ELVis.

Saturday 23 May 2015

Masuma Ali, Operations Manager for ELVis, weekly update


Hello, and welcome to my first blog entry. I’m Masuma Ali the Operations Manager for East London Vision and for those of you, who like us, love your acronyms, it seems we are better known as ELVis!

 

This post will provide you with information on what I and the rest of Team ELVis have been up to covering the week of 18 May.

 

I definitely didn’t see myself as a blogger, yet here you are reading my very first blog post, and to add to this, I never thought I’d be a Tweeter either, but I’m please to say I sent my first tweet on Wednesday (20 May), so looks like I’m becoming rather social media savvy thanks to my colleague Hassan. The lesson here is, never say never when on Team ELVis!

 

I met with The Challenge NCS staff covering the borough of Redbridge to discuss the summer 2015 programme. NCS is a government-funded initiative that supports community engagement and social integration among young people. We worked with The Challenge in 2014 in 5 of the 7 East London Boroughs, and we look forward to doing it all again this year in:
  • Barking and Dagenham
  • Hackney
  • Newham
  • Redbridge
  • Waltham Forest.


I also attended a meeting to provide feedback on a Disability training course that is being developed by Hackney CVS, and attended the Vision Strategy Managers team meeting.

 

We now have leaflets printed for the Vision Impairment Awareness Training we deliver to anyone who wishes to provide a high quality service to blind and partially sighted people. The leaflet will soon be available to download from our website, www.eastlondonvision.org.uk, or email enquiries@eastlondonvision.org.uk to request a copy.

 

The rest of the team has been rather busy too:
  • Supporting Waltham Forest Vision the voluntary sector, user led group for vision impaired people in Waltham Forest by minute taking for them at their management committee meeting.
  • We continue to support VIPON, the voluntary sector, user led group in Newham and attended their monthly meeting held on the 3rd Wednesday of each Month at the Star Lane Hub.
  • Promote and publicised all current ELVis activities and events including: bowls and the Sight Information Day.
  • Planning a series of Vision Impairment awareness training workshops in Hackney to take place over the next few months.
  • Finalised arrangements to have someone on work experience start with us on 2nd June
  • Attended Waltham Forest CCG workshops on Self-Care and Urgent Care.

 

For those of you who follow us on Facebook, you’ll already know that we have a feature called ELVis Friday Fun, where we share a riddle, joke, or anything fun to make you smile, after all it is almost the weekend! For those of you who aren’t Facebookers we can’t have you missing out, so for this week’s ELVis Friday Fun we have a riddle for all you number crunchers.
 
Using only addition, how do you add eight 8's and get the number 1000?
 
Answer to be revealed next week.
 
Have a great Bank Holiday weekend!

Thursday 21 May 2015

The England Blind Cricket Team Needs Your Support, as they host the champions India!


In December 2014, the India VI cricket team won the Blind Cricket Word Cup in Cape Town, adding this trophy to the T20 world cup they already have. On arrival back in Delhi they were greeted by a large crowd and a number of government ministers, such is the importance and popularity of the game in that cricket mad country.

 

On the other hand, The England VI side reached the semi-finals of the Blind World Cup and are currently preparing for the challenge of hosting a series against the reigning champions, India at the end of this week. The two teams will be showcasing the beautiful game of cricket on iconic grounds such as: Kia Oval and Arundel Castle ground in West Sussex.

 

The England team will most certainly appreciate your support. So why not prepare a picnic, encourage friends and family to join you in witnessing some high-quality blind cricket?

 

The schedule is shown below.  Prepare to be surprised at the skill and talent on display, as well as witnessing cricket played in the true spirit of the game!

 

Sunday 24th May
Leamington CC
40 overs
12 noon
Monday 25th May
Wolverhampton CC
40 overs
11:00
Thursday 28th May
Kia Oval
T20
17:30
Friday 29th May
Arundel Castle CC
40 overs
11:30
Saturday 30th May
Arundel Castle CC
T20 (Double-header)
11:30

 

Support the England Visually Impaired team by attending a match, every match is free entry. Alternatively follow the team at www.ecb.co.uk and on ECB Twitter and Facebook sites. The ECB is an inclusive organisation providing support and a pathway for disability cricket from grassroots to elite.

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Vision Impaired bowls is coming to East London!


Description: C:\Users\William\Downloads\Metro_Web_Logo_BlueBackground_April_2015.jpgDescription: C:\Users\William\Downloads\Motivate_East_CMYK.jpgDescription: ELVIS logoVision Impaired bowls is coming to East London!

East London Vision (ELVis), in conjunction with Metro Blind Sport, Walthamstow Borough Bowling Club and Motivate East would like to invite you to their first Vision Impaired bowls taster session! This event is open to anyone living with sight loss, in East London.

 

When: Thursday 11 June 2015, 2 – 5.30pm

Where: WBBC, Lloyds Park off Forest Road, Walthamstow E17. Entrances to the park: Forest Road, Winn’s Terrace x2, Winn’s Avenue, Brettenham Road, Aveling Park Road, Cazenove Road and Bedford Road x2.

Nearest Tube/train: Walthamstow Central (over ground train and Victoria line). Alternatively Blackhorse Road Station and then Bus 123 to the William Morris Gallery Entrance. Bus: 123, 34, 97, 215, 275, 357 all run nearby.  A meeting point at a nearby transport link will be available to those who have contacted us in advance.

Visually Impaired Bowls England (VIBE) was founded in 1975 and is made up of more than 50 clubs with around 600 members. Globally, there are 5,000 blind and partially sighted members of the International Association, which makes lawn bowls the largest outdoor activity for the blind in the world!

This is a unique opportunity for Vision Impaired people of East London to play the wonderful game of lawns bowls, on their own patch for the first time. Whether you consider yourself a novice or an expert, we would urge you to come along and pass on your expertise or learn more about this prodigious game.

For more information please contact Hassan Khan at ELVis,

Tel. 020 3694 6464 or Email: enquiries@eastlondonvision.org.uk

Or Ian Francis (Sports Development Officer) Metro Blind Sport,

Tel. 07814 751643, Email: ian.francis@metroblindsport.org

Metro Blind Sport's 39th Annual Athletics Competition



                 


                                   www.metroblindsport.org


 


Metro Athletics Open 2015


Mile End Stadium, London


Sat 20th June 2015.


 


Hosted by London Borough of Tower Hamlets, supported by Canary Wharf Group and Motivate East.


Metro Blind Sport are pleased to announce this year’s 39th Annual Athletics Competition will also incorporate a Festival of Athletics for vision impaired people, their families and friends. Both elements of the day are open to all UK residents.


The Festival (Endorsed by England Athletics) will offer those new to the sport a chance to try out running, jumping and throwing in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Qualified UKA coaches will be on hand to advise and guide you. All ages and abilities are very welcome so come along and try!


Competition will begin after the Festival and we are hopeful to have a UKA talent spotter with us looking out for future Athletics Stars! Events will be held for Under 18’s, Senior’s and Veterans. Entry to the Festival and Competition is FREE.  Results will be ratified for Power of 10 rankings http://www.thepowerof10.info/for classified and non-classified athletes.


For further info on the classification process please contact British Blind Sport http://www.britishblindsport.org.uk/classification/ or British Athletics (Parallel Success) http://academy.uka.org.uk/parallel-success/classification


The 2015 programme will be run under UKA/IBSA rules and is open to males and females of all ages.  Every competitor will receive a free T-shirt along with either a medal or performance certificate.  Free packed lunches will be provided for all competitors, coaches, officials and volunteers.  Guide Runners may be arranged with advance notice, you will need to provide an estimate of your track times.


 


The track (Mile End Stadium) and the accommodation (Queen Mary University) are within walking distance of Mile End Tube Station (Central and District line).  Electronic timing will be used on all track races.


Time permitting there will be a Fun Relay for all competitors during the afternoon including parents and coaches.


 


  • Under 14 and Under 17 athletes may take part in up to four individual events in any one day.
  • Senior Athletes may take part in a maximum of 5 events. These will consist of either 3 track and 2 field, or 2 track and 3 field on the day.
  • B3 and B4 athletes are reminded that competition rules do not allow any concessions to assist performance. (No Guide Runners) 
  • ALL B1 ATHLETES MUST PROVIDE AND USE THEIR OWN SHADES.
     
    The Athletics Competitions are principally for registered blind and visually impaired people.  Guest competitors are welcome but no medals or certificates can be awarded.  To enter please complete and return the necessary forms attached to Ian Francis, 36 Copsleigh Avenue, Salfords, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 5BG. Or email ian.francis@metroblindsport.org
     
    The closing date for Entries is: 1st June 2015.
     
    Accommodation:  This will be available on Friday and Saturday night at the aforementioned Queen Mary University of London.  Please note there is a further reduction for those under the age of 18 – see form. 
     
     


To be held:
Mile End Stadium, Rhodeswell Road, London E14 7TW 020 8980 1885
 
Saturday 20th  June 2015
 
Festival starts 10.00am – 11.30, Competition 12noon.
 
 
Events:         Festival: Open to all ages, a wonderful opportunity to        
                      access specialist coaching in track and field disciplines.
 
                      Under 12  (Age at 01.01.2015)
                      Boys and Girls (4 events only)      
 
(For B1 athletes only - called 60m), 60m, 100m, Standing Long Jump, Ball Throw
 
 
 
Under 14 (Age at 01.01.2015)
                      Boys and Girls (4 events only)
 
(For B1 athletes only - called 60m), 100m, 800m, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot, Discus, Javelin
 
 
 
Under 17 (Age at 01.01.2015)
                      Boys and Girls (4 events only)
 
Called 60m, 100m, 800m, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot, Discus, Javelin
 
 
 
Senior (18 – 34)
Ladies and Men
 
100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m,
Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Shot, Discus, Javelin
 
 
 
Vets
Ladies and Men (Over 35)
 
100m, 800m, Long Jump, Shot
 
 
Entry:
Entry is FREE
 
 
Closing Date:
For Entry to Festival and Comp - Sat 30th May 2015
For Accommodation - 21st March 2015
 
 
 
 
 


 
ENTRY FORM:  METRO ATHLETICS OPEN 2015
 
Name………………………………………………Date of Birth ……………
Address   ……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
E-mail address ……………………………………………………………………………………
 
Tel: ………………………………………..      
 
Sight classification:
BBS Registered
Sight Classification B1/B2/B3…………………………….. 
 
Not registered……………………………………………….
                 
Male / Female…………………………….
 
Please enter me for the following events:
 
Festival – Yes / No………………
Competition Events (please list below, max of five events for seniors)
…………………………………
…………………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………………
…………………………………
…………………………………………
 
Guide runner required?  Yes / No…………..     
If yes please state track times …………………………………………….
 
Signed …………………………………………Date ………………………
 
Signature of parent or guardian for under 18s
………………………………………………………………………………..
Return form to:
Ian Francis, 36 Copsleigh Avenue, Salfords, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 5BG
Tel 07814 751643 or E-mail: ian.francis@metroblindsport.org