Surrey Association for Visual Impairment. Making a visible difference in Surrey.

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What's New at SAVI

SAVI first 5-a-side Challenge success

5aside football SAVI held its inaugural 5 a side football tournament on May bank holiday Sunday at Goals Soccer Centre in Tolworth. Twelve teams representing companies and clubs throughout the region took part in the event which was sponsored by Atkins and Watson Wyatt.

The final was a closely fought contest between teams from Warren Mead FC and the Surrey Police with Warren Mead just coming out on top 4-3.

The charity’s chief executive, Lance Clarke said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part in the tournament and our generous sponsors. Our aim is to build on this and stage other tournaments and fundraising events aimed at Surrey’s youth.”

The charity’s next tournament will be on 2nd August at Goals Tolworth. Team entry will be £35. For further information contact Mike Coffey: Email mcoffey@sa-vi.org or tel 01372 377701

New! - Adult Recreation this summer

Due to the success of the Children's Recreation project run by Stella Black we are now exploring recreational activities for adults. SAVI are offering two events for our clients to attend this year. For an application form and further details contact Katherine on 01372 377701 ext 248 or email on kbacon@sa-vi.org.uk.

For adult recreation events coming up in the future please follow this link

Read on to find out about our fantastic day out at the Tate Modern...

Touch Tour at the Tate Modern - 25th June 2009

Touch tourof the Tate Modern

A group of VIPs visited the Tate Modern for a touch tour of some of the sculptures exhibited. This was a special trip organised in conjunction with the Tate Modern and included the services of an expert to guide us round five sculptures. Each of the five sculptures was described to us, including the history and meaning behind each piece. We were able to discuss the artist's interpretation and our comprehension and impressions of each piece. We then donned white gloves so that we could feel the texture and proportions of the artworks which completed the picture for us. A very worthwhile and informative day out.

We are planning another trip soon so do email Katherine Bacon if you would like to take part or telephone her on: 01372 377701 ext. 248

Raise your Glasses for Louis Braille!

Raise your glasses launch Raise your glasses launch 4 Raise your glasses launch2 Raise your glasses launch 3

It is 200 years since the birth of Louis Braille, the man who invented Braille. He developed the system after an accident and infection left him blind in both eyes. Today, Surrey Association for Visual Impairment (SAVI) are celebrating Louis’ Birthday with a ‘Raise Your Glasses’ Event at Parkroom Restaurant in Guildford College.Special guests include SAVI President and Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Mrs Sarah Goad, SAVI Vice President Sir Richard Thornton, Cllr Pauline Searle the Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Derrick Burt, Chairman of Mole Valley and Valerie Arnold, Chairman of Surrey WI. Tony Tobin, Surrey’s own celebrity chef, has provided us with a special cocktail recipe for the occasion so we can toast Louis in style!One of the many services that Surrey Association for Visual Impairment (SAVI) provides is teaching Braille via a network of communication classes across the county of Surrey. These classes offer a lifeline to the partially sighted, opening the door to wider communication and increased confidence as well as giving people an opportunity to exchange experiences and make new friends.You can help SAVI to celebrate Louis Braille’s bicentenary by holding your own ‘Raise your Glasses’ event and help raise funds to support! Say ‘cheers’ in the style of your choice - BBQ, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Supper, Picnic, Champagne reception! To get involved and to receive a fundraising pack which includes Tony Tobin’s special cocktail recipe call Carol on 01372 377701 x 307.

2009 Drop In Days - Confirmed Dates

2nd September - Epsom Playhouse
16th September - Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
29th October - Oxted Community Hall

The Community Services division of SAVI are holding a series of Drop-in Days for our service users in different areas of Surrey over the summer. All the days start at 10am and finish at 3pm, and refreshments are either available to purchase, or provided free by us at the venue. At these events you will be able to speak withAndy Cook, our Resource Centre Manager who will be there to help you with any equipment questions and to demonstrate the latest acquisitions. He has been with SAVI for 12 years and is a mine of information. A Rehabilitation Officer will also be available at each event to discuss any issues or problems you may have. The will also be the opportunity to meet Katy Kirton who will be very interested in any views you have on being visually impaired and anything we may be able to help you with. If you need any further information please call Katy on 01372 377701 ext: 249 or email her on: kkirton@sa-vi.org.uk. Katherine Bacon, our Benefits Administrator will be at these events this year. You are welcome to drop in and chat to Katherine, but if you have a specific item to discuss then it may be better to make an appointment with her for that day. She can be contacted on 01372 377701 ext: 248.

VIP’s Attend the Theatre

Ashley on Peter Pan visit On Saturday, Ashley Adkin-Hughes, a visually impaired child from Merstham, and his family, attended an audio-described showing of Peter Pan at The Epsom Playhouse. Twelve other visually impaired children and their families went along with Ashley to the event, which was organised by Surrey Association for Visual Impairment (SAVI) and the theatre’s manager Trevor Mitchell.

The children were able to go back stage and meet the stars before the show where they felt costumes, hair and props. They even chatted to some of the cast including Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee - a real treat. During the headsets provided a running commentary of the events on stage enabling everyone to enjoy all aspects of the pantomime including the audience participation which was incredibly loud.

Ashley and his family are keen supporters of SAVI’s Children’s Recreation Project, and over the past year have attended many events including Outdoor Pursuits and Climbing, Ice Skating, Horse Riding.

Of the project they say, ‘As a family of two visually impaired children we feel really lucky to have such a proactive service in our local area. Stella Black who coordinates these exciting opportunities for SAVI is truly wonderful. She has arranged some amazing experiences for our sons, which all the family have enjoyed. Ashley loved the pantomime and cannot wait for next years! We are looking forward to many more events over the coming year.’

If you would like to know more, please contact the Project’s Coordinator Stella Black on 01372 377701 or email: sblack@sa-vi.org.uk

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Surrey donate £5,000 to SAVI's volunteering programme

SAVI were delighted to welcome members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Surrey who have been raising funds to help with our volunteering programme. Ray Hussey, David Wilmot and Gerry Phillips enjoyed a tour of the resource centre in Fetcham and met up with two volunteers, Liz Licence who helps on reception and Barry Almond who is a volunteer driver. The picture shows Lance Clarke (our CEO) relieving Mr Hussey of the £5,000!