RNIB Conversations

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Annie Spooner is an owner of a cake making business in Colchester. She also happens to live with Retinitis Pigmentosa, or RP for short. She spoke with our Paulina Kuchorew about her passion, her sight loss, and also shares how you can nominate someone for a sweet giveaway.You can follow Annie on social media by searching for "Annie's Cake Creations."Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

As we start the New year for the first of our regular check ins with Glasgow Based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about those New year’s resolutions we make at the beginning of the year to be a bit more healthier and what affect they might have on our bodies too. Elizabeth began by chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey firstly about the coughs and colds that seem to be around and about at the moment. Then to those New Year’s resolutions with Elizabeth and Toby talking about whether it was worth doing dry January which some people like to do at the beginning of the year and also about maybe cutting down on some certain foods as a New Year’s resolution too.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised

Blind Dave Heeley OBE is a fundraiser from the West Midlands, who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for West Bromwhich Albion's - Albion Foundation. Dave is currently training for his 17th and final London marathon. To make his final marathon even more special, he will be joined on the day by his daughters.Barry Snell caught up with him to find out how it's all going.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With a slightly spicy, but definitely warming recipe, here's Paulina trying out the sweet and spicy hot orange drink. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Hamilton - Thursday 19 December, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff A Christmas Carol (Ish) - Friday 20 December, 7.30pm, @sohoplace, London Circa presents DuckPond - Saturday 21 December, 7.30pm, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London Plus a round up of audio described pantos too! To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Explore the beauty and sensational story behind a stolen Leonardo Da Vinci the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS). They have an online, sociable art session exploring 'Madonna Of The Yarnwinder' on the 18th December 2024, from 2 to 3.30pmAmelia spoke to Meg Faragher from the NGS Learning and Engagement team to learn more.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

What is it like going to see a musical with your guide dog?Today, Luci Franks tells us about her latest excursion to the theatre with her guide dog Mabel.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

The festive season is here, but can it really be Christmas without watching a cheesy rom-com? Reviewing Hot Frosty, it's Kris Wallace and Paulina Kuchorew. Image shows the movie poster: The two leads pose together holding hands with a sleepy snowy village behind them. Jack is on the left, showing off his muscles in a sleeveless boiler suit and a red scarf draped around his neck. He has brown hair and a cheeky smile. Kathy is wearing a knitted long sleeve green dress and has brown hair cascading onto her shoulders in gentle waves. The title at the bottom reads: Hot (in white and red backlit font) Frosty (in an white font backlit in icy blue). "The tagline for the poster is in the upper right corner and reads: It took a snowman to melt her heart."

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With festive lights up in our high streets, many Christmas markets tempting us too and with Christmas coming up very quickly now too, for this week’s check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how to be prepared for the festive holidays. Elizabeth began by advising us all to get our prescriptions in early if we have not already done so then to when and whether our local pharmacy will be open over Christmas and the new year. Then to some thoughts on remedies that would be good to have at home in our medicine cabinet just in case we do start to feel slightly unwell over the festive holiday. Ending with how some areas are looking at how we can help to reduce medicine waste. If you are looking for a local Pharmacy near you do have a look at the Find a Pharmacy pages of the NHS UK website - https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Alice In Wonderland Returns - Tuesday 10 December, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Monday 23 December, 6.30pm, touch tour tbc, Brixton House, LondonOedipus - Thursday 12 December, 7.30pm, Wyndham’s Theatre, London Robin Hood - Saturday 14 December, 10.30am, touch tour 9.30am, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, GuildfordStick Man - Sunday 15 December, 1pm, Bloomsbury Theatre, LondonThe Purists - Thursday 19 December, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kilne Theatre, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

As we start to move in to winter talk is generally about catching flu or a cold but in recent months there has been a lot of talk in the news about Norovirus being a problem during the winter too. So for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about the Norovirus. Elizabeth began by explaining to RnIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about what exactly is Norovirus. Then to chatting about whether there are any treatments at all for Norovirus along with some advice on the best ways to prevent getting Norovirus and news about vaccines and when they might be available. Elizabeth ended with some good general advice on how best to avoid viruses this winter time. You will find more information about Norovirus on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Barcelona - Monday 25 November, 8pm, Duke of York’s theatre, LondonNorthern Ballet: A Christmas Carol - Saturday 30 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Theatre Royal NottinghamBeauty and the Beast - Saturday 7 December, 6.30pm, touch tour 5pm, Gala DurhamDick Whittington and his Cat - Sunday 8 December, 1pm Hackney Empire, LondonAll’s Well that Ends Well - Thursday 12 December 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Friday 20 December, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Hannah Stevenson loves to stay active and has refused to let her sight loss stop her from doing the things she loves. She's been sharing her sight loss journey with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

We’re going to chat about an organisation based in rural North Yorkshire and supporting blind and partially sighted people in the area. Joining our Paulina Kuchorew is the chair of trustees at Sight Support Ryedale, Ann Ruddick MBE.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Macbeth - Thursday 14 November, 7.30pm, Harold Pinter Theatre, LondonThe Sound of Music - Saturday 16 November, 7.30pm, King’s Lynn Corn ExchangeCluedo 2 - Thursday 21 November, 7.30pm, Fareham LiveDear Evan Hansen - Wednesday 27 November, 2.30pm, New Theatre OxfordChurchill War Rooms - Audio Described Guide, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With winter just around the corner for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about supplements and vitamins. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the different types of supplements and vitamins that are available which might help us to get through the winter and those dark nights. Elizabeth then explained what the difference is between fat soluble and water soluble vitamins. With not much sun to speak of during the winter we then moved on to a detailed explanation of what vitamin D is all about and how to keep those levels of vitamin D up during the winter months. Elizabeth ended with some thoughts about taking vitamin C to help with not catching a cold during the winter. You will find a lot of information about vitamins on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Siloton, a Bristol-based health technology startup, has secured £860,000 to progress the commercial rollout of its groundbreaking eye imaging chip technology, which could help address the UK’s most common cause of sight loss. Siloton’s technology aims to make the diagnosis and monitoring of a range of treatable retinal diseases more affordable and accessible, by compressing a tabletop-worth of heavy, expensive, and fragile components onto a single chip smaller than a £1 coin. The company says the technology could save the NHS over £1 billion annually and allow patients to monitor their condition at home, rather than having to regularly attend hospitals. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Siloton's Chief Executive Dr Alasdair Price to find out more about this ground breaking eye imaging chip technology, what form it might take and when patients will be able to start monitoring their eye conditions from home rather than having to go for regular eye Hospital Clinic Appointments. To find out more about Siloton and their ground breaking eye image chip technology do visit their website - https://www.siloton.com Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Time to talk music as our David Hogg chats to with Tegan Skyrme about all things music, TikTok, and challenging stereotypes.You can find Tegan on TikTok by searching for: tegan_blind_starImage shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. RNIB written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath, 'Connect Radio' written in smaller black letters.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Raphael Tactile Images - Audio Described Guide Victoria and Albert Museum, LondonEnglish Touring Opera, The Snowmaiden - Saturday 26 October, 7.30pm, Buxton Opera HouseThe Elmer Adventure - Sunday 3 November, 11am, touch tour 9.45am, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, LondonHarry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One & Two - Saturday 9 November, Part One 2pm, Part Two 7pm, touch tour 11.30am, Palace Theatre, LondonNorthern Ballet - A Christmas Carol - Saturday 9 November, 2pm, touch tour 11.45am, Lyceum Theatre, SheffieldTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

After a bit of a break over the summer we have started up again our regular check ins with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick and as we move from autumn into winter this week we are talking all about the importance of getting your flu and Covid vaccinations if you are eligible.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey firstly about who is eligible for the flu vaccinations, to then talking about the Covid vaccinations, where people are being asked to go and get their vaccinations this year and why the flue vaccination is different each year. With Elizabeth ending by giving some advice on how to avoid getting flu and answering that question we all might have about whether it is safe to get both your flu and Covid vaccinations at the same time.There is more information about the flu and Covid vaccinations on the following pages of the NHS website -https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/09/nhs-booking-opens-for-life-saving-flu-and-covid-19-vaccinations/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

On Guide Dog Blogs this week we meet Biggy, called that for a reason according to Rachel, his mum. She tells us about some of his funny habits, and it’s certainly an upbeat listen. (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert speaks to Jade and finds out her travel tips for getting around with her guide dog.(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

A modern adaptation of the famous Jilly Cooper 1988 novel Rivals is launching on Disney Plus on the 18th of October. The show stars Aidan Turner, David Tennant and Victoria Smurfit, who plays the character of Maud O’Hara. Hubert got a chance to chat to her about the show, and her work with the RNIB. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. RNIB written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath, 'Connect Radio' written in smaller black letters.

Blind Dave Heeley is no stranger to a challenge, however few could have been as emotional as his latest one. Dave and his team took on the Western Front Way Challenge, a 600 mile cycle through the French and Belgian battlegrounds of WW1.Dave was fundraising for his beloved Albion Foundation.Barry Snell caught up with Dave to hear all about it.

'Shadow Of An Echo' exhibition explores a photographer’s sight loss through surreal self-portraits. Currently on show at Clydebank Art Gallery and Museum, the exhibition will stay there until 29th of October 2024. RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew went to check it out and spoke with the Digital Photographic Artist behind it, Robert H. King. The free audio described tour will take place on Friday 11th of October 2024, to book your spot visit: Robert H. King (rhking.art) Image: Robert in the art gallery space. He's wearing dark shades and a dark grey short-sleeve shirt with the last couple of buttons undone. There is a slight geometric pattern on the shirt in black. Behind him, you can see some of his photos hang on white walls.

Have you ever thought of taking your guide dog onto an airplane? Well on Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert speaks to Zein once again about her experience, and asks whether she’d do it again…

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Evening Audio Described Tour: Ranjit Singh - Friday 27 September, 5.30pm, the Wallace Collection, London Akram Khan’s Giselle - Saturday 28 September, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Sadler’s Wells, London English Touring Opera: The Snowmaiden - Friday 4 October, 7.30pm, Hackney Empire, London. Saturday 26 October, 7.30pm, Buxton Opera House Dear Evan Hansen - Saturday 5 October, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester War Horse - Monday 14 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. Thursday 31 October, 7.30pm, touch tour TBC, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

This week on Guide Dog Blogs we chat to Chris Wallace from Berkshire Stags again, and ask him about his dog and how he finds traveling on public transport.

Walli lost his sight after stepping on an explosive device as he was working for the British forces, since then however, he’s gotten married, re-discovered running, taken part in many competitions, and wrote a book about his experiences. In this podcast he spoke to Hubert about his experience.