RNIB Conversations

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.

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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)

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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.

This week, Hubert speaks to PHD student researcher Zein about how she takes her guide dog on outdoor trips including hiking.

Barry Snell chats to Claire Merritt about her upcoming Glasswalk challenge. Claire is fundraising for My Vision Oxfordshire, who have been a massive help since her sight loss began in 2021. Click to find out more about MyVision Oxfordshire

How is sexual health linked to mental health? Paulina spoke to local wellbeing service SASH ‘Support and Advice on Sexual Health’ (SASH) to learn more for this year’s Sexual Health Week and why they would like to hear from blind and partially sighted people.Sexual Health Week runs from the 9th till 15th of September.To find out more about SASH visit: sashlondon.orgImage shows SASH's logo. On a white background 'sash' written in small rounded letters in a deep pink colour.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like for a blind or partially sighted person to visualise art? Hubert has been speaking to Millie, a graphics student about her sight loss journey, and how she makes art accessible for her.

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert once again chats to Chris Wallace from Berkshire Stags, this time all about going shopping and visiting restaurants.

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:Descriptive Tour and Workshop: The Collection - Sunday 25 August, 11am, national Portrait Gallery, London Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World - Thursday 29 August, 7pm, The Other Palace, London Fiddler on the Roof - Saturday 31 August, 2.15pm, Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park, LondonAntony & Cleopatra - Wednesday 4 September, 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Sunday 15 September, 1pm, touch tour 11am, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, Grease the Musical - Saturday 7 September, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffHow I Learned to Swim - Thursday 12 September, 7.45pm, touch tour 6.15pm, Brixton House, 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)

In our weekly Guide Dog Blogs feature, Hubert talks to Chris Wallace and asks him about how he takes his guide dog to Cricket matches.

In this edition of Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert speaks to Luci Franks as he tries to get some tips on traveling with your guide dog on trains and buses.

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:Much Ado About Nothing - Saturday 10 August, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London& Juliet -Thursday 15 August, 7.30pm, King’s Theatre, GlasgowSkeleton Crew - Saturday 17 August, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Donmar Warehouse, LondonChitty Chitty Bang Bang - Saturday 24 August, 2pm, Hawth Theatre, Crawley Peanut Butter & Blueberries - Thursday 29 August, 7pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Kiln 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)

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a unique and memorable celebration of music, dance and military pageantry is underway. But did you know that this iconic event also has a couple shows coming up with audio description and a Touch Tour beforehand? Let’s find out more from audio describer, Amanda Drollinger. The audio described events are on Thursday 8th of August and Tuesday 13th of August. Image: Crowds attend the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Edinburgh Castle is lit up in the background, with golden fireworks bursting above it. The performers are lined up in neat rows at the centre with the ground underneath them in blue. Raising up above them on both sides are stands filled with the audience. (Image credit: Edinburgh Tattoo)

Edinburgh International Festival is underway, and today we’re taking a look at a joyful dance performance from Brazil. Grupo Corpo has its UK premiere and will be available to experience with audio description (AD). So, let’s find out a bit more about this unique performance from the show’s audio describer, Amanda Drollinger. The AD performance for this show is on Wednesday 7th of August. Book tickets by calling the box office on 0311 473 2056 or visiting the EIF website www.eif.co.uk/events/please-right-back Image is a bright yellow photo with black an yellow text. The text reads 'together we are' highlighted in black and written in sketched yellow capitals with 'Edinburgh International Festival' below in bold black capitals.

Have you ever wanted to make your own music but not sure where to start? Well artificial intelligence could step in to make creating your own songs in no time. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been finding out about 'Suno'.You can find out more about AI music from Suno here - Suno

It’s that time of the week when we discuss our favourite guide companions. This week, Hubert chats with blind adventurer Dean Dunbar, as he tells us about taking his guide dog Molly mountain biking, and there’s even a short story about an under cover guide dog.

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond. Allan Russell went along and spoke with American pop singer, Tiffany. Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond.Allan Russell went along and spoke with Pauline Black, lead singer of English 2 tone ska revival ban, The Selecter.Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond.Allan Russell went along and spoke with English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, Nix Kershaw.Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond.Allan Russell went along and spoke with Scottish musician, singer-songwriter and record producer Midge Ure.Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'