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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:My First Ballet: Swan Lake - Wednesday 10 April, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Peacock Theatre, LondonUnravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles - Wednesday 17 April, 6.30opm, Barbican Centre, LondonCome From Away - Thursday 18 April, 2pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonDescriptive Tour: The Collection - Tuesday 23 April, 2.30pm, National Portrait Gallery, LondonShrek The Musical - Wednesday 24 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Royal and Derngate Theatre, NorthamptonWitness for the Prosecution - Thursday 25 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, County Hall, 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)

Hubert has been visiting Sutton train station to follow the latest series of the Aira visual interpreting service app trials for blind and partially sighted rail passengers. There he spoke to one volunteer from a local sight loss charity in Sutton Pierre Shlimon. If you wish to provide feedback about your own use of the Aira app at one of the supported train stations, you can access it using the link below: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=--0vyv2PX0C4FDIh2eW0iNkKecA9OKdEupEucGhTM35UQTBYRE1ZU0hDV1ZSUEJFTTZTSkpVTDVLTy4u

We hear a lot in the news about the risks of alcohol overindulgence with talk about price increases in supermarkets, off-licenses, restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs but how critically concerning are the risks of alcohol around cancer? With the recent published research report about the risk of alcohol and cancer for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick, RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey asked Elizabeth first to explain some of the risks that were highlighted in the report. Elizabeth then talked about the government suggested recommended limits for the amount of alcohol we should be all drinking along with details of what a unit of alcohol actually is and how it differs depending on what we are drinking.To finally outlining whether there are any good things around alcohol at all.There is support and advice on the following pages of the NHS website about the risks of alcohol - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/ 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.

Hubert has been visiting Sutton Train station to take a look at the latest series of Aira app trials for blind and partially sighted Rail passengers. There he spoke to Antony Merlyn from Govia Thameslink Railway about the progress of the project. If you wish to provide feedback about your own use of the Aira app at one of the supported train stations, you can access it using the link below: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=--0vyv2PX0C4FDIh2eW0iNkKecA9OKdEupEucGhTM35UQTBYRE1ZU0hDV1ZSUEJFTTZTSkpVTDVLTy4u

Hubert has recently visited Sutton train station to see how the latest Aira trials have been going on for blind and partially sighted rail passengers. There he spoke to the engagement manager for South east from Thomas Pocklington Trust who have been working with Govia Thameslink Railway.If you wish to provide feedback about your own use of the Aira app at one of the supported train stations, you can access it using the link below:https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=--0vyv2PX0C4FDIh2eW0iNkKecA9OKdEupEucGhTM35UQTBYRE1ZU0hDV1ZSUEJFTTZTSkpVTDVLTy4u

We have frequently mentioned the importance and benefits of an internship, now it’s time to hear from an actual intern as Hubert speaks to Jake Coles about his experience.

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: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie - Saturday 23 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Peacock Theatre, London Descriptive Tour: The Time is Always Now - Tuesday 26 March, 2.30pm, National Portrait Gallery, London 2:22 A Ghost Story - Thursday 28 March, 7.30pm, Richmond Theatre Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank: Romeo and Juliet - Wednesday 3 April, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Mind Mangler - Sunday 7 April, 3pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 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)

Swan Lake is arguably one of the most famous ballets in the world but Scottish Ballet will give it a modern feel for their latest tour. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Emma Jane, from Scottish Ballet, to hear more about the show, which will also have audio described dates for blind and partially sighted patrons. If you'd like more info on Scottish Ballet tours, go to www.scottishballet.co.uk #RNIBConnect Image shows Sophie Martin in the Swan-Lake production. One foot extended in front of her foot pointed, her back arched back and arms gracefully raised above. Her chin is pointing up as she looks above. Her costume is a silvery white body with feather like pattern detailed across her chest and a red jewel shape in the centre. [Photo credit: Scottish Ballet]

For Muslims, we’re in the holy month of Ramadan. But what’s it like to mark the month if you’re blind or partially sighted? Hywel Davies spoke with Tasneem Arshad to hear about her experiences.

If you live in the Peterborough area, and you fancy giving chess a go, a new club has been launched which gives you the chance to do just that.

The first Meet The Sight Loss Councils event is taking place in Westminster later this month, where local MPs can find out about the work different Sight Loss Councils do. Is your MP invited? If not, Hubert has been finding out how you can help by inviting your MP to the event.

There is a phrase that goes along the lines of ‘you are what you eat’ and with a lot in the news about the impact on our health of healthy or unhealthy eating, for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about the impact of what we eat on our health. Elizabeth began by explaining to our Toby Davey about the nutritional value of healthy eating against unhealthy eating, to then what should we all be aiming for in a good diet and whether we might be all eating too much. Ending with some thoughts about the preparation of food and whether air fryers are a more healthy way of cooking. There is a lot of information and advice on the following pages of the NHS website about eating a healthy and balanced diet - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/ 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.

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: The Merchant of Venice 1936 - Saturday 9 March, 2.30pm, Criterion Theatre, London Life of Pi - Wednesday 13 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester English Touring Opera - Manon Lescaut - Friday 15 March, 7.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Northern Ballet Romeo and Juliet - Saturday 16 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre, Leeds Harry Clarke - Wednesday 27 March, 7.30pm, Ambassadors Theatre, London 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)

With the weather being all over the place at the moment and spring feeling more like summer the latest recommendations are to start medication for hay fever earlier than you might be thinking about.So for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about hay fever. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB connect Radio’s Toby Davey why some people are recommending that medications for hay fever to be taken earlier this year.Elizabeth then went on to explain what exactly is happening when you have hay fever, what are the treatments and a reminder about the best prevention methods we could all use for hay fever.There is more about hay fever on the following pages of the NHS website -https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/ 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.

Could small solar panels help people recover from sight loss? Hubert has been finding out more about research carried out by University Of Surrey on this topic.

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:Turner Prize 2023 - on until 14 April, Towner, EastbourneOthello - Saturday 24 February and Saturday 16 March, 2pm, touch tour 12 noon, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe, LondonThe Motive and the Cue - Thursday 29 February, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm and Saturday 16 March, 2pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Noel Coward Theatre, London Plaza Suite - Wednesday 6 march, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.15pm, Savoy Theatre, LondonCome From Away - Saturday 9 March, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterThe Full Monty - Thursday 14 March, 7.45pm, Lighthouse, Poole 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)

Have you ever wondered what a solar eclipse would sound like? If yes, then Harvard University might have come up with a solution for you, Hubert has been finding out more about their LightSound device.

With news about HRH King Charles III cancer diagnosis and the recent banning of disposable vapes, for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we discuss how the King’s cancer diagnosis has helped to raise awareness around cancer and also whether non-disposable vapes are a suitable substitute against cigarettes. Elizabeth and our Toby Davey first chatted about how the King’s diagnosis has helped to raise awareness around cancer along with how the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has developed over the years. Then to the recent banning of disposable vapes and how non-disposable vapes could help people to quit smoking. There is some useful information and advice regarding cancer on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ 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.

The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has been offering touch tours to its blind and partially sighted visitors, but how do they work? Hubert has been speaking to them to find out.

With some challenging weather conditions recently, including the cold weather and the storms, it’s important to know how to get out and about safely that is if you have the confidence to do so. Hubert has been getting some tips on how to be safe when going out.

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:The King and I - Wednesday 7 February, 2.30pm, Dominion Theatre, London Sister Act - Saturday 10 February, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve, LeicesterThe Enfield Haunting - Saturday 17 February, 7.30pm, Ambassadors Theatre, LondonThe Frogs - Thursday 29 February, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln Theatre, LondonThe Woman in Black - Thursday 29 February, 7.45pm, touch tour, 6pm, Theatre Royal, BrightonTo 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)

Talking bus stops have been introduced in Leicester thanks to the work between Leicester City Council and local sight charity Vista. Hubert has been finding out more.

A first-of-its-kind tactile learning device hopes to make hard scientific data available to students with sight loss. Barry Snell spoke to Bryan F. Shaw, Ph.D and Professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Baylor University to find out more Learn more about this ground breaking research {Image: Picture of a visually impaired student, holding the tactile device with her right hand. She is smiling and has her cane resting under her right shoulder. Professor Shaw is standing next to her as is another student. They are al wearing protestive glasses and seem to be in a Lab}

We have all probably been there having gone out for a more calorie filled dinner and experienced a bit of indigestion or heartburn. So for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we will be finding out what exactly is indigestion and heartburn. Elizabeth began by explaining to our Toby Davey exactly what indigestion and heartburn actually is and whether it is a feeling of fullness or a bloated feeling. Followed by some really good advice about what we can do around indigestion or heartburn and what are the more serious problems we should all be looking out for? You will find out more about indigestion and heartburn on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/indigestion/ 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.

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: The Unfriend - Thursday 25 January, 7.30pm, Wyndham’s Theatre, London The Wizard of Oz - Thursday 8 February, 7pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Stranger Things: The First Shadow - Saturday 10 February, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Phoenix Theatre, London Jesus Christ, Superstar - Saturday 17 February, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Mamma Mia! - Saturday 24 February, 3pm, Neville Theatre, London 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)

Throughout 2023, visually impaired nature guide Andy Shipley from Natural Inclusion, took us on a sensory journey into the great outdoors.From the beautiful songs of wrens and robins, to some naughty hedgehogs and rambunctious wild boars, Andy and Happy Hour's Paulina reflect on their favourite sounds of the natural world.Find the full Sensory Reflections playlist guiding you through to sounds of nature from January till December here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect RadioFor more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org)Image shows Andy. He's standing outside, with some bright green foliaged trees behind him. He's wearing a dark flat cap, a blue rolled scarf, and a dark blue checked top. Sound credits: 'WILD BOAR GRUNTS AND SQUEALS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'hedgehog sounds' via soundspunos, 'Robin Singing' BY SPANAC.

Let’s take a moment out of our days and re-connect with our physical and emotional self by doing a body scan. Body scan is a mindfulness meditation practice involving scanning your body for pain, tension, or anything out of the ordinary. It can help us be more present in our lives by taking a moment to focus and consider each part of our bodies, their tensions and how we are feeling overall. Guiding us through a body scan is Amelia Hilton. Image shows a close up photo of a bright sunflower with a deep blue sky behind it.

With many of us promising ourselves that we want to be more healthy in 2024 and exercising a bit more too, one way to get more healthy might be by walking a bit whether that might be just walking around the local park or off into the hills but have we ever thought about how best to look after our feet? Well, for the first check in of 2024 with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about looking after your feet. Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey about why we should think about looking after our feet and outlining some of the main problems that we might get if we start to walk more than we would normally do. Elizabeth then highlighted some of the common foot problems that you might need to go and see an expert about and then why it is important for people who are diabetic to be more careful about looking after their feet. Elizabeth ended by telling Toby about some of the ways that your local pharmacist can help with not only advice on how best to care for your feet but also some of the ways they are able to treat problems you might have with your feet too. To get in touch with Elizabeth 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.

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college which helps young disabled artists learn independence skills through the arts. Barry Snell spoke to it's founder Richard Stilgoe to find out more. Learn more about the Orpheus Centre {Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo, written in Black typeface, with a pink line separating the words RNIB and Connect radio}

ASK Italian has launched braille menus at its 66 restaurants across the UK. To mark the launch ASK recently partnered with blind artist Clarke Reynolds to create an artwork for their Park Street restaurant in central London, which included a snowflake made from the braille alphabet that was part of the festive menu. He spoke to RNIB's Connect Radio's Barry Snell about the partnership, his desire to promote braille and the importance of inclusion. {Image; Clarke standing proudly beside his snowflake outside Ask Italian's Park Street restaurant in central London. He is wearing yellow dungarees and a maroon/wine coloured turtle neck jumper}

Now for a festive 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: The House with Chicken Legs - Thursday 21 December, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London The Gruffalo’s Child - Sunday 24 December, 11am, Garrick Theatre, London Dick Whittington and His Cat - Wednesday 27 December, 5.30pm, King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Beauty and the Beast - Thursday 28 December, 7pm, Sunderland Empire Cinderella - Saturday 30 December, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Watford Palace Theatre Hansel and Gretel - Tuesday 2 January, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London 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)

In the lead up to Christmas and New Year for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we thought it would be a good time to talk about our medications and how to be best prepared for the festive holidays.Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about how some surgeries will allow patients to order their medications early in the lead up to the festive holidays. Then to the availability of Pharmacy services and where to go to find out the location of your nearest Pharmacy which will be open during Christmas and the New Year. Elizabeth ended by giving some advice on what to have to hand in your first aid kit at home just in case you need to use it over the festive holidays. You can find advice about out of hours Pharmacies and Doctors Surgeries on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacies/out-of-hours-medicines/To get in touch with Elizabeth 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.

Now, it's time for another sight loss story from an RNIB Customer as Hywel Davies chats to Natalie Holford.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.

Looking for a fun gift this holiday season? Well, if your loved one is a gamer, they might enjoy this recommendation as Chad Bouton from The Unsyted Radio podcast reviews Mortal Kombat 1. Please keep in mind, this is an 18+ release. Image shows official game cover art.

Looking for a fun gift this holiday season? Well, if your loved one is a gamer, they might enjoy this recommendation from Chad Bouton at The Unsyted Radio Podcast.It's also a perfect one for the younger kiddos or those still young at heart.Image shows Stories of Blossom cover. A drawing of a girl with her eyes closed as her imagination runs wild. In the background she's steering a pirate ship through rocky waters, she floats in space in an astronaut suit, she runs through a grassy field, and finally, she's wearing a deerstalker hat and holding a magnifying glass.

Looking for a new desert to try this Festive season? Well, Kim has a lovely recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser…Ingredients: 250g of butter 20g of butter (to be used at the chocolate stage) 1 whole egg 2 yolks 100ml of whole milk 7g of fresh yeast 500g of plain flour 1 tablespoon of caster sugar 50g of icing sugar The zest of half a lemon 1 pinch salt 150g of ground walnuts 400g of apricot jam 300g of dark chocolate Method: In a saucepan heat milk until lukewarm and dissolve 1 tablespoon of caster sugar and the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and the cubed 250g butter by hand until it resembles crumbs. Add the whole egg, 2 egg yolks, the dissolved sugar and yeast mixture, pinch of salt and the lemon zest. Knead thoroughly. Add more flour if necessary. Divide the dough into four balls, cover and let rest for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 180°C. Butter and flour a 40cm x 25cm baking tin. On a floured surface, roll out one part of the dough to the size of the baking tin, then lay it in. Mix the 150g ground walnuts with the 50g icing sugar. Spread one third of the apricot jam on the first layer of dough. Sprinkle with a third of the walnut and sugar mixture. Roll out the second piece of dough and place on top of the other layer. Put the jam on it and sprinkle with the walnut and sugar mixture. Repeat this twice more so that you have four layers of dough, each spread with jam and the walnut and sugar mixture. Bake the cake for 30 minutes, until the top is light-brown. Let it cool completely. 1For the chocolate layer, melt 20g of butter in a smaller pan with the 300g of chocolate. When melted, cover the entire cake with the chocolate sauce. Cut into diamonds and serve. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio 20th Anniversary logo. On a green background written in 3 rows: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. Connect Radio is underlined with a bold white line.

Looking for a new recipe to try this Festive season? Here’s one that will make your home smell absolutely delicious. Ingredients: 1.5kg of pork shoulder, deboned 2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt 2 teaspoons of barbecue seasoning powder 4 teaspoons of smoked paprika powder 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1 teaspoon of mustard powder 1/4 teaspoon of chilli powder 1 tablespoon of black treacle 3 teaspoons of cider vinegar 100ml of cider Method: In a mixing bowl, create a marinade by mixing the black treacle, cider vinegar, smoked paprika, barbecue seasoning, cumin, mustard and chilli powder. Make slashes in the top of the pork shoulder where the smooth layer of fat is. Make the slashes deep enough to cut through the layer of fat but not the actual meat itself. Turn the shoulder over and rub the marinade primarily into the meat (not the fat). Chill in the fridge for at least 24 hours to marinate. After 24 hours, rub the coarse sea salt on to the fat of the pork, deep into the slashes. In a large roasting dish, place a wire rack and put the pork shoulder on top of the wire rack with the fat layer facing up. Pour 300ml of water and 100ml of cider into the bottom of the roasting tin (underneath the wire rack). Cover the pork loosely with foil and cook in the oven at 140oC for 4 hours. After 4 hours, remove the foil, turn the oven up to 180oC and cook for a further 45 minutes until the pork is very tender and the skin has a crispy crackling. Once the pork is tender, remove from the oven, cover with foil and leave to rest. Pour the juice from the roasting tin into a jug and leave to settle and separate. There will be a thick fat layer in the jug which you can skim and discard. I have found the best VI method to do this is to pour the jug slowly and very carefully into another jug, where the fat will leave the jug first, leaving the required juice last. With the remaining liquid, place it into a saucepan, simmering on a high heat until it has been reduced. Add the cider and boil until the liquid has reduced again. Serve the pork with the liquid drizzled on top as well as seasonal vegetables. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio 20th Anniversary logo. On a green background written in 3 rows: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. Connect Radio is underlined with a bold white line.

Looking for a new recipe to try this Festive season? Here’s Kim Jaye with her recipe that’s perfect if you need that vegetarian or vegan-friendly dish. Ingredients: Packet of filo pastry 120 grams plant based or vegan butters 4 TBSP plain flour 200 grams soya pieces or vegan quorn pieces (or can sub for other veg) Half a broccoli chopped 150 grams of mushrooms sliced Salt and pepper to taste 400 ml milk (soya milk or whichever you like) Plant based double cream Method: Place the broccoli in a heat proof dish into the microwave and cook for two minutes. Put to one side. In a large saucepan, melt 20g of the butter on a low heat and cook the mushrooms for five minutes until softened. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside. In the now empty pan, add 50g of butter and melt on a low heat. Add the plain flour and cook, beating the mixture all the time until it is well combined. Slowly add the milk, beating the mixture between pours to make it smooth. Add the cream until the roux is smooth and has the consistency of a thick batter. Add the salt and black pepper, mushrooms, broccoli and soya pieces and then set aside to cool. Melt the remaining butter in the microwave. Separate a sheet of filo pastry, placing it on a lightly floured surface. Brush the pastry with the melted butter. Separate another sheet of pastry and repeat the actions until there are three layers of pastry. Spoon the broccoli mixture into the centre of it, leaving at least 3cm pastry around the edges. Fold these over, using the melted butter as an adhesive. Use a final coat of melted butter on the top of the parcel Line a baking tray with baking parchment and cook in the oven at 180° for 20 minutes or until the surface is crisp and golden brown. Serve with fresh vegetables or a salad. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio 20th Anniversary logo. On a green background written in 3 rows: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. Connect Radio is underlined with a bold white line.

For this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are going to focus on stomach upsets, what causes an upset stomach and what should we do about it? Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey how stomach upsets happen and what we should do about them. Then to what we should do if we had either eaten something or possibly the Norovirus had caused the upset stomach. With Elizabeth ending by giving some advice about reducing the risk of a stomach upset when traveling abroad and any serious signs that we should all be looking out for around upset stomachs. You will find more information about the causes of upset stomachs on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache/ To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk 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.

For the last time this year, it's time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley. As days shorten and darkness falls earlier and earlier, it is more likely that we will encounter these creatures of the twilight and night-time realms. This month, Andy tells us more about five of the most common owls to be found in the UK. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio For more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org) Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Sound credit: 'Tawny Owl' via xeno-canto, 'Barn Owl Sounds' by ALEXANDER, 'Long-eared owl 2' by Joseph SARDIN, 'Short-eared Owl' by Karl-Birger Strann, 'Little Owl' via xeno-canto.

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:Aladdin - Sunday 10 December, 1pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, Kent A Christmas Carol - Wednesday 13 December, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.15pm, Alexandra Palace, LondonPeter Pan Goes Wrong - Friday 15 December, 7.30pm, Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, LondonGhosts - Saturday 16 December, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, LondonLights Up - The cult of Beauty, Saturday 16 December, from 10am, Wellcome Collection, LondonElf The Musical - Tuesday 19 December, 2.30pm, Dominion 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)

Black Friday weekend is upon us, so if you’re looking for a new accessible phone device you might want to check out the RealSAM products. Paulina spoke to Louise Humphreys at RealThing AI to find out more. The offer runs till Thursday 30th of November, find out more on their website: https://www.realsam.co.uk/ Image: RealSAM logo. Upon a white background a letter R made out of a pink lighting bolt shaped line at an angle, with a short blue line making up the left leg of the letter R.

With the release of recent research looking into the condition Parkinson’s Disease for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow Elizabeth began by outlining to our Toby Davey what Parkinson’s Disease actually is and how it affects people if they do have the condition. Elizabeth then talked more about some areas of the research including how the findings had helped a person to walk and the use of electrical stimulation to help another person with the condition. To then how physiotherapy and other areas of support are able to help people with Parkinson’s disease and finally where people can go to find out more about the condition. There is a lot of useful information, advice and support on the Parkinson’s UK website - https://www.parkinsons.org.uk To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

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:L’Elisir d’Amore - Wednesday 22 November, 7pm, touch tour 6pm, Glyndebourne, LewesDon Giovanni - Friday 24 November, 4pm, touch tour 3pm, Glyndebourne, Lewes Backstairs Billy - Wednesday 29 November, 7.30pm, Duke of York’s Theatre, LondonNorthern Ballet, The Nutcracker - Saturday 2 December, 2pm, touch tour 11.45am, Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera HouseCinderella - Thursday 7 December , 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm and Saturday 16 December, 6pm, touch tour 4.30pm Brixton House, LondonMates in Chelsea - Saturday 9 December, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Royal Court 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)

A brand new way to learn Braille has been launched thanks to APH and California State University. Hubert has been finding out more about what it is, why it has been developed, and who it's aimed at. Image: RNIB Connect Radio 20th Anniversary written in white against a dark green background. There is also a bold white line separating the words RNIB connect Radio from 20th Anniversary.

With more and more games including accessibility as part of their design, we have seen a raise in numbers of blind and partially sighted gaming enthusiasts. Today, our Paulina Kuchorew is chatting to Chad Bouton of The Unsyted Radio, who is an avid gamer and an accredited accessibility consultant for video games. More here: The Unsyted Radio • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters Image: RNIB Connect Radio 20th Anniversary written in white against a dark green background. There is also a bold white line separating the words RNIB connect Radio from 20th Anniversary.

Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley.Now that we are truly into Autumn we are going to be tuning into a few of the sensory experiences the season brings including: geese, starlings, and some autumnal fragrance.Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect RadioFor more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org)Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Song credit: 'REDWING SONG SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'European Starling Sounds' BY ALEXANDER, 'Barnacle Goose' via RSPB, 'Fieldfare' via Jio Saavn.

Greater Anglia and Network Rail have collaborated to add London Liverpool Street station to their virtual tours to help travellers explore the stations before their journey. Hubert has been finding out more about how they work, and how blind and partially sighted people can get involved with Greater Anglia’s accessibility work.

With maybe more and more people coughing now as we move through autumn into winter time, for this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow it is all about having a cough and what to do about it. Our Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth about whether a cough is just a way of getting rid of phlegm and whether there are times when we should go and see our Doctor if we have a cough. Elizabeth then explained to Toby about cough bottles and their use during winter time when there seems to be more viruses around.You can find out more about coughs by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk.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.

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:The Cult of Beauty - Open from 26 October 2023 to 28 April 2024, Wellcome Collection, London Northern Ballet: Beauty and the Beast - Saturday 11 November, Newcastle Theatre Royal and Saturday 25 November, Norwich Theatre Royal, both performances 2.30pm with touch tours 12.15pmTreason - The Musical - Wednesday 15 November, 7.30pm, Alexandra Palace Theatre, LondonClyde’s - Saturday 25 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Donmar Warehouse, LondonSix the Musical - Wednesday 29 November, 8.30pm, Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton Two Strangers (carry a cake across New York) - Thursday 30 November, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, 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)