Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Matt talks about cyber security, RHS awards and RNIB alumni.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 

Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

Image Shows A Smiling Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, Wearing Glasses And A Grey Jacket

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025

A retelling on stage this week of Arnold Bennett’s 1908 novel ‘The Old Wives’ Tale’ set among the Punjabi Sikh community of Wolverhampton in ‘Marriage Material’ at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith.

About ‘Marriage Material’:

Marriage Material By Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, based on the novel by Sathnam Sanghera.

Three Generations. Two Love Stories. One Family Secret. “In our shops we will be Kings of England. And we will make this place our place. The Bains’ corner shop in Wolverhampton has been at the centre of the family for three generations. Against the backdrop of a changing 20th century, Mrs Bains is balancing running the business, caring for her ailing husband and the demands of her two headstrong daughters, who each have their eye on a different kind of future.

Fast forward to the present day, a family tragedy pulls Arjan Bains back from a life in London. The shop represents everything he was trying to escape, but with his mother insisting it remain open, how long can he stay away?

Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (A Kind of People) adapts the critically acclaimed novel from Sathnam Sanghera (Empireland). Directed by Rep Associate Director and 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Director, Iqbal Khan (East Is East, Of Mice and Men, Tartuffe, SILENCE).

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/

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Paula Davey is an artist who, with her first exhibition, aims to raise awareness of glaucoma. David Hogg finds out more.

Alan Macdonald is sound engineer from Oban who could be the new voice of Lidl Self-Checkouts in Scotland.

Amelia spoke to him about his sight loss journey, career so far and taking part in the competition.

You can vote for Alan by going to https://unexpectedscottishvoice.co.uk/

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UK charity Guide Dogs has recently come out of a period of Transformation, where it looked at staffing, services and running costs.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Guide Dogs CEO Andrew Lennox to discuss the changes.

For more info on Guide Dogs, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk

You can also call their helpline on 0800 781 1444

#RNIBConnect

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Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at some forthcoming events with Audio Description.

AD makes television, movies, galleries and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people.

This month they discuss Fiddler on the roof, the rocky horror show and The Legend Of Rooney's Ring.

If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk

#RNIBConnect

Image Shows Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description, In The Recording Studio

Our Lives - The Film I'll Never See' is on iPlayer now and documents the sight-loss journey of Dave Steele - AKA The Blind Poet - as his RP robs him of the last of his remaining useful vision. Robert Kirkwood talks to Dave and to filmmaker Matt Hopkins about the making of the film and the feedback they have both received.

The Film I'll Never See - iPlayer Link

Image description - A close-up image of a man (Dave Steele) with a thick, salt-and-pepper beard and intense eyes looking directly into the camera. He is using his fingers to form a rectangular frame over his right eye, mimicking the viewfinder of a camera. His expression is calm but thoughtful, drawing the viewer into his gaze. Superimposed text across the center of the image reads:

“THE FILM I’LL NEVER SEE”, with the word “SEE” blurred, symbolizing visual impairment.

At the bottom of the image, production credits appear in small text. Notably, the logos for ITV SignPost, BBC One, and Untruth are included. 

Phoenix Golf has risen from the amalgamation of several disability golf charities in Scotland.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, from Phoenix Golf, to find out why it’s a great game for blind and partially sighted people to try out.

For more info, go to www.phoenixcup.org.uk

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Would you like to learn about a befriending service for visually impaired people? Jennifer Murray chats to Zoe Dunstan, Senior Volunteer Coordinator from a sight loss charity called Cam Sight, based in Cambridge, England.

If you would like to learn more about Cam Sight or even volunteer for the charity, you can contact them in any of the following ways:

Cam Sight's General Email address:

Cam Sight's Phone Number:

Cam Sight's Website:

For any volunteering queries, you can contact the volunteer team direct via the following email address:

Image description:

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Hair and care CIC are hosting a film screening, panel discussion and art competition this fashion season.

Hair and Care CIC have a Making Fashion Accessible Initiative this season.

They're screening a short film starring participants and volunteers, hosting a panel discussion on the importance of inclusivity and accessibility within the fashion and beauty industries and have an artwork competition for b and ps artists.

Amelia spoke to Fiona Quinn the Business Development, PR & Marketing Manager, to learn more...

Visit the Hair And Care CIC website for more information - Hair&Care | Self care Workshops for the Visually Impaired Community in Greater London

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