In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this episode, how were the Spartans governed and why was the approach so different to the rest of ancient Greece? 

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 move from week 9 into week 10 of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition. 

With this week being the Blackpool special coming live from the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Saturday night (16 November 2024) with Chris and Diane performing the first dance of the night with an American Smooth to Jump by Paul Anka after a fantastic dance by the Professional Dancers to The Pet Shop Boys playing a live medley of their hits Toby began by asking Shaun about this great start to the Blackpool special before finding out what Shaun felt of Chris and Dianne’s American Smooth.

Then to how some of the other couples had done on Saturday night with praise again from Toby for Sarah and Vito!

Ending as usual with Shaun and Toby discussing whether it was the right choice for Wyn and Katya to leave the competition.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq

(Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand)

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description. 

Audio Description makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts venues accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people.

AD is a narration describing what is physically happening, say on stage, TV or the big screen.

It can also describe works of art, places of interest or exhibits.

This month they look at some pantos and a Da Da Fest launch event

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

#RNIBConnect

Image Shows Anne Sitting In Front Of A Microphone

As we celebrate 200 years since the invention of the tactile reading and writing system  braille, RNIB’s Braille and Beyond Tour is continuing to make its way across the UK.

In November the tour arrived at The Hive in Worcester. Amelia Hilton spoke with Dave William during the excitement of the day.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

A new device is hoping to make communication easier between music students and their teachers. 

Hywel Davies has been speaking to the team behind the ‘Tap Tap’.

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 for our first winter warmer, where we discuss ways to enjoy and look after yourself over the colder months

Sometimes it can be tough to choose a meaningful gift, but Amelia and Hubert are here to help with some personalised, inexpensive gift ideas for your close ones. 

Find more gift inspiration in the RNIB Shop - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/gifts

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 celebrate 200 years since the invention of the tactile reading and writing system  braille, RNIB’s Braille and Beyond Tour is continuing to make its way across the UK.

In November the tour arrived at The Hive in Worcester. Barry Snell spoke with Dave Williams ahead of the event starting.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

Now time to catch up with Clarke Reynolds, a blind braille artist, who creates pieces of artwork out of Braille. Clarke Reynolds recently became ambassador for the sight loss charity Fight for Sight in October 2024. Jennifer Murray finds out more.

If you would like to know more about Clarke Reynolds and the work he does, you can do any of the following:

Instagram: @clarkereynoldsofficial

Website: www.seeingwithoutsing.com

Email: [email protected]

Image description: 

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.

Robert Kirkwood talks to the RNIB Bookshare Team Leader Rochelle Davis-Pretsell to find out about the service, who can use it and hears about a big change going on behind the scenes.

Celebrate the life of your loved one by supporting a charity in their memory. 

Our David Hogg spoke with RNIB's Hazel Stirling about Remember a Loved One This Christmas and how it can help make the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people.

Find out more here: Remember a loved one - celebrate their life | RNIB | RNIB

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.