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Metro Blind Sport Newsletter

Metro would always advise to phone or email the event contacts to confirm there have been no last-minute changes or cancellations.

Welcome to the Metro Blind Sport's May 2019 Newsletter!

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A Month with Martin – May 2019

It’s been another busy month for our Metro members and our staff. Our cricketers have been frustrated with the weather at the start of the season, but they had a wonderful evening in May where they hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup at North London Cricket Club. 

The team were joined by YouTuber, Theo Baker and they enjoyed a training session and sharing their knowledge about how to play the sport. It was amazing to see how engaged Theo was with our talented cricketers. Visit our website for the full article



Continuing sporting successes, I was delighted to hear how successful our bowlers have been. We now have a double UK bowls Champion  amongst our members. Amit Amin, representing England, played in the UK Indoor Bowls Championship and secured the gold medal to match his gold medal in the UK Outdoor Bowls Singles. Following this success, Amit travelled to Israel to compete and came back with a silver medal. What a fantastic achievement and we will be interviewing him soon to get all the details. 

Our own YouTube channel now has more content as we have released two series of videos to showcase vision impaired sport. Our cricket and bowls videos have now been released and in June we will release our tandem cycling and tennis videos.

• Cricket Videos:   

• Bowls Videos: 

Special thanks to those members involved and to Mark Bullock for coordinating. I really believe that these videos will support greater participation in physical activity. 

The Annual Metro Athletics Open is nearly here so a reminder that the entry form is still available. I would love to see as many of our members as possible join in the fun at the Mile End Stadium on the 22nd June. 

Finally, I would like to thank Fred Carpenter for his hard work and dedication in supporting our monthly archery sessions. Fred has decided to step down as the Archery lead. He has been involved with our archery sessions since they began and has supported many members in playing the sport. The sessions will continue as normal so please visit our website for details.

Martin Symcox -  CEO Metro Blind Sport.

Charlie's Corner

The month of May for Metro Blind Sport has certainly been a busy one filled with several visits to sport sessions, sport sector events and final planning for our 43rd Metro Athletics Open.

I really enjoyed heading along to watch the cricket season kick off for Metro Devils against the Gloucester Growlers at Highgate, despite some patchy weather throughout the day!

I shot my first ever arrow at the archery sessions and was enthused to see and hear about the developments of participants who have been taking part regularly. 

As the nominated Charity of the Year for the UK’s largest sport and physical activity trade show, Elevate; it was brilliant to heighten the importance of the challenges that people with a visual impairment face whilst taking part in sport and physical activity and promote our charity to key players across the sport sector. 

The highlight of the month had to be the ICC World Cup Trophy tour to London, as our Metro cricket players provided a great cricket session that finely represented what VI sport is all about. For a full write up of the day, head to 

Finally, the Metro Athletics Open is now less than 3 weeks away and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to Mile End Stadium. To ensure no one will miss out, we have decided to extend the entry deadline to the 12th of June: entry form.  If you have not done so already, please do try and apply before this deadline as this will be your final chance. Hope to see you there! 

Charlie Raven -  SDO Metro Blind Sport.

Athletics Open

• Date: Sat 22 June 2019  Venue: Mile End Stadium, London, E14

• Entry: FREE including packed lunch, t-shirt, medals & certificate

• Download Entry Form:  

• Please complete and return the form attached below, by email to charlie.raven@

• Need help to complete the entry form - Call Charlie on 07956292046

 

Run for London Marathon 2020 

Applications for #TeamGLFB Virgin Money London Marathon places are now open. The Virgin Money London Marathon is the most iconic event on the running calendar. The 26.2 mile route through the heart of the capital is lined with cheering crowds and takes in London’s legendary landmarks. The incredible atmosphere makes the London Marathon a race you’ll never forget!

Visit GLFB website: .uk/support-us/london-marathon-2020/

Survey for the GLFB 

The Greater London Fund for the Blind who have very kindly funded numerous projects for Metro over the  Years including recently our series of VI sports videos have a new survey, it would be great if our members and friends could spare some time to Help  the GLFB 

The Greater London Fund for the Blind – a key supporter of Metro Blind Sport - wants to hear from you on your experiences of services and accessibility in and around London. They have put together a short survey to collect views and experiences to inform their work and aid their fundraising. 

Archery

 

Archery in Wandsworth!

We welcome all members and the age of shooters ranges from as young as twelve when accompanied an adult. Come down and have a go!

Date: 9 June 2019  Time: 12 noon - 2.00 pm

Venue: Southfields Academy Sports  Hall  -  Aspire@Southfields, 337 Merton Road, SW18 5JU

Cost: £2.50 for Members ** £5 Non - Members

Contact: charlie.raven@ or  Phone: 07956292046

Vision Impaired Archery – Castle Centre with London Vision SE

Venue: The Castle Leisure Centre, 2 St Gabriel Walk, London SE1 6FG

Date:  Mondays 3, 10, 17 June Time: 11..00 am - 12 Noon

Cost: £3 per session  Email: info@

For more information - Please call: 020 3815 3660

Bowls

 

Outdoor Bowls at Ravenscourt Park - W6

Date: 5, 12,19, 26 June 2019  Time: 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Venue: Ravenscourt Park, Paddenswick Road

Hammersmith, London, W6

Cost: FREE

Contact: ericgal@blueyonder.co.uk or call Phone:0208 985 6245

Bowls Videos link:  

Ten Pin bowling and lunch in Lewisham

Feel the satisfaction of knocking over those pins. Ten pin bowling is great fun and accessible for all. 

Venue:  Lewisham Bowl, 11-29 Belmont Hill, Lewisham, London, SE13 5AU

Date:13th June  Time: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Cost: £2.50

Organisers: London Vision South East

Meeting points:

Lewisham Station ticket office 11am, or at the bowling alley at 11:20am

To Book click here: 

Cricket 

 

Metro Demos Blind cricket at the ICC World Cup Trophy Tour!

 

In the early evening of Wednesday 21st May, Metro Blind Sport cricket players were invited to organise a special cricket training session in celebration of the International Cricket Council World Cup Trophy Tour 2019 (ICC CWC). David Griffiths, a special guest of Metro Blind Sport who supported the cricket team as an umpire in its earlier years was in attendance, alongside Vice President Roy Smith MBE, to offer support and guidance.

The session got underway and our cricket sport lead Rory Field provided some coaching for all including Youtuber Theo Baker. You can read the full article, check out the gallery & watch a great  bowl from Mujahid Zabit on our website

 

Latest Cricket Match Reports!

You can read the latest Match side reports from Paul Toplis here on our cricket articles page: , Where you can enjoy the highs and lows of this season cricket matches on our website and more!

Metro Cricket Outdoor Nets –  Highgate

Date: Weekly (usually Tuesdays) in Cricket Season,

Venue: Highgate Woods, Cricket Nets

For more details on Metro’s cricketing activities

Email: rory.field74@   or  Phone: 077 4232 3224 (Rory Field)

Blind Cricket Videos:  

Annual Disability Day at the iconic Kia Oval

Date: Tuesday 2 July 2019  Time: 10.30 am - 2 pm

Venue: Kia Oval, Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SS

Cost:  Free

participants can take part in a variety of skills and challenges on the outfield and the ground. As one of the most famous venues in cricket, and being the home of Surrey County Cricket Club, this is an opportunity not to be missed

Activities include...

Batting, Bowling and Fielding skill challenges on the outfield • Take on the Cricket Factory challenges• Test yourself in the Batfast simulator zone • Tours of the historic Kia Oval and much more...

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE OR FOR FURTHER INFO PLEASE CONTACT:

Gavin Reynolds on 07725 203962 or email disability@

Cycling

 

Merton Sports and Social Club (MSSC) Tandem Rides 

The club has a fleet of tandems and pair sighted front riders with vision impaired back riders for regular rides, mainly on quiet roads and trails. We run two rides a month – a longish one (30 to 40 miles) on the first Sunday and a shorter one (15 miles or so) on the third Saturday.  For more information, please email cycling@.uk or visit our website: .uk

MSSC upcoming  Cycling Events:  

Dance

 

VI Zumba at the TPT hub!

VI Zumba is a Latin-inspired, gentle yet exhilarating dance fitness session.

Location: Thomas Pocklington Trust, Entrance D Tavistock House South, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9LG

Times: 5:30 to 7:00 pm every Tuesday  Meet and Greet: Euston Station Mobility Access room – 5:00 pm

Contact: connect@ or 07852 886 100

Fabulous new free aerobics class at MertonVision

Classes will run on a Monday afternoon - the First term is from 13 May to 1 July

Open to all and free to attend.  Time: 1.30 – 3pm

Classes will be tailored to individual needs!

Contact MertonVision info@.uk 020 8540 5446

Extant Event: No Dramas!

Are you visually impaired and would you like to come along to drama sessions that are designed to have some fun, learn new skills and meet new people? Then No Dramas is just for you! 

When:  Thursdays, June 27 June, 1 August, 26 September Time: 18:00-20:00

Where:  The TPT Hub – Entrance D, Tavistock House South, Tavistock Square, Euston, London WC1H 9LG

Contact:  for more info please Tel: 020 7820 3737 or Email: info@.uk

Football 

Upcoming Football Sessions

• 5 June -  Free Inclusive Football  

• 6 June -  Blind & VI Football 

• 13 June - Blind & VI Football 

Link to all Football events:

Goalball

New Junior Goalball sessions

New Goalball sessions form Goalball UK in partnership with RSBC.

Learn the basics of goalball and put our new found skills to the test with matches against each other. Working with Goalball UK, you'll be taught by the experts to attack and defend in this indoor, 3-aside team sport.

Open to visually impaired 8-25 year olds.

Dates: Thursdays 1, 18, 29 August  2019  Time: 10am - 12pm

Address: Our Lady’s High School, 6-16 Amhurst Park, London, N16 5AF.

Station meet and greet available from Stamford Hill.

Email: ginisha.vekaria@.uk or call 020 3198 0225

 Upcoming Goalball Events

• 10 June - Goalball in Croydon 

• 11 June - Goalball in London 

Link to All Goalball Events: 

Mixed Martial Arts (MMARAP) - Super Tuesdays

sessions include:

• Females only from 1 pm – 2 pm for all ages

• Kids from 4.30pm – 5.15pm – Ages 6yrs – 14yrs

• A mixed group from 5.30pm – 6.30pm (male and female). All ages 40+ for the non-disabled, Deaf/Blind and disabled. 

Date: Every Tuesday  

Where: Ringcross Community Centre, 60 Lough Road, Islington, N7, 8RH

For more info Email:  info@mmarap.co.uk  or Call 0333 0030 520

Sailing

 

Tideway Sailabilty

We sail Wednesday and Thursday from April to October. It is rare that we have to curtail sailing because of the weather as our volunteers are hardy and we can reduce the size of the sails if it is windy.

Venue: Surrey Docks Watersports Centre, Rope Street, London, SE16 7SX. 

Contact: email info@.uk  or  20 7237 9001 Website:

Swimming Events & News

MSSC: SOS - Save our Swimming!

Come along and have fun, dip your toe in the water, take the plunge, go with the flow and help throw MSSC Swimming a lifeline.

Time is running out for MSSC’s weekly swimming session, held each Thursday evening at the Canons, Mitcham. In order to reduce the subsidy and make this activity viable, we desperately need to increase the number of participants.

Venue: Canons Leisure Centre, Madeira Road, Mitcham CR4 4HD

Date: Thursday 6 June Time: 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm Cost:  £3.00

Travel:    Buses 118, 127, 264, 270, 280, 355

Contact:  Email: swimming@.uk or call TEL. 07500 913 223

1-1 Swimming sessions at Ealing Swimming Club! 

 

Metro Blind Sport in Partnership with Ealing Swimming Club and Everyone Active is offering one to one swimming lessons! 

Time: 12.00 to 13.00 When: Mon, Weds and days flexible, dependant on the coaches’ availability,  please do enquire  Call to confirm: 07428 783509

Where: Northolt Leisure Centre, Eastcote Lane North, London, UB5 4AB.

Who: for blind and beginners / non-swimmers

Cost: £20.00 for four 1-1 Coached session *Saves £18.60 per session

Contact: Fred fred@swimesc.co.uk or Tel. 07428 783509 

Swim  the Serpentine for the GLFN – 21st Sept 2019

Swim Serpentine is a one-day open water swimming challenge in the iconic Serpentine, Hyde Park. With half, one, two and six-mile distances available, there is something to suit every ability.

Be part of #TeamGLFB (Greater London Fund for the Blind) and benefit from our expert fundraising and training advice.

As part of #TeamGLFB you will receive:

• #TeamGLFB swim cap to train in. A fundraising pack with tips and materials. Expert training advice

Contact Rebecca at rclarke@.uk  website .uk/swim

 Tennis Events!

  Upcoming Blind & VI Tennis Sessions!  

• 5 June Learn Blind Tennis ITC: 

• 6 June Blind & VI Tennis Sutton: 

• 7 June  VI Tennis ITC: 

• 11 June  VI Tennis – NTC: 

• 13 June  Blind & VI Tennis Sutton: 

• 14 June VI Tennis Globe Club: 

 

Link to all Tennis Events:  

Yoga at the RNIB with Bonny!

Date: Wednesday evenings Time:  5.30 - 6.30 pm Cost:  £5

Venue: RNIB in Kings Cross - 105 Judd St, Saint Pancras, London WC1H 9NE

Contact:  bonnybgriffin@  - please email Bonny to confirm.

RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999

Sight Loss Councils Survey

Sight Loss Councils have a vision for change! We want to know what you really think about the accessibility of services offered to blind and partially sighted people in your local area. The survey has been accessibility tested for both phones and PCs and should only take 10-20mins to complete.

It will be open from 1st June to 28th June. If you need any assistance completing the survey or wish to contact us for further information please email info@.uk  Help us to make change, tell us what you think, click on the link  

Info Day Sight Action Havering 26 June!

All welcome -  tea and coffee are available. 

Date:  26 June Time: 10 am to 3 pm - Free Entry

Venue: Salvation Army, High St, Romford, Rm1 1JJ

Organisations attending: RNIB, British Wireless for the Blind, Humanware, Glaucoma Association, Blind Veterans UK, Deafblind UK and many more

Website: .uk

DoddleBags 20% off for Metro Blind Sports

DoddleBags are thoughtfully designed re-usable 100ml pouches. Easy to use, with a super tight leak-proof zip, and large colour coded caps and stickers, they are perfect for liquids of all kinds. Great for Sports, Travel, Baby food, Icing and kids painting to mention just a few uses!

You get a discount. When you buy from   Just enter DBMET20 for 20% off your entire purchase.

read all about them on our Website: 

Social and other Events 

Manga, The British Museum 

Join VocalEyes describer Lonny Evans for this live audio-described tour of the Citi exhibition Manga, which contains highlights from the largest exhibition of manga ever to take place outside of Japan. Telling stories with themes from gender to adventure, in real or imagined worlds. Immersive and playful, showcasing original Japanese manga and its influence across the globe, from anime to ‘cosplay’ dressing up.

 

Date: Saturday 8 June 2019  Time: 15:30

Ticket price:  £7.50 (Members/access companions free)

Booking  +44(0) 20 7323 8971  Email access@

Venue: British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG

The new Tonesight installation in the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.

Introduced by Jane Asher

Tonesight is an apparatus designed to fully include visitors with a wide range of sensory and physical ability. The installation will entice you to engage with the paintings in the Upper Hall while exploring a truly innovative and unique method of interacting with them.

Date: 28 June: Time 6 pm Venue: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN

RSVP your attendance and any access requirements to learning@ by Friday 14th June.

Sweet Charity, Donmar Warehouse

“The minute you walked in the joint, I could see you were a man of distinction, a real Big Spender…” New York, 1967. Charity Hope Valentine is a dance hall hostess who “runs her heart like a hotel – you’ve got men checking in and out all the time.” 

Date: Saturday 1 June 2019  Time: 14:30

Ticket price: From £10 Touch tour: 13:00

Booking 020 3282 3808 email boxoffice@

Venue: Donmar Warehouse, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LX Closest tube: Covent Garden

   

Juniors and Young People’s Events!

 

Science Museum  VIscovery Day

Date: Sunday 9 June,  Time: 11.00 - 16.00

Venue: Science museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD

VIscovery Days are a series of events for families with members who are visually impaired, partially sighted or blind. Join us for a day of chemistry fun! Become a science detective in our exciting workshop, discover some marvellous mistakes in our interactive storytelling, get messy with wonderful slime, and much more! Call 020 79424086

VICTA register your interest in upcoming events

• 13 -15 Sept  DofE Bronze Award, Peak District - 14 to 25 years

• 13 -16 Sept   DofE Silver Award , Peak District  -15 to 25 years

•  9 Nov  Family Fireworks Party, Milton Keynes - Family

• Dec 2019 (TBC})  International Cultural Trip, Prague  -18 to 29 years

 Register your interest Link: 

Travel expenses covered up to £50 for the Metro Blind Sports' Athletics Open or Superhero Tri!

VICTA will cover travel expenses up to £50 for those wishing to attend the Metro Blind Sport Athletics Open or the Superhero Tri. To benefit from this offer, you must:

• Have previously participated on a VICTA activity or received a grant through us

• Live outside London (for the Metro Athletics Open only)

• Be 29 years old or under at the time of the event.

If you are interested, please contact the VICTA Activities Team on activities@.uk. or call 01908 240 831 for more information.

Payment of travel expenses is subject to proof of attendance at the event (a simple photo of you enjoying the event) & travel receipts/mileage claim. 

All VICTA Activities Link: 

Vision England Residential Breaks for Young People

Build your confidence and independence, learn new skills, have fun and make new friends – what are you waiting for?

Vision England is an exciting residential programme for young people aged 12 – 17 years with vision impairment.

Fun-filled residentials, supported by an amazing team of staff experienced in working with young people with vision impairment.  You shape the activities you do, which may include conservation activities like coppicing and tree planting, and other activities like wildlife walks, bush craft, hiking and camping. An opportunity to gain a John Muir Award certificate (environmental award scheme).

Who can apply?  You must be:

• Blind or partially sighted

• At least 12 years old on 31 July 2019

• Aged 17 or under on 1 November 2019

How much does it cost?  £25

Dates and venues for 2019

Introduction Days, also at the centres, are for you to find out more about the project, learn more about the John Muir Award, meet staff and other young people, plus a tour of the centre (11am-3pm).

Field Studies Council Juniper Hall, Dorking Surrey

Introduction Day: Saturday 22 June

Residential: TBC

Field Studies Council Castle Head, Grange-Over-Sands Lake District

Introduction Day: Saturday 13 July

Residential: TBC

Field Studies Council Preston Montford, Shrewsbury Shropshire

Introduction Day: Saturday 8 June

Residential: TBC

To sign up or for more information please contact us

Mob: 07894 598766 or Email: visionengland@.uk

Upcoming Events

• 02 Jun: 1st & 3rd Sundays, Tandem rides, MSSC, cycling@.uk

• 03 Jun: VI Archery – Castle Centre 

• 05 Jun: Free Inclusive Football 6-19 yrs.  blindsport.uk/FootieList

• 05 Jun: Learn Blind & VI Tennis,  

• 05 Jun: Ravenscourt Park Outdoor Bowls ericgal@blueyonder.co.uk Tel.0208 985 6245

• 06 Jun: Blind & VI Football – Brixton blindsport.uk/FootieList

• 06 Jun: Swimming with MSSC, Call 07500 913 223 

• 06 Jun: Blind and VI Tennis in Sutton 02086416611   

• 07 Jun: VI Tennis - for B2, B3 - ITC Email  

• 09 Jun: Archery, Aspire Centre, Wandsworth charlie.raven@

• 11 Jun: Learn VI Tennis NTC Coaches 02084877043  blindsport.uk/TennisList

• 14 Jun: VI tennis at the Globe 

• 17 Jun: 1 to1 Subsidised Swimming, 07428 783509  blindsport.uk/Swimming

• 19 Jun: Yoga with Bonny, Wednesdays, RNIB, contact: bonnybgriffin@

• 10 Jun: Goalball Croydon, 7889648925 Goalball Events  blindsport.uk/GoalBallList

• 11 Jun: Goalball - London Elephants! | Goalball Events blindsport.uk/GoalBallList

• 28 June: Hounslow Outdoor Bowls  alanstacey2000@ Tel.07944 394270​​

• 22 June: Athletics Open Form :blindsport.uk/AthleticsOpen2019 | Email 07956292046

• 26 July: LOOKfest 26 - 29 July 

Metro would advise to always phone or email the event contacts, to confirm that there have been no changes to the event time or date to avoid possible disappointment. Metro Blind Sport is not responsible for the content of external internet sites and events.

For more information, use the Metro's Events List 

Please send us any other VI events you know about and let us help you promote them. Email saul.wynne@ or tweet to @MetroVISports 

Privacy Policy

In line with GDPR, we have updated our Privacy Policy. Last updated on 21/08/2018. You can read the new policy here:   

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