News from the North

Our OAB representative in Banbury is Janet Payne who also runs our information desk on a Wednesday afternoon (2pm to 5pm), at the Age Concern Centre, White Lion Walk.

Bowling takes off in Banbury

In the last issue I mentioned that a Ten Pin Bowling group might start up in Banbury. Well it did, and it’s been a great success, with everyone having a lot of fun!

Marisol Clack, pictured opposite, whose brainchild it was, is now in the chair, very ably supported and abetted by Fran Hughes who is both the treasurer and the secretary.

‘We all really enjoy it,’ says Marisol. ‘We meet on Thursdays at 1pm and have a couple of games each. The Banbury Lakeside Superbowl has given us a good deal and we now have a group of regular players.’

If you want to know more, contact Marisol on 01295 269206. Sighted players are welcome too, not least because they can help to orientated VI players and keep the scores.

The group, thanks to Kevin Pamphilon of VIBNO, have already joined the British Blind Sport league and have benefited from two coaching visits: maybe the next stop will be the Paralympics?

Support for Carers

Quite often carers come to Age Concern to ask me about aids for the visually impaired people that they are looking after. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind them that as well as having introductory Carers packs at Age Concern there is excellent support for carers at the Carers’ Centre on Horsefair in Banbury, ranging from advice to advocacy and practical support.

Health Walks

The first walk of the season will be on April 22nd at 11am with walkers meeting outside the Mill in Banbury. If you are a new walker you will need to come 15 minutes early to register with the walk leaders. This walk will go along the reservoir as usual, weather permitting, and be about two miles in length. Further walks will be listed in the next issue.

Gaydon Trip

A small group of VIPs is going to visit the Motor Heritage Centre at Gaydon in January. It is hoped that this will be the first of other meetings with VI car enthusiasts in mind.

Benefits Advice

Fran Hughes used to work at the Job Centre and is willing to help VI people lost in the “Benefits Maze”. Contact me on 07528688619 and I will pass your number on to her.

With best wishes from Banbury,

Janet Payne

Banbury Coordinator

Macular Group in Banbury

By Tom McInulty

Macular Disease Society Group Support & Development Manager

The Macular Disease Society supports local self-help groups all over the country.

They meet regularly to share experiences, pass on hints and tips and invite guest speakers to talk on a variety of subjects concerned with MD and its impact on our daily lives.

The meetings are also social occasions where we can chat together over a cup of coffee! We would like to invite you to our first meeting in Banbury. It will be held on Thursday 11 March 2010 from 2 to 4pm, at the Banbury Methodist Church, Marlborough Road, Banbury, OX16 5BZ. As from then on we shall meet on the second Thursday of the month.

We are sure you will find it really worthwhile and enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you with a cup of tea and a biscuit.

If you need any more information, please contact me Tom McInulty on Telephone Number 01264 321963.