Wiltshire Sight What’s On E-Newsletter for March 2025

Find out about local notices, groups and events that are accessible to anyone living with sight loss.

Welcome to your monthly update of accessible services and events in Wiltshire and Swindon, covering March  2025.

If you are interested in What’s On e-newsletters from our partner charities Sight Support West of England and Insight Gloucestershire, as well as our Children and Young People What’s On e-newsletter, you can find links to them on our 2025 What’s On E-Newsletter webpage

Wiltshire Sight Events and Notices

Connect Online with Virtual Hubs

We’re excited to announce the launch date for our Young Adults Virtual Hub – starting 5th March, running fortnightly at 7 pm. If you’d like to meet new people, chat, and connect with others living with sight loss, sign up today!

Our Virtual Hubs are open to anyone affected by sight loss. Hosted on Microsoft Teams, training is available for newcomers.

Join one of our hubs:

  • Parent Support Group: Fortnightly, Thursdays at 7:30 pm.
  • University Students Group: Fortnightly, Wednesdays at 7 pm.
  • Working Age Group (25–65): Third Thursday of the month at 7 pm.
  • Young Adults Group (18–30): Launching 5th March, fortnightly at 7 pm.

Would you like to join? Contact us – 0117 322 4885 / info@sightsupportwest.org.uk.

Eye Can Salisbury

Eye Can Salisbury is just around the corner!  It will be held on Wednesday 2nd April 2025, 10 am–3 pm at Salisbury Guildhall. The exhibitors will have the latest in technology and equipment on display and you will find local and national organisations offering services for blind and partially sighted individuals. Talks will also be held throughout the day. To pre-register either call us or you can book on Eventbrite: Eye Can Salisbury 2025.

Wiltshire Sight Hubs and Social Groups

Our sight loss advice hubs provide a local space for consultations with your advisor, offering information, guidance, and advice on equipment and technology. You can explore a selection of helpful aids and discover how technology can help you. Additionally, most hubs host social groups where you can meet others, share tips and tricks, and enjoy a chat.

For full details of our sight loss advice hubs and social groups, see our website which has the latest information, or you can call our office on 01380 723682. Click here for our website hub and social group listings. You can put your postcode in the search bar to find your nearest hub.

Changes To Note for Upcoming Hubs

  • Pewsey Hub & Social – cancelled for March
  • Salisbury Resource Centre will not be open on the 25th March
  • Devizes Resource Centre will not be open on the 26th March

Events & Notices From Other Organisations

Cakes, Care and Connection

St Thomas Church, Salisbury, SP1 1BA

  • Tuesday 4th March 11am to 2:30pm

Join this disability dedicated ayre in the heart of the city for a one stop shop of advice and information and quite a lot of cake.

Come and meet a range of local disability organisations in and around Salisbury. Find our more and become a member of the Disability Interest Group Salisbury. Contact Karen Linakar on 01722 424697 / karen.linaker@wiltshire.gov.uk

Casting for Bupa Healthcare Campaign – Paid Opportunity

Raw Research Casting is collaborating with Bupa Healthcare on a campaign directed by Dorothy Allen-Pickard, aiming to destigmatise health discussions by featuring stories from individuals with disabilities. Filming is scheduled in London from 3rd to 10th April 2025, requiring a 1–3 day commitment. Selected participants will receive £350 per filming day, plus £1,600 for their appearance in the final campaign materials; travel expenses are also covered. The campaign will be showcased online, on social media, and in print across the UK, Spain, and Australia. Interested individuals are invited to complete a casting questionnaire at https://forms.gle/cGx1qzA7XuxUzaGD7.

RNIB Voice of the Customer Survey

In RNIB’s latest Voice of the Customer Tracker survey, they want to hear from blind and partially sighted people about their experiences on things like eye health, skills and tools for modern life, getting around, employment and financial inclusion, education and habitation, leisure, relationships and social networks, and shaping society.

This research will help them to understand the areas that most impact blind and partially sighted people and to inform their work and campaigns.

Make your voice heard, complete their survey which will take 20 to 30 minutes: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XWS9G2M

RNIB – World Book Day Free Accessible Children’s Book

In celebration of World Book Day on 6 March 2025, RNIB is offering a selection of free accessible books in braille, audio, and other formats, supporting the mission to provide every child and young person with a book of their own. The available titles include The Magic Balloon, Bluey’s Little Book, Who’s in Acorn Wood?, Barbara’s Very Useful Guide to Moods, and The Soccer Diaries: Rocky Takes the Lead. Families and young people with vision impairments can order their copies by contacting the RNIB Helpline at 0303 123 9999. Additionally, author Tom Palmer will discuss The Soccer Diaries: Rocky Takes the Lead and his collaboration with RNIB on RNIB Connect Radio on 28 February 2025

VICTA Science Fair

VICTA’s 2025 Online Science Fair is now live. Participants can explore a range of activities, including giveaways such as Amazon Echo Dots, Echo Show Kids, and Hot Wheels Braille Racers. Competitions and challenges are open in four categories, with £50 vouchers to be won. Families visiting a science centre can benefit from VICTA’s facilitated ticket offer. Full terms and conditions are available on the VICTA website VICTA Science Fair 2025 – VICTA  For more information, contact the Activities Team at sciencefair@victa.org.uk

Local Leisure and Sporting Activities / Events

Limitless Cycling Taster Event

Thursday 27 March – Limitless Cycling – Have a go Taster session for people living with sight loss. 12 – 1pm at Moredon Sporting Hub, Cheney Manor industrial estate, Swindon SN2 2QJ

£3.50 per participant. Lunch meal deal available in cafe £4.50 for sandwich, snack and drink. Please book your place in advance with Becky Cox:  rebeccacox@britishcycling.org.uk

07515 606704

Track Day Opportunities at Llandow Circuit

Llandow Circuit in the Vale of Glamorgan offers accessible driving experiences for individuals of all abilities, including those with sight loss. Speed of Sight provides the opportunity to drive custom-built, dual-controlled cars on this well-known track.

A place is still available for the 3rd June.

For more details or to book, visit Speed of Sight’s website or contact them at info@speedofsight.org.

Wiltshire Sight – Swindon Audiobook Reading group

Monday 3rd March 2025 10:00am – 11:30am
Swindon Central Library, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QG

Age UK Wiltshire’s Fitness and Friendship Clubs

Age UK Wiltshire’s Fitness and Friendship Clubs provide a welcoming space for older adults to enjoy gentle exercise, socialise, and relax. Sessions are sight-loss friendly, and Community Sight Loss Advisors can help with accessibility by calling ahead (let us know if this would be helpful).

What to Expect:

  • 45 minutes of chair-based exercises with bands and balls
  • 30-minute break with tea and biscuits
  • 45 minutes of meditation and tai chi

Details:

  • Cost: £5 per session (first session free; some locations are free)
  • No booking required; contact the trainer for accessibility needs

Locations: Clubs run across Wiltshire, including Swindon, Salisbury, Chippenham, and Devizes. Visit Age UK Wiltshire’s website for full details.

Contact Tracey: 07754 612 569 | fitnessandfriendship@ageukwiltshire.org.uk

All Abilities Bowls Wiltshire

Join All Abilities Bowls Wiltshire, where you’ll receive guaranteed, top-quality coaching from day one! Our internationally qualified coaches are dedicated to helping players of all abilities improve their game. With adaptive equipment, expert guidance, and a welcoming community, everyone can enjoy this inclusive sport. Join us Saturdays, 10 am to 12 pm, at Swindon Manor Indoor Bowls Club. Equipment provided—just bring flat-soled shoes. Contact Richard Ball at 07703893166 or email richardb290@gmail.com for details.

Swindon Blind Craft Club

Swindon Blind Craft Club meets every Tuesday between 10 am and 1 pm and is run by Lou Curtis at Swindon Blind Association, Craven House, 145 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BU. Parking available and bus stop opposite. Bring your own lunch. Carers welcome.

You can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including creating baskets, painting, and tile decoration! Get in touch with Lou if you want to come along and find out more: 07703 306 403.

Swindon Bats Sports & Social Club

Swindon Bats have a fantastic variety of groups and events taking place including Ten Pin Bowling, Showdown, Coffee & Chat, Walk and Talk and more. Contact them at: info@swindonbats.org or call their Secretary Sue Mead on 07788150487. You can check their website for details of all their upcoming events and groups  Swindon Bats Website

Bowls Club in Chippenham

The Bowls Club in Chippenham are running a weekly indoor bowls club for people with sight loss and other disabilities.  Taking place at North Wilts Bowls Club in Chippenham (near Sainsburys) each Friday 4-5pm, September – Easter.  Coaching is given.  The contact for this club is Maureen on 01249 657228.

Devizes PHAB Group

(Physically disabled and Able bodied) an organisation which brings people with and without disabilities together. See their program of events at Devizes PHAB meetings and events

Support Groups and Courses

Working Well with Sight Loss – Residential Course

April 23–25 / Thomas Pocklington Hub, London / President Hotel

Looking for work? Want to boost your confidence with job searching, applications, and interviews? Thomas Pocklington’s new residential course offers practical support in a relaxed, friendly environment. Learn essential tech skills, job search strategies, and interview techniques, plus explore the latest assistive technology.

Completely free – including accommodation, meals, and travel.

How to apply: Email employment@pocklington.org.uk  with up to 300 words about yourself and why you’d benefit. For an informal chat, get in touch at the same address.

Swindon Chat group

Last Tuesday of the month 5.15pm

Contact communityconnectionsouthwest@rnib.org.uk

RNIB Swindon Chat group

Fourth Thursday in the month from 10am to 12 noon.

General chat with advice from ECLO / ROVI at Craven House, Swindon. Contact: Bernice Cocking

Bernice.Cocking@rnib.org.uk  07761 328571

Torch Trust Online Lent Course

Torch Trust, a Christian sight loss charity, is offering a weekly online Lent course starting Tuesday, 4th March 2025, at 2 pm. The sessions will continue weekly until Easter. For more details, visit the Torch Trust Online Lent Course webpage

Retina UK Peer Support Groups and Webinar

Retina UK is launching several new peer support groups:

Additionally, Retina UK’s next webinar  is titled “Genetic Testing: What Can I Expect?” on Thursday, 20th March 2025. For more information, visit their events page.

Deafblind UK ‘Talk Tech’ Webinar

Deafblind UK Talk Tech webinar  in collaboration with HumanWare on Thursday, 20th March 2025. This session will explore the latest technological advancements for individuals with dual sensory loss.

On Thursday 17th April – A demonstration of VisionAid’s most interesting products.

Local Audio Described Arts Events

Salisbury Playhouse

Malthouse Ln, Salisbury, SP2 7RA

Wiltshire Creative’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Panto

Audio described performances:

  • The 39 Steps – Thursday 6th March at 2.15 and 7.30pm.

Experience the hilarity and suspense of The 39 Steps, Patrick Barlow’s award-winning stage adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller. Four actors play over 150 characters in this fast-paced comedy full of daring antics, romance, and mystery. A whirlwind adventure not to be missed!

There will be touch tours for both shows. Tickets can be booked online at Wiltshire Creative Accessible Performances webpage , by phone on 01722 320333 or in person at The Playhouse.

Please remember to book your Touch Tour as well as your tickets. Touch tours are free but do need to be booked!

The What’s On E-newsletter as a Word Document:

Click the link below to download the above newsletter as a Word document:

3.-Wiltshire Sight What’s On March 2025