Supporting visually impaired people of Reading since 1883
We are a charitable association offering services to the visually impaired in Reading Berkshire UK.
A group from Young at Heart enjoying lunch out at the Goring and Streatley Golf Club
Photo featuring Tony with Jane, followed by Liz with Lisa and Hillary and behind them the main group
Index
About Reading Association for the Blind
Reading Blind Aid Society was formed in 1883 and then changed to Reading Association for the Blind in 1926 and has supported the sight impaired people of Reading ever since. Our objective has been to enable sight impaired people to live full and active lives by providing the opportunity to take part in activities that they may otherwise not be able to, such as visiting our social club, rambling, taking part in our craft club, social outings, theatre trips, sport, holidays, learning new skills such as IT or accessing support from our home visiting service. People suffering from sight impairment often suffer with isolation and social exclusion and we do all we can to promote social interaction and inclusion in society. In many cases it can be difficult for them to leave their homes, to get out and meet people, so the service we provide is vital for their physical and mental wellbeing. Older people with sight loss are almost three times more likely to experience depression than people with good vision.
Note We are looking for volunteers for: A minutes taker for our Management and Trustees meetings, fundraisers for events in the community, craft volunteer, Minibus Driver for our Social Club (every 2nd Tuesday afternoon of the month), kitchen staff, and to serve tea/coffee and refreshments. If you wish to volunteer for any of these positions Please contact Claire Piercy on 0118 957 2960 or email: Claire Piercy our Volunteer Co-ordinator
If you wish you can register for Amazon Smile and choose 'Reading association for the Blind' as your charity, we will receive a small commission from every purchase you make on Amazon, and it will cost you absolutely nothing!
Owing to the Covid 19-coronavirus outbreak Walford Hall is close for the duration of this situation so if you are vision impaired or believe that you can help RAB please phone 0118 957 2960 or email: manage@raftb.org
RAB members are delighted with their new hi-vis jackets
On the 9th December 2019 RAB ramblers had their first outing using their new hi-vis jackets which were donated by Reading Lions, a lovely ramble along footpaths through woods & along lanes which was then followed by lunch at the Butchers Arms. Martin our driver, an excellent photographer, took the photo of The ramblers as they pass a junction on a narrow lane wearing their new hi-vis jackets and you can see how they will make us more visible as we walk down narrow lanes especially in poor light, although this particular day we were lucky and the sun shone for us.
We also had feedback from some of the members and volunteers who helped on a recent outing to walk around Winchester Christmas Market. Not only did the jackets help our group be seen, but several of them were asked by members of the public, if they required any assistance. So the jackets are not only highlighting our members presence on the roads, increasing their safety, but working with local communities too. Everyone says how much safer they feel and we are extremely grateful to Reading Lions for their continued support.
Outing to Thatcham Ten Pin Bowling
Out and About
On 30th October 2019, 14 of us along with our driver Trevor went to Lakeside Super Bowl at Thatcham, we booked for 2 fames and split up into 2 teams using 2 adjoining lanes we had 2 completely Blind members along with 1 Guide dog and 2 helpers who kept an eye out to alert us when it was our turn we all had a really good time and everyone has requested a further visit which I will arrange in the New Year. My thanks go out to Cynthia and Jan for help on the day and for Trevor for taking us also Claire for her help at the hall. Julia Canham
RAB's bowl's team played Reading FC captain Paul McShane at bowls
Members of Reading Association for the Blind’s Bowls Group were delighted to play a match against Paul McShane, Captain of Reading FC and former players from Reading FC, including Mick Gooding, on Wednesday, 27 March.
The match was played at Rivermead Indoor Bowls Centre in Reading, and guide dogs were left to watch the play whilst their owners concentrated on the task in hand. Reading FC have produced this You Tube Video which shows an afternoon’s match which was enjoyed by all. After the match, tea, sandwiches and cakes were provided and allowed everyone to chat about the skills of both footballers and bowls players.
Reading FC Former Players Association have supported RAB over the past year by making them their Charity of the Year, and members were delighted to have the continued support of Reading FC at this exciting match.
Photo featuring Tony with Jane, followed by Liz with Lisa and Hillary and behind them the main group
On the 9th December 2019 RAB ramblers had their first outing using their new hi-vis jackets which were donated by Reading Lions, a lovely ramble along footpaths through woods & along lanes which was then followed by lunch at the Butchers Arms. Martin our driver, an excellent photographer, took the photo of The ramblers as they pass a junction on a narrow lane wearing their new hi-vis jackets and you can see how they will make us more visible as we walk down narrow lanes especially in poor light, although this particular day we were lucky and the sun shone for us.