Issue 220 – w/c Monday 25 July 2022
Welcome to this week’s quick update giving you news, views and information.  Contact Alex or Jill in the office, to offer us your articles, or e-mail admin@buryblindsociety.org 

Since our last Eye Chat we have been busy with various summer shows including The Prestwich Carnival and Tottington’s Big Day Out.  We also welcomed Gary Armstead to our Healthy Living Group, who gave a very interesting, and interactive demonstration on growing vegetables -the proof of which is now developing nicely in our garden!

In September we are welcoming Dr Amy Leedale who is going to be talking about Birdsong.  This was a subject that was raised by a number of our clients, and volunteers, who were keen to know how they could distinguish between the various bird calls.  Make a note in your diary, Thursday 15th September.  On the subject of birds, the day before, Wednesday September 14th, our Monthly Craft Making Group have managed to secure the services of a local representative from the RSPB who will demonstrate and guide us through, constructing our own Swift Bird Boxes!  Get your names booked in for this fascinating session. 

I know we are still just in July but for September we are promoting ‘Sports September’.  Last year we did ‘Steps for September’, this year we looking at a whole month of various activities for you to join in or suggest.  Booked in the diary already is an abseil down Peel Tower on Sunday 11th.  You can just do this for fun or we would be happy to set up a Sponsor Pack for you to raise some funds for BBS.  Talking of which, we do hope you will come and support Sid Pritchard with his 100-mile static cycle ride taking place during the first week in August.  ‘Sid’s on tour’!  The launch will take place at the Centre on Tuesday 2 August, 2pm, then move onto The Millgate on Wednesday at 10.30am, Tesco, Bury on Thursday at 10.30am and then the grand finale back at the Centre on Friday 5th August 11.00am.  You can sponsor Sid via Facebook donate, our Website link or the sponsor sheet in the Society.  

Sad News:  We were very sorry to hear that Ida Festa had passed away.  Ida attended our Monthly Socials for many years and been a regular face at Summer outings and Christmas meals. She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends, particularly Amalia Kojder. 

Good News:  Volunteer driver Gary is now back in harness although we are keeping him on light duties only!  Since our last Eye Chat, volunteer driver Walter Dunn has also had a stay in hospital.  Ironically the same ward as Gary, but the week after.  Imagine what chaos if they had both been in at the same time!!  We understand that Walter is due to be discharged any day now but, in the meantime, we are sending our very best wishes and ‘we miss you Walter’!

Soft Toys: As we’ve been busy with Summer shows, our stock of soft toys is very much depleted.  Do you have any good quality soft toys to donate?  

The Monday MEGs group are appealing for any thin ribbon, so if you have some hiding away in a cupboard, or sewing basket…..  Thank you!

This Week: 
Drop Ins: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 10am-12pm. All welcome.

Monday 25 July. ‘Monthly Musical Social’ 1.30pm- 3.00pm.  If you would like to come along to this monthly event, please let us know.  This month, ‘Cycling Sid Pritchard’ will be entertaining us – not on his cycle this time but with his voice!  

Tuesday 26th July: 1.30-3pm.  Podcast workshop – hot of the press!  Would you like to know more about podcasts?  Maybe you are interested in recording or producing?  Open to members and volunteers.  Please ring and let us know if you are coming.  

Wednesday 27th July:  Morning Drop in 10am-12pm.  All welcome. 

Thursday 28th July:  10.30-11.30am Healthy Living Group. 
1.30pm-3pm:  The Thursday Group invite you to a Fun Quiz!  Quizmaster Gary will be the host.  Fun quiz pack includes tea and cake, just £3.00.  All welcome.

Friday 29th July:  Join Mags for ‘Light Lunch Friday’.  Book your place by Thursday. To avoid food wastage, wherever possible, please let us know if you are unable to make it.  Thank you.

Please note:  as mentioned in VI Link, due to the increase in fuel costs,  from 1 August we are increasing the amount we reimburse volunteer drivers for mileage to .45p per mile.  We are therefore requesting a contribution to help of £2.50 per journey.  Thank you for your understanding. 


Eye Chat Weekly.



Registered charity 1102525