There’s lots going on at SVI in August and September, with more plans afoot for October. Let’s hope the sun shines on us but not quite so hot that we can’t enjoy ourselves! With trips far and near, nights out, walks, our usual get togethers and healthy lifestyle activities, there’s something for everyone. We’ve also arranged a special session to support our members to write to their councillors and MPs to help save SVI. Book quickly as some activities will be very popular.
🌿 Wonder in Nature – nature connection activities | Our next walk is at West Smethwick Park | Monday 3 August from 1.30pm
Sessions are once a month until October. Sophie, from Wonder in Nature, will guide you in gentle, mindful walks. These sessions will offer a chance to slow down and connect more deeply with nature and each other. Our August session will focus on taste, and we encourage you to bring items for a little sharing taster picnic. Refreshments will also be available to buy from the West Smethwick Park Pavilion café. Meet by the Pavilion at 1.30pm. For anyone travelling by taxi, let the office know so that someone can meet you at the car park.
Join Sophie at Oak House on Monday 7 September at 1.30pm for ‘Nature Connection through the Senses: Tuning into Sound’. Enjoy a peaceful session in the gardens listening to nature, with meditation and sound bath instruments. We’ll also commemorate the project by planting a blackcurrant bush beside a garden bench – a lasting space to enjoy throughout the seasons and help feed the local birds.
Let us know you are coming. You can either meet at the SVI office at 1.30pm or at the Oak House gates at 2pm.
☕ Tea and Toast, the first Wednesday of the month | 10.30am – 12noon
Come along for tea, toast and a chat with SVI friends. On 5 August we are pleased to welcome guest speaker Chantelle Richards from the Black Country Living Museum. She wants our thoughts on their audio described tours and how they can encourage more people to go on them.
September Tea and Toast will be on Wednesday 2nd. Guest speaker to be confirmed.
✍️ Save SVI: Write to Your Local Councillor | Wednesday 5 August | 10.30am–3.30pm | SVI offices
Would you like to write to your local councillor about the proposed changes to SVI but need support using email? Volunteer Sarah-Ann is coming to SVI on Wednesday 5 August to support members to do this. You will need to make a private appointment in advance so we can be sure to help as many people as possible.
Sarah-Ann will:
- fill in our councillor letter template with you and add your name and address
- use your postcode to find your local councillor and their email address
- help you add a short paragraph explaining how SVI supports you and what the impact would be if SVI services were no longer available
- e-mail the completed letter to your local councillor on your behalf.
🏖️ SocialEyes trip to Weston Super Mare | Wednesday 12 August | 9.00am
Family Day Trip to Weston-Super-Mare is back by Popular Demand.
Join us for a fun-filled family day out. Enjoy the beach, Grand Pier attractions, beautiful parks, cafés, pubs, shopping, and plenty of seaside treats. Cost is £20 per person. We will leave West Bromwich at 9am, arriving back about 8pm.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. We want to fill the coach to make this trip cost effective. So please book soon. Family and friends welcome.
👥 Men’s Group | Wednesday 19 August | 10.30am to 12noon at the SVI office
Come along for a relaxed morning of good company, conversation and a laugh. Whether you fancy a chat, a game of accessible dominoes or simply catching up with others, all men are welcome.
We’re also keen to hear your ideas for future activities, outings and places to visit, so come and help shape the group.
🍻 Social night out at the Tivi Ale, Tividale | Thursday 20 August | from 7pm
Following the success of our Women’s Group nights out, where we can’t seem to keep the men away, we have decided to hold some joint evening socials for everyone! Our first night will be at the Tivi Ale, 46-47 Regent Road, Tividale, Oldbury B69 1TL.
Join us to enjoy real ales, good wines and a fantastic range of gins. Let us know you are coming and we can pre-book tasty crusty cobs to satisfy your hunger pangs.
🚆 Women’s Group Coventry jaunt | Wednesday 9 September
Women of SVI, join us as we travel on the train to Coventry. Meeting at Sandwell and Dudley train station at 10am, we will visit the old and new cathedrals, where we will learn about their history and the devastating damage done during the wartime blitz.
Afterwards we will browse the shops, stopping for lunch before our train journey home. This trip is free but please remember to bring your travel passes for the train, or you will have to pay for travel. Bring spending money too. Let the office know you are coming so that we can meet you at the station and to help us to know how many sighted guides are needed.
💻 Let’s Talk About IT | Monday 14 September| 12.30pm – 2.30pm | SVI Office
Following our August ‘Let’s talk about IT’ break, we are pleased to invite you to come along to join us for an informal session where we’ll chat about all things IT. Whether you’re a tech whizz or just getting started, everyone’s welcome. Barrie Lane, IT whizz from Beacon will be with us, so let us know in advance if there is anything particular you would like him to help you with. Contact the SVI office to book your place.
🎤✨ The Magic of Motown | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre |Thursday 17 September | 7.30pm
Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular.
Come celebrate as we ‘Reach Out’ and show you there ‘ain’t no mountain high enough’ with the biggest Motown party of the year.
Meet beforehand at the Moon Under Water pub, opposite the theatre.
We are still negotiating ticket cost and pre-show touch tour. Please contact the office to book or register your interest.
🎤 SVI Rocks next session on Wednesday 30 September | 10am to 12noon
Join Rodrigo and Sarah-Ann for our popular SVI Rocks sessions in the SVI Common Room. Sing or bring along an instrument and make some noise with us. Boost your musical skills and confidence. Contact us to book your place.
🎭 An invitation to the ballet – The Car Man | 15 October at 7.30pm | Birmingham Hippodrome
Don’t miss out! We are giving you early notice of this ballet with a difference. We have been offered reduced price tickets if enough people are interested. We need to hear from you soon in order to get the discounted tickets.
The Car Man is a tale of lust, betrayal and revenge. Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants of Harmony, a 1950s Mid-Western American town are sent spiralling over the course of a hot summer filled with scandal, revenge and drama. Loosely based on Bizet’s popular opera Carmen, the show’s vivid storytelling is combined with intense, dramatic and iconic music.
The next audio described performance of The Car Man will be taking place at the Birmingham Hippodrome on 15 October at 7.30pm. There will be a Touch Tour 1 hour and 30 minutes before the AD performance at 6pm.
The production is by Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, groundbreaking British dance theatre company, famous for telling stories with a unique theatrical twist. For around 10 years, they have worked with Talking Theatre to deliver audio described performances at venues across the UK.
Don’t delay, tell us you want to go to the ballet! Call SVI on 0121 525 4810.
🏋️ Supported Gym Sessions | every Tuesday | 10am – 12noon | Portway Lifestyle Centre
Break a sweat and boost your energy with fellow SVI members! From treadmills and bikes to weights, there’s something for everyone – and plenty of support to help you along the way. It’s a fun, social way to stay fit and active all year round, rain or shine.
👢 Line Dancing | every Tuesday | 1pm – 2.30pm | Dartmouth Central Club
Put on your dancing shoes and join Ray and Jean for a lively line dancing session full of fun and feel-good moves! Whether you’re looking to stay active, improve your balance, or simply meet new people, this is the perfect chance. Absolute beginners are welcome – just come along and enjoy. We’d love to see you on the dance floor!
🏓 Showdown | every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm and Thursday morning 10am to 12noon | Portway Lifestyle Centre
Following the success of our team’s first competition experience, we are holding more Showdown sessions. Come and join us for this fast-moving, interactive sport similar to table tennis and air hockey. Designed for blind and visually impaired people but anyone can play. Contact the SVI office for more information.
🚶🚶 Dartmouth Park walk every Thursday, weather permitting | from 12noon to 2.30pm
Walks will take place each week. Meet us by the Dartmouth Park War Memorial, from where we will take a leisurely walk around the park and Sandwell Valley, stopping off for refreshments. Please tell us you are coming so we can make sure we have enough sighted guides.
📞 Booking and Payments
All activities must be booked in advance – spaces fill up fast!
Call 0121 525 4810 or email info@sandwellvisuallyimpaired.org.uk to reserve your spot.
We can now take card payments in person or over the phone. You can also pay by bank transfer or cash – just get in touch and we’ll help you with the details.
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of our upcoming events.
Best wishes
The SVI Team
