Local Groups and Societies

As many of you reading this may know, or even experience first hand, there are around a dozen societies in Oxfordshire which have been set up for the enjoyment of visually impaired people in the area. Many have similar activities, with raffles and dominos being common occurrences; often accompanied by a cup of tea and some cake. However, each group is different in its own way.

Following from your recommendations in our questionnaire, we thought it would be very useful to profile a couple of these societies in each newsletter, to give you a better idea of what goes on there. OAB do of course already actively support each of these groups, mainly through the organisational aid and enthusiasm of Mary Gregory.

If you would like to know more about your nearest group, then please call OAB on 01865 725595. On this occasion, we’ve profiled OXPOTS, VIBNO and VIVA.

“Oxpots” - View the work of Oxpots artists here!

OXPOTS is the group for visually impaired people in Oxfordshire, both young and old, who wish to take part in pottery.

The society meets every Friday morning at the Ray Venney Art Room, in Wolvercote. Each session is led by Matt Sherratt, from the Royal College of Art, and there is a great emphasis on taking part and having fun. Indeed, though some people come to the class with a great degree of experience, hoping to improve upon their pottery, there are just as many beginners as well. Meetings are always relaxed and social, with time for tea, cake and a chat; while all necessary equipment is provided (including a new kiln).

If you’d like to have a go with OXPOTS, and become part of the pottery scene (members’ work has regularly gone on display at various fairs and museums around the county), then please feel free to call Christopher Barry on 01608 730407.

Those of you with email can contact OXPOTS on the following address: charlotte.fenton@btinternet.com

VIBNO

Visually Impaired But Not Old (VIBNO) is a social group for people aged between 18 and 50 which meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Activities are split between going to the pub and “doing something”, like a trip to the theatre or going to see a play.
If you are a VIP aged between 18 and 50, and want to socialise and have fun, then pop along sometime soon. For more info, contact Nicola Pamphilon on 01869 331778 or E-mail on flashnp@aol.com

VIVA

Vision Impaired Visually Active (VIVA) is a group for blind and partially sighted people who wish to keep their minds stimulated and challenged, with most meetings including a talk or presentation. VIVA meet on the second Tuesday of each month, at the North Oxford Association, in Summertown. The next VIVA event will be on 11th November, with a talk on Waterperry; which will be followed on December 9th with a Christmas lunch. Anyone interested in getting involved should call Ron Sears on 01865 553063.