The Hairy Biker And National Eye Health Week
It’s National Eye Health Week, and we’re all being encouraged to look after our eye health and make sure that we have our regular eye checks to keep our vision in top shape. Hairy Biker Dave Myers has teamed up with RNIB and Specsavers to urge everyone to think about the importance of vision and get an eye test. RNIB Connect Radio’s Robert Kirkwood spoke to Dave and optometrist Dr Josie Foste...
10m Sep 28, 2018
10m
Veterinary Nurse Saves Blind Dogs From Being Put Down
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats with Katy Orton, Katy runs the charity Blind Dogs Rescue UK (BDRUK), which involves liaising with and providing funding to rescuers across Europe, to try and get blind and partially-sighted dogs off the streets or out of kill shelters and into permanent, loving UK homes. www.bdruk.org (https://www.bdruk.org/)
6m Sep 27, 2018
6m
Connect Conversation - Books and Accessibility
On this week's Connect Conversation we're joined by Gordon Anthony & Hazel Kelly, to discuss the subject of books, and accessibility for blind and partially sighted people - how do you access books? Are you a fan of audiobooks, listening through smart speakers, or do you prefer large print or braille? We'd love you to join the conversation, and let us know your experiences and how you feel - yo...
21m Sep 25, 2018
21m
Leading Musicians To Hold Concert In London for World For World Sight Day
Sound for Sight is a unique concert being held on World Sight Day to raise money and awareness for preventable sight loss conditions. The audience will be asked to wear sight loss simulators whilst being taken on a musical safari across multiple genres curated by Sound for Sight Founder, Laura Westcott and ‘Mo Pleasure’ the iconic keyboard player for Michael Jackson and former Music Director o...
9m Sep 24, 2018
9m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews 'Taj Express'
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to ITV's Vidar Hjardeng (MBE), who recently attended the audio described performance of 'Taj Express' at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
8m Sep 21, 2018
8m
A Little Alternative Gig Reviews - Garbage @ Glasgow Barrowlands
The first in a series of A Little Alternative LISTENER Gig Reviews, Kris goes to the iconic Glasgow Barrowlands to check out one of the bands who defined his youth - the almighty Garbage, on their 20 Years Paranoid tour. Submit a gig review to A Little Alternative by getting in touch on social media, or email radio@rnib.org.uk - we can't wait to hear where you've been spending your evenings!
9m Sep 18, 2018
9m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews ‘Othello’
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng talks to us about Globe Theatre’s audio described production of ‘Othello’. This Greek tragedy tells the story of General Othello, a self-made man and a Moor, employed by the republic of Venice to defend its overseas territories. But as the Turkish threat closes in, Othello's jealousy grows fueled by the machinations of his junior officer, Iago. Vidar is chatting with RNI...
11m Sep 14, 2018
11m
Keeping The Dream Alive - Nancy Sumner's Story
Nancy Sumner is an accomplished artist, who just two years ago, lost her sight overnight. However, she didn’t let that stop her from creative expression and continued to pursue her love of art. Now, Nancy’s photographic skills are being recognised as she’s in the running to be part of Royal Photographic Society’s Hundred Heroines Exhibition. Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, N...
18m Sep 13, 2018
18m
Conquering The Great Pacific Race
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell speaks to Steve Sparkes and Mick Dawson, the two-man crew of the Cockleshell Pacific Endeavor, who have just created their own unique piece of sporting history
9m Sep 13, 2018
9m
Blind Dave Elated After Great North Run 2018
We caught up with our favourite adventurer Blind Dave Heeley to hear how he did at this year’s Great North Run. Dave describes the atmosphere, the music, the crowds, and perhaps most importantly, a run-in with Elvis himself. Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave you can do so through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://bl...
11m Sep 13, 2018
11m
Coming To Dublin Fringe Festival 2018: ‘My Dad’s Blind’
Anna Sheils-McNamee grew up with a dad who couldn’t see. For her, it was nothing out of the ordinary, yet for others her dad would either be classed as a ‘hero’ or treated as a ‘child’. Inspired by her life, Anna wrote a play that breaks down boundaries and challenges the infantalisation of people with disabilities. Chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Anna explains what we can ex...
14m Sep 12, 2018
14m
How Can We Help Protect Marine Life?
A few summers ago, RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley travelled all the way to the beach-side to meet with a marine biologist. Speaking with Sarah Brown, Simon finds out what we can do to help preserve marine wildlife and minimise our environmental impact. For more information visit: www.thegreenblue.org.uk (https://www.thegreenblue.org.uk/)
17m Sep 11, 2018
17m
What Barriers Do You Face As a VI Person?
Charity RNIB have extended their ‘barriers survey’, which will now stay open until Friday 14th of September. Through the survey you can share your views on which barriers have the biggest impact on your life as a person affected by sight loss. In the light of this survey, Connect member Paul Quigley and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley chatted about the biggest barriers that they face in the...
14m Sep 11, 2018
14m
What’s Your Understanding Of Sight Loss?
It's a question that has thrown up a host of answers, some of which are very outdated and re-enforce some long held stereotypes. RNIB's #HowISee poses the question and tries to educate people on different sight loss conditions and take a modern look at how blind and partially sighted live their everyday lives. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Annalisa D'Innella and Luka Kille, who ar...
13m Sep 11, 2018
13m
Blindness And Bee Keeping Can Go Together
In memory of Ian Craig, MBE and former President of the Scottish Beekeepers Association, who sadly passed away earlier this year; we’re sharing a very special interview. A few springs ago, RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley met with Ian and the two went on a scenic stroll through the beehives. If you would like to learn more about bees and find out how you can help protect them visit: www.bbka...
16m Sep 10, 2018
16m
Blind DJ Roger Cole is on A Little Alternative
The fantastic host of Pure 70s and Pure 80s jumped forward in time this week to be on a show dedicated to the best in new music - A Little Alternative. Roger joined David Hogg to discuss how musicians have made packaging accessible through the years. The boys also mused over which bands from the 70s and 80s would make a show like A Little Alternative had it existed back then and Roger goes into...
19m Sep 10, 2018
19m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews ‘Matilda The Musical'
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of RSC’ ‘Matilda the Musical’, which he recently saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome. This stage musical is based on a 1988 children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, and centres on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl who loves to read and discovers that she has the gift of telekinesis. Vidar is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's...
11m Sep 07, 2018
11m
Blind Dave Heeley Can’t Wait For Great North Run 2018
Our favourite adventurer, Blind Dave Heeley, caught up with us to let us know how his preparations for the Great Wall of China Challenge are getting along. This year also marks Dave’s 17th time joining the Great North Run and he couldn’t be more excited to take part in his favourite half-marathon. Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon. For more information on what Dave is up to, y...
12m Sep 06, 2018
12m
Carving A Successful Career After Sight Loss.
Chris Fisher was a successful mechanic and family man until one morning he woke with blurry vision. The diagnosis was not good and he lost his sight rapidly. His pragmatic outlook meant he was determined not to let his life stop right there, but his positivity had a sting in the tail. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris about his sight loss journey and his remarkable drive that me...
16m Sep 06, 2018
16m
Campaigning for Visually Impaired People Across The Globe.
The World Blind Union is an organisation that represents visually impaired people, and sight loss charities, across the globe. They are recognised by the United Nations, so campaign and lobby for legislation that can make a huge difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people who have common barriers to face on a day to day basis. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to WBU Pr...
12m Sep 05, 2018
12m
Radio Play Society Brings Laughter To Blind Veterans
Losing your sight can be a very isolating experience. However, Blind Veterans UK set out to help their members overcome loneliness by setting up a Radio Play Society at their Brighton Centre. Brighton centre Operations Manager and Radio Play Society founding member Chris Kirk and former Senior Aircraftman John Taylor tell us more about the Society and how it came to be. Chris and John are ch...
13m Sep 04, 2018
13m
Vidar Hjardeng Sends A Postcard From Norway
This week our favourite audio description expert, Vidar Hjardeng, takes a step back from his AD reviews and instead reminiscences about his latest trip to Norway. Chatting fjords, Father Christmas, and frightening Vikings, Vidar reveals more about his Norwegian roots and the country he has a great fondness for. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. [photo credit: marco wong/...
10m Aug 31, 2018
10m
Blind Dave Heeley Gets Ready For China… Hopefully
We caught up with Dave to find out how he’s getting on with his preparations for the Great Wall Challenge. Dave also explains why a Dinner In The Dark can be a real “eye-opener” for those who don’t live with sight loss. Dave is speaking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave you can do so through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://blinddave...
14m Aug 30, 2018
14m
Blind Man Sets Up For A Transatlantic Balloon Challenge
Have you ever dreamed of flying at 18,000 feet? And what if your dream didn’t involve a plane? Michael Scholes, a former hot air balloon pilot will fly at such heights when he undertakes a triple record breaking Atlantic flight in a gas Rozière balloon. Together with his partner Deborah Day, the duo is preparing for their transatlantic flight which will see them flying from Canada to the UK. ...
16m Aug 28, 2018
16m
The Challenges Of Street Safety With White Can Warrior Paul Quigley
Connect member Paul Quigley chats about the difficulties of navigating a street as a white cane user. What to do when street furniture becomes a hazard and a danger? Paul has his fair share of ‘accidents’ to speak of. Paul is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to find out more about Paul and his music visit: www.theoriginalhellsbelles.wordpress.com (https://theorigi...
11m Aug 28, 2018
11m
Luke's Leap Of Faith.
The Royal National Institute for Blind people (RNIB) is organising the Big Jump fund raiser for September 23rd. They hope to get lots of people jumping out of planes, across the UK, at the same time. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Luke Howarth, who's taking part in the event, to learn more about why he's doing this and why he's heavily involved in improving the lives of blind and p...
8m Aug 28, 2018
8m
Rik Jones Exclusively Reveals His Latest Upcoming Album
Rik Jones has been blind since birth but that never stopped him from pursuing his passion, music. At just 27 years-old, Rik is just about to release his 3rd studio album ‘What Can’t Speak, Can’t Lie’. Speaking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, the young musician tells us all about his creative process, his love of music and his exciting film collaboration with Blind Dave Heeley. For more...
14m Aug 24, 2018
14m
How Important Are ‘Creativity And imagination’ To Our Kids’ Development?
Recent findings by Microsoft show that outdoor play and extra-curricular activities are just as important as literacy and numeracy skills when it comes to our children’s development. With 84% of parent believing that kids need to exercise their creativity and imagination, RNIB spoke to Cath Prisk, Outdoor Play Expert and former Deputy Head Teacher, as well as Gilly Binks from Microsoft who bel...
10m Aug 23, 2018
10m
“The Funny Blind Guy” – Comedian Jamie MacDonald
Scottish Comedian Jamie MacDonald is performing his latest show ‘Blinkered’ at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. The set takes a more humorous look at the comic’s own blindness and the often funny situations that puts him in; because sometimes we just need to laugh at ourselves. ‘Blinkered’ is being performed at the Assembly Rooms till the 26th of August 2018. Jamie is chatting to RNIB Connect R...
12m Aug 21, 2018
12m
Vidar AD – ‘Ladies’ Day’
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng takes a closer look at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's audio described production of ‘Ladies’ Day’. Relocated into the West Midlands, this comedy play tells the story of four women from a fish filleting factory who decide to glam up for a day at the races. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
10m Aug 17, 2018
10m
Running For Success
Ed Bates was born with no sight but believes that his greatest challenge was taking part in Run Norwich 2018 to raise money for the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind. Finally getting some time to rest up after this great feat, Ed catches up with us to explain why a 10K marathon was scarier to him than climbing a 170ft tall building. Ed is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pau...
13m Aug 16, 2018
13m
A Return To Northumberland With “Pride”
There was a time when Sarah Stephenson-Hunter didn’t feel like she could be herself. But after losing her sight in 2011 and her father shortly after, Sarah decided that she could no longer live a lie. Currently working as a Disability Adviser at University of Nottingham, Sarah will return home and take part in the 2018 Great North Run to help raise money for Northumberland Pride. Chatting ab...
16m Aug 15, 2018
16m
Escaping Desperate Loneliness – Stephen Ricketts’ Story
In 2014 Stephen Ricketts’ life changed forever when he suddenly lost his sight. Since then, Stephen had to overcome depression and loneliness eventually finding a new drive within him to help others. Having started a bowls club for the visually impaired, Stephen hopes to tell those who also struggle with sight loss that it can get better. Stephen is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon P...
16m Aug 15, 2018
16m
Is Shopping Online Easy When You're Blind?
Connect member Paul Quigley gives his honest thoughts on online shopping. Is it accessible for visually impaired people, what are your rights, and how to deal with a faulty order? Paul is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to find out more about Paul and his music visit www.theoriginalhellsbelles.wordpress.com (https://theoriginalhellsbelles.wordpress.com/)
12m Aug 14, 2018
12m
Magic Mist are on A Little Alternative
Post-Punk sometimes mean experimentation, sometimes it means a lot of screaming, but for Magic Mist it mostly means making music with talented friends who let you be yourself. The band joined David Hogg on A Little Alternative to talk about the confidence playing in group of musicians can bring, growing up (and having kids!) and how important it is to reach out to sub-cultures...not just the Po...
13m Aug 10, 2018
13m
Dive Exit are on A Little Alternative
It's not easy being a guitar band in the modern world. Sometimes you just want to play it loud and make a cracking rock song. Dive Exit have had to contend with this, but they've also had to face harder obstacles - one in particular that will never leave the band. Their new single is an incredibly catchy punk tune and Harry from the group joined David Hogg in the A Little Alternative studios to...
9m Aug 10, 2018
9m
Vidar AD – “Scottish Play”
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng takes a closer look at the Audio Described production of Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Macbeth’, as well as the accompanying touch tour. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
10m Aug 10, 2018
10m
Blind Dave Heeley Talks Getting His Sight Back
We caught up with Dave to find out if he could have his sight back, would he? Dave also talks about his recent hospital visit that involved a bit too many needles. Dave is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave you can do so through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://blinddaveheeley.co.uk/)
14m Aug 09, 2018
14m
'Unpopular' Dog Breeds Struggling To Get Adopted
With social media becoming ever-present in our lives we often get bombarded with pictures of cute dogs. But with celebrities making some dogs seem cuter than others, are we hurting the chances of the 'unpopular' dog breeds to get adopted? And what about those that become a bit too ‘popular’? Here to tell us more about this issue is Ryan O’Meara, co-founder of dogsblog.com. Ryan is chatting t...
10m Aug 08, 2018
10m
Blind Dave Does Some DIY For Sir Ranulph Fiennes
This week, our favourite adventurer and DIY Wiz, Dave Heeley gets nostalgic as he talks about his kids growing up, the family DIY projects, and meeting the famous British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Dave is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave you can contact him through his website at: https://blinddaveheeley.co.uk/
12m Aug 02, 2018
12m
RNIB are winners at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
RNIB's Community Garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show celebrated a community of more than two million people living with sight loss - not only that, but it also won the presigious People's Choice Award! What was it like to be part of creating the garden, and did the sensory experience for blind and partially sighted people deserve the award? Kris Wallace has been chatting to RNIB'...
10m Aug 01, 2018
10m
When The Cane’s Not A Pain
Connect member Paul Quigley has a chat to us about getting around with a white cane, his recent eventful trip to the local gym, and how he’s mixing things up for his next song release. Paul is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to find out more about Paul and his music visit: www.theoriginalhellsbelles.wordpress.com (https://theoriginalhellsbelles.wordpress.com/)
13m Jul 31, 2018
13m
Konnie Huq wants you to save on travel
If you're blind or partially sighted you know it's a good idea to arrange travel in advance, especially if you require travel assistance. But did you know that booking in advance could also save you much needed money, better spent at your final destination? Konnie Huq is trying to break us out of the 'last minute Brit' mentality that is costing us more than we think on travel and she's been tel...
9m Jul 31, 2018
9m
Tactile Paint-By-Numbers now available in the RNIB Shop
If you're looking for an activity to enjoy with your children, or maybe as a means of relaxing after a tough day, then look no further than the Tactile Paint-By-Numbers books now available in the RNIB Shop. Connect Radio's Kris Wallace has been speaking to Product Developer for RNIB Tarney Smith-Hughes about this wonderful new item.
7m Jul 30, 2018
7m
Life After Blindness
Simon Pauley chats with blind hotel Owner Catherine Sherwood, who recently held a Big Connection event to raise awareness about the UK's leading sight loss charity.
14m Jul 30, 2018
14m
Nicki Kelly is on A Little Alternative
Nicki Kelly wants to show you want she's made of. She is a 'severely' sighted singer/songwriter who, after years of writing tunes for other artists, decided she just had to had to record her own music. The day her single 'Show You What I'm Made Of' hit the internet Nicki joined David Hogg in the A Little Alternative studios to discuss her sight loss, her work with the RNIB, and how vital music ...
12m Jul 27, 2018
12m
Adventures On Our Doorstep
Unadventurous Brits are missing out on Local Treasures… The research, published to mark the launch of ‘The wonderfulness of Local’, found that one in eight people would struggle to occupy themselves if they spent a weekend close to home. They’re calling on people to embark on a micro-adventure and be more curious about where they live. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley spoke with adventurer,...
9m Jul 26, 2018
9m
Blind Astronomer Who Listens To The Stars
Wanda Diaz-Merced is a blind astronomer who works at the South African Astronomical Observatory in South Africa, where she uses a technique called Sonification to turn large data sets into audible sound. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with Wanda to find out more about her incredible and inspiring story.
17m Jul 26, 2018
17m
Blind Astronomer Who Listens To The Stars
Wanda Diaz-Merced is a blind astronomer who works at the South African Astronomical Observatory in South Africa, where she uses a technique called Sonification to turn large data sets into audible sound. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with Wanda to find out more about her incredible and inspiring story.
17m Jul 26, 2018
17m
Dave Gets Back on The Saddle
Simon Pauley caught up with Blind Dave Heeley, who had just returned from a Tandem cycle in the baking sun.. Dave was in typically good spirits as he looked ahead to his upcoming film 7 Days: The story of Blind Dave Heeley.
14m Jul 26, 2018
14m