SVIWG NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2025 
 
www.sviwg.co.uk

CHAIR; Sue Hill; Susanmaryhill56@icloud.com mobile;07970311329 
 
Walk coordinator; EILEEN INGHAM; 07952241775; 01142814414  

From time to time we take photos to update our web site and also SRSB's web site.  If anyone does not wish to appear on group photos please make it clear at the beginning of the walk.  
Whilst every effort is taken by walk leaders, members attending do so at their own risk.  All members are required to wear good walking boots and bring their own rucksack food and drink as well as waterproofs.

Please note there are no pet dogs allowed on our walks only Guide Dogs     

CONTENTS; WALKS; SRSB'S HISTORY; TRAINING VIDEOS; MINUTES AGM JUNE 2025;

Tuesday 5th August see previous newsletter for details.

Wednesday 13th August.  Meet Poundland High Street 10.30 to catch the no 51 10.45 bus Church Street opposite Cathedral to Sandygate Hallam Football ground, walk starts 11.10.  Route; Linear walk  via Coppice Road,along Rivelin Valley Nature Trail to Malin Bridge. Distance; 4 miles. Terrain; downhill on footpaths and Bridleway. Leader; Les Seaman who will meet group at Sandygate 07547115946 for any walk enquiries.  
Please contact Martin by Friday 8th August making sure we have enough guides also where you will meet group 07747443812 mrmartinwing@gmail.com  

Sunday 24th August.  Meet Poundland High Street 10.40 to catch the 11am tram train to Rotherham  from Cathedral tram stop to Rotherham central where walk starts 11.25am.  Linear walk  Route; Rotherham Town Centre, passing Minster, before joining canal towpath to return to Sheffield City Centre. Distance; 7 miles for full route but options to leave walk at nearby tram stops of Meadowhall South (3 miles), Carbrook (4miles) or Attercliffe (5 1/2 miles). Terrain; good paths although can be muddy between Carbrook and Attercliffe.  Leader's; Chris and Steve 07507485822 for any walk enquiries on day of walk only, otherwise 01142666585 
Please contact Martin by Wednesday 20th August so he knows he has enough guides for VI's also letting him know where you will meet group. 

Thursday 28th August.  Meet Sheffield Interchange (main foyer) 9.20 to catch the 9.40 no 272 (stand D2) Castleton bus to Bradwell where the walk starts 10.36 from the bus stop in the centre of Bradwell at the junction of Towngate and Bridge St, opposite the public conveniences There is nearby street parking for car drivers.  Route; a steep ascent on footpaths and lanes through Bradwell and then on some minor roads and through fields up towards Bradwell Moor 471m. Then back to Bradwell via Pindale and Smalldale. Distance; approx 7 miles, Terrain; Steep ascent moorland and fields, Leader; Mike Wilson 0753 8001933 any walk enquiries.
Return buses to Sheffield are at 2.58 (272), 3.29 (257b), 3.36 (272), 3.44 (772 and change at Ecclesall Road South/Knowle Lane) and 3.50 (257b).  
Please contact Martin by Friday 22nd August to make sure enough guides for this walk.  

Tuesday 2nd September.  Meet Poundland High Street 9.40am to catch the10.03am number 25 bus to Graves Park Meadow head where the walk will start and finish.  Route; We will make our way to St James Church Norton where we will have a short memorial for those members who are no longer with us, as agreed last year, home made cakes and refreshments available for a donation. Afterwards go to the Rose Garden cafe for lunch those members who wish to bring their own plenty of seats outside. Distance; 4 miles. Terrain; Easy walking on good paths with no steep ascents. Leader; David Cadet 07554143262 davidcadet81@gmail.com for all walk enquiries 
Please contact Martin by Friday 29th August for him to make sure enough guides letting him know where you will meet group 07747443812 mrmartinwing@gmail.com  

SRSB'S HISTORY.

Sheffield Royal Society of the Blind (SRSB) is one of Sheffield's oldest independent charities, with a rich history dating back to 1860.  How it started, The charity was founded by Eliza Harrison in memory of her sister Ann who had empathy for blind people.  Their primary aim was to provide opportunities and support and employment for blind individuals.  Their first workshops opened on the 17th September 1860 on West Street, marking the beginning of the charity.  1879 The school for the blind opened on Manchester Road this was attended by Lord David Blunkett.  1899 Overend cottages are opened in Crosspool providing independent living for blind people.  1935 Cairn Home opens in Crosspool.  1939 the Mappin Street building opens providing a hub for entertainment.  2009 A new building was built replacing the old one.  2017 SRSB extends its services to Rotherham (RSS) Rotherham Sight and Sound.  Today the SRSB and RSS continues to provide support friendship to folks in the Sheffield and Rotherham areas.

The Harrison sisters lived in Weston House with their father now Weston Park Museum.  Upon selling this to the council provided them with the money to set up SRSB.

The Royal Society of the Blind is a national charity which also provide outstanding support for blind and partially sighted people.  Many people think we are the same charity as SRSB we often receive donations made out to RNIB. This information is many people think we are the same charity just as Guide Dogs or Deaf Blind UK we are all quite separate.     

So how to guide a blind person

https://youtu.be/-jqepQ8yASM 
https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/sighted-guiding-instructional-videos/  

Please send any photos to James Percival email to;-   sviwg_webmaster@proton.me 
 who will put them on our web site 

Please send articles for Newsletter to Gail Fagan 0114 2667764 email gail.fagan@guidemail.co.uk