Our Activities
Facilities at Millbrooke House
I.T. Suite
Would you like to improve your computer skills?
Do you need special software and a tutor who understands your needs?
Then IWSB may be able to help!
From time to time courses are offered in the IWSB computer suite using specialized interactive software with experienced tutors who understand the needs of visually impaired learners. One to one support may also be available on request.
For further information or to register a request for support please contact Millbrooke House on 522205.
Chiropody
A monthly Chiropody service is available at Millbrooke House for clients, volunteers and staff. The cost is £10 per person per session. If you would like more information please phone Millbrooke House on 522205.
The Resource Room
A wide range of equipment can be obtained to help people who have a visual impairment including talking clocks and watches, sewing and writing aids, specialist lighting and large button telephones. Please ring Millbrooke House on 52 22 05 to make an appointment to try out the equipment before you order it.
We also have on display some closed circuit televisions which magnify reading matter onto the screen. People visiting the centre can try the different models to find one that suits their needs.
Clubs and Activities
Meetings at Millbrooke House
Macular Degeneration Support Group
This group meets at Millbrooke House on the first Monday each month from 10.30am to 12 noon for coffee and chat. Support and information is available about this eye condition which is the biggest cause of age related visual impairment. For further information please ring 522205.
Coffee Morning
A Coffee Morning takes place at Millbrooke House each Wednesday morning at 10:30am. A pleasant hour may be spent in the company of IWSB clients and volunteers; coffee (or tea) and biscuits are available and there is a small raffle.
The Owls Club
This general interest social club is held at Millbrooke House on alternate Wednesdays. Visiting speakers give interesting talks on all kinds of subjects and once or twice a year there are outings. Transport is available on request. Please contact Millbrooke House on 522205 for more details.
Handicraft Club
The Handicraft Group meets at Millbrooke House every Thursday from 10:30am till 2:30pm. Club members enjoy social interaction in a relaxed atmosphere whilst taking part in activities such as basket weaving and knitting. Transport is available on request. For more details please ring Millbrooke House on 522205.
Out and About
RP Support Group
This group for people who have Retinitis Pigmentosa and their families meets at various pre-arranged locations in the community on the second Monday of each month from 10.30 am to 12 noon. Support and information about this hereditary disease is available through an informal chat over coffee. For details please ring Millbrooke House on 522205.
The 'Dolphins' Swimming Club
Each Tuesday this club has exclusive use of the pool at the Medina Leisure Centre for forty-five minutes. Transport is available on request. For details please ring Millbrooke House on 522205.
Strollers and Striders
These walking groups meet once a month, the Strollers on the second or third Tuesday and the Striders on the last Friday. The Strollers walk no further than a mile on level, paved paths, for example along a seafront or in a public park. The Striders walk five or six miles in all weathers on cross country public footpaths and trails. After walking both groups enjoy lunch out together. Transport is available on request. For details please ring Millbrooke House on 522205.
Coffee and Chat Meetings
These meetings in the community are for social interaction and a small amount of fundraising. Meetings take place in four venues:
Niton Post Office Café – 10:00am – the first Tuesday each month
The George Street Centre, Ryde – 10:30am – the second Thursday each month
The Cloisters, Bembridge – 10:15am – the last Tuesday each month
The End of the Line Café, Freshwater – 10:30am – the last Tuesday each month
Future Events
Boom Box Appeal
As you may already be aware the I.W. County Press are supporting us in our appeal to raise money to replace the cassette copying equipment for the Talking Newspaper and to supply to each subscriber a 'Boom Box,' a modern speaker system which takes a USB memory stick and can play back the talking newspaper at the touch of a button.
This has proved to be the preferred system of other societies but will cost at least £12,000 to set up.
If you feel you are able to help by sending a donation towards this very worthwhile project, the Society would be very grateful.
Summer Shows
A fundraising stall run by volunteers will be at the following Shows this summer:
22nd August: Carisbrooke Show, Carisbrooke C of E Primary
27th – 30th August: Steam Show, IW Steam Railway, Havenstreet
4th September: Parkhurst Show, Carisbrooke Church Hall
4th – 5th September: Wolverton Manor Garden Fair
10th October: Barton Manor Christmas Fair, East Cowes
Small, good quality unwanted gifts or other new items will be gratefully received for use on the stall as prizes.
Store Collections
Collections on behalf of the IW Society for the Blind will be made in Marks and Spencer’s, Newport, on Friday, 1st October and in Somerfield, Ryde, on Friday, 29th October.
An Evening with Laurie McMenemy
Come and meet the legendary Saints FA Cup winning Manager on Friday 15 October 2010, 7.00pm at the Riverside Centre, Newport.
The compere for the evening will be John Hannam of Isle of Wight Radio. Raffle prizes to include officially signed Saints memorabilia.
Tickets £38 per person, to include a 3 course meal, available from Dave 01983 718151; mobile: 07890 670009.
All proceeds to go towards the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind Boom Box Appeal.
Christmas Fair – Saturday 20th November
Entry is free so come along to Millbrooke House and join us for mince pies, mulled wine and other refreshments. Sandwiches will be available. Many Christmas items will be on sale including gifts and decorations, as well as handmade baskets and trays. There will be a raffle. Gifts can be wrapped in return for a small donation.