A picture of 6 dresses on racks lined up left to right with different clothing items above including a hat, shoes and sunglasses. The words Dress For Less under the image.
A picture of people serving tea and cookies to others.

For more information, or to join any of the activities below, please contact our Member Services team on 01983 522205 or email members@iwsb.org.uk

Ryde Swimming Group

Every Tuesday (8.00pm – 8.45pm)

A picture of a man swimming in a swimming pool.
Sight for Wight book exclusive use of the Waterside Pool in Ryde every Tuesday evening for our visually impaired Members. Sight for Wight male and female volunteers provide sighted guide support to and from the changing rooms and poolside. There are Waterside Pool lifeguards in attendance throughout. Transport may be available, but please register with Sight for Wight before you join the swimmers at the pool.

Strollers

Every Second Tuesday of the month

A picture of a man walking on an uneven terrain in a field.

Strollers go for gentle strolls, enjoying the Island’s countryside or coastal views. This is followed by lunch at a nearby pub or restaurant. This group is open to all visually impaired people who like a gentle stroll of approximately one mile. Strollers are supported by Sight for Wight sighted guide volunteers.

Wednesday Low Vision Drop-in

Every Wednesday (10.00am – 12.00pm)

A picture of a tennis ball on the floor, in a tennis court.
Every Wednesday between 10.00am and 12.00pm we hold a Low Vision drop-in session. This coincides with the coffee morning and allows you to view and try the Low Vision equipment we have at the Society without the need for an appointment. If this time is not suitable for you then you are welcome to call the Society to make an appointment to view our Low Vision equipment.

Thursday Social Group

Every Thursday (10.30am – 2.00pm)

A picture of the social group, socializing around tables, while eating and drinking.

The Thursday Group for VI Members meet every week at Millbrooke House to socialise. Coffee and tea are provided but please bring a packed lunch to enjoy. In the afternoon the group welcomes volunteers who come in to read from various books about local history, general fiction or, a more popular choice, comedy.

Striders

Last Friday of every month

A picture of a group of people with walking poles, walking on concrete.

Striders walk on many different routes around the Island and finish off with lunch at a pub or restaurant near to the walking route. This group is available to all visually impaired Members who like longer walks in the countryside. Sight for Wight volunteers provided sighted guide support throughout.

Golf

Once a month on Sunday

A picture of a man lining up a golf shot.

A group of golfers meet once a month at Westridge Golf Club in Ryde. The group go onto the driving ranges and out onto the green and instructors are available.

10 Pin Bowling

Once a month

A picture of a bowling ball, rolling down the alley.

The bowling group meets once a month at LA Bowl in Ryde and costs £3.95 for a game. Volunteer Vacancy – We are currently seeking a sighted guide volunteer to support this group, please contact us if you are interested in offering your support – 01983 522205.

Monthly Book Group

Second Wednesday of Every Month

A picture of the social group, socializing around tables, while eating and drinking.

Sight for Wight hold a book group on the second Wednesday of each month at Lord Louis Library in Newport. The group runs from 2.00pm for about an hour. We discuss the last month’s book and then hand out the book for the next month. Books are available on USB stick or CD. Refreshments are provided and guide dogs are welcome. There is no charge to join the book group. If you would like more information please call Laura Jasper on 01983 522205 or email: members@iwsb.org.uk

Wednesday Coffee Morning

Every week (10.00am – 11.30am)

A picture of a group of people with walking poles, walking on concrete.

We hold a coffee morning each week on a Wednesday at Millbrooke House from 10.00am till 11.30am. All are welcome to join us for a cup of tea or coffee and cake. The cost is £1 and the group is open to all, not just Members.

On the first Wednesday of each month we are joined by the Macular Society for their monthly meet up.

Monthly SingAbout Session, Wootton

First Wednesday of every month

A picture of a bowling ball, rolling down the alley.

This social singing session from 2.00pm-4.00pm is open to all and run by Independent Arts. The session is free, however, voluntary donations are appreciated. A Sight for Wight volunteer provides sighted guide support. Transport may be available, depending upon your location. The contribution to cost for the minibus, if required, is £2.00.

A variety of music is included including traditional rounds and rhymes, songs from shows and music hall favourites as well as popular music and rock and roll. It can help to improve your memory, breathing, speech, movement and confidence. Please note this activity is open to others in the community. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and everyone is welcome.

Sight for Wight Audio Book Group, Lord Louis Library, Newport

Second Wednesday of every month

A picture of a bowling ball, rolling down the alley.

The Sight for Wight Audio Book Group meets from 2.00pm for about an hour on the second Wednesday of each month at Lord Louis Library in Newport. Books are available on CD or USB stick. We discuss the previous month’s book over a cup of tea or coffee, before handing out the book for the next month. There is no charge for this group for visually impaired Members. No transport is available for this group, however, sighted guide assistance is available between the library and the adjacent bus station if requested in advance.

Swimming West Wight Sports Centre, Freshwater

Third Wednesday of the month

A picture of the social group, socializing around tables, while eating and drinking.

The Special Care swim session between 12 noon and 1.00pm is in the main pool only but the temperature is raised to make it more comfortable for older and/or less mobile people. It’s a very friendly session with extra pool staff on hand, and newcomers are very welcome. Cost £4.20 per person to swim. Male and female Sight for Wight volunteers provide sighted guide support to/from the changing rooms to poolside for our VI Members. Transport may be available with a £2 contribution to the cost of minibus transport, subject to availability and your location. Please note this activity is open to the others in the community.

Activities – Special Events & Outings

In addition to the regular groups and activities identified above, every quarter we arrange two or three additional special events or outings for our VI Members.  These include visits to local attractions and a variety of activities to cater for the diverse interests of our Members.

We always involve the support of Sight for Wight volunteers to provide sighted guide support.