Winter 2024
HRVAB Newsletter
Christmas Fete raises £2087.40
We are delighted to share the wonderful news that our recent Christmas Fete was a resounding success! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised an impressive £2087.40 towards HRVAB's mission to support local people with a sight impairment.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed – our volunteers who gave their time and energy, and, of course, to each and every person who attended and made a donation.
Thank you once again for helping us spread holiday cheer and for making this year’s Christmas Fete a memorable one!
Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous year ahead.
Hello,
from our CEO
Fieona Farrier-Twist
As we reflect on the past year, I wanted to take a moment to personally thank each and every one of you for your incredible support. Your generosity, time, and dedication to our cause have made such a significant impact on the work we do, and I am truly grateful for your continued belief in our mission.
Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or simply spread the word about our work, you’ve played a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals.
But our journey doesn’t stop here. As we look ahead, we have ambitious plans to continue expanding our services and reach, ensuring that no one is left behind. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people with vision loss, and with your support, I’m confident that we will achieve even more in the year to come.
Call for donations:
We'd be so grateful of any items you could donate towards our Easter Fete or for our charity shops. Donations can be dropped to our Bexhill and Silverhill charity shops during opening hours.
Top Shop Seller
Speaker system £85.00
Join our 'Sight Loss Discussion'
In December 2024 we held our first 'Sight Loss Discussion', a welcoming group for anyone with vision loss to meet others going on the same journey. Discussing your low vision with family or friends is not always easy, they may not be able to relate, or you may not want to worry them. This group provides an open space to ask questions, talk about experiences you have and learn from each other. Our VI Specialist in on hand at each meeting, you can test & purchase aids & resources, as well as guest speakers from the wider community.
The group get together every 6 weeks. Future dates will be published on our website and social media. For more information email executiveassistant@hrvab.org.uk
Thank you Hastings Direct!
A big thank you to Hastings Direct for once again supporting HRVAB. Their bubbly team of volunteers brought Christmas cheer to Healey House and The Taplin Centre by decorating every surface in tinsel. Christmas trees appeared in each main area as well as festive tunes; they even brought cakes and doughnuts in for staff and residence! Thank you
Give audio books a go for free!
You could be eligible to join Listening Books FOR FREE!
With access to thousands of audiobooks, newspapers and magazines to those in Hastings & St Leonards who would find the fees an obstacle to joining (usual cost of £20 per year).
You can listen to the audiobooks online via an app or via Listening Books' website.
Join at www.listening-books.org.uk/join or by calling 020 7407 9417 to speak to their friendly team.
Christmas Cheer
Christmas was a hive of activity at HRVAB and it was wonderful to see so many embracing the festivities.
Our dedicated volunteer Jane cooked Christmas dinner for everyone at Tuesday social club in Little Common. She made it look easy!
Healey House staff members Sharron & Teresa brought a smile to many as they wore matching Christmas tree outfits.
Ellie, a relative of staff member Jean, made dozens of Christmas cakes to perfection for The Taplin Day-Centre.
Everyone was in high spirits and truly embodied the act of giving and serving others throughout the Christmas season. Thank you for bringing joy to many.
For more information on our day-centre and social clubs call 01424 436359 (Jean).
Donation Form
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Quiz Nights
28th February 2025
28th March 2025
30th May 20255-week course - Living with Sight Loss
Wednesdays 10.00am
@ The Taplin Centre
Booking essential - email: admin@hrvab.org.ukSight Loss Discussion
Wednesday 12th March 2025
10am - 12pm
@ The Taplin Centre
Booking required - email: admin@hrvab.org.ukEaster Fete
Saturday 5th April
@ The Taplin CentreNot forgetting our regular clubs:
Taplin Monday Club
Bexhill Tuesday Club
Taplin Thursday Club -
To all new and existing volunteers, we extend a warm thank you, your support is greatly appreciated. Our members tell us they love having company and getting out, which is why HRVAB volunteers are all important in helping blind and partially sighted people maintain their independence and combat the isolation and loneliness that threatens their everyday lives.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in volunteering, please let us know! Whatever your skills or interests we have a place for you.
