SCHOOLBOY RADIO HAMS TUNE IN FOR BLIND CHARITY

Teenage radio amateurs from Wakefield are taking to the airwaves to raise funds to help blind and partially sighted people.

The youngsters, aged between 12 and 16, from Silcoates School, Wakefield, will be tuning in for a marathon stretch to raise funds for the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF).

They will be trying to make as many sponsored contacts with fellow amateurs across the globe as possible as part of the charity’s annual Transmission 2006 event over the weekend of 23-24 September.

Money raised will help the BWBF, who develop and distribute a range of specially adapted radios and CD radio cassette recorders for blind and partially sighted people in need.

Teacher and amateur radio enthusiast Nigel Wears, who runs the radio club, has helped make the youngsters aware how important it is for blind and partially sighted people to have access to the radio.

“I brought a normal DAB radio into the school and asked the pupils to try and tune into their favourite station with their eyes closed. It soon became very obvious to them just how difficult it was with no visual clues.

“The British Wireless for the Blind sets have been specially adapted for ease of use by blind people with raised pre-set buttons and brightly-coloured, illuminated controls for the partially sighted.

“For many blind people the radio is a constant companion and is a vital link to the outside world. It offers news and debate, sport, drama and music. It’s essential they get the right equipment to enable them to do this.”

Mr Wears, who set up the club just a year ago, says it has been a runaway success. Members, who all take an amateur radio license course, meet four times a week and typically go on air during every break.

“There aren’t many teenagers who can come back to class after the morning break and say they’ve made a friend in the Galapagos Islands or on an oil rig off Bolivia!” said Mr Wears.

“It’s been a real eye-opener for them. They have realised there is a whole world of friendship out there for the taking.

“It’s also helped pupils to become aware of other cultures, and also to try out their language skills, as they've been able to speak in French, German and Spanish to some of our contacts.”

TUNING IN TO HELP CHARITY FOR BLIND

Amateur radio enthusiasts from Cornwall are set to tune in for a marathon 48 hour stretch on the airwaves.

Members of Poldhu Amateur Radio Club will be taking part in the Transmission 2006 event in aid of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) over the weekend of 23 to 24 September.

The group will be joining scores of amateur radio enthusiasts across the country as part of the annual sponsored event. They will be trying to make as many contacts as possible using the call sign GB2GM.

Money raised will help the work of the BWBF that develops and supplies radios and CD radio cassette recorders that are specially adapted for ease of use by blind and partially sighted people.

Co-organiser David Wall says: “Listening to the radio is a real link with the outside world for many blind people. This is why the work of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund is so important.
 
“Their specially-adapted sets are a godsend for people who are unable to see. They are designed to be easy to use and help give blind people much more independence.”

The society will be operating from the Marconi Centre, Mullion. Anyone interested in learning more about amateur radio is welcome to drop in from 8am onwards or else visit the club’s website - www.gb2gm.org.uk

HITTING THE TARGET!!

Blind archer, Terry Ottewell, a trustee of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund, took the gold medal in the European Paralympic Games held in Nymburk in the Czech Republic from 11th to 20th August 2006.

It’s the first time that blind archers have been included in the Paralympic Movement following a decision taken by the International Paralympic Committee earlier this year.

Ottewell, the oldest member of the British squad at 66, started learning to shoot seven years ago through St Dunstan’s. He has gone on to become British champion in his sport and is keen to share the achievement with his wife, Avril who acts as his “spotter”.

“It’s a total partnership,” he says. “Like a lot of disabled sport, I couldn’t do it without the support of a good partner. In fact, Avril has to do most of the work, I just point and shoot!”

All visually impaired archers have to wear total blackout so that they compete on a level playing field. Unlike conventional archery competitions where archers shoot at different distances from the target, in blind archery, the archers stay 30 metres from the targets, the sizes of which are changed to represent what they would be like if they were closer or further away. The spotter indicates to the archer with basic verbal instructions on how they should adjust to the target.

Talking about the competition, he said:
“The first day did not start very well for me, but by the end of the day I was in second place. On the second day I managed to keep my nerve and the motivational music played between ends spurred me on to take first place.”

He continued:
“Avril and I have worked very hard for the last twelve months and it’s a wonderful sense of achievement. I never thought it could happen.”

The competition in Nymburk took place over two days and competitors shot a total of 144 arrows. Ottwell scored a total of 761 to win the gold medal.

Another member of the British team, Dorothy Cooper, took bronze with silver going to a member of the French squad.

FIRST FOR MARILYN - 15th September 2005

A blind Stockton-on-Tees woman is one of the first people in the country to listen to her favourite radio station on a new specially adapted DAB digital radio set for the blind and partially sighted.

Marilyn Clenaghan from Thornaby received the set from the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF), who issues audio equipment on free permanent loan to the blind and partially sighted in need.

“I’m thrilled with my new radio,” said Marilyn, 59, who recently retired from her job as a civil servant, which included translating Braille documents into print for Secretary of State David Blunkett.

“The sound quality is crystal clear. There is no hissing or interference and it’s so easy to use. I really enjoy natural history programmes and the new set makes them a delight to listen to.

“I also really love horse racing and the wonderful sound quality really helps the ambience of the race track come over.”

The FM RDS/DAB radio set, known as the Duet, has been specially adapted by Roberts Radio from its standard Gemini 8 RD8 model working to a brief from the BWBF.

Duet has raised pre-set buttons and brightly-coloured, illuminated controls to benefit those with residual sight. Meanwhile, the set’s casing is in contrasting charcoal and yellow for maximum visibility.

The model also features Roberts’ pioneering Pause Plus technology which gives listeners the ability to pause and rewind their favourite radio shows at the push of a button.

Duet will be issued to new recipients, and to existing recipients, once their current equipment is no longer repairable. The sets can also be bought through the Fund’s commercial wing at £160, including postage and packing.

BWBF, launched by Winston Churchill in 1929, issues specially adapted audio equipment to blind and partially-sighted people in need via more than 300 agents throughout the UK.

TUNING IN TO HELP FUND FOR BLIND - 13th September 2005

Amateur radio enthusiasts from Peterborough are set to tune in for a marathon stint on the airwaves.

Members of Peterborough & District amateur radio club (ARC) are taking part in the Transmission 2005 event in aid of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) over the weekend of 24 and 25 September.

The group will be joining scores of amateur radio enthusiasts across the UK for the annual sponsored event. They will be trying to make as many contacts as possible operating from Southfields Community Centre, Stanground, Peterborough.

Money raised will go to The British Wireless for the Blind Fund, which develops and distributes digital radios and CD radio cassette recorders that are specially adapted for ease of use by blind people.

The BWBF, launched by Winston Churchill in 1929, provides the sets on free permanent loan for blind and partially sighted people in need.

Peterborough & District ARC’s Tracey Ralph said: “Listening to the radio is a real link with the outside world for many blind people. This is why the work of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund is so important.
 
“The specially-adapted sets are a godsend for people who are unable to see. They are designed to be easy to use and help give blind people much more independence.”

The event will take place from 10am to 4pm on both days. Anyone interested in learning more about amateur radio should come along, or visit the club’s website at www.padarc.org.uk.

The BWBF issues specially-adapted and designed sets through a network of over 300 voluntary agents across the UK. They are repaired or replaced when necessary.

Sets are also available to buy through the Fund’s commercial wing. To find out more, or support the work of the charity got to www.blind.org.uk or call 01634 832501.

GARDEN CENTRE COMES UP TRUMPS FOR RADIO HAMS - 8 September 2005

A Norfolk garden centre has helped save the day for a local amateur radio club who need a venue to stage a marathon stint on the airwaves to raise funds for charity.

Bittern DX amateur radio group wants to take part in the annual Transmission 2005 event in aid of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF), but were unable to find anywhere to stage the event.

Now Emcy home and garden discount centre at Kelling, near Holt has offered the radio enthusiasts a prominent spot close to the main entrance for the annual event over the weekend of 24 and 25 September.

Bittern DX club secretary Keith Martin said: “We are so thrilled the garden centre has been able to help us. It will now mean the event can go ahead as planned and we can raise as much money as possible for the BWBF."

The group, with members from the Cromer, Sheringham, Holt, North Walsham and Aylsham areas, will be joining scores of amateur radio enthusiasts across the country for Transmission 2005.

They will be raising sponsorship by making as many contacts as possible using the club call sign M0NBG.

The money will go to the BWBF, which develops and distributes radios and CD radio cassette recorders that are specially adapted for ease of use by blind and partially sighted people.

The event will take place from 10am to 4pm on both days. Anyone interested in learning more about amateur radio is welcome to drop in or else visit the society’s website at: www.bittern-dxers.org.uk

The BWBF, launched by Winston Churchill in 1929, provides the sets on free permanent loan for blind and partially sighted people in need.

The BWBF issues specially-adapted and designed sets through a network of over 300 voluntary agents across the UK. They are repaired or replaced when necessary.

TUNE IN TO DIGITAL DUET - 21st May 2005

Blind and partially sighted people can now listen to their favourite radio station using the latest digital technology with a specially adapted set.

The set, known as Duet, is being launched by the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) who issue audio equipment on free permanent loan to the blind and partially sighted in need.

The FM RDS/DAB model has been specially adapted by Roberts Radio from its standard Gemini 8 RD8 model.

Margaret Grainger, chief executive of BWBF, says: “For many blind people the radio is their constant companion and provides a vital link with the outside world. Now, for the first time, they will have a DAB digital radio specially adapted to meet their needs and that is easy to use.

“The DAB technology means recipients will now have access to many more radio stations all in digital quality sound and with none of the hiss or phasing in and out that can spoil analogue radio transmissions.”

To benefit those with residual sight, Duet’s casing is in contrasting charcoal and yellow for maximum visibility, with raised, brightly-coloured and illuminated controls and a bright yellow mains lead.

The set also features Roberts’ pioneering Pause Plus technology which gives listeners the ability to pause and rewind their favourite radio shows at the push of a button.

Duet will be issued to new recipients, and to existing recipients, once their current equipment is no longer repairable. The sets can also be bought through the Fund’s commercial wing at £160, including postage and packing.

BWBF, founded by Winston Churchill in 1929, issues specially adapted audio equipment to blind and partially-sighted people in need via more than 300 agents throughout the UK.

THE TED AND BILLY SHOW - 15th May 2005

The world’s fastest blind biker “The Whizz” Baxter swapped his motorcycle helmet for a riding hat when he took to the ring on rare breed Clydesdale horse Ted.

Former Royal Horse Artillery staff sergeant Billy, who supports the British Wireless for the Blind Fund, delighted thousands of spectators riding 18.1 hands Ted in the main arena at Sherborne Castle County Fair in Dorset.

Billy, who smashed the Blind Solo World Land Speed Record on a motorcycle at almost 165mph in 2003, said: "Ted is an amazing animal. I was in completely safe hands and loved every minute.

“It was a bit like going for a ride in a big comfy arm chair!” said Billy, 41, from Haddenham, Cambridgeshire, who lost his sight after contracting a rare virus in Bosnia.

The story of Ted was made famous by the book written by Sallyanne Oultram and daughter Camilla, who rescued Ted from almost certain death as a sickly foal. Meanwhile a film about Ted's life and rise to fame has been entered for next year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Billy's support for the British Wireless for the Blind Fund dates back to the period after he lost his sight. "They were very first people to visit me after I went blind and brought me a radio cassette recorder.

"I was so touched that somebody cared enough to think about my plight that I will always have a very soft spot for the Fund and a great admiration for the work they do."

The British Wireless for the Blind Fund, whose headquarters are in Chatham, Kent, has been issuing adapted sets to blind and sighted people since its launch by Winston Churchill in 1929.