The Library has expanded its all ready substantial information section and the books on tape section of the social library now holds over 700 titles, along with a number of large print books. The increase in audio books is due solely to the kind donations from local residents, one of whom is herself visually impaired. The Library also now contains a small selection of audio describe video tapes. These tapes work in a standard video recorder and have an extra soundtrack which describes what is happening on the screen and in particular purely visual set up shots which otherwise have no meaning to a partially sighted or blind person.

As well as the usual Library service, a postal library has been started for members who are housebound or unable to visit the Centre. Those wanting to use the postal library are provided with an up-to-date list of the books and tapes available including our own bi-monthly Moonlight tape, and can choose up to a dozen titles they would like to borrow (the list is available in type, Braille or on tape). One to two titles are then posted to them and when they come back the next selection is sent out and the process is repeated until a new selection is needed. Launched in November of 1996, the postal library is expanding with regular subscribers and is currently waiting to enrol several other people interested in joining.

The Equipment Shop is expanding, and moving within the Centre to reflect this. It now offers over 300 items to help people with visual impairment lead independent lives, and has increased delivery through the Home Visiting Service as well as serving a great many more customers visiting the Centre. The Shop is also now geared towards accepting orders from around the world now it has a large section advertising goods on the Society’s web site.

The Home Visiting Service has continued to provide excellent service, both for assessment of new members needs and for members who are housebound. Although some of the work is monitored by different staff we always require more volunteers for this service.

The Employment Training department is continuing its previous success and over the last year seventeen people have completed the Employment Training programme, and a further nine have completed the Training for Work programme. We have also had eight visually impaired people join us privately to use the excellent information technology facilities available in the department. The computer network is currently moving, with a room near its new site becoming an area for extra teaching and study.

The Training Kitchen has been a great asset this year. As well as being used by the Child Development Unit for cooking, we have been using it for courses which combine rehabilitation for members who have become recently impaired with information on healthy eating provided by a local Health Trust. The course involves small groups of members learning how to prepare and cook healthy meals using standard and adapted equipment. The course has been very successful, with both teachers and students enjoying the tasks, and the combination of healthy eating and independence should provide the students with an excellent founding for their future.

The majority of people with severe visual impairment are over retirement age, many of them have other disabilities as well. To cater for their needs our Day Centre offers both social and private services for older people, most taking place in the Centre, which is tailored to the needs of visually impaired people. We have services in place for social groups, activities such as a bowls club and dancing, bingo sessions and discussion groups on topical issues. The members using the Day Centre have also been on several outings over the last year. In the activities, this year dancing has been very popular. We have more dancers than ever and link up with a local Age Concern branch and St. Dunstans for mixing of dance partners. As an expansion of the dances we are starting Concert Tea events, which will include light entertainment such as singing, dancing and talent acts.

The Day Centre trips out have included one to Tilgate Park, a beautiful set of gardens, and more recently our Christmas shopping trips have started to a local out of town shopping centre offering food and clothes shopping, as well as refreshments for the day.

The Art & Craft groups are continuing to produce exceptional work. The Craft group is currently expanding the types and amount of craft on offer, and will continue to do so over the next several months. Groups across Sussex met at our Centre for the Craft Harvest Moon Fair. Our groups entered some outstanding work in the Fair and gained certificates in every category.

During the past year Children’s Services have been further developed, The Early Learning Nursery Unit was able to expand its facilities due to a generous donation of equipment from the RNIB’s recently closed Sunshine School, East Grinstead. The equipment was a great boost and complements the light sensory room and other specialist equipment. With the support of the RNIB’s Education Unit support teacher helping us with his expertise and the helping hands of our local peripatetic teacher we started drop in sessions for the under five’s and their parents. Many Thanks to All.

The children are delighted with an exciting new service, The Toy Library, allowing the children stimulating toys which parents may not be able to afford or may not be suitable and turn in to a costly mistake. Our Grateful Thanks to all the Companies who have so generously helped us set up this very useful and popular service. Attached to the Toy Library is a comprehensive range of information videos and other specialist material from around the world. This complements the adult information service.

This year the playscheme was again another great success. Nobody minded as we tramped through mud, high winds, and slightly rough seas to reach an Isle of Wight educational farm. The children loved the train and catamaran, everyone was helpful and Connex donated the train journeys and reserved carriages for us. As many of our children were multi-disabled and do not often get to travel far, they all loved the trip. This day out started a really adventurous and well run summer playscheme with numerous activities including singing for peace with Red Zebra.