Sandwell Visually Impaired

05/09/2025

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system this Sunday (7 September 2025) at 3pm. Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate. You will not need to take any action.

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency.

Find out more at https://orlo.uk/Rh1XY

05/09/2025

Join us for a relaxing canal walk in Great Bridge this Monday! It’s the perfect chance to enjoy some fresh air, good company and a gentle stroll along the water, seeing the hidden side of Great Bridge and it’s industrial heritate. You can also pre-order a fresh cob of ham or cheese for £3.50 for lunch to enjoy after the walk. Please just let Nigel know your choice. Whether you’re here for the exercise, the company, or the cobs – we’d love to see you there. Meet at bus stop next to the new marketplace in Great Bridge, so get your boots on and we’ll see you Monday.

02/09/2025

Our canal narrow boat trip last week was an amazing day into Compton. Our members loved the relaxed journey through the locks. Hearing the gushing water through them whilst sat out on the barge. We raced along with the ducks whilst the heron sat on the side watching. Stopped off for a lovely meal at Odd Fellows.
The weather was very kind to us. The rain only came down when we were in the pub. Perfect. A lovely expereince for all members. Including Phil’s new Guide Dog Cedar.

28/08/2025

May we draw your attention to the third of our Walk and Talk sessions, taking place on Monday 1 September, this time a walk in the Tipton area, to discover the stories behind the industry of the area and taking in the famous Tipton Slashers pub, the Fountain.
Tipton Canal Walk 11.30am,
Meet at Fountain Pub, Owen Street.
We have organized 2 canal side rambles with links to local history and our industrial heritage. Local historian and author Keith Hodgkins will guide these 2 walks. Each walk should take an hour to complete and will take in historical sites in this ever-changing landscape. This week We will meet at the famous Fountain public house on Owen Street and return to the pub for lunch at about 12.30 – ham or cheese & onion cobs are available at £1.50 each, please let Nigel know if you want one as they are best if they are pre-ordered.

12/08/2025

Our members enjoyed a mindful wander around West Smethwick Park yesterday. Thanks to Wonder in Nature and Nigel Self.

Members were encouraged to remove their shoes if they were comfortable in doing so and to stop, close their eyes and open their ears to the sounds of the park. We walked on the fresh cut and dried grass and on the fallen leaves from various trees that grow in the park. We also experienced the different temperatures to be found in both direct sunlight and in shade. After walking a little way through the park we stood by the lake and listened again to the sounds we could identify. We were encouraged to touch the trees and we tried to identify the ones we could feel and see.
The walk was very interesting and made everyone think more about how they could take more notice of our surroundings and of the nature that is always easily to hand. We have more walks planned, so call the office to book your place 😎

11/08/2025

🎉🐶 The fun doesn't end for our furry friends! Don't forget, this Saturday (16 August), the Sandwell Valley Community Dog Fair will be taking place, FREE ENTRY! 🐩🎉

📍📅 Join us from 10am to 4pm at Sandwell Valley Country Park for doggy fun! Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather...
🐕 Dog Agility demonstrations and sessions (£1 fee to go on the equipment)
🥇 Fun Dog Show
🐾 Group Dog Walks
🎨 Make your own dog puppet craft activity
🛍 Dog-friendly stalls!

🎟 No booking is required for this event 💚
📋 Keep your eyes peeled for timings and further information on the Dog Show!

05/08/2025

Reminder. There is no line dancing today. Back next week.
Showdowns on at Portway.
1pm.
See you there

25/07/2025

Join us for a retail extravaganza this coming Monday evening 28 July from 5pm to 6.30pm at Goldfield Court café, Dartmouth St, West Bromwich B70 8BP

There will be lots of goodies on sale, including perfume, jewellery, bags and clothing for both women and men. All at competitive prices, with plenty of help on hand, it’s an evening not to be missed. Gaynor will have tea, coffee, delicious cobs and cakes on sale to make the night a real social event. We really want this evening to be a success as we want to use the night as a taster session to see if there is an appetite for a revival of our festive winter bazaar.

Please spread the word to as many people as possible, you don’t need to be an SVI member to attend – all are welcome but please call the office, message or comment to let us know that you are coming.

21/07/2025

19/07/2025

Here is the upcoming week's TV and Radio listings supplied to the Sandwell Talking Newspaper thanks to the Talking News Federation.

Link to Audio Described TV Listings for Week Commencing
19 July 2025 supplied by Otley & District Talking Newspaper/Wharfdale Talking News with thanks:
https://tnfsoundings.org.uk/publications/information/disability/audio-described-tv-w-c-19-07-25/

and also find below a link to Radio Listings for Week Commencing
19 July 2025 supplied by St Albans & District Talking Newspaper with thanks:
https://tnfsoundings.org.uk/publications/information/disability/radio-listings-w-c-19-07-25/

Radio Listings w/c 19th July 2025

19/07/2025

We enjoyed a trip to Avoncroft Museum on Thursday. Very interesting.

11/07/2025

Road Maintenance and Road Closures

Lombard Street, West Bromwich will be closed from its junction with High Street for approximately 15 metres on 13th July 2025 (24hrs)

The One-Way system at Lombard Street, West Bromwich will be suspended for the duration of the Lombard Street road closure to allow for access and egress of businesses on Lombard Street from Church Street.

A no right turn ban will be in place at Lombard Street West for the duration of the closure at Lombard Street.

A traffic diversion route will be signed for the Lombard Street closure via High Street, Victoria Street, Price Street, West Bromwich Ringway, Bull Street, Walsall Street, Reform Street, Congregation Way, Cronehills Linkway, Bratt Street.