What’s On Newsletter – December 2025
Read the latest What’s On newsletter for news, events and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our region.
Welcome
Welcome to the December edition of What’s On!
Welcome to What’s On, your monthly e-newsletter from your local sight loss charities – Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire.
Each month we’ll bring you the latest news, events and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our region, including updates from each charity and from external organisations.
We’ve recently brought our newsletters together into one shared edition so you can find everything in one place. Local news from your area is clearly marked under each charity’s section, and you may also discover new events and opportunities nearby that you might like to join.
Download the What's On newsletter as a Word document
If you find it easier to read a Word document version of the newsletter, you can download it below. The Word document follows our accessible formatting guidelines and may be easier to navigate with screen readers or magnification software.
12. Whats On Newsletter December 2025 (DOCX, 132 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Find your local Sight Loss Advice Hub
Our monthly hubs offer advice, information and the chance to meet others who are blind or partially sighted. Visit our website to find your nearest hub and social group, or contact your local charity for details:
- Sight Support West of England – 0117 322 4885
- Wiltshire Sight – 01380 723682
- Insight Gloucestershire – 01242 221170
View hub listings on our website
Sight Support West of England news
Hub Updates
Due to the festive season, please note:
- The Bedminster hub due to take place on 2nd January at the Guide Dogs Centre is cancelled
- The Kingswood hub due to take place on the 1st January at The Park Centre is cancelled
Insight Gloucestershire news
Hub Updates
Due to the festive season, please note:
- The Stroud social due to take place on 25th December at the Subscriptions Rooms is cancelled
- The Cheltenham Coffee Morning due to take place on the 26th December is cancelled
New Digital Skills Support Service for Gloucestershire
Insight Gloucestershire has welcomed Amanda as the new Digital Skills Advisor. From December, she will be offering one-to-one support to help people feel more confident with technology, including smartphones, tablets and accessibility features. Amanda will be visiting social hubs in Dursley, Gloucester and Nailsworth to demonstrate wearable smart technology such as Meta glasses and will soon offer appointments in Cheltenham and Stroud. To find out more, contact us on 01242 221170 or info@insight-glos.org.uk
Cheltenham theatre trips
Join Insight Gloucestershire for our upcoming theatre trips at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham:
- Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty on Thursday 22 January at 2pm. Tickets cost £33, with free carer tickets available.
- The Beekeeper of Aleppo on Thursday 4 June at 2pm, tickets cost £41 with free carer tickets available.
The trips include a free touch tour at 11.30am and an optional lunch at 12 noon (at extra cost). To book your place call us on 01242 221170.
Wiltshire Sight news
Hub Updates
Due to the festive season, please note:
- The Highworth Hub due to take place on the 1st of January at Highworth Room is cancelled
- The Pewsey Hub due to take place on the 23rd of December at Bouverie Hall is cancelled
- The Calne Hub due to take place on the 25th of December at Calne Leisure Centre is cancelled
Sight loss advice hub in Mere
We will be running a one-off Community Sight Loss Advice Hub at Mere Library on Thursday 4 December, from 10am to 1.30pm. This is an appointment-only session offering personalised advice and support for anyone affected by sight loss. Friends and family are welcome to attend. To book an appointment, contact us on 01380 723682.
Meta smart glasses demonstration – Wroughton hub
Our Digital Advisor, Mark, will be demonstrating Meta smart glasses on Wednesday 3 December at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Devizes Road, Wroughton, from 10am to 12pm. Everyone is welcome to drop in and learn more.
HumanWare demonstration – Swindon hub
On Thursday 18 December, from 10am to 12.30pm, the Swindon hub at the Pilgrim Centre will welcome Stuart Ling from HumanWare. Stuart will be demonstrating electronic magnifiers and other helpful devices for blind and partially sighted people. Everyone is welcome to come along for a friendly cuppa and find out more.
Swindon Wiltshire Sight Audio Book Group
If you enjoy listening to books and chatting about them, come along to the Wiltshire Sight Audio Book Group, which meets on the second Tuesday of every month at Swindon Central Library (first floor). The next meeting is on Tuesday 9 December, 10.15am to 11.30am, when the group will be discussing the latest book. New members are always welcome. For more information, email Ali at audiobookgroupvolunteer@gmail.com
Leisure and sporting activities
Regular groups
For a list of regular sport, leisure and social groups run by other organisations, visit our Local leisure and social groups webpage.
Pewsey – Indoor bowls for people with sight loss
Bowls in Pewsey is now indoors for the winter months. Sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at Woodborough Social Club, Smithy Lane, Pewsey, SN9 5PL. Next session 9th December 10.30am to 12pm.
All equipment will be provided, and no experience is needed.
To register your interest or find out more, please contact Wiltshire Sight and leave a message for Jenny Spencer.
South Gloucestershire – Warmley Wheelers accessible cycling
Warmley Wheelers offers specially adapted bikes so people with a wide range of disabilities can enjoy cycling along the Bristol–Bath Railway Path. Options include side-by-side tandems and bikes that can be ridden with a volunteer if needed. A recent visitor described the experience as great fun and good exercise. Sessions cost £10 for an hour and must be booked in advance.
Website: Warmley Wheelers
Bristol – Invitation to Explore Dance
Hello from Holly and Katy at Half Light Projects
We’re planning new opportunities for blind and visually impaired people in Bristol who are interested in dance classes.
We’d like to know what styles of dance excite you, or those you’ve always wanted to try. EG
- Funk
- Contemporary
- Line dancing
- Latin or Ballroom
- Street
- Céilidh/folk
- Anything else!
Your input will help us shape accessible dance sessions. If you’d like to find out more, or share what styles appeal to you, please email: holly@halflightprojects.com
Bristol – VIP Reading Group
Bristol Central Library, College Green
Takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 10.30am till 12pm. Audio books are chosen from RNIB’s talking book service so it’s helpful to sign up before joining. The next books are:
- 27 November – Staying on by Paul Scott
- 26 December – no meeting
- 29 January – An Instance of the Finger Post by Iain Pears
- 26 February – Leonard and Hungry Paul – Ronan Hessian
- 26 March – Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
- 30 April – Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
- 28 May – Diary of an Ordinary woman – Margaret Forster
25 June – Night Watch by Terry Pratchett (tbc)
Further information email vibookgroup.bristol@gmail.com or Katharine Seymour, Central Library on 07880 069877
Gloucestershire – Inclusive cycling sessions
Goals Beyond Grass (GBG) offers weekly adapted cycling sessions in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, open to all ages and abilities. Sessions cost £5 per rider, with carers free, and are supported by trained volunteers.
For locations, dates, and accessibility details, visit www.goalsbeyondgrass.co.uk/gbg-bikes or contact them on 01452 245771 / info@goalsbeyondgrass.co.uk
Bristol – Showdown club expression of interest
UK Showdown is exploring starting a club in Bristol. Showdown is a fast-paced sport, similar to table tennis, created for people with a visual impairment but open to everyone.
Watch it in action: YouTube video
If you’d like to take part in a taster session or regular club, register your interest here: forms.office.com/e/wSsDbnZddY
Support groups and courses
Regular groups
You can find details of regular local social and support groups on our website. These include ongoing activities run by other organisations across our region. Visit our Leisure and social groups page
You’ll also find a wide range of online groups and virtual activities on our Online groups and resources page
Online – make-up tutorials from Sight Life
Sight Life, a Welsh sight loss charity, has kindly invited anyone supported by Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire to join their next Beautifully Blind online make-up tutorial series. The programme begins on Monday 19 January at 11.30am and runs for 10 weeks, covering a wide range of make-up techniques while building confidence and peer support. Sessions take place on Zoom, with a private Facebook group available for tips and questions. For more information, contact Carys Groves on 07753 305631 or carys.groves@sightlife.wales
Online – RNIB Cost of Living and Money Matters sessions
RNIB is running free online sessions offering practical information on managing money, including benefits, financial support and help with energy costs. Upcoming dates include 2, 5 and 15 December. To sign up, email LWWSLEnquiries@rnib.org.uk
Bristol – International Day of Disabled People event
The Bristol Disabled People Organisation Network is hosting an event to mark International Day of Disabled People on Friday 6 December, from 10.30am to 4pm at the M-Shed. The day will include workshops, stalls and opportunities to connect with Bristol’s disabled community. Event ambassadors include local creatives, campaigners and performers who will share their stories. For enquiries, contact info@bristoldef.org.uk or 0117 914 0528. International Day of Disabled People workshop bookings link
National – Deafblind UK Winter Wellness support
Deafblind UK’s Winter Wellness programme offers extra support through the colder months for anyone with both sight and hearing loss. Running until 27 February 2026, it includes extended phoneline hours, festive phone and video groups, winter befrienders, and uplifting text messages.
Find out more or register by contacting 0800 132320, text 07903 572885, or email info@deafblind.org.uk
Audio described arts and theatre
Galleries and Museums
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 15 December 2025 – Volunteers’ Choice
Sessions run from 10–11.30. The gallery is closed to the general public on those days so please ring 01225 477232 for access information or email victoria_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk
Bristol – Arnolfini
16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA
The next described tours are of Emma Talbot: Everything is Energy on:
- Saturday 13th December 10am to 11am
- Friday 30th January 10am to 11am
Tours take place before the galleries open to the public. Sighted guides are available, and complimentary tea and coffee is served afterwards in the Arnolfini Café Bar. Free event, but email community@arnolfini.org.uk to book a space.
Further information on this link Audio Described Tours | Emma Talbot: Everything is Energy – Arnolfini
Bristol – Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
Saturday 6 December 10.30 to 12 noon – The second VI Tour of the 172nd Open Exhibition is on
As always there will be a variety of works on show – many of which can be handled. To join, please email Connie Ngan connie.ngan@rwa.org.uk and say whether you will bring a sighted companion or need a volunteer guide.
Refreshments available after the tour
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Queen’s Road, BS8 1RL
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition – There will be a described tour on 25 February from 6 – 8.45 pm
Further details and booking information in next month’s newsletter.
Theatres & Performance – Audio Described Shows
Cheltenham – The Everyman Theatre
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, is delighted to be offering audio described performances for the following shows.
- Robin Hood and his Merry Men on Friday 12th December at 2:00pm
- Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty on Thursday 22 January at 2pm.
Contact Sally-ann if you would like further details, to book the touch tour or tickets, or to receive the season’s brochure: on 01242 695574 sally-ann.rhodes@everymantheatre.org.uk
Please note: you can book directly with The Everyman Theatre or call Insight Gloucestershire for details of any shows we are organising trips for.
Salisbury Playhouse
This year Salisbury Playhouse is presenting Jack and the Beanstalk. Join us in Salisburyshire for a giant musical pantomime! With colourful costumes and songs full of pop, it promises festive delight for all the family.
This classic tale will be sprinkled in Salisbury magic by the writers and designers of last year’s award-winning pantomime, Sleeping Beauty (Best Costume Design, UK Pantomime Association Awards 2025).
Our Audio described performances take place on Thursday December 18th At 2.15pm and on Wednesday 7th January at 5.30pm. Salisbury Playhouse booking link
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 21 and 30 December – The further Adventure of Peter Pan
- 28 February – Prima Facie – with Jodie Comer. The hottest ticket in town. Mostly sold out – but tickets for AD performance may be available
- 14 March – Operation Mincemeat
Pre show audio notes sent before show. Hearing devices available from the bars when the house opens – 30 mins before the show. All shows have touch tours. More details and tickets on 01225 448844. Make sure you subscribe to the Theatre’s Access List.
Bristol – Explore Disabled Women in Film
Join disabled film programmer Florence Grieve at Watershed, Bristol for Crip Melodrama: She’s Hysterical, celebrating 30 years of Todd Haynes’ iconic film Safe (1995). The screening will be followed by a post-film discussion exploring representations of disabled women on screen.
Sunday 14th December, 2pm at Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX. Audio description available. Find tickets and more information on the Watershed webpage
Bristol – Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 14 December – Jack and the Beanstalk with Will Young
- 13 June – Matilda the Musical
Book touch tours separately. Contact Access for All bristoladmin@theambassadors.com or call the access booking line 0333 009 5399 for tickets
Bristol Old Vic
King St, BS1 4ED
- 20 December – Treasure Island
- 24 January 2026 – Lost Atoms – The play explores how memory affects the way we look at love
- 14 March – Midsummer Night’s Dream
- 14 May – Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical
More details and to book – ring the Box office – 0117 987 7877
Children and young people
Regular groups
You can find information of regular activities on our website – Activities for children, young people and families
Braille children’s books now available in B&NES libraries
Bath and North East Somerset libraries now offer a collection of children’s Braille books from Clear Vision, available to borrow for free with a library membership. The collection also includes one set of Braille Lego and a small range of other Braille titles. Story sacks and Bag Books are available too, offering sensory ways to share stories. For more information or a full list of titles, email stock_team@bathnes.gov.uk
Applications open for Thomas Pocklington Trust Young Voices 2026–27
Thomas Pocklington Trust is now recruiting for its next YoungVoices cohort. This programme supports blind and partially sighted young people aged 13 to 16 to build confidence, develop leadership skills and contribute to national policy and projects. Participants join a supportive peer community and have opportunities to present at events and collaborate with partner organisations. Applications are open until January 2026.
Find out more or apply: Become a Student Voices or Young Voices Volunteer – Thomas Pocklington Trust
Contact: volunteering@pocklington.org.uk / kate.ohagan@pocklington.org.uk
Free VI junior swimming taster session in North Somerset
VICTA and Swim England are offering a free swimming taster session for children and young people who are blind and partially sighted on Saturday 10 January, hosted by Clevedon Swimming Club. Families in North Somerset are especially encouraged to take part. Full details and the application form can be found at:
VICTA swimming taster session link
National – New College Worcester Open Day
There will be an Open Day at New College Worcester on 5th December for education professionals and parents.
National – Royal National College Open Days
There’s an Open Day for prospective students. their families and professionals at RNC on Friday 5th December, and a further Open Day is scheduled for 30th January.
National – FA Para Football – England Talent Days
For ages 7–16 with a visual impairment, cerebral palsy, or hearing impairment. First step on the Para Football pathway. Upcoming dates: 1 April 2026 at St George’s Park, DE13 9PD. Register online – https://forms.office.com/e/RqFfguz20V
Take part in research
RSBC Annual Survey
Royal Society for Blind Children is running its annual survey. There are separate surveys for children, young people and families, professionals working with VI children and young people and non-service users (closes 15th December).
RNIB seeking Network35 members to help shape future services
RNIB is recruiting a new panel of Network35 members to help guide the organisation’s future direction. Over the past six months, RNIB has gathered insights from blind and partially sighted people about what life may look like in 2035. The next stage is to form a diverse panel of around 50 people aged 18 and over from across the UK, including those with different levels of vision. Panel members will take part in work running from January to August 2026, helping RNIB explore new ideas and strengthen its long-term impact. Recruitment is open until 17 December 2025.
Expression of interest form: Network35 Expression of Interest Form – Fill out form
RNIB Community Eyecare Survey and focus groups
RNIB is gathering feedback on how blind and partially sighted people feel about accessing more eye health services through opticians and community providers, as planned in the NHS 10-year strategy. They are keen to hear from anyone aged 18 and over, and especially from people diagnosed with an eye condition in the last two years. Participants can take part in a UK-wide survey or, if living in England, join a focus group. For questions, email Community.Insight@rnib.org.uk
Click here to take the RNIB survey
Sign up here for RNIB community eye care focus group
Looking for online activities?
We keep a list of virtual groups and events from other organisations on our website. These include social groups, webinars, technology sessions and more, all accessible from home. Visit our Online Resources From Other Organisations webpage