Monthly Meeting
At the meetings we update members on vision related events in the local area. We also have a speaker each month, and refreshments. It’s a great way to make friends with other people who have Macular problems. Partners are very welcome too!
Annual Coach Trip
This takes place every Summer. The destination is decided by democratic vote at our monthly meetings. Members, friends and family are welcome. It’s a great day out!
Last year, 2023, the outing was a boat trip along the Llangollen Aqueduct.
Our coach trip this year, 2024, is a visit to Leamington Spa for half a day, followed by a visit to the Guide Dog Training Centre for a tour. We had planned to go in early July, but, because of the Centre having work done, we are now going on September 11th. It is a free trip for Macular Group members, and a £5:00 entry for the tour. Carers go free, friends and family pay full costs – £5:00 coach trip and £10:00 tour.
Theatre outings
The Stoke Repertory Theatre hosts charity evenings, where one performance of their latest production is dedicated to raising funds for our group. It has always been a terrific evening.
Last year, 2023, we were offered two of these evenings. Overall the charity evenings this year have raised over £600 for our group.
In September 2023 members of the group went to see ‘Sister Act – The Musical’ at the Regent Theatre. This was an ‘Accessibility Performance’, with audio description available. The theatre also offered a ‘touch tour’ backstage, before the performance. The staff were amazingly accommodating to us. We are very grateful.
In January 2024 members visited the New Vic Theatre to see the Christmas presentation, ‘The Nutcracker’. This was also an Accessibility Performance with audio description provided. Some members joined a ‘touch tour’ of the backstage rooms before the performance.
Christmas Lunch
Each year we enjoy a meal together. At Christmas 2023, our festive lunch was at the Borough Arms Hotel in Newcastle. Members paid half price, the remainder being subsidised from group funds.
We’re hoping to go back to the Borough Arms for Christmas 2024.