30 Years of the Reader Service!

As you are probably aware by now, the Milton Keynes Reader Service is celebrating 30 years of helping visually impaired and other disabled people in the Milton Keynes area. The service was originally set up by a group of visually impaired people, headed by Liz Roe in 1988.  In 1992 it became an independent charity offering free services to any adult living in Milton Keynes who finds reading or writing difficult due to physical or visual disabilities.

We kicked off our celebration year with the New Year Coffee Morning, at which it was lovely to see so many of you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We continued with the “eggciting” entry of our team into the television quiz show Eggheads.  Our plucky group travelled up to Glasgow in January.  An edited version of Terry Calvert’s description of their antics is as follows:

“Paula Suchy, Stephen Harrison, Geoff Bashton, Nana Frempong, Alison Statham and Terry Calvert made up the team.

The wardrobe staff selected the outfits they wanted us to wear and the team was sent to makeup. The ladies required very little assistance, but Jeff did insist on his favourite brands of foundation and moisturiser!

Then it was off to the studio. It takes about two hours in all but everyone agreed that the time flew by. Jeremy Vine and the Eggheads team were a pleasure to meet.

An added bonus on the trip was that we discovered deep fried Mars bars really are available in Glasgow chip shops. Stephen also discovered that his favourite tipple, Irn Bru, is now available in a diet version!”

The full version of Terry’s report is on the website.

Diary Dates:

As we continue to celebrate through the year we have secured a fabulous new venue at The Oak Tree Centre in Shenley Brook End.  Please make a note of the following diary dates and join us whenever you are able:

Wednesday, 2nd May – Volunteers Support Meeting

7.00pm – 9.00pm

We intend to make it a fun evening, celebrating our roots in 1988 with a trivia quiz for that year;

Friday, 22 June – Quiz Night, 7.00pm – 10.30pm

Paula and Stefan will hold one their popular quiz nights. There will be a raffle and some fun activities during the interval;

Saturday, 28 July – AGM , 10.00am – noon

Tea, coffee and cake after the official bit..;

Autumn – Eggheads Team on TV

The date of airing has yet to be confirmed.  We will keep you posted;

Saturday, 13 October –Tea Party, 2.00pm – 4.00pm

For all friends of the Reader Service past and present – to celebrate everyone involved over 30 years!

 Friday, 30 November – Cabaret! 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Those of you who were present for last year’s inaugural show will remember what a fabulously entertaining afternoon we had.  Anyone wishing to showcase their talents this year is most welcome to put themselves forward.

We are considering a number of other activities to enhance our profile and celebrate this milestone anniversary, so please keep checking the website, emails and Sound News for updates.  Meanwhile, we look forward to seeing you at one or more of the events mentioned here.