RNIB Connect

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, for a look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.
This week Simon chats settling into his new position as RNIB Chief Executive, engaging with RNIB staff, and what work he'll focus on over the coming months.
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Image shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.
This week we are looking at what might be someones first experience of theatre with two great family shows, Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Aladdin at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to find out how a pantomime comes to live with AD for an accessible experience that can be shared with the whole family too.
About Robin Hood - 
The ultimate sheriff-busting pantomime extravaganza.
Join TV fashionista, DJ and radio star Gok Wan as Gok Scarlet, Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Robin Hood, Faye Tozer as Maid Marion and Matt Cardle as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. The all star line-up is completed by Andrew Ryan as Henrietta Hood, Sandra Marvin as The Spirit of Sherwood, and pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins who makes a special appearance as King Richard.
With stunning scenery and dazzling costumes direct from The London Palladium, Robin Hood promises all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: laugh-out-loud comedy, bundles of audience participation, astonishing special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for the whole family to enjoy.
About Aladdin - 
Join Aladdin on a spectacular quest from humble beginnings to riches beyond his wildest dreams! With a magical lamp, the help of a trusty genie and three wishes, only he can take on the evil sorcerer Abanazar! Can he conquer the cave of wonders and who will win the heart of the princess in the most spellbinding battle of good versus evil!?
Join West End leading lady Zoe Birkett (Pop Idol/Moulin Rouge The Musical/The Bodyguard) as Spirit of the Ring, Michael Greco (EastEnders/The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) as the evil Abanazar and CBeebies’ Ben Cajee as Aladdin in the ultimate pantomime adventure for all the family!
Returning favourites Tam Ryan (Wishee Washee) and Ian Adams (Widow Twankey) are joined by Wolverhampton’s own Sofie Anné as Princess Jasmine, West End star Duane Gooden as the Genie and panto legend Ian Billings as The Notary!

With support from Thomas Pocklington Trust, there are now more than twenty-five volunteer-led Sight Loss Councils across the UK. Hywel Davies caught up with the team behind the new ‘Sight Loss Council Cymru’ to hear more.
For more information, visit the Sight Loss Council Cymru website - Wales - Sight Loss Council

Bees are buzzing and Grey Herons are with us! Amelia returns to explore the many celebrations in February and share some returning friends from nature.
Learn more about the nature you can enjoy each month on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity 
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Two students from Canada are working on a device that can detect scaffolding and tree branches to make travelling easier for blind and partially sighted people.
Amelia spoke to Jack Redberger and Jay Koidhis to learn more.
Email Jack and Jay at [email protected]
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.