From:-
TORCH TRUST, Torch House, Torch Way, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HL, U.K.
Telephone: +44 (0)1858 438260, Fax: +44 (0)1858 438275, email: info@torchtrust.org
The Torch Trust for the Blind, registered charity number 1095904.
This time of year is always busy for our Literature department. By mid-February we need to have transcribed the year's choice of Lent and Easter books, to make them available for buying or borrowing by the end of that month. Once again we'll be transcribing Lent for Everyone: Matthew (Year A) by Tom Wright as well as this year's York Lent Course, which is Rich Inheritance by Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford. We have a number of other Lent titles, plus some wonderful Easter books available.
We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Graham Moody as Production Team Leader to replace Stewart Fox who left Torch shortly before Christmas. Graham joins us with a wealth of experience having previously run his own printing business.
We have just published our most exciting brochure ever, offering 21 varied holidays for people with sight loss. This 16-page publication gives many more details than our brief holidays flyer which lists dates and prices. If you would like to receive this Torch Holidays 2011 brochure – available in standard print, giant print, braille and audio CD – then please ask for one.
Our Regional Leader David Palmer spends much of his time travelling the country in support of our 100-plus Torch Fellowship Groups. This year he'll be organising some regional encouragement days in various locations, with the aim of meeting with local leaders and others sharing ideas, resources and fellowship. These began in the North West in Preston on January 29, and continuing with East Yorkshire Groups in Bridlington on March 16th followed by a Midlands meeting on March 26th in Market Harborough. Others are planned for Scotland, the South West, Wales and East Anglia. Do ask us for details if you'd like to come along.
For Torch CEO Dr Gordon Temple, 2010 will no doubt be remembered for his amazing two week trip to Malawi. There he had opportunity to spend time with many African blind people – people he describes as 'the poorest on the planet'. He saw firsthand the work that Torch Trust is doing there – distributing braille Scriptures and other literature, supporting fellowship groups in towns and villages, working with schools and colleges who have blind students. Gordon kept a diary of his trip which makes fascinating reading, and we're going to be making that available free in audio and in all other accessible formats by early March. Please let us know if you would like a copy.
David Palmer Jan 31 2011