Archived News Items - Torch Trust

Torch Trust, a Christian organisation serving blind and partially sighted people, celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this month (June 2009).

The story began when Stella and Ron Heath opened their home to blind young men and women from a training school in Surrey. They were confronted with how difficult it was for blind people to be included in church life and to have access to the Bible and other Christian books. The Heaths learned braille and recruited volunteers to help them in the work of transcribing, later moving into making audio recordings. On June 8, 1959, they formally took over a magazine for blind people called The Torch and the formative trust behind it.

Under their pioneering and inspirational leadership, the work grew amazingly. Twenty years ago they expanded the work into Africa, setting up a braille production centre for African scriptures in Malawi. Today Torch Trust provides Christian literature for thousands of blind people and reaches into 100 countries. It also runs the largest Christian lending library in the UK for those with sight loss, with over 3,500 titles in a mix of braille, giant print and audio formats. Torch also supports over 120 fellowship groups for blind and partially sighted people around the UK, and puts on a programme of specialised holidays every year from its own holiday and retreat centre in Sussex.

A series of celebratory events throughout the year marks the 50^th anniversary. These began in March with a thanksgiving service for the bicentenary of the birth of Louis Braille at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London and continued at Eastertime with interactive display stands and workshops at Spring Harvest.

On the actual anniversary date of June 8, Torch staff, volunteers and supporters will gather for a Day of Prayer at Torch House in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

Torch’s Chief Executive Dr Gordon Temple said, ‘The day will be one of thanksgiving to God for 50 years of growth and blessing – but it’s also about the future. There’s much to be done to fulfil Torch’s aims to reach more people with sight loss. In this country alone, 100 people every day learn that they are losing their sight.’

The organisation will continue its raised profile with presence at more Christian and secular conferences and events over the summer. And in November there will be an Anniversary Weekend.

Marilyn Baker, well known as a singer and songwriter and now Chair of Torch Trust said, ‘Torch has been so important to my own Christian journey. It’s not just the access to books and magazines in braille or audio formats, it’s about being accepted as a person and as a Christian. The love and pastoral help given to me by the Heaths, the Torch founders, gave me the confidence to embark on my own ministry. I want to see everyone with sight loss not only accepted within the Church but becoming truly part of it and enabled to lead a fulfilling Christian life.’

NEW - The most accessible Audio Bible ever for Blind People

From this month (June 2009) the complete Bible is available for blind people on DAISY CD – the most advanced and flexible audio format there is.

The new product revolutionises Bible reading and study for people with sight loss – making it possible for any single verse in the Bible to be accessed within seconds.

This mammoth project has been a truly collaborative effort. Torch Trust, a Christian charity serving blind and partially sighted people, has worked with the encouragement of publishers Hodder & Stoughton, together with assistance from Wycliffe Associates volunteers and production support from RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People).

The new Today’s New International Version of the Bible is contained on just four DAISY CDs in a single DVD case, totalling 75 hours of audio reading. DAISY – or Digital Accessible Information System – allows a very flexible approach to searching the text. On a standard cassette or CD, it’s just not possible to hunt down and isolate a particular Bible verse – but it’s very simple using the DAISY player.

Torch Trust’s Chief Executive Dr Gordon Temple said, ‘DAISY is the perfect medium for the Bible. The Bible is not the sort of book that is read from cover to cover. Occasionally we might read a whole book of the Bible, but usually we dip into it. We look up a verse or passage and read that, then another. But that can’t be done with the usual audio Bibles that can be purchased in bookshops.

‘That’s what makes the DAISY Bible so extraordinary. Now someone whose sight loss has denied them access to print but who cannot read braille can really read the Bible as a sighted person does – going directly to a passage or verse and finding a reference as quickly as a sighted person using a print Bible.’

As well as its easy search facility, the DAISY system allows the reader to add bookmarks and also retains a memory of the place last read even after the disc is removed. Another intriguing facility is that the recording can be speeded up or slowed down – without altering the pitch of the voice.

Exclusively for the use of blind and partially sighted people, the DAISY edition of the entire Bible is available from Torch Trust or RNIB at £15.99.

As well as the Bible, Torch Trust has transcribed over 250 Christian books from their lending library – the largest Christian library for blind people in the UK – into DAISY format, and about a dozen new titles are added to that every month.

Comment from a DAISY user:

About Torch Trust

Based in Market Harborough in Leicestershire, Torch Trust is a non-denominational Christian organisation supported by donations. The charity’s aim is to overcome sight loss as a barrier to finding a personal faith in Christ and living a fulfilled Christian life. Torch Trust produces Christian literature in braille, giant print and audio formats; and promotes Christian fellowship among blind and partially sighted people across the UK and around the world. (www.torchtrust.org or email info@torchtrust.org)

About RNIB

RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, have a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 (or visit www.rnib.org.uk).

Torch's high profile presence at Christian events marks fiftieth anniversary

The Torch Trust stand, with its eye-catching ‘pods’ – freestanding booths offering a range of interactive experiences conveying the challenges of sight loss – proved a great attraction at Spring Harvest over Easter and at the Christian Resources Exhibition in May.

‘Being at Spring Harvest for our fiftieth anniversary year was a fantastic opportunity to promote Torch, meet supporters and make new friends,’ says Torch Chief Executive Dr Gordon Temple.

‘Up to 20,000 heard the Torch presentation in the Big Top meetings – not to mention hundreds more who viewed it on their chalet TVs. Many came to the stand to talk and look at our resources and over 600 attended our Come to your senses! workshops.’

At CRE in Esher, Surrey, the Torch stand also attracted a lot of interest, with many signing up for the Foursight for the Church pack which promotes ways in which the local church can become more accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

New audio Bible

Meanwhile, upstairs at the parallel CBC event (Christian Booksellers’ Convention), Torch was offering several new products, including the most accessible audio Bible ever for blind people. Although the DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) New Testament has been available since 2006, this was an opportunity to launch the new complete Bible.

The project – work done in partnership with RNIB (principal supplier of DAISY players), publisher Hodder & Stoughton and Wycliffe Associates - revolutionises Bible reading and study for people with sight loss. On a standard cassette or CD, it’s just not possible to hunt down and isolate a particular Bible verse – but the simple operation of four large buttons on the DAISY machine makes that level of selection a reality. The four DAISY CDs for the whole Bible run to 75 hours.

Exclusively for the use of blind and partially sighted people, the DAISY Bible is available from Torch Trust at £15.99. Also available is the Old Testament at £12.99 or the re-mastered New Testament at £4.99.

Day of Prayer

The actual 50^th anniversary date of Monday June 8 will be marked by a Day of Prayer at Torch House in Market Harborough, with others joining in from their homes, individually and in groups, around the country. If you want to join in, please request Gordon Temple’s prayer letter which includes a programme for the day.

OPENING EYES TO THE WORLD OF BLIND PEOPLE

Under the banner ‘Come to your senses’, the Torch Trust will be unveiling an innovative interactive experience at Spring Harvest this Easter to celebrate 50 years of Christian ministry with blind people.

‘Our exhibition is a really hands-on and novel way of giving people insights into engaging Spring Harvesters with the challenging experiences of blind people – both in their practical, everyday life and in their spiritual lives,’ says Torch Trust chief executive Dr Gordon Temple.

The exhibition, together with seminars, will encourage people to think in fresh ways about how they label people.

Abi (30), with a background in creative writing and education, has been working as a consultant to Torch Trust in preparing the exhibition and seminars.

‘An example of the challenges facing blind people is the issue of socialisation. Because they can’t see facial expression, don’t know when new people have come into a room or where they are standing, blind people will often exclude themselves from social situations for fear of getting things wrong,’ says Abi.

‘Such withdrawal means that the church, for example, is leaving the many amazing gifts of blind people untapped.

‘We want people to go away from the Torch Trust stand with a fresh approach to how they assess people – making sure they are defined by who they are rather than what they can or can’t do,’ says Abi.

‘And the multi-sensory worship seminar on the theme of Creation, will give them an exciting new experience of worship using all the senses.’

Torch Trust will also be giving a short Big Top presentation at Spring Harvest and launching several new titles in braille and giant print which will be available on the Wesley Owen bookstall.

Louis Braille Bicentenary

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille's birth a special church service is being held in St Martin in the Fields, London at 12 noon 21st March 2009 - please let us know if you would like to attend.

The order of service for the event is available here as a Word or Acrobat pdf file.

Radio Northampton Interview

On Sunday 1st February Martin Heath from Radio Northampton broadcast a series of interviews he made recently on a visit to Torch House.

Stars for a Day!

Members of Market Harborough Baptist Church in Leicestershire became extras when a film crew came to town on Sunday (January 25).

The church offered to be the venue for the filming of a short video which will be shown at Spring Harvest to launch the 50th anniversary of Torch Trust – the Christian ministry to blind and partially sighted which has its HQ in Market Harborough. Market Harborough Baptist minister Nick Cook – star of the big screen?

Market Harborough Baptist minister Nick Cook – star of the big screen?

The film crew sat in on the usual morning communion service led by Market Harborough’s pastor Nick Cook. Then the lights and cameras were set up and the congregation were invited to stay behind to re-create some key moments from the service, including some sermon snippets and singing.

Torch Trust CEO Gordon Temple explained that the purpose of the video was to show how difficult churchgoing can be for blind and partially sighted people.

Cameras ready – the Baptist ‘extras’ take their places.

‘They have a number of people with sight loss in the congregation and have thought carefully about how to be inclusive and make life easier for them. One of the church elders is blind, as are several people in the worship group. The fellowship understands how to make them welcome and provides large print bulletins and so on.

‘But many churches have never really considered the needs of blind and partially sighted people. Our campaign for churches, called Foursight, is aimed at educating and equipping churches to be accessible places for those with sight loss. And since 2009 is our fiftieth anniversary we are holding several celebratory events – not least of which is the video which we will be showing in the Big Top at Spring Harvest. Our stand and seminar programme at Spring Harvest will be very unusual – a sensory adventure that will give sighted people real understanding of the difficulties faced by blind people.’

Christmas Houseparty a great success

Over 70 people went on the Christmas Houseparty held for the first time at High Leigh, including 40 blind and partially sighted people, most of whom would otherwise have spent Christmas alone.

Running from 23rd to 27th December, the Christmas houseparty included a last minute shopping trip to nearby Hoddesdon on Christmas Eve, a turkey banquet on Christmas Day, and Boxing Day outing and evening dinner. Mike Townsend and Peter Jackson led times of fellowship and worship and everyone enjoyed the concert evening.

At first a few felt it was all too big and busy but by the time we had to leave they were asking "Can we come back here next year?" Well, it's in the Torch 2009 Holiday Brochure! Email Torch Holidays for information or call 01273 832282.

Open Days for Professionals working with blind and partially sighted people

These open days are a great opportunity for professionals to learn more about services offered to blind and partially sighted people by Torch Trust. There will be a chance to look around, meet the staff and find out what we do. A buffet lunch will be provided at both venues.

For more information and to book a place please email Pat Lower or call 01858 438260.

Annual Thanksgiving Celebration - 25th October 2008

Come to our new look Thanksgiving Celebration in Worcester - easily reached from the M5. There’s a lot going on, something to really engage anyone involved with the various aspects of Torch’s work.

After coffee at 11am there’s an informal time of singing, news and chat hosted by blind pianist Peter Jackson. Running in parallel are three workshop sessions: one for Torch Fellowship Group leaders with David Palmer, one for anyone interested in finding out what's involved in producing our audio literature with Lydia Tebbutt, and one for those who get involved with our international outreach led by Janet Stafford.

At 2pm we shall all get together to give thanks to God for His goodness to us over this, our 49th year. This time will include testimonies, music from the Torch singers, and a look ahead into 2009. We finish with tea and cakes at 3:30pm.

Directions to St Peter's Baptist Church, Worcester, WR5 3TZ: exit M5 at Junction 7 towards Worcester. Left at first roundabout onto A4440 named Crookbarrow Way. At next roundabout turn right into St Peter’s Drive. Follow the road round until you see St Peter’s church on your left. [If you find problems locating the address with a Sat Nav, try WR5 3TA or WR5 3TY.]

If you plan to bring a group please let us know for catering purposes. Phone 01858 438260 or email Beth Goddard

Foursight for the Church

At Spring Harvest in Skegness, Torch launched its Foursight for the Church initiative. It's a four step programme that's intended to raise awareness of people with sight loss in church and to help churches to fully include them. To find our more visit the new website: www.torch-foursight.org.

Visitors to our striking new exhibtion stand at Skegness were able to register for the Church Pack there and then. 116 people representing 104 churches did. How about you and your church?

New Churches for All Website

Churches for All or CfA is a partnership of Christian disability organisations. Torch Trust is an active partner.

CfA has launched a new website. It's a unique resource for churches seeking to be more inclusive of disabled people, including blind and partially sighted people. Instead of starting with the disablity, this website starts with the type of activity to be undertaken by the church or leader and then raises the issues that arise for disabled people.

Assistant Chief Executive appointed

Andew Nicholson has joined Torch Trust as Assistant Chief Executive, working with Torch's Chief Executive Gordon Temple. Andrew brings strong financial and administrative leadership skills. Andrew previously worked with FIEC where he organised the Cheltenham Bible Festival in 2007.

Andrew is married to Meryl and they have two children. They live in Market Harborough and are involved in the life of Market Harborough Baptist Church.

New Chair for Torch

Torch welcomes a new chair for its trustee board. Marilyn Baker took on this responsibility at the beginning of the year, following on from Rev. Ron Wells who has been chair for 10 years. Marilyn is supported in her role by the appointment of a vice chair, Dr Clive Dilloway.

Marilyn, who has been blind from birth, is well known as a singer and songwriter. She formed Marilyn Baker Ministries 25 years ago and now has a diverse ministry that includes running rest and renewal breaks that are a blessing to many, including quite a few blind people. Marilyn says, “It is a privilege to serve the Lord in this way. I was helped so much by Torch in earlier years”. Looking ahead Marilyn enthuses, “It’s an exciting period, with next year being Torch’s 50th. We plan to use this opportunity to raise awareness, not just of the work of Torch, but also of the needs of blind and partially sighted people who sometimes feel a bit left out at church.” Marilyn presents Torch’s weekly radio programme on Premier Radio at 9pm each Saturday.

Clive enjoyed a long and successful career with BP, from which he is now retired. For a number of years he served as a trustee and then chair of the Bible Society and now chairs the Chichester Diocesan Board of Finance. His wife, Kate, is one of Torch’s most prolific volunteer braille transcribers.

Reading Through Audio

Reading Through Audio is an initiative set up by Torch and other groups who provide audio for people with print disabilities to raise awareness about what's available in audio and how modern technology is providing alternatives to the cassette tape.

The initiative is aimed primarily at Rehabilitation Workers but will be of interest to anyone who likes to access audio material.

Thanksgiving Celebration Saturday 27 October 2007

Torch's annual Thanksgiving will be held in Tonbridge Baptist Church, Kent at 2.30pm. A highlight will be a visit from the Watoto Children's choir from Uganda. All are welcome to join us for an afternoon of praise and thanksgiving.

Premier Radio publises the INSIGHT show

Listen to INSIGHT with Marilyn Baker at 4pm each Sunday afternoon: in the Greater London area on 1305, 1332, 1413 MW, or DAB and elsewhere in the UK on Sky Digital 0123, Virgin Media 698, Freeview 725. Or go to www.premier.org.uk and click "Listen Now".

Disability Sunday 7 October 2007

Here's an opportunity to encourage your church to think about the needs of blind, partially sighted and other disabled people.

Cheltenham Bible Festival 9-11 August 2007

The Federation of International Evangelical Churches (FIEC) is holding their annual Bible festival at Cheltenham Race Course.

Come and visit Torch at their stand in the Global Village marquee and, if you're there on the Saturday, come and join the special Torch Fellowship Group Meeting starting at 4pm - in the Tote Sport room!

Open Day has changed to Open Nights!

To try and attract different people we have decided to try something new this year. Instead of having the Open Day, scheduled for Saturday 16th June, we are planning two summer-time evening "Open House" events at Torch.

Join us for a bar-be-que and fellowship on the evenings of either Wednesday 25th July or Friday 31st August, between 6pm and 9pm.

DAISY audio New Testament now available.

DAISY stands for Digital Accessible Information Sytem. It's audio with structure and navigation. Using special DAISY players, books on DAISY CD become truely accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Torch first used DAISY for Every Day with Jesus - daily Bible readings from CWR. It was the world's first periodical in this format. Using the simple controls on the DAISY player the reader could skip from day to day and navigate the daily content of Bible reading, commentary, prayer and further reading.

Now Torch has completed an audio New Testament in the DAISY format, fully indexed to verse level. It has been a massive task but the results are exciting. First select book, then chapter, then paragraph and finally verse - in around the time it would take a sighted person to find the reference in a print Bible.

The DAISY New Testament is the result of a major collaborative effort. Hodder and Stoughton, publishers of Today's New International Version (TNIV), provided the actor-read digital recording, Torch staff and volunteers structured the audio to add navigation to verse level with all the necessary announcements, and the RNIB produced the disc and packaging.

The DAISY New Testament is available to bona fide blind and partially sighted people in the UK (and elsewhere subject to copyright) from both Torch and the RNIB for �3.99, around the cost of a standard print New Testament.

To order email Torch info@torchtrust.org or call 01858 438260.

News Archive

Torch celebrates 50 years