Why do I like Christmas as a blind person by student Lizzy

Being blind can be very hard, you miss out on some beautiful things, like the setting sun over a beach or a wonderful winter landscape with shining icicles that look like crystals glinting in the sun, but being blind at Christmas can have its good side too. 

To start I love the smells, the evergreen tree in the house, the smell of spices, like ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, the crisp winter air and the warm smell of logs on the fire. 

Christmas is made to be felt in more ways then one, not just by the visual aspect of the tree and all its beauty or the fact that the ground is blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. 

No, the feeling of Christmas is not just that, but it is smell, touch, taste and sound. But most of all it is the spirit in your heart that you feel, with your family near, and when the things that you hold dear are close to your heart. There is no way I will ever look at Christmas and say that I do not like it.

[Huge thanks to Hereford Christmas Trees, who have supplied this year's Christmas tree (pictured) at a discounted rate and with great service.]

RNC alumnus wins Strictly Come Dancing!

Photo credit: Guy Levy/BBC/PA (PA Media)

We are bursting with pride after our former student, Chris McCausland, triumphed on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. 

Chris, who studied A-Levels in Mathematics and Computing at RNC, as well as an AS in Further Mathematics, went on to pursue Software Engineering at Kingston University. 

His incredible journey on Strictly has captivated the nation, proving that with dedication and the right support, blind and visually impaired individuals can achieve almost anything. 

Chris and his dance partner, Dianne Buswell, consistently impressed the judges and viewers with their hard work and determination. Dianne adapted her teaching methods to accommodate Chris, resulting in stunning performances that showcased their talent and partnership, and the judges did not judge him on his disability, scoring him fairly on his dance ability. 

As Chris eloquently said: 

'It's not that people with disability need inspiring or they need to see themselves on the telly, but I think everyone else does. There are a lot of people out there that don't have any exposure to somebody who's blind or somebody with a disability. I think it's important to show people that more is possible than you would think.' 

We at RNC are absolutely thrilled for Chris and Dianne. Their success has sparked important conversations about inclusion and we couldn't be more proud.

'Magical Movie Music'

A group of RNC 'muggles' had an enchanting time at the 'Magical Movie Music' concert, a tribute to the music of Harry Potter.

Cheltenham Town Hall hosted the International Film Orchestra, a full 55-piece orchestra, performing iconic signature tunes of John Williams and others from each of the eight Harry Potter films.

The students had a wonderful time, and we extend a big thank you to staff and volunteers for their support.

Ding Dong! It's Christmas!

Many of our Business students have the opportunity to gain valuable, real-world experience in the College’s Working Office. This dedicated space provides students with the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in a variety of office roles, from administration to customer service. 

Every year, as a thank you to their customers, students in the Working Office plan, promote and organise an annual event known as the Christmas Ding Dong. As ever, this year’s Ding Dong was full of festive fun. 

Dom took on the role of compère, guiding everyone through the events. Oscar provided the perfect soundtrack with familiar Christmas tunes. Homemade gingerbread, shortbread and mince pies were made by students and staff in the Independent Living Skills kitchens. 

Staff also got involved on the day, with Beth hosting a game of 'Play Your Cards Right' and Phil taking on the role of quizmaster extraordinaire. Students also sold raffle tickets and Braille art, and the Raffle Elves, Alice and Anika, had the job of folding up all of the tickets! 

The Christmas Ding Dong is a wonderful way to bring the College community together at a special time of year. Well done to everyone who contributed to the event's success.

Burgers with a side order of fun!

A great night out had by all at The Beefy Boys in Hereford towards the end of term. Students got to sample some of the award-winning burgers on offer, with a side order of fun and a lot of laughter. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and thanks to staff and volunteers who supported the trip. Activities Co-ordinator, Beth, said: 'We were all so full, we rolled home!'

Bonding with nature

Students enjoyed a very entertaining, informative, and hands-on experience in December, when Luke from Wye Valley Falconry brought in an array of magnificent birds of prey to the College. It gave our students the opportunity to learn about, and interact with, some of these majestic creatures. 

The highlight of the day was meeting Elsa, a Long-Eared Owl. Students were able to hold Elsa, wearing a leather gauntlet for protection. They also had the chance to touch Marmite, a Black Barn Owl, gaining a tactile understanding of Marmite's feathers. 

In addition to Elsa and Marmite, students were introduced to Basil, an African Eagle Owl, Chester, a Harris Hawk, and Beatrice, a Lanner Falcon. These impressive birds captivated the students with their size, beauty, and distinctive characteristics. It was a wonderfully enriching experience and massive thanks to Luke for providing a thoroughly entertaining and educational experience, which was enjoyed by all.

Students sleigh-ed the Santa Run once again!

For the third year in a row, students donned their Santa hats and took on the Llandrindod Wells Santa Run. They joined 100 other runners early in December, following a course around the lake and surrounding muddy fields. All ran at least five kilometres, but a couple completed the full 10 kilometres! 

The event raised more than £500 for St Michael's Hospice. A big thank you to everyone who supported the students taking part in this challenge. All runners were presented with a medal for completing the course. Well done to everyone for their ho-ho-heroic efforts!

A step back in time

Students enjoyed a festive trip to Berrington Hall at the end of November, and had the opportunity to explore the historic house and grounds. 

Two knowledgeable guides, Christine and Elizabeth, provided fascinating insights into the history and architecture of the Hall. Students (and staff!) also had fun trying on the extensive range of period costumes. 

The Hall was beautifully decorated for Christmas inside and out. In the grounds some of the bushes had been dressed to resemble giant Christmas puddings! 

It was a magical experience that got everyone in the holiday mood, and huge thanks to Naomi, Mel, Ged, Heather, and Jill for organising and supporting this wonderful trip.

Deck the halls!

Our art and craft students got into the festive spirit at the end of November, decorating a beautiful Christmas tree with their handmade decorations. They adorned the tree with pom pom santas, painted pine cones, pomanders, salt dough snowflakes, and a garland of cinnamon and dried orange slices. The tree smells delicious and it was a wonderfully festive event with mince pies and Christmas music. Well done all!

RSC actor shares stories of stage and screen

Our Shakespeare class was treated to a truly inspiring guest lecture in November, when renowned Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) actor, Jo Stone-Fewings joined them. Jo has numerous stage, TV and film credits to his name.

Jo, who also happens to be the brother of RNC teacher Debs Burrows, shared his wealth of experience and knowledge with our young 'Bardolators'. His passion for acting started from around the age of 12 and his journey began at the National Youth Theatre, followed by studies at Hereford College of Arts and the Welsh College of Music and Drama. He has been a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company since 1994, captivating audiences worldwide with his performances. 

During his visit, Jo delved into the fascinating world of accents and dialects, emphasising the importance of a keen ear for the intonation, nuance and rhythm. He shared insights into his own experiences with different accents and how they have shaped his performances.

A night of musical theatre

A group of students enjoyed a performance of Defying Gravity at Malvern Theatre in November. The show celebrates women in musical theatre and features songs from iconic productions such as Wicked, Les Misérables, and Mamma Mia. The powerful vocals and stunning performances of the cast left a lasting impression on our students. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to experience the magic of live theatre and appreciate the talented performers. Thanks to Jess, Nina, and Pippa for volunteering their time to accompany the group, which made this outing possible.

Around the world at RNC: Students celebrate diversity with international event

Students organised a vibrant international event in November to showcase the College’s diverse community. As part of their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) learning, they took the initiative to plan and execute a fun cultural experience.

The event was a celebration of the different nationalities represented at RNC. They set up tables with artefacts and traditional foods prepared by their families and wore traditional dress. Some of the countries represented included Turkey, Iran, Italy, Pakistan, Ukraine, Wales, Scotland, and Nepal. 

One of the highlights of the evening was a tactile map where students were invited to drop a pin indicating their origin. So far, 20 different pins have been placed on the map, symbolising the global reach of RNC’s community.

'Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble'

This Shakespearean quote set the tone for the Halloween fright night at the Braille Inn before the October half term. Students were treated to a night filled with spooky fun and games, including a spider hoopla! 

The Inn was transformed into a Halloween nightmare, complete with creepy decorations and a selection of potions and brews to keep our witches coven refreshed. Then it was broomsticks back to halls before the witching hour!

Sonali in print

We are delighted to share that student Sonali Shah had an article published in the Hereford Times at the end of October. Sonali's success highlights the importance of opportunities like this for our students. By giving them a platform to share their voices and experiences, they can be empowered to excel and reach their full potential. These opportunities provide valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit them in the future, whether it's applying for university or job hunting.

Pumpkin picking

An autumnal outing to the Pumpkin Patch in Marden, took place in October. Given the recent wet weather, wellies were a must for the group before setting off to explore the patch and pick their perfect pumpkins.

The muddy terrain provided its own sensory experience with the earthy smell of damp soil and the squelchy sounds from underfoot as they tramped through the mud. With wheelbarrows at the ready they scouted the patch for their ideal pumpkins. 

It was a great opportunity for the group to socialise and enjoy the fresh air and countryside. Thank you to the staff at the Pumpkin Patch and to RNC's staff and volunteers who supported the trip.

Bowling fun!

A group of students gathered for a fun-filled evening of bowling at Grove Golf and Bowl in October. Despite some friendly competition, everyone had a great time laughing and socialising.

A special thanks to Julie, Lisa, Jess, Mel, and Brandon for joining them and contributing to a memorable night.

A tight squeeze on digestion

Second year students on the Level 3 Health and Social Care programme have learned about the care needs of individuals with digestive conditions such as coeliac disease and IBS. They were asked to demonstrate peristalsis using a wonderfully inventive tactile method: baked beans in tights! 

The baked beans represented the contents of the digestive tract, and the tights were the intestines. By squeezing and releasing the tights, they were able to feel how peristalsis, the rhythmic contractions that move food through the digestive system, works. 

Through this hands-on approach our students were able to gain a tactile understanding of the process. It was a fun and engaging way to learn about a complex bodily function.

Making fossil boxes accessible

A former RNC student's innovative idea has helped make educational fossil boxes more accessible for visually impaired students across the UK. Izzy Theophanous, who worked at the Hereford and Worcester Earth Heritage Trust (EHT) as part of a work placement, collaborated with Mark Baggott from the Trust to develop a new feature that would allow students to explore the boxes independently.

The Earth Heritage Trust produces fossil boxes for schools, filled with real fossils found in the UK. The boxes include information on the fossils' types, how old they are and where they were found, as well as resources for learning about fossils and collecting them safely.

A night at the museum

RNC students have been invited to participate in an exciting project titled Sensational Museum. This stimulating initiative aims to revolutionise the way museums cater to visitors with disability. 

One evening at the end of September a small group of students got a taste of what's to come with a special session at the Hereford Museum and Resource Learning Centre. With the help of the knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff at the Centre, students were able to delve into the museum's vast archive, encountering fascinating artefacts like replicas of the Herefordshire Hoard, medieval chainmail and helmets, and even more recent items like a policeman's helmet, typewriter and musical instruments as well as some more unusual things in the shape of bulb carriers, glove stretching tools and bird carriers.

A European feast of celebration

The 26 September, marks European Day of Languages, a day dedicated to celebrating the rich linguistic and cultural tapestry of Europe. Our College community speaks 23 international languages, out of over 200 spoken across Europe, and to celebrate the day, students were invited to enjoy a delicious feast showcasing some of the culinary delights of France, Germany, Italy and Spain. 

Our Sri Lankan teacher, Narada, also added a unique touch to the event by baking mouthwatering fish buns that complemented the European delicacies. Students were treated to an array of flavours, including Tiras de maíz, grissini, pecorino, manchego and parmesan cheeses, salami, chorizo, pepperoni, figs, spinach tortilla, stollen, taralli, lebkuchen, olives, and German rye bread.

It was a wonderful opportunity to socialise and appreciate the diversity of our College community and celebrate European culture. Thank you to teachers Annie, Francesco, Lisa, Narada and Susannah for putting on the event.

New MP learns about challenges faced by visually impaired students

We were delighted to welcome our new MP, Ellie Chowns, on her visit to RNC on Friday 26 September. Students Ana, Emmy and Sam told Ellie about their experiences before attending RNC, their future ambitions and the positive impact that being an RNC student has had on their lives. 

They also raised wider societal issues such as the failure by some of the public to understand hidden disabilities, and the great distress and inconvenience caused when Guide Dogs are refused entry to shops. 

The students were great ambassadors for RNC and gave Ellie a personal perspective on the crisis in SEN funding and the battle young visually impaired people face to access an education that meets their needs and prepares them for their future life.

Darren earns title of first blind man to run Land's End to John O'Groats

RNC is proud to have played a small part in the historic journey of Darren Blanks, a remarkable ex-serviceman who recently completed a groundbreaking feat. Darren, who is both blind and partially deaf, successfully ran the length of Great Britain from Land's End to John O'Groats, becoming the first blind person to achieve this.

Darren began his journey on 16 August and on 24 August, RNC had the honour of hosting him as he crossed the finish line on the eighth leg of his challenge.

After an ultra run of 35 miles starting from Chepstow Castle, Darren arrived at RNC to a hero's welcome from Lucy Proctor (RNC's Executive Principal), Kevin Tillett (Mayor of Hereford), Councillor Peter Stoddart (Chairman of the Armed Forces Covenant Herefordshire), Stephen Cole (County Chairman of the Royal British Legion), Brian Cheasley (Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion), Hereford Couriers Running Club, members of the veterans community, and RNC staff, who had prepared a fitting welcome.

More Judo success

Our Judo club continues to thrive, with some fantastic achievements to celebrate. Recently, several students took part in their first-ever Judo grading, with Ana, Rose, Amelie, and Lucja proudly receiving their red belts. 

Congratulations to Sham and Shabaz on achieving their yellow belts – their second grading milestone! A special well done also goes to Megan, who earned her orange belt. 

All the students have thoroughly enjoyed their sessions and made excellent progress, with many hoping to achieve their next belts in 2025. The Judo classes are becoming more popular each year, and we’d like to extend a huge thank you to our dedicated coaches Carol, Kieran, and Phil, for making Judo such a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.

A great start for RNC's blind football team in Europe

The current European Blind Football League Champions, RNC Hereford, kicked off their 2024/25 campaign in Thessaloniki, Greece early in December. 

In their morning match, RNC secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Dortmund, with goals from Efe Shimwell and Rainbow Mbuangi. 

The afternoon match against Bondy was unfortunately interrupted by heavy rain. Despite the challenging conditions, the game eventually ended in a 1-1 draw. Azeem Amir scored a penalty for RNC, a commendable result against a team boasting several Paralympic gold medalists. 

Following Round One, RNC are currently leading the League on goal difference. Coach Adam Bendall commented, 

'It was a fantastic weekend despite the difficult weather. We played exceptionally well and were unlucky not to win the last game. We created numerous chances but couldn't capitalise on them. We scored one penalty and missed another, but overall, it was another successful weekend in the EBFL, and we're eagerly anticipating the next round. We extend our thanks to Pirsos for hosting a well-organised tournament. It was a pleasure to compete in Greece.'

Goalball tournament develops skills and confidence

RNC students had a fantastic weekend at the Cambridge Dons Goalball Friendly in November. This low-stress tournament provides an excellent opportunity for novice players to build their skills and gain valuable experience. 

Head of RNC’s Sports Academy, Aaron Ford, said: 

'Our students had a great time at this well-run event. It was a perfect opportunity for some of our development players to represent RNC for the first time, with RNC Sports Academy able to enter two teams. We’re grateful to the volunteers, coaches and players who created a friendly and supportive environment. These experiences are vital for our players’ development and confidence-building.'

Aiming high!

From novice through to elite level, RNC offers a range of sports that students can try out. One of the sports on offer is Acoustic Shooting, using specially adapted rifles and software which allows a shooter to find the target using sound rather than sight.

If proficient, students also have the opportunity to enter into national leagues, competing against other Acoustic Shooting clubs from across the country. 

In November, RNC’s Acoustic Shooting students, along with other clubs, were given the opportunity to train at the National Small Bore Rifle Association (NSRA) Shooting Centre in Aldersley, Wolverhampton. This state-of-the-art facility is the training ground for Team GB’s Olympic and Paralympic shooting teams. The experience allowed our students to shoot in a world-class environment and try out different equipment. 

RNC student Humna Hussain competed in the V.I. Winter League 2023-24, topping her division, so the visit also provided an opportunity for Humna to pick up her award. It was presented by member of the NRSA’s Pistol, Airgun and Crossbow Committee, Charlie Blow. 

Thank you to everyone at NRSA Aldersley for an outstanding afternoon’s training and to Eye Can for inviting us to this event.

RNC students represent England

Congratulations to RNC students Ollie Johnson and Shamreaz Hussain and staff members Adam Bendall, Dylan Malpas, and Kieran Clarke for representing England at a Blind Football camp in San Diego in November. 

They also had opportunities to compete in friendly matches against Japan and the USA. The team's impressive performance resulted in a clean sweep of victories, with a 7-0 victory over the USA twice, and a 2-0 victory over Japan twice. 

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and wish them continued success on the international stage.

Blind football thriller at thePoint4 

The second match day of the National Blind Football League (NBFL) proved to be a thrilling affair at thePoint4 on 2 November. It was a good day for RNC in the Premiership, securing a 2-1 victory over Merseyside Blind & VI FC before delivering an upset against the formidable West Bromwich Albion (WBA) side after penalties. 

However, WBA bounced back strongly, dominating Merseyside in their final match with an emphatic 8-0 win. This result sees RNC and WBA level on points at the top of the table, with WBA holding the advantage on goal difference.

In the Championship, it was all square after the day's matches, with Team One beating Team Two 1-0. In the return match, Team Two beat Team One 1-0.

RNC leads the way in supporting talented athletes 

In October we were thrilled to announce that RNC had retained its TASS Dual Career Site accreditation. 

This groundbreaking initiative, backed by Sport England, supports talented young athletes to balance their sporting pursuits with their education. By being part of this network, RNC is committed to providing top-notch support services, including physiotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle support psychology, strength and conditioning. 

This accreditation aligns with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson's vision of prioritising the welfare, wellbeing, and education of young athletes.

Giving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a go

At the end of September two RNC students, Tait and Rico, took advantage of the free training offered by the The Combat Academy Hereford to try out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The Academy's coaches, who have experience working with visually impaired people, guided the students through the intricacies of the sport. 

BJJ, like Judo, is a sport that can be highly effective even without sight. The coaches helped them to develop their skills and the pair really enjoyed exploring the techniques and strategies of this martial art. Thanks to the everyone at the Academy for their welcome and for sharing their knowledge, and to staff member Phil for supporting the visit.

First friendly of the season for RNC's partially sighted futsal team

RNC's partially sighted futsal team enjoyed a friendly against Penybont United ladies team at the end of September. It was the first friendly of the season for our team with seven new players making their debut, and we were thrilled to see Zyare and Tait on the scoresheet. Thanks to Penybont for making the trip and we look forward to many more friendly matches in the season ahead. 

Students' dominate East Midlands Strongest Disabled competition

Teacher in Charge of Sport and Recreation, Aaron Rees, celebrated the incredible achievements of three students - Pippa Pascoe, Ryley Day-Hector and Jay Stallard - who competed in the East Midlands Strongest Disabled Man/Women competition held on 17 August in Melton, Leicestershire. 

The competition tested the athletes' strength and determination across some gruelling disciplines, including the overhead press, deadlift, Atlas stones, and the pulling of a Ford Ranger.

Pippa shone brightly, taking home the title of East Midlands Strongest Disabled Women. This win not only gave her the regional crown, it also gives her automatic qualification for the Britain's Strongest Disabled Women competition, placing her firmly on the GB pathway. 

Ryley and Jay also showed exceptional strength in their category, securing an impressive second and third-place finish respectively.

Tiri's path to medical success

We were delighted to welcome Tiri Hughes, who recently returned to the College to share her journey from RNC to a successful career in medicine. Tiri, who studied A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology from 2015 to 2018, captivated the audience with an honest and humorous account of her experiences.

Originally from Devon, Tiri attended mainstream schools but faced challenges in secondary school due to her visual impairment and wheelchair use. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically.

From a young age, Tiri had aspirations of becoming a doctor, inspired by an article about a visually impaired doctor in Cardiff, she discovered it was possible to pursue this path. 

Mohammed secures Communications internship 

RNC alumnus Mohammed Ravat shared his sight loss journey with BBC Radio WM recently. Talking to Kath Stanczyszyn, Mohammed talked about how his vision began to deteriorate aged 16, impacting his A Level studies and leaving him feeling isolated.

During the interview, Mohammed opened up about his experience with sight loss, the initial lack of support, getting back on track at RNC, and the exciting news of securing a Communications Internship at the Beacon Centre for the Blind in Wolverhampton.

Congratulations on your success, Mo!

Brandon wins LDC's inaugural Youth Ambition Award 

Huge congratulations to former RNC student Brandon Hulcoop, and founder of 'All Things Dotty', who has been awarded LDC's inaugural Youth Ambition Award. 

This award recognises outstanding young entrepreneurs from The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme. Brandon launched 'All Things Dotty' in 2021 with the mission of making the world more accessible for visually impaired people. He started with Braille greeting cards and has since expanded to create Braille menus for cafes and restaurants. His next goal is to develop Braille bus and train timetables, empowering people with visual impairments to travel independently. 

We are incredibly proud of Brandon's achievements and his dedication to making a difference. Well done, Brandon!

From RNC to the heart of Europe

Kelsey Trevett has had a remarkable journey since leaving RNC. We caught up with Kelsey recently to find out exactly what they’ve been up to.

After leaving the College, Kelsey pursued a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford. Despite the challenges of navigating university life during the Covid-19 pandemic, they excelled academically and forged strong friendships. 

A passionate advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability, Kelsey has been actively involved in the Green Party for many years. They served as the Young Greens Co-Chair from 2021 to 2023 and participated in the 30 Under 30 programme, an initiative that provides young party members with training and development opportunities. 

After graduating from Oxford in 2023, Kelsey embarked on a year-long adventure to Brussels, where they worked with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on community dialogue and social change.

Ellie graduates with Distinction

Before joining RNC's Marketing and Student Recruitment Team in October, Ellie Niblock spent the year working towards a Forensic Psychology Master’s and submitted her dissertation a couple of weeks before she started. 

Ellie has received confirmation that she will graduate in January with a Distinction after achieving 85% in her Master’s thesis. This means she is one step closer to becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist! 

Huge congratulations, Ellie!

It's Gold for Phil!

We're excited to share that our Learning Assessor and Teacher, Phil Whittall, achieved a significant milestone in his martial arts journey recently. 

Phil competed in the British No-Gi competition in Coventry on 30 November and secured a gold medal in No-Gi, a style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Phil said:

'I am a hobbyist Jujitsu guy and I compete regularly. Winning gold was a great result for me and thanks to the guys at thePoint4 who have helped with support and training to work towards my goals.'

Following this impressive performance, Phil was promoted to purple belt by his coach the following week. 

Congratulations Phil on your well-deserved achievements and we wish you continued success.

Celebrating RNC's governors

November marked Trustees' Week, an annual opportunity to recognise the essential work of trustees and governors across the UK, and we wanted to say thank you to RNC's governors for their unwavering support and guidance.

The governors play a crucial role in shaping the future of the College. They volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that the College continues to provide world-class education, training, and rehabilitation services to visually impaired and blind young people. 

We are grateful for the dedication and expertise the governors bring and we thank them for their commitment.

Trustee / governor opportunities

We are looking for motivated and committed volunteers who can bring a range of skills to the Board. Applications would be particularly welcome from people with lived experience of visual impairment and/or expertise and skills in: 

• Further Education, particularly Specialist Education 

• Estates Management / Strategy 

• Health and Safety 

• Fundraising and Marketing 

• Accountancy / Finance 

• Business 

We aim to strengthen the diversity of our Board and applications from women, people with disabilities and people from black and ethnic backgrounds are particularly welcome.

Sports Academy minibus - driving sporting success!

RNC's Fundraising Team are currently seeking support for a Sports Academy minibus, showcasing RNC logos and featuring a visually impaired athlete in specialist sports gear (similar to the one shown in the picture above). 

RNC students prove that blind and V.I. people can participate and excel in a variety of sports. The new minibus will help raise awareness of V.I. sports and ensure our teams can travel to competitions, giving them the opportunity to connect with other athletes in their respective disciplines. We've already raised £15,000, so keep an eye out – our bus will be hitting the roads soon!

Overseas travel

In June 2024, a group of 20 staff and students went to Berlin to explore the history, language and culture of Germany.

Another trip to Berlin is planned in 2025, along with a new adventure to Madrid where students will blend work experience with some cultural exploration. 

Traveling abroad is such an enriching experience - offering a chance to discover a country's history and politics, practice a foreign language, and fully immerse yourself into a different culture. These benefits are just as important for V.I. students. 

Our Fundraising Team is working hard to ensure that every student gets the opportunity to explore the world and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultures around us.

A new PA system

We are deeply grateful to The Gordon and Aileen Stephens Memorial Trust for their amazing support in helping us get a brand-new, state-of-the-art PA system. This fantastic upgrade will really amplify our voices and take our events to the next level, making our gatherings even more successful and inclusive for our students and the RNC community.

Goalball World Cup

RNC's all-female Goalball team took bronze at the European Goalball Club Association (EGCA) Women's Champions League earlier this year. 

Their achievement has earned the team an invitation to the second edition of the Clubs World Cup in Espoo, Finland, set to take place in May 2025. This marks a historic first for a UK-based club team.

We are delighted to share that we have secured the essential funding and sponsorship to get the team to Finland, and will soon have an exciting announcement to share, so keep an eye on our social media platforms and website!

Project Possible

Project Possible, an amazing initiative by Crown Paints, has generously donated fifty litres of paint to help brighten our facilities.

Their mission is to 'help everyone paint their own possible'. We are honoured to be one of the 400+ good causes they’ve supported this year, and are hugely grateful.