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Welcome to our Spring newsletter!

As the Spring Term draws to a close, we're reflecting on a whirlwind of activity, brightened by some recent bursts of sunshine. From remarkable fundraising feats that inspire us all, to a vibrant array of sporting achievements and enriching educational trips, our students have truly embraced every opportunity. 


Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) season has showcased students' incredible talent, and we've been delighted to welcome volunteers and community leaders to witness the wonderful work happening at the College.

 

Get ready to dive into a newsletter brimming with stories of success, adventure, and the unwavering spirit of the RNC community.


Happy Easter everyone!


College news round up

Wellbeing boost for Little Princess Trust


a man sit face forward on a massage chair. A student is massaging the shoulder area of his client

Earlier this month, Massage and Complementary Therapies students brought some rest and relaxation to the Little Princess Trust in Hereford. 


Guided by teacher Jim, they provided chair, Indian head, and hand/foot massages to the staff. This valuable experience allowed students to develop their skills in a real-world setting, enhancing communication and customer service skills, and delivered much-needed therapeutic relief.

The beats of Africa


Bym from Beat Bang Bong returned to College in April, bringing the vibrant rhythms of Africa. Following the successful percussion workshop held in March, students were eager to explore African drumming techniques, showcasing their own rhythmic flair.


The evening was a great experience for everyone involved, with many eager to drum again. Our thanks to Bym for his enthusiastic instruction.

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Pupils get a taste of V.I. sport

Group cheering lo res

Early in April, a large group of pupils from St Francis Xavier Primary School visited RNC for a unique sports showcase. The event was organised by RNC students Dom, Jack, and Marcin as part of their Business Studies course. 


The students managed all aspects of the event. They arranged meetings, liaised with the school, booked activities, and organised support and refreshments. 


On the day, pupils enjoyed demonstrations and hands-on tasters in Judo (led by Coach Kieran), Goalball (introduced by students Catrin and Sam), and Blind Football (with RNC Coaches Adam and Kieran, and students Lucja and Olly). 


Wearing eye shades, the young people experienced firsthand the challenges and importance of communication in sports for the visually impaired. The afternoon was both educational and fun, culminating in refreshments served by Liz (staff) and Catherine (volunteer), providing a perfect ending to the day. Well done all!

Celebrating our incredible volunteers

Lydia singing into a microphone with audience sat in front of her

At the end of March, we took a moment to express our gratitude to the amazing volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to our College community. Our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Liz, organised a delightful evening of music and refreshments at the packed Kindred Studio, to show our appreciation.


Our students were particularly eager to contribute to the celebration, and 11 of them put on a fantastic show.

Students demonstrate their potential at showcase event

a man leans in to speak to a student on the table in front of them are various war time models (aeroplanes, tanks) with larger pictures of each

We were thrilled to welcome guests to RNC at the end of March for a special showcase event. It was a fantastic opportunity to share the work we do at the College and give visitors a real taste of College life. Guests toured the campus, interacting with staff and students, and witnessed a diverse range of activities. 


Highlights included: 

  • a look into the world of Braille. 
  • how assistive technology enables the use of industry-standard software such as Microsoft 365.
  • how students get creative both in their academic studies and in art and textiles.
  • watching students in action in the Audio Media Suite. 
  • learning about sports for the blind with goalball and blind football players. 
  • enjoying the relaxation of students at work in the Massage and Complementary Therapies Department. 
  • ASPIRE students showing their fun side making chocolate rice crispy cakes and edible slime. 

A core focus of the day was demonstrating our students' independence and adaptability. We showcased how they're learning to confidently navigate living, working, and travelling, ensuring they can thrive on their own terms. 


Everyone at RNC loved sharing their passion and expertise, and we were so pleased to see our guests enjoying the experience. We hope they left with a deeper understanding of the incredible potential of our students and the work we do here.

A leap of faith!

a person stands on a tall tower of crates that look like they may fall over. They are safely attached to a rope and wearing a helmet for safety

At the end of March, students went on an adventure to Oaker Wood Leisure, and what a fantastic day it was! 


The group fearlessly tackled a series of challenges, which really got the adrenalin pumping. A zip wire, a demanding gladiator climbing challenge, a strategic crate stacking team challenge, and the heart-pounding 'leap of faith'. 


Each activity presented unique obstacles, but our students rose to the occasion with plenty of determination and encouragement from each other.


After all that fresh air and adrenalin, everyone returned to College thoroughly exhausted.


A huge thank you to Sam, Meg, and Mel for supporting the trip.

Skirrid hike for Duke of Edinburgh group

Some of the staff and students grouped around the summit marker at the top of the mountain

Our Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants headed out for another adventure at the end of March. This time tackling the Skirrid mountain in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, near Abergavenny. 


They faced a tough climb battling strong winds, making reaching the summit a real victory. Once there, they even had to use their emergency shelter to stay warm. 


After conquering the Skirrid, a well-deserved stop was in order. They chose the legendary Skirrid Inn, the oldest (and spookiest!) pub in Wales, perfect for warming up and sharing stories of their windy hike. 


Huge thanks to Lisa, Mick, and Maria for keeping everyone safe and making sure it was a fun day, despite the challenging weather.

Hay-on-Wye field trip: river, town, and sustainability

3 people standing in the shallow water at the river's edge undertaking their velocity study

A Level students Amelie and Sonali went on a joint Geography and Biology field trip to Hay-on-Wye with Geography teacher Catherine and Biology teacher Annie at the end of March.  


They studied the velocity of the river Wye, erosion and succession of plants following flooding. They also looked at the impact of humans on the environment and conservation management strategies that have been put in place to support the local ecosystems. 


Later they went into the town to interview local people and determine the type of businesses that are found. They were able to interview Daisy from a new local business - Hay Regenerative Soils CIC - who are setting up food waste collection and composting and learned about the impact that this could have on improving the quality of soils, and removing waste from the environment.

Sing Choir Sing!

The choir singing on stage with Jo conducting. They are bathed in colourful theatre light and a backdrop of stars

RNC’s Student, Volunteer and Staff (SVS) Choir and Chamber Choir joined forces with the Herefordshire singing community in March for a performance at The Courtyard Theatre in Hereford.


The SVS Choir sang with passion. Their performance of Stand By Me featured a soulful solo by Samih who was then joined by Emmy, Jessie, Amy and Grace to build into the harmonies, before the rest of the choir joined them. It showed how far they had all come in responding to Musical Director Jo with the closing dynamics of the song. This was followed by an energetic and emotive performance of What About Us? 


The Chamber Choir performed a gentle version of These Days and a beautiful a capella piece called Underneath the Stars. With a fitting star studded backdrop and stunning solos from Lydia and Isabelle, the applause at the end was arguably the loudest of the evening.  


Both choirs ended the evening with an amazing experience singing on stage with the Vocalise Choir in an encore of Rule the World


The audience and Courtyard staff were full of praise for both choirs, citing their performances as the evening's highlight. In fact, a few days later a student was stopped in the street by an audience member to say how much she had loved the performances. 


Our next event will be at Hereford Cathedral for Sing the Celebration. For more information or to purchase tickets click the button below.

Students crack the code - twice!

A group of 7 celebrate their escape with a cheer L-R: Heloise, Sonali, Emmy, Lizzy, Maleeka, Milly and Isabella

A group of students enjoyed an exciting Escape Room experience hosted by Hereford Cathedral at the end of January.


Thanks to the collaborative efforts of RNC staff Jess Wilkes and Mel Davies, along with Verity from the Cathedral, the Escape Room was made fully accessible for students with visual impairments. 


The challenge: "It is 1890. You have been accused of embezzling money from the funds of the Vicars Choral. The police are on their way. You have been shut in the Old Chapel until they arrive, and you have just one hour to work out who has committed the crime. If you can successfully convince your guard that you are innocent, you will be released before the police arrest you...Can you prove that you are innocent?" 


The students rose to the occasion, successfully escaping the room in an impressive 59 minutes! 


Activities Co-ordinator Beth said: 'It was a really great experience and big thanks to RNC staff member Heloise, who supported the students during the activity.'


Inspired by this success, and the positive feedback received, Beth organised a second trip to the Cathedral in March. The second group demonstrated their own impressive skills, escaping in 1 hour and 5 minutes, just a whisker behind the first team. 


 A huge thanks to staff member Julie for guiding the second team to victory.

Grace, Tom, Samih, Julie, Jacob and Matteo celebrate their escape

Parkour!

Kai vaulting a wooden horse in the sports hall with other students in the background being shown parkour techniques

Students had the opportunity to participate in an exciting Parkour workshop held in the College Sports Hall in March. 


Parkour, an athletic discipline focusing on efficient movement to get from A to B, often incorporating acrobatics, provided a stimulating and challenging activity for our students.


The workshop was delivered by Wyre Parkour, a sports club led by experienced athletes and coaches. Rusty, Connor, and Nathan travelled from Worcester to facilitate the session, which was specifically adapted to be accessible for its V.I. participants. 


The focus of the workshop was on fundamental Parkour techniques, including jumping, landing, and balance, which was great for developing confidence, mobility skills, and spatial awareness. 


Huge thanks to Rusty, Connor, and Nathan for their professional delivery and to staff and volunteers who supported this wonderfully enriching experience for our students.

A prison break!

The group of students stand behind bars in a prison corridor they are pretending to plead for their freedom

Students enjoyed a fascinating and slightly spooky trip to Shrewsbury Prison in March. The prison is a decommissioned Victorian-era jail known for its rich history and ghostly inhabitants. 


Led by the incredibly knowledgeable former Prison Officer Donna, the guided tour provided a gripping glimpse into the prison's past, detailing the harsh realities of life behind its imposing walls. 


Students learned about the prison's evolution, its infamous inmates, and the daily routines that shaped the lives of those incarcerated there. Adding to the atmosphere, Donna recounted tales of the prison's three resident ghosts, contributing to Shrewsbury's reputation as one of the most haunted prisons in the UK. From chilling anecdotes to historical facts, the tour was both informative and captivating. 


A huge thank you to staff and volunteers Beth, Carolyn, Ellen, Flea, and Steve for their invaluable support, ensuring the day ran smoothly and safely.

Back to school, Edwardian style!

Students sit a classroom with a stern looking teacher in black cloak and hat

Students had a brilliant day at The Black Country Living Museum in mid-March. They started the visit with an accessible tour, exploring some of the artefacts and learning about everything from Jerushah's Tilted Cottage to the Cricket Field Brickworks.


The afternoon was spent navigating the site. The group wandered through Sidebotham's Steel Trap Works, peeked into the Back-to-Backs, and of course, some students couldn’t resist the sweet treats from the historical shops. 


One of the highlights was stepping back to 1912 for an Edwardian school lesson at St James's School. It was a fascinating and immersive experience into how different learning was back then. And to top it all off, the group hit the fairground. Some of them managed to take on the swing ride. It was a memorable day, a big thank you to all the staff who helped make sure the day was a success.

Students explore Croft Castle's history and nature

the group of 14 stands outside in front of the entrance to Croft Castle

Students enjoyed a fantastic day of history and nature at Croft Castle in mid-March. A guided tour brought the Castle's rich history to life, with tactile experiences and vivid descriptions allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the past and find out more about the Croft family who owned the Castle. 


It was a lovely day and the group was able to enjoy a picnic lunch outdoors before exploring the sounds and textures of the beautiful gardens. A huge thank you to the wonderful staff at Croft Castle for their warm welcome. Their efforts ensured a memorable experience for all. Thanks also to the volunteers and staff who supported the trip, making it a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone.

A classic sports day for all


Nathan stands in the sports hall smiling, with a few students behind him

RNC student Nathan recently organised a highly successful Classic Sports Day as part of his EPQ.


Nathan undertook surveys and research, which revealed that many of his fellow students had missed out on a traditional school sports day experience. His research highlighted the need for a safe environment where all students, regardless of visual impairment, could participate fully. 


He decided to create an event that would provide a positive and safe sporting experience. The Sports Day featured a range of classic events, including running races, relays, and traditional activities such as the egg and spoon race, beanbag race, sack race, and tug-of-war. A particularly popular addition was the space hopper race, which generated much laughter and enjoyment.

film clips from each of the activities on the day

 

You can't look, but you can touch!

Curator of the exhibition Amy stands holding a vintage phone receiver and a policeman's custodian helmet

RNC student Amy Griffin successfully concluded a three-day exhibition in March, titled You can't look, but you can touch! It was an insightful sensory experience that challenged visitors to explore artefacts through touch while blindfolded.


The event, undertaken as part of Amy's EPQ, drew significant attention and praise. Visitors were guided through a carefully curated collection of items, experiencing them in a way that prioritised tactile exploration over visual observation.


Each artefact was accompanied by a description, available in Braille and through a QR code linking to a recording of Amy’s voice describing the object. This multi-sensory approach ensured that all visitors could fully engage with the exhibition.

Massage students embrace a Parisian adventure

The group of staff and students outside the famous glass pyramid entrance of the Louvre Museum

Our Massage and Complementary Therapies students returned from an unforgettable trip to Paris in February, packed with enjoyable cultural and enriching learning experiences at the Association Paul Guinot.


The adventure began with a trip on the Eurostar followed by a welcome reception, where students mingled with their French counterparts, practising their language skills over a delicious meal and board games. 


Tuesday was a whirlwind of activity, starting with breakfast alongside professionals and trainees, followed by presentations and discussions about the Association's work. A lunch in Villejuif provided much-needed energy for the visit to Université Paris-Saclay, where students experienced a game of blind football. The day finished with a workshop led by students from the ESRP Masso-Kinesitherapy course.

Exploring the mysteries of alchemy

Maleeka explains one of her tactile art pieces to a visitor who is exploring with her hand

A fascinating journey into the world of alchemy greeted visitors at a special event at RNC in February. This unique exhibition was organised by student Maleeka, whose passion for the subject shone brightly throughout the evening. 


Maleeka had meticulously crafted tactile and sensory art pieces for each stage of the exhibition, ensuring accessibility for all and allowing everyone to engage with the concept of alchemy. Visitors explored the history, methods, and symbolism of this ancient practice, beginning with the classical elements: fire, water, air, and earth.

Students enjoy inclusive drama workshop led by V.I. artists

3 students doing some improvisation as other students watch on

RNC students recently enjoyed a 'No Dramas' workshop led by Steve and Kerry from Extant, a professional performing arts company of visually impaired artists and theatre practitioners. 


The workshop featured accessible drama exercises and games, with students particularly enjoying the improvisation tasks. Student Eliza commented: 


'It was really nice to be able to do drama again in an environment that was accepting and inclusive. I would love it if they could come again.' 


Much fun was had by all and we'll be certain to invite them back again soon.

Celebrating the Year of the Snake!

A large group of students stand with the giant red dragon cheering

The RNC community ushered in the Year of the Snake at the end of January, with a series of exciting Chinese New Year celebrations. Art Teacher Mel and her students created a magnificent dancing dragon, which became a focal point of the festivities.


Julie and Tom at the Braille Inn hosted craft activities with the support of volunteers Catherine and Sam, who helped students to create stained-glass effect snakes, while student Guoguo provided the soundtrack to the celebrations, DJ-ing some popular Chinese songs. 


The festivities continued into the next day when The Pod Cafe's Foodie Thursday featured a special Chinese menu. The dragon made a reappearance during lunchtime, adding a touch of spectacle to the dining experience, before taking a tour of the campus.

Volunteers cultivate student success in the garden

L-R Paul Sonali Katie and Phil in front of a vivid green laurel hedge holding pots of plants

One of the enrichment activities we offer at the College is gardening and horticulture. This particular activity is lead by two dedicated volunteers, Paul Smith and Phil Griffiths, who give up their Wednesday mornings to guide students in various gardening techniques using the College's polytunnel.


The group grow a range of plants which supply various locations on campus including the Sensory Garden, the Anniversary Garden, and borders around Stephens and Bradbury buildings.


Read on to find out what else our green-fingered students get up to...

Aiming high!

Human wearing headphones and looking forward with both hands on the acoustic shooting rifle

In 2024, the editor of the Hereford Times invited RNC students to contribute to the paper's 'Talking Point' column.


Following contributions from Raven and Sonali in 2024, It was Humna's turn to write for the 4 January edition. Humna wrote about acoustic target shooting - click the button below to read her article in full. 


We are incredibly grateful to the Hereford Times for offering this opportunity to our students. It's a valuable enrichment activity that enhances writing skills and confidence and will also be an excellent addition to university applications and CVs.

Stepping back in time

A group of six students, staff and volunteers standing in front of the Black and White House. The entrance is to the right and the group are standing in front of some leaded windows

Students enjoyed a fascinating trip to Hereford's Black and White House in mid-January. This beautifully preserved 17th Century timber-framed building stands in the centre of Hereford city.


Before its transformation into a museum, the house served various purposes, including a butcher's shop and a bank. Today, it showcases period furnishings and rare wall paintings that offer a glimpse into the past.


The museum is accessible and provides Braille descriptions and tactile images. The students also had the opportunity to step back in time by trying on historical costumes, adding a touch of interactive fun to their visit.

Sports news

RNC Women's Goalball team to play on world stage

4 goal ball players and a physio and coach stand in front of goal smiling

After their Bronze medal win at the European Goalball Club Association (EGCA) Women's Champions League in Finland last year, RNC’s Women’s Goalball team has received an invitation to compete in the prestigious Goalball Clubs World Cup. The tournament will be held in Espoo, Finland, from 20-26 May 2025. 


RNC is honoured to be representing Great Britain on a global stage. 


‘This is a momentous occasion for our team’, said Aaron Ford, Head of Sport at RNC. ‘After our success in the Champions League last year, we are incredibly excited to test our skills against the best Goalball clubs in the world. We are grateful for this incredible opportunity and are determined to make our mark on the world stage.’ 


The team's journey to the World Cup has been bolstered by the generous sponsorship of the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). A spokesperson from the RNIB said: 


‘RNIB is delighted to be sponsoring RNC's Women’s Goalball team for their upcoming Clubs World Cup tournament in Finland. One of RNIB’s strategic aims is to promote more accessible opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to take part in sport and physical activity. By sponsoring the Women’s Goalball team, we hope more people living with sight loss will become aware of Goalball and be inspired join a local club and enjoy the all-round benefit sport can bring, both physically and socially.’ 


RNC’s team is now focused on preparing for the World Cup and training to compete against the world's best.

RNC Goalball Academy declared Region B League winners

Goalball Region B 3 - team with medals and trophies

The Sport Wales National Sports Centre in Cardiff played host to a thrilling day of competition on Saturday 29 March, featuring the RNC Hereford and RNC Academy teams alongside the South Wales Dragons and South Wales Boars. 


The event, structured as a round-robin followed by playoff matches, showcased the talent and competitive spirit of all participating teams. The day began with RNC Hereford narrowly edging out the South Wales Dragons with a 4-3 victory, setting the tone for a series of closely contested matches. Simultaneously, RNC Academy demonstrated their strength with a decisive 6-2 win over the South Wales Boars. 


A clash between RNC Hereford and RNC Academy followed with RNC Hereford managing a win through the smallest margins - the game ended 5-4. The South Wales Boars bounced back with a 4-1 victory over the Dragons. 


The final round-robin games saw RNC Hereford continuing their impressive form with a 6-3 win against the Boars. RNC Academy also finished strong, defeating the Dragons 5-2. 


The playoff matches determined the final standings. The 3rd/4th place playoff saw a dramatic turn of events, with the South Wales Dragons overcoming the South Wales Boars 6-5 in a closely fought match. 


The 1st/2nd place playoff, a rematch between RNC Hereford and RNC Academy, was another intense battle. This time, RNC Academy emerged victorious with a 5-3 score, securing the top spot. 


After this third and final tournament of the Region B League, RNC Academy were declared champions. 


The final standings: 

1st Place: RNC Academy 

2nd Place: RNC Hereford 

3rd Place: South Wales Dragons 

4th Place: South Wales Boars 


Individual accolades were also awarded, recognising outstanding performances: 


Player of the Day: Leah Seabourne (RNC Academy) 

Region B League Winners: RNC Academy 

Region B Male Top Goalscorer: Daniel Johnson (RNC Academy)

Shimwell shines as RNC secures double victory in Paris

RNC and Bondy line up before the start of the game - Bondy have young mascots in front of them and they also have a person dressed in their team mascot - a snake

RNC Hereford's Blind Football team travelled to Bondy (Paris) for Round 3 of the European Blind Football League at the end of March, returning with two crucial victories.


The day kicked off with a dominant 2-0 win against Cécifoot Charleroi, thanks to a brace from the unstoppable Efe Shimwell. In the afternoon, Shimwell struck again, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the host team, Bondy Cécifoot Club. 


While RNC enjoyed a successful day, ASD Quartotempo Firenze continued their impressive form, topping the league table with 15 points after six games, largely due to the prolific goalscoring of Paul Iyobo. RNC Hereford sits a close second with 13 points, followed by Cécifoot Charleroi, Bondy Cécifoot Club, Borussia Dortmund, and Pirsos Thessaloniki. 


Round 3 Results: 

Cécifoot Charleroi 0-2 RNC Hereford

Borussia Dortmund 0-4 ASD Quartotempo Firenze 

Pirsos Thessaloniki 0-2 Bondy Cécifoot Club 

ASD Quartotempo Firenze 4-0 Cécifoot Charleroi 

RNC Hereford 1-0 Bondy Cécifoot Club

Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Pirsos Thessaloniki 


RNC now looks forward to Round 4, which will take place in Charleroi, Belgium, on 3 May.

Silver shot Harvey!

Harvey stands with one of the officials proudly displaying his silver medal

Students Harvey and Ana entered the British V.I. Acoustic Shooting Championships on Sunday 16 March. Competitors had 90 minutes to shoot 60 shots on a 10-metre acoustic rifle shooting range based in Aldersley. 


Ana, recovering from a wrist injury, benefited from RockTape application, provided through the RNC Massage and Complementary Therapies Department's partnership with Rocktape UK.

 

After achieving an average score of 94 and a total score of 564/600, Harvey returned to RNC with a silver medal in the Junior Division with Ana just missing out on a bronze medal losing out on the count back of 10s shot. 


Congratulations to Harvey and Ana for their dedication, and to coaches Jim and Ellie for their support.

West Brom declared champions of the NBFL with two games to go

20250316_084140723_iOS

On the penultimate match day of the season, the National Blind Football League (NBFL) delivered a flurry of goals and dramatic results that solidified West Bromwich Albion's (WBA) dominance in the Premiership. 


The day kicked off with a resounding victory for Merseyside Blind and VI FC, who dispatched RNC with a 5-0 scoreline. Goals from Williams (2), Turnham (2), and Mbuangi sealed a comfortable win. However, RNC's woes continued as they faced WBA.


West Brom delivered a ruthless display, delivering a 6-0 win over RNC. Iyobo was the star of the show, netting an incredible five goals, with Amjid adding the sixth. 


Next up it was Merseyside v WBA. Despite Mbuangi scoring for Merseyside, Iyobo's sensational hat-trick secured a 3-1 victory for WBA, confirming their status as Premiership champions.

'A surprising journey' by Ana Vindberg


Ana stands with her 3 coaches on the crash mats in a fitness studio. She has just been graded and holds a red belt in her left hand

Ana Vindberg arrived at the College with preconceptions about her limitations. Now, she's proving herself wrong – one Judo throw at a time. In her 'Talking Point' column for the Hereford Times, Ana reveals how she discovered a sport that transcends sight, builds confidence, and empowers her in ways she never imagined.


'Before coming to RNC, Judo was the last thing I ever imagined myself doing. I doubted my parents would like the idea of their blind child taking up a martial art, and honestly, I didn’t think I would grow to love it as much as I do. But like many things, that changed as soon as I started at RNC.


'Judo has become more than just exercise for me. It’s an outlet to burn off stress, build confidence, and be part of a supportive group of people who understand the challenges of visual impairment. It’s proof that my ability isn’t defined by sight, but by practise, and a willingness to try something new.'

RNC students ace VI tennis sessions


The group stand either side of the tennis net in the sports hall. They are holding tennis racquets and audible tennis balls

A group of RNC students took to the court in January for a six-week introductory tennis programme designed specifically for V.I. young people. Led by coach Steve Barnett from Activate Sports Education, the sessions proved a resounding success, introducing 14 students to the fundamentals of the sport.


The programme, funded by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Herefordshire & Worcestershire LTA under the Open Court Initiative, aimed to break down barriers and increase accessibility to tennis. VI tennis uses modified equipment, including a smaller court, lower net, and audible tennis balls.


For many participants, this was their first experience of tennis, and Coach Steve is delighted with their progress.

Fundraising and sponsorship news

The Fundraising Department has been bustling with activity throughout the year and you'll read news of successful funding bids, grand openings, general fundraising and challenge events throughout this newsletter.


Monies raised enable us to buy necessary new equipment, upgrade out of date kit, refurbish areas of our campus and buy in the latest resources. Crucially, donations enable our students to have enriching extra curricular experiences which aren't covered by their general funding. Every donation really does change lives and we're incredibly grateful for your support.

From volunteer to marathon man!


Andrew Davis running in front of the Learning Hub at RNC

Andrew Davis is lacing up his running shoes to take on the iconic TCS London Marathon on 27 April in support of the Royal National College for the Blind.


Andrew, a long-time running enthusiast, decided to tackle the ultimate endurance test this year with a clear goal in mind – to raise vital funds to support the work of the College. Andrew says it will be his first and only marathon making the challenge even more significant. 


His connection to RNC runs deep. Several years ago, Andrew completed a massage course at the College, where he developed a strong appreciation for the invaluable work the College does in supporting young people with visual impairment. Through conversations with his tutor, Jim Wallis, Andrew gained an understanding of the College's ongoing need for fundraising to continue its services. 


‘I have been running for quite a few years and genuinely enjoy it,’ says Andrew. ‘When I decided to take on the marathon challenge, it felt like the perfect opportunity to give back to a charity that does such incredible work in our local community.’

Brownie's big charity challenge


a poster with the roc logo, a QR code to her fundraising page and a picture of a bike - text reads as in article

Isabelle, the daughter of one of RNC's staff members, is taking on a big challenge for her Brownie charity badge. She'll be cycling a massive 20km on Saturday 19 April to support RNC. 


Let's show her our support and help her reach her fundraising goals. Every little bit helps make a difference to the work of the College. 


Go Isabelle!

Kimberley's smashes debut marathon


Kimberley at the end of the marathon smiling and holding up her medal

A massive round of applause, a whoop, and a cheer for Hereford Couriers Running Club athlete, Kimberley Langford. Kimberley took on her debut marathon in Brighton early in April, and absolutely smashed it. 


Running in the Brighton sunshine, she crossed the finish line in an incredible 3:11:45, placing as twelfth female overall. But Kimberley's achievements don't stop there. Her amazing efforts have also seen her nearly double her fundraising target for RNC. 


She set out to raise £500, and has far surpassed that, contributing a fantastic amount to support the College's vital work. 


Congratulations and thank you, Kimberley, from everyone in the RNC community for your incredible support.

Treats for take-off!


Bake Sale

On Saturday, 5 April, our resourceful students held a bake sale to raise funds for their upcoming trips to Berlin and Madrid. 


The students demonstrated impressive teamwork, each taking on key responsibilities. Spencer, Alyssia, and Grace baked up a storm, providing a delicious array of treats including mini egg brownies, lemon drizzle cake slices, flapjacks, Kinder Bueno mini cheesecakes, and cornflake crispy treats. 


Harvey expertly managed the card payments and sales strategy, while Spencer and Alyssia also handled advertising and customer service with great enthusiasm. 


The event was a great success, raising a fantastic £228.60!


Our sincere thanks to Fiona (staff), Freeman (student), and Freeman's mum for volunteering their time to support the event. Well done all!

RNC Partners with Rocktape UK!


Rocktape Group

We're delighted to announce that RNC’s Massage and Complementary Therapies Department has partnered with Rocktape UK.  


We've received a superb selection of their top-of-the-range products, including RockTape, RockBlades, RockPods, RockPods Vibe, and RockWave. We can't wait to see the positive impact these products will have for our clients!

Local pub quiz raises funds for RNC


The Press Room

Huge thanks to The Press Room in Leominster for their incredibly generous donation of £131 to RNC. They held a Charity Quiz in December and after watching Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell on BBC Strictly Come Dancing, they were inspired to support a charity for the blind. 


Carol Bedford from the Press Room said: 


'We hadn’t decided where December's charity quiz money was going to go but Chris and Diane made it a no brainer. Thank you for the incredible work you all do there.' 


We are really grateful to the Press Room for their support and for choosing to make a difference to the lives of young people living with visual impairment.

Dates for your diary...

TCS London Marathon

27 April 2025

Goalball Clubs World Cup (Finland) 

 20-26 May 2025


Summer Term starts 

28 April 2025


Half Term 

26-30 May 2025


International Guide Dog Day 

30 April 2025



European Blind Football League 

 (Round 5 Germany) 

 7 June 2025


European Blind Football League 

(Round 4 Belgium) 

3 May 2025


Summer Term Ends 

4 July 2025



Global Accessibility Awareness Day 

15 May 2025


New Student Conference 

 11-12 July 2025


The Royal National College for the Blind

Venns Lane

Hereford

HR1 1DT


Tel: 01432 265 725

Email: info@rnc.ac.uk

Web: www.rnc.ac.uk

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