Swimming

Further Info

This story was made on a four day training workshop for museum outreach staff.

The workshop was led by Liz Milner and Sarwat Siddiqui and was supported by Bristol’s Museums, Galleries & Archives.

Transcript

One of the things I like most about Bristol is that there is so much going on for visually impaired people. We don’t always want to do things together, but there is a lot to be said for doing some things with people who understand where you are coming from and doing them in an environment where you feel safe and comfortable.

For example, I really enjoy swimming on a Monday evening with other members of the Avon Sports and Leisure Club for the Visually Impaired. We hire the pool at the BRI. It’s quite old and the facilities are not wonderful, but it’s familiar and the lifeguards are great. They look after the guide dogs that come along, and sometimes have fun and games with them. Our sighted friends and family members are also welcome.

After swimming some of us go to the pub for a few beers and something to eat. It’s a great social event. It’s where I got to know Hazel my partner. Many friendships, of various kinds, have developed through swimming on a Monday night. For people who move to Bristol it’s a great way to get to know people. Unfortunately though, numbers have been dropping off lately and the future of the club is in doubt. If we don’t attract more members we won’t be able to afford to keep going and a real part of visually impaired people’s social scene will be lost.

Swimming was written and directed by Paul Sullivan

Sound and technical support Paddy Uglow

Visual editing Elaine Brooks and Liz Milner

With thanks to the members of Avon Sports and Leasure Club for the Visually Impaired: Hazel, John, Mary, Martin, Jackie, Dan, Silvie, Ricky, Garry, Brian.

Lifeguard Sue Meacock

Credits

All media not otherwise credited created by the story author, or permission obtained, used under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 licence.