Testimonials
Debbie Paine with guide dog Tara
I attended my first event in May and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I've never attended an unknown venue on my own and I was a little nervous. I needn't have worried. I was met off the train by my guide and she took us by car to the venue. Allison, the yoga teacher, was lovely and tailored her session to all levels and abilities. I can't wait to go again.
I attended my first event in May and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I've never attended an unknown venue on my own and I was a little nervous. I needn't have worried. I was met off the train by my guide and she took us by car to the venue. Allison, the yoga teacher, was lovely and tailored her session to all levels and abilities. I can't wait to go again.
Bim Egan with guide dog Adora
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant. The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days. Obviously Adora enjoyed it all as much as we did.
Brian and Dawn
We loved the peace and tranquillity at Clover Mill. We enjoyed the walks, the yoga and Julie's amazing food.
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant. The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days. Obviously Adora enjoyed it all as much as we did.
Brian and Dawn
We loved the peace and tranquillity at Clover Mill. We enjoyed the walks, the yoga and Julie's amazing food.
Bim
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant.
The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air, it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days.
Then there's the food … that was another experience in itself. Some of Julie's specialities were so delicious, I can hardly wait for her to finish her cookery book. Obviously my guide dog enjoyed it all just as much as we did, or perhaps even more.
Everything was wonderful! The company, the walks and the stay at the Clover Mill were all brilliant.
The volunteers deserve a special mention, they're very sensitive to the needs of people with sight impairment but not in any way intrusive. So socially and for the sake of the exercise and clear air, it was an extremely well organised and enjoyable few days.
Then there's the food … that was another experience in itself. Some of Julie's specialities were so delicious, I can hardly wait for her to finish her cookery book. Obviously my guide dog enjoyed it all just as much as we did, or perhaps even more.
V
Overall the experience was 100% positive. It was a great idea to have a yoga session before the walks as it really relaxed the muscles, so in spite of a few hours yomping up and down hills, there was no stiffness or discomfort in following days.
The scenery, trees and flowers all gave us plenty of excuses to pause without looking cowardly, and the whole experience was seamlessly organised though it didn't feel regimented.
Overall the experience was 100% positive. It was a great idea to have a yoga session before the walks as it really relaxed the muscles, so in spite of a few hours yomping up and down hills, there was no stiffness or discomfort in following days.
The scenery, trees and flowers all gave us plenty of excuses to pause without looking cowardly, and the whole experience was seamlessly organised though it didn't feel regimented.
Volunteering as a guide with Sense Adventures
Ann
I have been volunteering as a sighted guide for a few months now and I absolutely love it. We have had great days (although not always with great weather!), meeting new people, their dogs and enjoying the Malvern Hills. You don't need to be an expert in sight loss, the person you are supporting will be able to explain how best to assist them. You do need to like dogs as well as people: the guide dogs get 'time off' from their working duties on these walks and they really enjoy their freedom! Add in a picnic lunch or maybe a café for tea and cake . . . why not get your boots on and come with us next time?
Chris
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the sights and sounds of the glorious Malvern Hills with visually impaired friends. I only hope they have enjoyed our time together as much as I have.
Julie Dent
My first time as a sighted guide was on a walking holiday, where, naively, I thought the walks would be easy and slow paced if we were with visually impaired walkers - how wrong was I?! They set off at a brisk, excited pace - completely putting their safety in our hands, trusting us to steer them the safest way - quite unbelievable to me.
Looking back it was quite a responsibility but at the time it was just like walking with a friend, chatting to get to know each other and describing the view if appropriate. It was a great holiday with lots of laughs and I made new friends that I still keep in touch with. I was happy going on my own as I soon felt part of the group.
Ann
I have been volunteering as a sighted guide for a few months now and I absolutely love it. We have had great days (although not always with great weather!), meeting new people, their dogs and enjoying the Malvern Hills. You don't need to be an expert in sight loss, the person you are supporting will be able to explain how best to assist them. You do need to like dogs as well as people: the guide dogs get 'time off' from their working duties on these walks and they really enjoy their freedom! Add in a picnic lunch or maybe a café for tea and cake . . . why not get your boots on and come with us next time?
Chris
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the sights and sounds of the glorious Malvern Hills with visually impaired friends. I only hope they have enjoyed our time together as much as I have.
Julie Dent
My first time as a sighted guide was on a walking holiday, where, naively, I thought the walks would be easy and slow paced if we were with visually impaired walkers - how wrong was I?! They set off at a brisk, excited pace - completely putting their safety in our hands, trusting us to steer them the safest way - quite unbelievable to me.
Looking back it was quite a responsibility but at the time it was just like walking with a friend, chatting to get to know each other and describing the view if appropriate. It was a great holiday with lots of laughs and I made new friends that I still keep in touch with. I was happy going on my own as I soon felt part of the group.
