Apron on, blindfold on – it’s time to start cooking (From Worcester News)

Apron on, blindfold on – it’s time to start cooking

11:04am Wednesday 25th January 2012 in James Connell By Sarah Taylor

PUTTING together an evening meal is, for most, a quick job requiring little thought and no physical effort. But next time you knock up a spaghetti bolognaise or vegetable curry in 15 minutes, spare a thought for those who have to take a little longer.

Blind and partially-sighted people must take more time and a lot more care when putting together a meal.

A fact I discovered when faced with a blindfold, an onion and a chopping board in the kitchen of Sight Concern Worcestershire.

I visited the charity’s centre in Sansome Walk to take part in a cookery class which is run as part of a course for the blind and partially sighted.

Alongside Guy Marson, of Worcester-based firm Modus Creative, and Jeremy Clarke- Morris, of county-wide Kendall Wadley, who are sponsoring a fund-raising event for the charity, our teacher helped us prepare and cook a vegetable curry.

We learned to place our hands like a bridge when cutting and peeling vegetables to prevent injury. We were also told that textured marker pens and small bumps were used on packaging and cookers to enable the visually impaired to identify each item and select the right temperature.

After just under an hour of preparation we removed our blindfolds and saw a simmering mass of vegetables and spices that smelled, even if I say so myself, quite delicious.

Aside from the tempting smells, we all felt quite exhausted – mentally from high levels of concentration and physically as each movement is carefully calculated to ensure no one cuts or burns themselves.

Rhian Thompson, who began the classes at Sight Concern three years ago, told us that many visually impaired people would always face a lengthy cooking process but it was important for them to maintain a healthy diet.

She said: “After the seven-week courses their confidence and independence levels raise so much.

I think cooking is not just about preparing the dish it’s about taking it home and sharing it with friends.

“The classes allow them to socialise while they are cooking.

“They get to share their experiences with others while they are cooking instead of doing it at home with a respite worker. They learn in a safe environment among friends and people having the same or similar experiences. Teaching them has been a joy.”

Alan Steadman, aged 68, of Redstone Lane, Stourport, who is registered blind, has been attending the centre for about 25 years. He said: “The classes were a great help. We have asked for an advanced course now. I have lived on my own since June and the classes helped me a lot.

“I found that before the courses I used to cut myself.

“I would recommend people to take the course.”

If you feel inspired to support the 80-year-old charity on Thursday, March 8, Kendall Wadley Accountants, in partnership with Modus Creative, is hosting a Dining in the Dark event at Bindles Brasserie and Bar in Sidbury, Worcester.

Guests will eat their starter as normal with the main course and dessert eaten blindfolded. Diners will be invited to guess what they are eating by using their increased taste and smell senses.

Tickets for the evening, which will include a charity raffle in aid of Sight Concern Worcestershire, cost £45. To book, call Kendall Wadley on 01684 892666 or e-mail dininginthedark@kwca.co.uk.

􀁥􀁥 People who are concerned about their eye sight are being invited to get their eyes checked at Worcestershire County Hall tomorrow. The free drop-in sessions are for anyone over 50 and will take place between 9am and 5pm. For more information, call 01905 723245.

FACTFILE
􀁥􀁥 About 370,000 people are registered blind or partially sighted in the UK.
􀁥􀁥 1 in 30 people in the UK is living with sight loss.
􀁥􀁥 1 in 5 people aged 75 and over are living with sight loss.
􀁥􀁥 1 in 2 people aged 90 and over are living with sight loss.
􀁥􀁥 Nearly two-thirds of people living with sight loss are women.
􀁥􀁥 The four main causes of sight loss are aged-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
􀁥􀁥 Food is also important in maintaining healthy eyes Eating a diet low in saturated fats but rich in antioxidants, folic acid, selenium and zinc will benefit your eyes. Leafy green vegetables, orange-yellow fruits, oily fish and nuts are all good sources and may help to prevent or slow down some eye conditions.