Dorset Blind Association

09/10/2026

Things are getting seriously spooky in Sherborne!

Our Sherborne shop team have really pulled out all the stops with their fantastic Halloween window display.

A huge well done to the team for putting together such a brilliant, creative display. We love seeing our charity shop windows come to life… or should that be back from the dead?!

If you're in Sherborne, pop along for a closer look (if you dare!) and have a browse for some pre-loved treasures while you're there.

📍 DBA Sherborne, 79 Cheap Street, Sherborne DT9 3BA
🕘 Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 4.30pm
📞 07484 515 071
📧 [email protected]

Every purchase helps Dorset Blind Association continue supporting people living with sight loss across Dorset.

08/10/2026

Did you know?

There are all sorts of products designed to make everyday life easier for people living with sight loss—from talking kitchen equipment and electronic magnifiers to specialist lighting and accessible technology.

At our Low Vision Day you'll be able to see some products in action and speak to the people who can offer support.

✔ Low vision aids
✔ Guest speakers
✔ Local support services
✔ Advice from our Community Support Workers
✔ FREE entry

📅 Saturday 21 November
📍 The Dorford Centre, Dorchester
🕙 10am–2pm

Save the date—we'd love to see you there.

08/10/2026

Have your say on accessible food labelling!

Have you ever struggled to identify a food product or find the information you need on its packaging?

The Braille Food Labelling Campaign, supported by Sight Scotland, wants to hear from blind and partially sighted people across the UK about their experiences.

While medicines have included braille on their packaging for many years, food products generally don't. The campaign is calling for food packaging to include product names in braille, alongside accessible technology such as QR codes or NaviLens to provide further information.

Your experiences could help make food shopping more accessible for everyone living with sight loss.

The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete, and the findings will be shared with food regulators to support the case for change.

Take part online: https://bit.ly/labelvi

Prefer another format? Email [email protected] to arrange to complete the survey by phone, email or post.

Closing date: 31 October 2026

Please do share with anyone who might like to have their say!

07/10/2026

Bookings are NOW OPEN for the 2027 Dorset Blind Association Motor Show!

Following an incredible 10th anniversary event, we’re delighted to announce that the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show will return to the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle on Sunday 16th May 2027.

Last year we welcomed more than 8,000 visitors and over 300 fantastic vehicles, and we can’t wait to do it all again!

⭐ Classic cars
⭐ Sports and performance cars
⭐ Supercars
⭐ Club displays
⭐ Trade stands, food and entertainment
⭐ A brilliant family day out, all while raising vital funds for people living with sight loss across Dorset

Vehicle exhibitor bookings are now open, so if you’d like to be part of the 2027 show, secure your place now.

Book your vehicle: https://DBAMotorShow2027.eventbrite.co.uk

We’re also delighted that Blue Sky Financial Planning will once again be joining us as our Platinum Sponsor. A huge thank you for their continued support of this very special event!

📅 Sunday 16th May 2027
📍 Lulworth Castle, Dorset

Please share and help us spread the word. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back!

Dorset Blind Association's annual Motor Show at Lulworth Castle on Sunday 16th May 2027

06/10/2026

Our seaside art display has arrived in Sherborne!

The wonderful collection of clay models created by members of our Bournemouth Art Group has reached the latest stop on its tour of our charity shops and is now on display in Sherborne!

Our members had great fun creating these seaside-inspired pieces with

Creative Clay For All, with support from Dorset Arts And Crafts Association (DACA). From colourful seaside creations to all sorts of wonderful little details, there’s plenty to spot in the display.

If you’re in Sherborne, pop into the shop and take a closer look. And while you’re there, have a browse too!

📍 79 Cheap Street, Sherborne DT9 3BA
📞 07484 515 071
📧 [email protected]

A huge thank you to everyone involved in creating the artwork, and to our Sherborne team for giving it its latest home! 🌊🎨

05/10/2026

“I wish people had more tolerance and patience.”

As part of Blindness Awareness Month, we’ve been asking some of our members what they wish more people understood about living with sight loss.

For Keith, one of the frustrations is something many people probably wouldn’t think twice about.

If he asks someone for directions, people might simply point or gesture and say, “It’s over there” – information that isn’t particularly helpful if you can’t see where they’re pointing!

It’s a small example, but an important reminder that a little more awareness can make a big difference. Clear verbal directions and taking a moment to explain properly can make everyday interactions much more accessible.

When we asked Keith what has helped him maintain his independence, his answer was simple: his wife. “Without her, I wouldn't be able to do half as much as I do.”

And sight loss certainly hasn’t stopped his love of books. Thanks to audiobooks and the DBA book group, Keith can still enjoy reading and, as he puts it, “getting lost in a book.”

Thank you, Keith, for sharing your experiences with us.

05/10/2026

Celebrating 21 wonderful years of volunteering!

We’re delighted to celebrate our lovely Pam Drelin, who has now been volunteering with Dorset Blind Association for an incredible 21 years!

Pam looks after our Swanage Club and has given so much time, care and commitment to supporting our members over the years.

To recognise her outstanding contribution, Pam has received a Room to Reward certificate, a wonderful initiative that gives inspirational volunteers the chance to enjoy a well-earned hotel break as a thank you for everything they do.

03/10/2026

Happy Birthday to us. Dorset Blind Association is 108 today!

On 3 October 1918, Dorset Blind Association was founded with a mission to support people living with sight loss across Dorset.

108 years later, that mission continues.

Today, we support more than 1,000 people every month, providing practical and emotional support, advice and equipment, social activities and opportunities to help people living with sight loss remain independent, connected and doing the things they enjoy.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible people who make up DBA - our members, volunteers, staff, trustees, supporters, fundraisers, donors, charity shop customers and community partners.

So today, we're celebrating 108 years of support, friendship and community across Dorset, and saying a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of our story.

02/10/2026

Southbourne – could you help us fill our shop?

Our Southbourne shop is looking for quality donations from local people.

Whether you're having a wardrobe clear-out, sorting the loft, redecorating or simply making space for something new, bring your unwanted quality items to us.

📍 99 Southbourne Grove, Southbourne, BH6 3QX
🕐 Monday–Saturday, 9.30am–4.30pm

Every donation that we sell helps raise money for Dorset Blind Association’s practical support, advice, activities and services for people living with sight loss.

And if you've got a larger donation that you can't bring in, we can arrange a free home collection across BCP & East Dorset:

📞 07849 641149
📧 [email protected]

Southbourne – donate to your local shop and help support your local community!

01/10/2026

Cooking, confidence and great company in Bridport!

Over the past four weeks, our members in Bridport have been enjoying a fantastic series of cookery sessions with The Friendly Food Club.

These sessions are about so much more than creating something delicious. They give people living with sight loss the opportunity to build confidence in the kitchen, learn and share practical skills, and enjoy cooking safely and independently - all in a relaxed and sociable environment.

A huge thank you to everyone at The Friendly Food Club for another brilliant series of sessions and for making them so welcoming and accessible for our members.

It’s wonderful to see our members getting stuck in, trying things for themselves and enjoying the simple pleasure of preparing and sharing food together.