Welcome to the SAIBA Website!!!
Based in Sandwell (West Midlands, UK), The Sandwell Active Independent Blind Association (otherwise known as SAIBA) was the brainchild of two founder members, Sandra and Rob way back in 1981.
The idea behind the setting up of the group was to help visually impaired people who may otherwise not have the confidence to go it alone to get out and have an interesting social life. They knew of some groups that were already in place for blind and partially sighted (visually impaired) people, but these seemed to be attended by mostly elderly people. As at the time, both Sandra and Rob were of a younger age group, they wanted to attract people of their own generation. Indeed, in its earlier years the group was known as SAYBA (Sandwell Active Young Blind Association) However, as we all got older it was decided that we should change the letter 'Y' to an 'I' using the word 'Independent' instead of 'Young' thus to keep the sound of our title.
Over the years we have organised hundreds of activities for our members. We have been on many SAIBA holidays abroad in Yugoslavia, Portugal, Malta, Corfu, Zakinthos, Crete and later in 2008 we are planning SAIBA's first transatlantic trip, a long weekend in New York! We’ve also had many shorter breaks in back in Britain including holidays to the Isle of Wight, Ludlow, Center Parcs and last year some members even braved a rain lashed camping break in Snowdonia!
Each year, we have four regular events. The Winter Wind-down, which usually entails a trip to a pub, which might otherwise be difficult to get to by public transport. There we have a meal (not obligatory) and a few drinks. In the summer we have our Mid Summer Night Out which is similar, but we do try to get well out into the country for this one. The Mid Winter Night Out, follows the same format, but this time not too far out because of possible poor weather conditions. We have the annual Christmas Party and Raffle Draw in December and this year it will be held at The Crosswells pub in Langley. Transport is provided for all of these activities. The transport will pick people up at designated pick-up points, and wherever possible, they will be dropped off near to their homes.
These are the main events of the year. However, there are lots of other events interspersed with these. Last year there were theatre trips, and also a visit to the Black Country Living Museum. In addition, we meet socially every Tuesday evening from around 8:30pm at a selection of local venues.
2008 is SAIBA's 27th year and 2006 was our Silver Anniversary. The 25th party went off with a bang, with live music provided by The Wazocks. There was an excellent buffet to compliment the great bar. We contacted as many past members as we could, and invited them to the reunion. It was a very successful event and we hope our 30th will be even bigger and better!!!. We must be doing something right, or we would not be still in existence.
If you require any further information about SAIBA and its activities please call Stuart on 0121 429 8104 or email info@saiba.org
