A visionary day

Regular readers will remember my visit to Bucks Vision a few weeks ago (link here). I was delighted to receive an invitation to their reception at the Speaker's House in the Palace of Westminster last Wednesday. It was an informative an inspiring occasion where I got to meet some fascinating people connected with the charity.

We were also given an informative presentation about Charles Bonnet Syndrome by Judith Potts, Founder of Esme's Umbrella which is the Campaign Group for everyone working towards a greater awareness of the syndrome. She was joined by Dr Dominic ffytche who was able to give more of the medical background. It seems as if there are many people who suffer with the hallucinations (that come with the syndrowe) in silence, fearing that if they speak about them with a doctor that they might end up being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The message of Esme's Umbrella is not to do this. But have a read and find out more. This could be very relevant to you if you or someone close has failing eyesight.

Here are Ms Potts and Dr ffytche in front of the portrait of our MP, John Bercow.

I also met these wonderful women (Phillippa Atkinson and Sue Thornhill) who run the local Bucks Vision group out at Gawcott Village Hall on the afternoon of the first Tuesday of each month (from 2pm I understand). This is a support group for anyone experiencing sight loss. I plan on being at the next one to show my support. (5th of December)

And here is a rather blurry picture of John Bercow who dashed over to just make the end of the meeting, having been held up in the House of Commons. There are some much better pictures here of the occasion, taken by Derek Pelling.

And is here is what the Houses of Parliament look like at the moment. They remain, for me, one of the most thrilling places to visit. (I watched Nikki Morgan and Vince Cable walk by...)

I have just been sent another pic of the 'chain gang' present at the event:

• Cllr. Emily Culverhouse – Mayor of Chesham
• Cllr. David Hopkins – Mayor of Milton Keynes
• Cllr. Mark Willis – Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury
• Mr Speaker, Rt Hon John Bercow MP
• Me, obviously
• Steve Naylor CEO of BucksVision
• Cllr. Ranjula Takodra MBE – Aylesbury Town Council
• Cllr. Clive Morgan – Mayor of Amersham

Great to see them all. (Thanks to Derek Pelling Photography for this pic)