VISION IMPAIRED VISITORS TO NORFOLK LAVENDER ENJOY TRUE SENSORY EXPERIENCE

A group of vision impaired people were given a real sensory experience when they were given a special tour of Norfolk Lavender at Heacham.

Around 20 blind and vision impaired visitors and volunteers were treated to a VIP tour of the National Collection of Lavenders, which numbers more than 100 different species, before touring the lavender distillery to learn how the flowers are distilled to make oil for Norfolk Lavender’s renowned perfumes and toiletries.

The visit, organised by Vision Norfolk, was part of the sight loss charity’s ongoing programme of special leisure and sporting activities to help tackle the social isolation which visual impairment can cause.

Edward Bates from Vision Norfolk, who is himself blind, said, “The visit to Norfolk Lavender was excellent for our group, because the flower is as much about its scent as its visual beauty – this was certainly a sensory tour.

“Being able to get out and about is so important for people living with sight loss, who often struggle with isolation as well as practical issues such as travel.  We are so grateful to our fantastic team of volunteers who made the trip possible.”

The trip was part of Vision Norfolk’s extensive programme of social, leisure and sporting activities aimed at vision impaired people in the county.  For more details, visit www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/supporting-you/activities.