Want to keep up to date with the work of the Torch Trust throughout the UK and overseas?

A special Golden Anniversary edition of Torch Family News is now available for distribution from the Norwich Torch Fellowship.

If you would like to be sent a copy of the Golden Anniversary edition of the Torch Family News, please e-mail us with your postal address

Louis Braille Bicentenary Celebration 21st March 2009

Over 450 people, the majority visually impaired and from all over the UK, celebrated the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille's birth at a special church service held in St Martin in the Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, London on Saturday 21st March 2009.

The service, which is one of a number of events being held throughout 2009 to commemorate the life of Louis Braille, was led throughout by Braille users accompanied by blind musicians.

Afterwards, visitors were able to view an exhibition of braille resources provided by Compass Braille, Torch Trust for the Blind, the Association of Church Braillists, the Bible Society and the Royal National Institute for the Blind

Braille enables blind people to read using a system of six dots embosssed into thick paper.

Our chairman, Mervyn Ivany is shown above standing in front of St Martin in the Fields Church prior to attending the service.

Christian Resources Catalogue

The Torch Trust have just released the third edition of their "Christian Resources from Torch Trust" Catalogue.

The catalogue lists a range of items which the Torch Trust has produced for blind and partially sighted people and is designed to assist those who have wanted to help blind and partially sighted contacts obtain Christian material. The list includes some books, leaflets,resources for churches, greetings cards and promotional items.

If the recipient is registered blind or partially sighted, and provided that any printed matter is at least 16 point or greater then Torch accessible media can be sent via Royal Mail through "Articles for the Blind" free post. This type of order is best placed direct with Torch by the disabled person.

If accessible articles are being ordered along with printed materials or promotional items for delivery to the church, christian group or individual supporter, then a delivery charge will be incurred.

To request a catalogue for your church or group or to find out what is available to blind and partially sighted Christians who are based in the area, please contact us in the first instance.

Christian Books in accessible media available for loan

The Torch Trust operate a library service from their headquarters at Market Harborough and to find out what is available for registered visually impaired people you can search The Torch Trust Literature Catalogue online.

Due to copyright and postal restrictions, these books are ONLY available to registered visually impaired people, or those whose sight is less than N12 as certified by a medical practitioner. A suitable form for this latter purpose is available from the Torch Trust.