Latest Edition 19th November, 2024

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Congratulations to our Chair, Margaret Simpson, on the award of the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to the community in the 2024 New Year Honours list. This was awarded predominantly (but not exclusively) for her enormous contribution to:

• Oxtalk (Oxford & District Talking Newspaper for the Blind) – member since 1982

• MyVision Oxfordshire (formerly Oxfordshire Association for the Blind) – Trustee since 2010

• Oxford Brookes University’s Healthy Ageing and Care Network of researchers and members of the wider community

• Oxford Brookes: Founder member of SURAG (Service User Recruitment Advisory Group), assisting in the recruitment of students for the Health and Social Care courses

• Oxford City Council Leisure Partnership Board – through her extensive links representing OX50+ and Oxtalk reviewing and assessing leisure and social activities provided throughout the city

• Oxford 50+ Network, which aims to inform and involve older people in Oxford in local issues. Through this the hugely successful annual UN Older People’s Day came into being – providing advice and support for older and disabled people in the city and county

• Oxford City Council’s Inclusive Transport and Movement Focus Group, representing OX50 and Oxtalk, which endeavours to highlight the needs of older and disabled people and ensure that all road schemes and travel/transport options are accessible and available to all, plus providing input on sensory impairment issues

• Oxford Playhouse – Volunteer Usher for 36 years