Everyone has a view about snow. Love it or hate it most will agree about one thing - fresh on the ground it is a magical sight. For one group it is the crunch underfoot, the sudden exquisite silence, or that tang of fresh chill air they are more likely to enjoy. I am referring, of course, to the increasing number of people with some sort of visual impairment. Late last year I visited SAVI, the Surrey Association for the Visually Impaired; a visit that changed my perceptions. It seemed to me that the focus of the staff and volunteers is to safeguard and develop independence for their service users. Practical adaptations for the home, well-designed equipment and good computer software feature among the help and support they provide.

Their dedicated Volunteer Coordinator, Dennis Saunders, described how volunteers make a huge difference. Dennis told me: "We need help in so many ways, especially from people with IT skills. They can help service users with emails, online shopping or learning to use visual impairment software. We also need Home Visitors, Drivers and Low Vision Volunteers, who visit clients at home to ensure specialist or adapted equipment meets their needs. All our volunteers are trained in any additional skills needed."

For more information about this and all volunteering opportunities please ring me, Marion Piggott, at the Volunteer Centre, 01883 344444, email:caterhamvc@ owen29.wanadoo.c o.uk, or visit our website: www.surreycommunity.info/ tvsc/. Alternatively, meet us every first Friday of the month in Warlingham library 10.30 -11.30 a.m.

Meantime, a happy and peaceful New Year to you all.