Torch Trust is a Christian organisation with a worldwide vision for people with sight loss. We produce a weekly radio programme called Reflections which airs on RNIB Connect Radio. The show focuses on faith and disability in today's world and here you can find a podcast version of the show. Uploaded weekly, after our Sunday broadcasts, this version has had music tracks removed.
…
continue reading
Torch Trust EShop Podcasts
In this episode, producer Linn Davies is in conversation with Revd Samuel Affel from the Ghana Bible Society about their cooperation with Compass Braille to launch a Braille Bible in Assante Twi. As well as talking about the importance of accessing scripture in ones native language, Samuel also talks about what education and employment is […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections – Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day
16:55
16:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:55This week on Reflections we mark 2 special occasions – Trinity Sunday, and a special Father’s Day sermon from Rev John Beauchamp too.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast – 25th May 2025 – Dr Krish Kandiah and Foster Care Fortnight
20:31
20:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:31As Foster Care Fortnight draws to a close, we’re chatting to Dr Krish Kandiah, the founder of the Christian organisation ‘Home For Good’, a charity dedicated to finding a home for every child who needs one.’ Krish is a also a Foster Carer, as well as being a government advisor, and his insight into this […]…
…
continue reading
This week Producer Linn Davies talks to Nayoung Lee, a clarinettist from South Korea who now lives in the UK. Nayoung shares her experiences of school and church life growing up, why she chose to come to the UK and how climbing mountains made her appreciate life and God in new ways. To contact Torch […]…
…
continue reading
Tony Brown has been acting Chair of Trustees for Torch for some time now. And in this episode, we get to know the man behind the role. He talks about how he got involved with Torch and shares some highlights of his recent cruise along the west coast of Africa. To contact Torch Trust with […]By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast – 27th April 2025 – Archdeacon Pete Spiers
20:21
20:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:21This week we hear from the Archdeacon of Sefton and Knowsley, Rev Pete Spiers, who chats about his disability, identity, and reflects on his love of God, finding faith and the Easter story too. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org.…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Reflections, we hear the fascinating story of Emily Owen, a Christian author who has had to learn to navigate the world with deafness after NF2A caused her hearing loss. She shares how becoming deaf has impacted how she worships God, and how her journey gave voice to her writing and the […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 30th March 2025 – Mothering Sunday
19:27
19:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:27This week we hear a special sermon from Rev Canon (Emeritus) Steph van der Toorn that explores the peaks and troughs of motherhood, and considers the struggles that so many can battle with too. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org.…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we meet weight lifter Ines Higgins as well as park runner and volunteer Alison Evans who are both blind. They both share how they’ve found great communities through their fitness journeys and give some tips on how to get moving. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 [email protected] or […]…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Reflections, we take a closer look at healing, which is a controversial topic in the disabled community. We hear from blind priest Melissa Carter who gives us her take on the subject, and delve deeper into the story of the bleeding woman. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, […]…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Reflections, Linn talks to Torch’s Becky Davies about what to expect for this year’s online Lent group. We also hear an extract from At home in Lent by Gordon Giles, the book the group will be discussing. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email [email protected] or […]…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we hear from Vicki Bryson, Torch’s new Church Partnerships coordinator, who talks about what she thinks may be some barriers to including blind and partially sighted people in Church. We also hear from Marie McCarroll who attended Torchs Northern Ireland convention. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 4…
…
continue reading
This week we hear the second part of Hardeep Rai’s story. And how he rebuilt his professional life after leaving finance and setting upkaleidoscope.group to help disabled people find meaningful work or start a business. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org.…
…
continue reading
In 2006 Hardeep Rai was living a good life. He was at the pinnacle of his career in finance and he was about to become a dad. What he didn’t know, was that the birth of his son Eshan, who was severely disabled, would turn his life in an unexpected direction, including becoming a Christian […]By Torch Trust
…
continue reading
In this episode, we hear the second part of Linn’s interview with blind sound engineer and musician Peter Bosher, who reflects on how faith inspires his music and talks about the Elizabeth Eagle-bott Memorial Fund, an exciting opportunity for blind and partially sighted musicians. We also get another teaser from Blind faith, Torch’s newest podcast …
…
continue reading

1
Reflections 26.01.2025 Sound Without Sight Part
25:15
25:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:15In this episode, Linn Davies interviews blind musician and sound engineer Peter Bosher, who shares how he got into working with sound. He also talks about sound without Sight, an initiative for blind musicians and sound makers. Visit soundwithoutsight.org to find out more. There’s also a teaser from Torch’s newest podcast Blind faith, which feature…
…
continue reading
For many, January can feel like a long, cold month. So in this episode, we speak to laughter workshop leader Ian Macdonald about how we can incorporate more laughter in our lives. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email [email protected] or visit torchtrust.org.…
…
continue reading
Bookings for the Torch Together Holiday programme 2025 opens on 13 January. In this episode, Torch Together Coordinator Becky Davies talks about this years offerings and we chat to Colin and Lesley Palgrave about what you can expect as a guest on a Torch holiday. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call […]…
…
continue reading
Braille was invented 200 years ago. And this episode looks at how Braille continues to be significant today both in the UK and abroad. New producer Linn Davies first talks to Jake Kyle from Compass Braille about the new NIV Braille Bible translation and then to Matthew Horspool about how Braille enables him to be […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 29th December 2024: Disability and Friendship
20:36
20:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:36Marilyn Baker sits down with Torch Trusts’ Sheila Armstrong to chat about friendship and disability, and how the two go hand in hand.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Torch Trust Reflections Christmas Special 2024
35:52
35:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:52Join Marilyn and the Torch Trust team as they bring you readings, messages and a Christmas special sermon. We’re also joined by comedian Paul Kerensa for the tale behind one of the greatest Christmas songs too!By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 22nd December 2024: Jade and John Reynolds – Able To Laugh – Extended Interview!
40:18
40:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:18Podcasters, authors and social media starlets Jade and John Reynolds join Chris Byland to chat faith, disability and their latest book ‘Able To Laugh‘ in this is the extended edition of Reflections.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 15th December 2024: Comedian, Writer and Podcaster Paul Kerensa – Part 2
24:17
24:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:17The second part of our chat with Paul hears him chatting about eye sight, WW1, his book Hark! The Biography of Christmas and the history podcast, The British Broadcasting Century, and much more!By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 08th December 2024: Comedian, Writer and Podcaster Paul Kerensa – Part 1
19:22
19:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:22Paul Kerensa travels around the UK constantly on tour with his various shows, currently it’s carols and comedians visiting churches which is a whole heap of fun and gets you in the mood for Christmas, but away from that he’s written for top TV shows like Miranda, Not Going Out, Top Gear, TFI Friday, The […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 1st December 2024: God, Disability and Justice – Part 2
26:43
26:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:43We hear once more from Fiona MacMillan, who shares with us her role within the Church of England’s General Synod, and what it’s doing to help churches become more disability aware.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 24th November 2024: God, Disability and Justice – Part 1
27:36
27:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:36This week on Reflections we hear from Fiona MacMillan, a member of the Church of England’s general synod, trustee of Inclusive Church, and chair of the Disability Advisory Group at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 17th November 2024: Count Everyone In
23:48
23:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:48We hear from a charity that is on a mission to connect churches with people who have a learning disability by breaking down the barriers of accessibility and helping people to understand the bible and Jesus.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 10th November 2024: Kate Nicholas – Part 2
23:31
23:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:31We hear once more from preacher and author Kate Nicholas, who continue to share her journey with God, writing and cancer.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 03rd November 2024: Kate Nicholas – Part 1
22:47
22:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:47Preacher Kate Nicholas takes us on her unusual route to finding God, and shares the journey that she’s been on with cancer.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 27th October 2024: Mental Illness and Faith – Part 2
21:59
21:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:59Freelance Theology of Mental Health Specialist, Rachael Newham, talks about how she’s been helping churches, her books and specialist degree.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 20th October 2024: Mental Illness and Faith – Part 1
20:43
20:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:43Freelance Theology of Mental Health Specialist, Rachael Newham, shares her incredibly candid, powerful and honest journey of living with mental illness and God.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 13th October 2024: Sight Loss Sunday 2024
22:39
22:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:39Join us as we mark and celebrate Sight Loss Sunday 2024 with a special church at home serviceBy Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 06th October 2024: Torch Trust CEO Sarah Dawkins
18:42
18:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:42Sarah Dawkins, CEO of the Torch Trust looks ahead to 2024’s Sight Loss Sunday with Marilyn Baker and shares just why it’s so important.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 22nd September 2024: Disability Awareness Sunday
23:30
23:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:30Disability Awareness Sunday, organised by Christian charity Through The Roof, share how they are helping churches to become more disability aware.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 15th September 2024: Chronic Illness and Faith
24:11
24:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:11We hear from online support network YouBelong to find out how they are supporting Christians living with chronic illness and disability.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 08th September 2024: Kare Adenegan
14:37
14:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:37British Paralympian Kare Adenegan takes some time out at Paris 2024 to talk to us about her life in sport and with God.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 1st September 2024: Rev Augustine Tanner-Ihm
18:27
18:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:27Rev Augustine Tanner-Ihm shares what life was like growing up in Chicago, and how living with borderline personality disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia have all impacted his faith.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 25th August 2024: God and Fencing
19:00
19:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:00This week on Reflections with Marilyn Baker, we hear from the Reverend Shuna Body MBE, who wears a multitude of hats in her day to day life: she’s a vicar in Kent, works for the fire service, a school governor, chair of a charity, is married to a sheep farmer, she’s a fencing coach, a […]By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 18th August 2024: International Paralympics Committee and Paralympic Games 2024
22:32
22:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:32This week on Reflections Marilyn is in conversation with Craig Spence from the International Paralympic Committee ahead of this year's games in Paris talking about how the Paralympics have become one of the world’s largest sporting events, diversity and inclusion, what we can expect in 2024, and some of the positives and difficulties that surround …
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 11th August 2024: Sight Village Central Review 2024
19:28
19:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:28This week on Reflections Marilyn Baker is joined by Torch Trust’s Sheila Armstrong to chat about Sight Village Central 2024 that took place recently in Birmingham, an exhibition which offers a unique opportunity to discuss and engage with new innovations and technology for people living with any degree of sight loss.…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 04th August 2024: Sports and Sight Loss
25:15
25:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:15How do you get on with getting out and about with sight loss? Hazel Dudley is a Liverpool football fan and regularly travels to games – she shares her experiences with us about her travels, enjoying sport as a fan, and the importance of Jesus in her life too.By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 28th July 2024: Dave Clarke OBE – Paralympics GB
27:35
27:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:35Dave Clarke OBE is a former England and Great Britain Blind Footballer who captained sides during his 144 appearances for his country and also scored 128 goals. He has been entered into the English Football Hall of Fame for his achievements and is now the Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association and Paralympics GB . […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 21st July 2024: The Eric Liddell Community
24:26
24:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:26With the Olympics getting underway very soon, we’re this week thinking about the Christian Missionary Eric Liddell, the famous Scottish athlete and devout Christian who during the 1924 Olympic games in Paris dropped out of the 100-metres run —his strongest event—because the qualifying heats were scheduled for a Sunday. Joining us to chat about Eric…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 14th July 2024: Blind Fury Ministries
23:40
23:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:40This week on Reflections, we’re hearing from another sporting voice - in fact, in the United States he’s got a notable standing as a national champion blind bowler, securing a top-10 national ranking! He’s also a drummer, and a marriage minister that seeks to help couples bring God into the centre of their marriages. His name is John Helton and is …
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 07th July 2024: Love All Serve All
20:45
20:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:45On Reflections this week we’re turning our attention to the tennis fortnight that’s now underway at Wimbledon and hearing from Carolyn Skinner of Third Space Ministries, a charity that supports the fans trying to get into the ground with a friendly smile, eye masks, and the love of God!By Torch Trust
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 30th June 2024: Penny Melville-Brown OBE (Part 2)
24:14
24:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:14This week on Reflections is the second part of our inspiring special with Penny Melville-Brown OBE, a former Royal Navy Commander who lost her sight during her time serving in the Navy. But after losing her sight, she didn’t give up on life – she turned her hand to helping those with disabilities get back […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 23rd June 2024: Penny Melville-Brown OBE (Part 1)
21:08
21:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:08This week on Reflections is the first of a 2 part inspiring special chatting with Penny Melville-Brown OBE, a former Royal Navy Commander who lost her sight during her time serving in the Navy. But after losing her sight, she didn’t give up on life – she turned her hand to helping those with disabilities […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections Podcast 16th June 2024: Father’s Day
21:21
21:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:21Sunday 16th of June, marks Father’s Day in the UK– a day where we pay tribute to dads and the roles they play in shaping our lives. The day however also brings with it hurt for some and we’ll be looking at the highs and lows of what Father’s Day is about with the singer […]By Torch Trust
…
continue reading
Monday 10th of June, marks the start of National Carer’s Week. It’s a time to reflect on and appreciate the people across the UK who do such amazing work caring for others. Here on Reflections we’ve spoken to lots of people about the different forms caring takes and what it involves so today’s show is […]…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections 02.06.24: Loneliness Awareness
19:51
19:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:51Today we’re talking about loneliness – something that everyone has most likely felt at one time or another. To mark the upcoming Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re chatting with Lucy from Marmalade Trust and exploring some wonderful resources that might be able to help. Learn more at https://www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org/…
…
continue reading