Strictly Wheelchair Dancing!

Have you had a longing to dance now that Strictly Come Dancing has begun again but felt your wheelchair would stop you?

Read how one woman has made it possible for herself or watch Strictly wheelchair Dancing at the White Hart in Lydgate for a fundraiser evening on Wednesday 23rd October from 7pm.

Find out more about wheelchair dancing here.

Downton-esque Deals In A Wheelchair!

Luxury travel-discount company Secret Escapes are celebrating the return of Downton Abbey to our screens by releasing a round-up of deals on stately home hotels across the countryside, offering guests the opportunity to catch up with the Crawleys from the ancestral seats of the British aristocracy.

They all have wheelchair access but you have to book quickly!

 

 Top Five Downtonesque Deals

 

1. Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa, Matfen, Northumberland
From £65 / per room per night (up to 70% off hotel's rack rate)

 

The ancestral home of Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett, Matfen Hall Hotel is a dignified country estate in the rugged Northumberland countryside. It's surrounded on all sides by 300 acres of pretty parkland and is just half an hours' drive from Newcastle city centre. The hotel balances old school British tradition and modern luxury, with dining in the grand old library, a spa, an indoor pool and a 27-hole golf course.

Offer includes accommodation in a classic room with breakfast, use of the spa and fitness facilities and a 15% discount on spa treatments, golf or in-hotel dining (this doesn't include drinks).

Book by 29th September 2013
Available select dates September to December 2013

http://www.secretescapes.com/matfen-hall-hotel-golf-and-spa-matfen-northumberland/5040/sale?gce_rvs=a&utm_expid=38636964-73.jP0A9MqUT4KWgt6PyIM4PA.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.secretescapes.com%2Fcurrent-sales%3Fgce_rvs%3Da



2. The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green, Cotswolds, UK
From £179 / per room per night (up to 53% off best available rate)

 

The historic Manor at Weston-on-the-Green is a magnificent country house hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds, located a short drive from the magical spires of Oxford.  The hotel boasts refined interiors, immaculate gardens, a chauffeur service and an award-winning kitchen to trump Miss Patmore.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic/Historical room, full English breakfast, five-course tasting menu dinner and 10% discount VIP shopping card to Bicester village, chauffeur service to Bicester village.

Book by 29th September 2013
Available select dates September to November 2013

http://www.secretescapes.com/the-manor-at-weston-on-the-green-cotswolds-uk/4800/sale?gce_rvs=a&utm_expid=38636964-73.jP0A9MqUT4KWgt6PyIM4PA.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.secretescapes.com%2Fcurrent-sales%3Fgce_rvs%3Da



3. Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Hintlesham, Suffolk
From £105 / per room per night  (up to 53% off best available rate)

 

The toast of Suffolk, Hintlesham Hall is a 16th Century, Grade I listed country house surrounded by beautiful gardens and 175 acre grounds.  The hotel features a grand restaurant, superb afternoon teas, public lounges, sophisticated bedrooms and a luxury spa and is adjacent to an 18-hole golf course.

Offer includes two options; a flexible stay in a superior double room with a full English breakfast, or a two-night stay in a superior double room with a full English breakfast and a two-course dinner from a set menu on your first evening.

Book by 29th September 2013
Available select dates from October 2013 to January 2014

http://www.secretescapes.com/hintlesham-hall-hotel-hintlesham-suffolk/4883/sale?gce_rvs=a&utm_expid=38636964-73.jP0A9MqUT4KWgt6PyIM4PA.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.secretescapes.com%2Fcurrent-sales%3Fgce_rvs%3Da



4. Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa, Kettering, Northamptonshire
From £89 / per room per night (up to 45% off best available rate)

 

The Grade I listed Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa in Northamptonshire is a magnificent 16th century building surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful grounds. With its large lake, croquet lawn and tennis court, these grounds provide the ultimate country escape.  The hotel features a gourmet restaurant, a full sized billiard table and the superb Stable Yard Spa - which has its own indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, gym and range of treatments.

Offer includes a stay in a superior or state room with breakfast and entrance to the hotel's spa and leisure facilities, 10% discount on all spa treatments and 10% off dining in the award-winning restaurant.

Book by 29th September 2013
Available select dates September to December 2013

http://www.secretescapes.com/rushton-hall-hotel-and-spa-kettering-northamptonshire/5126/sale?gce_rvs=a&utm_expid=38636964-73.jP0A9MqUT4KWgt6PyIM4PA.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.secretescapes.com%2Fcurrent-sales%3Fgce_rvs%3Da



5. The Ickworth Hotel, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
From £189 / per room per night (up to 38% off best available rate)

 

The Ickworth Hotel is situated in the grounds of the grand Ickworth stately home, a National Trust property which dates back to the early 1700s and is one of the most unusual and spectacular mansions in the country. The house is distinguished by a soaring 100 foot high rotunda and 1800 acres of parkland featuring pristinely maintained Italianate gardens and expanses of wild woodlands.

Offer includes a stay in a standard double room, full English breakfast and three-course dinner from a la carte menu.

Book by 29th September 2013
Available select dates September to November 2013

http://www.secretescapes.com/the-ickworth-hotel-bury-st-edmunds-suffolk/5201/sale?gce_rvs=a&utm_expid=38636964-73.jP0A9MqUT4KWgt6PyIM4PA.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.secretescapes.com%2Fcurrent-sales%3Fgce_rvs%3Da

The British Paraorchestra Win Big Society Award!

 The orchestra, which shot to fame after performing with Coldplay at the
closing ceremony of the 2012 Paralympics, is the latest winner of a Big
Society Award Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.

*The British Paraorchestra* has been recognised for providing a successful
platform for the country’s most talented musicians with disabilities.

The orchestra was founded by British conductor Charles Hazlewood, whose
youngest daughter Eliza was born with cerebral palsy and a talent for
music. As the Paralympics does for sports, the British Paraorchestra seeks
to raise awareness and to shift perceptions of disability by creating a
visible platform for gifted disabled musicians to perform and excel at the
highest level.

Since its launch in January 2012, The British Paraorchestra has:

   - written and recorded the theme music for Jon Snow’s Paralympic Show on
   Channel 4
   - performed a new version of the British National Anthem at Buckingham
   Palace for the Queen’s 2012 Christmas Broadcast
   - been the subject of a major Channel 4 documentary, screened just
   before the Paralympics Closing Ceremony
   - grown to a membership of 26 musicians
   - performed at festivals and venues around the UK, including the
   Unlimited Festival, Southbank Centre, Orchestra in a Field and the Snape
   Proms in Aldeburgh

The British Paraorchestra will open the Ipswich Music Festival tonight at 7.30pm, Great School.
The Ipswich School Festival of Music runs until Wednesday, October 2.
www.ipswichschoolfestival.org.uk

Downing Street Reception

Yesterday, Samantha Cameron, the wife of the Prime Minister, David Cameron, hosted a reception at 10 Downing Street for the Henry Spink Foundation.

TheHenry Spink Foundation is an independent charity created to help families of children and adults with severe disabilities of all kinds. It provides information on conventional and complementary/ alternative medicine, therapies and research relating to a very wide range of physical and mental disorders.

 

Those present included the Patrons: Felicity Kendal CBE, Darcy Bussell CBE, Alan Titchmarsh MBE, Alastair Stewart OBE, Terry Waite CBE & Tim Spall OBE FRSA.

Overcome Your Flying Fear!

Flying and being a wheelchair user is no longer a problem with a bit of planning but does the thought of being in the air stop you from going anywhere?

easyjet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic run nationwide courses to help people conquer their fear of flying.

Conquer your fear of flying with our Fearless Flyer course | Fearless Flyer

http://flyingwithconfidence.com/

http://www.flyingwithoutfear.co.uk/

Choosing The Right Travel Ramp

GUEST POST

Choosing the right travel ramp for you

Whilst many popular travel destinations have good wheelchair access, there are many places that are still not very wheelchair friendly. Whether you’re travelling within the UK or sight-seeing abroad, not being able to access tourist attractions, restaurants or museums can be really frustrating and limit the enjoyment of a holiday. Travel ramps are a great solution to the problem of limited accessibility and can vastly improve your mobility. Small and lightweight, they can be stored and easily transported on the back of a wheelchair. We’ve taken a look at some of the best travel ramps available at the moment to give you an idea of the choices you have.

Ultralight Handiramp

 

The Ultralight Handiramps are simple to use, robust ramps ideal for kerbs and single steps. The set comes complete with an easy-carry storage bag ideal for fitting to the rear of wheelchairs when the ramps aren’t in use. As the name suggests it’s very light and has an impressive weight capacity of 400kg (63 stone).

Bentley Fielden lightweight travel ramp

 

A small, lightweight portable ramp, this model comes with its own carrying bag and can be folded in half to create extra storage space. Weighing only 7lbs, it manages to be extremely durable and has an overall weight capacity of 300kg (47st).

Jetmarine Travel Ramp

 

The Jetmarine Travel Ramp is designed for ease of handling and features an excellent hard-wearing non-slip surface. It can be easily folded away and comes with a helpful Velcro strap that holds the ramp shut whilst in storage. The Jetmarine is made from glass reinforced plastic which helps keep the unit light and portable.

Roll-Up Ramp

The Roll-Up Ramp is a compact, highly convenient ramp that rolls up for storage, saving you lots of space for whatever else you need to keep with you whilst you’re out and about. It’s easy to use and features a grooved surface to aid grip, ensuring you won’t struggle or slip whilst using it.

Things to remember when choosing a ramp

·         There are four main types of ramp available: rollup ramps, multi-fold ramps, single fold ramps and track ramps.

                                   

·         Make sure you get a ramp with the right weight capacity for you and your wheelchair.

 

·         Consider what type of wheelchair you have and the types of incline you’re likely to navigate whilst you’re travelling.

 

·         Always keep your specific requirements in mind. Do you have an electric wheelchair or manual? Three wheeled or four? These can be deciding factors when choosing the best ramp for your needs.

 

http://www.bentleyfielden.co.uk/ is a leading supplier of access ramps for those with mobility issue, supplying both individuals and organisations. As a family-run business we pride ourselves on being able to provide an access solution for everyone.

Accessible Luxury Hotel Bars

This weekend, the London weather is meant to get a brief break from the cold snap (supposedly!). If you want to add a bit of glamour to your weekend and enjoy the fresh air before it changes, there are two fully wheelchair accessible hotel bars with amazing views to experience.

The Grange St Paul's is a luxury five- star with 433 bedrooms, four restaurants, a bar and a dedicated attitude to disabled guests. Their services include:

·         Step-free entrance

         22 accessible bedrooms with adapted bath/shower facilities

9 accessible public toilets

·         Lift access to all bedrooms and meeting rooms

·         Hard-of-hearing induction loops in public areas and meeting rooms

·         Push-button access to Business Centre and Club Lounge

·         Accessible staging in main meeting room

·         Guide and helper dogs welcome

·         Disabled parking nearby.

A must during the nice weather is the roof terrace. (There is a disabled toilet at the entrance.)  You can experience the superb view of St Paul’s Cathedral across the road and enjoy views of landmarks including Shakespeare’s Globe.

If you want to get in the mood for London Fashion week though, head to the ME London hotel. It is ultra-stylish and new and ‘the place to be seen’. It has 157 rooms, including 16 suites; two restaurants and two bars.

The Radio Rooftop Bar opened in March and has an outdoor terrace and spectacular180 degrees panoramic views of London (London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Covent Garden). There is an Express Lift to take you straight to the 10^th floor but if you are not good with heights, there is also the Marconi Lounge on the ground floor.

The hotel has a step free entrance and large, disabled, toilets.

Use a wheelchair? Access denied...

Last weekend (7/9), after a delicious meal in Carluccio’s, my friend and I decided to finish our evening with a cocktail in a nearby hotel bar. The Hotel Russell is a large venue so we assumed access would not be a problem.

The main entrance is at the top of a large flight of stairs, so we politely asked the doorman where the accessible entrance was. He rudely asked if we were staying at the hotel and after hearing that we were not, he told us there was no other way in and went back to his conversation. We were left stunned at the hotel’s rejection and disappointed that such a thing could happen after the success of the London 2012 Paralympics. While still in shock, two different men kindly offered their help to get in the hotel, but I was not prepared to let them risk injury (of themselves or me) just because the porter was so unhelpful and lazy.

As the shock faded, I decided to ask the porter how we would get in if we were staying at the hotel. He mentioned a ‘stair climber’ but still did not offer to get it. We then told him we wanted to go to the bar and he reluctantly said he would go and get it.

Eventually, when the stair climber appeared, the porter tried to make a sarcastic joke as we climbed the stairs. We found it to be in bad taste after the way he had treated us and there was no offer of an apology.

Once finally inside the hotel, the bar staff could not be more helpful and the wheelchair access throughout was great so it was disappointing one person’s actions could ruin a very accessible venue which is proud of its access improvements.

As a full time wheelchair user, I have never felt so humiliated and met anyone so ignorant. We had never met the porter before so he did not know how much money we were planning to spend or if we were even guests at a wedding which was being celebrated the same evening. He would have been happy for my friend and I to find another venue if we hadn’t have spoken up and as a large London hotel, he gave a terrible impression to any disabled tourists who may have tried to get in.

Have you had a bad experience with a hotel porter or been denied access due to your wheelchair in the past?

Why Aren't There Models In Wheelchairs?

 Turkish designer Bora Aksu will be the opening show at this year's London Fashion Week, on Friday 13 September, which will mark his 10th year at the event but what about wheelchair users interested in fashion?

While many high street stores have made adaptations so there is a wheelchair accessible fitting room, there are still not many wheelchair users on the catwalk or in fashion pages, even though there are disabled model agencies.

Brazilian designer Candida Cirino has been designing clothes for wheelchair users since 2011 so why are there not more specialist designers?

Are you a model in a wheelchair? What has been your experience?

New Mobility: The magazine for active wheelchair users

How to Use a Manual Wheelchair: 18 Steps - wikiHow

New to using a wheelchair or know someone who is? This link will tell you everything you need to know;

How to Use a Manual Wheelchair: 18 Steps - wikiHow

Adapting your home

If you want to move house but don't know where to start with making it wheelchair accessible, read these tips to help you.

http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/home-improvements/guides/adapting-your-home-for-disability/disability-access/

House chores from a wheelchair

The majority of British women still report doing most of the housekeeping – and are less happy about the situation than men.

British women today are still responsible for the majority of traditional chores associated with housekeeping, new YouGov research confirms. 61% of women say that they do the majority of the cleaning and tidying in their household and 57% say that they do the majority of the cooking. Only 5% say  their husband or boyfriend does the majority of cleaning and 12% the cooking.

The only area of housework in which men report doing the majority of the work is fixing things around the house. 72% of men felt that they were most likely to fix something that was broken, only 2% believed their female partner was more likely to. Even this, however, is viewed slightly differently by women: 26% of women felt that they were most likely to fix something that was broken, with 37% believing their partner was more likely to.

Watch how cleaning doesn't have to be a chore when you're in a wheelchair.

 

 

 

Christmas Party!

Now that summer is over, is your mind creeping towards Christmas? Only 113 days to go! The inevitable Christmas party will soon be arranged but get in there first with your wheelchair accessible suggestions before you are forced to a) reject your invitation or b) spend the next few months figuring out how to enter the venue or researching accessible toilets nearby.

Whether it is a bar or restaurant, you want to enjoy yourself getting into the festive spirit, rather than becoming the Grinch because of access problems. Click here for a full list bars restaurants (in London) and suggest any other places you would recommend to the wheelchair community.

Blippar!

 For those lucky enough to be having a late summer holiday, now that the schools are going back, there is a new app you can get to stop airport boredom while many wait for airport help.

Blippar has created the world’s first augmented 3D reality passport.  

• Any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet device can be used to ‘blipp’ the front cover of the British passport

• Once blipped, travellers will see a 3D plane take off from the passport – when tapped, they can navigate to a holiday-inspired game to keep the kids entertained in the airport departure lounge

• The blipp includes common phrases in Spanish, French, Italian, and Croatian, provided for families to brush up on their language skills just before take- off