Red 2!

Picked up my spare power chair from Solutions Mobility based up near Nottingham.  I've been toying with the idea of getting a spare chair as I am now almost totally dependent on my power chair and would be lost without it.

As I currently own a Quickie Salsa I decided to choose the same model with all the same kit on it but obviously a little newer.

After spending several weeks looking on the internet I found a company on eBay called Solutions Mobility based just north of Nottingham.  I saw one of the chairs they had list seemed to fit the bill so I gave them a call.  I spoke to Sue and enquired about the chair I saw and arranged a viewing.

Sue and Stuart couldn't have been more helpful.  The chair was bought out and Stuart started adjusting the chair to fit my measurements.  I tried the chair, handed over the cash and came away with Red 2!

I would totally recommend Solutions Mobility - nothing is a problem to them and they are more than willing to help and advise - superb customer service and value for money.

Rugby World Cup 2015 - Fuji v Uruguay

I was very lucky to receive two tickets for one of the RWC 2015 games at Stadium in Milton Keynes via the ticketing ballot held last year.
Tickets arrived in due course and blue badge parking was very easy to arrange via the dedicated phone number.

We arrived at the stadium early to park up, grab some food (and a beer!) and take in the atmosphere prior to kick off.  Unfortunately the weather was a little on the damp side but with plenty of cover there were no problems keeping dry.
Stadium MK is a superb new stadium with plenty of facilities for both abled and the less abled.  Parking is right on site, bars are easily accessible and there are plenty of easily accessible toilets.  Staff are always on hand and more than willing to help if required.

The games itself was very good.  Two physically strong teams both wanting to win that 3rd place to automatically qualify for the next World Cup in Japan.
Fiji were slightly edging it but there was always the risk Uruguay would come back.

Final score was 47 v 15 with Fiji running in 5 tries in total.  Atmosphere was excellent with a record stadium attendance of 30,085.  

London Welsh Festival of Male Voice Choirs

Saturday 18th October 2014

I've been to the Royal Albert Hall for a performance so i knew the facilities were ok, but that was a few years ago.

Mum had always wanted to see a Welsh Male Voice choir, the closest she came to it before was listening to the national anthems before the rugby on tv!

Having performed a quick google search i found that they were performing in London on the 18th October - just 3 days before her birthday - bonus!  I called the box office, booked the tickets and was told i also receive free on site parking right by the entrance.

On the day itself we arrived in plenty of time, found the carpark from the excellent directions, and was met by a lady who unclipped a chain and directed me to my parking space.  Access to the hall itself was via seemless ramps, with lifts taking me to the relevant floor.  After a gin & tonic in the roomy bar we made our way to the excellent seats via a "comfort" break.  The bathroom was very roomy, drop down bar to one side, lowered sink and dyson hand dryer.

The concert itself was superb, the mixture of songs, hymns, readings and the compare made it a truely enjoyable evening that i would fully recommend to both wheelrchair and non wheelchair users.

Northampton v MK Dons - Regional Squad Friendly, 22nd June 2014

Yesterday we took the Regional Championship team over to Northampton for a combined training session and friendly match. The Northampton team made us feel extremely welcome - they have some lovely facilities over there. The training session was very enjoyable with both sets of plays mixing well and enjoying themselves. The match saw some good play from both teams, eventually ending in a fair 2-2. A great day we hope to repeat many times.

Froch V Groves

On 31st May 2014 I was fortunate enough to go to my first boxing event - Froch V Groves, and what a night! The fight was held in Wembley Stadium so having been there before I knew there was adequate facilites for a powerchair user. Parking was in the stadium carpark, a short wheel to the lifts and up to the concorse for a cup of tea. A short wait for the gates to open and then taken to our seats by a helpful steward. There were approx 8 fights in total, culminating in the main event, Forch v Groves. The atmosphire before the fight was amazing, music, lights, fireworks, and the fight itself didn't let us down, was brilliant. Journey home was fine, traffic moving really well - unlike previous visits where the roads round there can be a nightmare. A truely excellent evening, one I will always remember.

Wheelchair Football Coaching Course

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a coaching course for wheelchair and powerchair football, hosted by the WFA at the superb St Georges Park F.A. Headquarters.

As some of you may know, I am starting to really get into this powerchair football, both playing and managing the MK Dons Powerchair Football Team.  I have been playing and training for just over a year now and was eager to go on the course to pick up some hints and tips to make training more beneficial and fun.

The course itself was very well planned and ran by Ricky and Adam from the WFA.  It consisted of some classroom based theory and then practical session in the sports hall.  We all picked up many tips and can't wait to start putting them into action.  We even got a certificate!

I cannot express how much enjoyment the football session give to the players, on a playing side but more importantly on the social side.  We get together every Saturday for training as well as evening and meals out - all extremely enjoyable.

There are teams all over the country that are more than happy to take on new players, so why not go along and give it a try?  It is for all disabilities, male or female, old or young.  The teams even provide you with the special powerchair football chair for you to have a go in!

If you are interested, the best place to start looking is the WFA website (link attached) who have contact information for all UK teams, or if you are in near Milton Keynes feel free to drop me a line.

Alders Farm Fishery

I had the pleasure of visiting Alders Farm last week to take advantage of some of the lovely weather we are having (at the moment!)

The lakes are set in a place called Great Brickhill, just to the south of Milton Kenyes in a lovely part of the countryside.

Upon arrival you make you way the short distance to the little tackle shop where you purchase your day ticket and any tackle or bait supplies you may have forgotten.  If you are in a wheelchair or have mobility issues it is abvisable to ask the baliff if it is ok to drive your car nearer the lakes as access is quite a subtantial hill that able bodied anglers have to use.  When i asked the baliff had no problems at all, just asking me to park near the side keeping the roads clear for emergency access.

Fishing was excellent, catching a carp every cast from 2lb up to just over 10lb - I was totally knackered by the end - in a good way!

Anyway, I would easily recommend the venue if you are looking to get out, wet a line, and catch plenty of fish!