tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48490703976699792002024-02-07T03:46:39.598+00:00MD DiaryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-84008573525164872422015-10-12T15:30:00.000+01:002015-10-12T15:30:39.654+01:00Red 2!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Picked up my spare power chair from <a href="http://solutionsmobility.co.uk/" target="_blank">Solutions Mobility</a> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pYYJuGRVW4fbIMlk8dTzFnoyBMOH8B6L7Ex2QlSrvrpfrtCM3Xzlr4XtoQOxCTyCVc3yJUArPBmfwFAmTcVPFyCgSf3htxYPm8QbBG4cgKnlKJActMsgoMFbK-lUdL1qmlglsGlxsao/s1600/IMG_1399.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pYYJuGRVW4fbIMlk8dTzFnoyBMOH8B6L7Ex2QlSrvrpfrtCM3Xzlr4XtoQOxCTyCVc3yJUArPBmfwFAmTcVPFyCgSf3htxYPm8QbBG4cgKnlKJActMsgoMFbK-lUdL1qmlglsGlxsao/s320/IMG_1399.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1P915nCXd7oBp1e2elQsAgJI0Hzw9bWHO0h8oGgiDZSPE-7aOgRTrJwg6ZRMj-ynZ1b3La4Yr0cxF8u1k9-VHcBCMo_qahqa6CIAHOT8nPD52T59c0A6zdiscstVm2KR0qQcr_76CZk/s1600/IMG_1400+%25281%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1P915nCXd7oBp1e2elQsAgJI0Hzw9bWHO0h8oGgiDZSPE-7aOgRTrJwg6ZRMj-ynZ1b3La4Yr0cxF8u1k9-VHcBCMo_qahqa6CIAHOT8nPD52T59c0A6zdiscstVm2KR0qQcr_76CZk/s320/IMG_1400+%25281%2529.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After spending several weeks looking on the internet I found
a company on eBay called <a href="http://solutionsmobility.co.uk/" target="_blank">Solutions Mobility</a> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would totally recommend <a href="http://solutionsmobility.co.uk/" target="_blank">Solutions Mobility</a> - nothing is a
problem to them and they are more than willing to help and advise - superb customer
service and value for money.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-37436515575509134112015-10-12T14:43:00.000+01:002015-10-12T14:43:28.881+01:00Rugby World Cup 2015 - Fuji v Uruguay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQUW-be05ZeiIO5CHLwT2jd4HawmQdc08PeBQeRQCZc5jD4TiGXgb4BXnE04R_aaTBVj3uro0ZKiCvfp6aOocduMa5eacY9Og4v6cFb6Sn9mEiM-cIDgy94SZwZ9o3Sq6rxNEkPXigR0/s1600/1AD78045-9989-4378-A8CA-961655F413C3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQUW-be05ZeiIO5CHLwT2jd4HawmQdc08PeBQeRQCZc5jD4TiGXgb4BXnE04R_aaTBVj3uro0ZKiCvfp6aOocduMa5eacY9Og4v6cFb6Sn9mEiM-cIDgy94SZwZ9o3Sq6rxNEkPXigR0/s320/1AD78045-9989-4378-A8CA-961655F413C3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was very lucky to receive two tickets for</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> one of the <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/" target="_blank">RWC 2015</a> games at Stadium in Milton Keynes </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">via the ticketing ballot held last year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tickets arrived in due course and blue badge parking was very easy to arrange via the dedicated phone number.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo3FkCI08zhVMrqoFo_NW4KMaYe6Ij4nwJ9diWYi4dAgSySorvDypjk1rXV7Sp1qJT78SqDWP4R1zaN5OrDei1w-vncDMmQqwWNa6YIsjhp9P0Q1GhVhQdHsUaOH0yZWR0YuTtQBjA88/s1600/48BD7554-A8CB-419F-9E84-8CF2665D52A6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo3FkCI08zhVMrqoFo_NW4KMaYe6Ij4nwJ9diWYi4dAgSySorvDypjk1rXV7Sp1qJT78SqDWP4R1zaN5OrDei1w-vncDMmQqwWNa6YIsjhp9P0Q1GhVhQdHsUaOH0yZWR0YuTtQBjA88/s320/48BD7554-A8CB-419F-9E84-8CF2665D52A6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fiji were slightly edging it but there was always the risk Uruguay would come back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-61019659648600503272014-10-27T10:56:00.000+00:002014-10-27T11:14:21.773+00:00London Welsh Festival of Male Voice Choirs<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday 18th October 2014</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span id="goog_1624601158"></span><span id="goog_1624601159"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span id="goog_460471956"></span><span id="goog_460471957"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span id="goog_2131111140"></span><span id="goog_2131111141"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-46948517802921370602014-06-23T10:42:00.000+01:002014-06-23T10:42:02.134+01:00Northampton v MK Dons - Regional Squad Friendly, 22nd June 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" cua="true" src="" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wDXUGQx3IM_YiUYRFIj19g6rmEwJjfceW_yu-bGBD55vIUzZOKfrlSQyOzkx5HSiR6m9pq0uloueN_u92Hmxk7c9-kiOR3j4Js5047cxg8srhrVBs-urPanVXjc9g8yZIHYIS4Wa4sI/s1600/nton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" closure_lm_277236="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wDXUGQx3IM_YiUYRFIj19g6rmEwJjfceW_yu-bGBD55vIUzZOKfrlSQyOzkx5HSiR6m9pq0uloueN_u92Hmxk7c9-kiOR3j4Js5047cxg8srhrVBs-urPanVXjc9g8yZIHYIS4Wa4sI/s1600/nton.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-9468657152321284532014-06-23T10:35:00.002+01:002014-06-23T10:35:46.666+01:00Froch V Groves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZh81DmdU8tfXqHHb_yqnHnMxlGmv8ViLPXS5a43JlEcAB3Ker6EMv3_mjAve5HsxytVKxSEWN6lwFAL3Qxmo6N5_43wjk1DbNni_filf2a8Cgb5g_fB4ozy9vLDRHkW1UrEmsgx4i_Y/s1600/froch1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_277236="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZh81DmdU8tfXqHHb_yqnHnMxlGmv8ViLPXS5a43JlEcAB3Ker6EMv3_mjAve5HsxytVKxSEWN6lwFAL3Qxmo6N5_43wjk1DbNni_filf2a8Cgb5g_fB4ozy9vLDRHkW1UrEmsgx4i_Y/s1600/froch1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-9818642225454376152013-07-29T10:44:00.000+01:002013-07-29T10:44:24.168+01:00Wheelchair Football Coaching Course<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a coaching course for wheelchair and powerchair football, hosted by the <a href="http://www.thewfa.org.uk/">WFA</a> at the superb St Georges Park F.A. Headquarters.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As some of you may know, I am starting to really get into this powerchair football, both playing and managing the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/195712263847863/">MK Dons Powerchair Football Team</a>. 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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you are interested, the best place to start looking is the <a href="http://www.thewfa.org.uk/">WFA website (link attached)</a> who have contact information for all UK teams, or if you are in near Milton Keynes feel free to drop me a line.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-54799872754103513332013-07-29T10:09:00.002+01:002013-07-29T10:09:27.936+01:00Alders Farm Fishery<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the pleasure of visiting </span><a href="http://www.aldersfarm.com/index.php"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alders Farm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> last week to take advantage of some of the lovely weather we are having (at the moment!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lakes are set in a place called Great Brickhill, just to the south of Milton Kenyes in a lovely part of the countryside.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, I would easily recommend the venue if you are looking to get out, wet a line, and catch plenty of fish!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8t75qXlsCft14ZSE1ekQvnUWWdC7nT37dLfKNIHAZLlKw-a9rdn2KTQgsNv_FJybN23-Pf-yOeKMzrWaugp_IJofx3q3gXzzrecBntisloiax6SKtiLJByqa0t0DMxIE-395lFJN2nQ/s1600/carp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8t75qXlsCft14ZSE1ekQvnUWWdC7nT37dLfKNIHAZLlKw-a9rdn2KTQgsNv_FJybN23-Pf-yOeKMzrWaugp_IJofx3q3gXzzrecBntisloiax6SKtiLJByqa0t0DMxIE-395lFJN2nQ/s320/carp.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-67343691918778898892012-08-23T13:03:00.001+01:002012-08-23T13:03:59.279+01:00Henlow Bridge Lakes<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On 22nd August I visited a fishery in Bedfordshire called </span><a href="http://www.henlowbridgelakes.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Henlow Bridge Lakes</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for a days fishing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Access to the venue was excellent with good facilities. These include a well stocked tackle shop and convenience store, showers if needed and clean, modern disabled toilet.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are several swims set aside for anglers with limited mobility and baliffs on hand if any help is needed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day tickets price is £8 per day which i personally think is good value for money.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4l9dh1kk4jVtWn-yV0cRjzXBhS2zSM8vnrTywvvLOnK1Qqreq9ZQhDL8-sXimh_LwAe-YQTQnLzjxS3vsDgfzt9K-6D-56rUn-prK76_XLISy99a0-4o4lvAkGge1JP80NtCReTRsvUQ/s1600/carp+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4l9dh1kk4jVtWn-yV0cRjzXBhS2zSM8vnrTywvvLOnK1Qqreq9ZQhDL8-sXimh_LwAe-YQTQnLzjxS3vsDgfzt9K-6D-56rUn-prK76_XLISy99a0-4o4lvAkGge1JP80NtCReTRsvUQ/s320/carp+1.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLpaUuHXGANCTe4r70ZBES6YLIXbPSTcrFuWoIGDdNFn_j9ZkFxua4olMwhBShyphenhyphen0qv3GUbBGDUXYkSGDGoqUnxBnQZvj95HPOdJ6q43bERXcrn10MHCalND7qWSgQyPlrb-NrLe3Kwmw/s1600/Carp+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLpaUuHXGANCTe4r70ZBES6YLIXbPSTcrFuWoIGDdNFn_j9ZkFxua4olMwhBShyphenhyphen0qv3GUbBGDUXYkSGDGoqUnxBnQZvj95HPOdJ6q43bERXcrn10MHCalND7qWSgQyPlrb-NrLe3Kwmw/s320/Carp+2.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-45291009371595440402012-08-06T18:34:00.000+01:002012-08-06T18:34:19.207+01:00Olympics 2012<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week i had the good fortune of visiting the Olympic Park in London to watch the Men's basketball. I watched two games - Lithuania V Nigeria and GB V Brazil. Both were very good games, with Lituania and Brazil both winning.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpMWtxx9UfAPfNJh_iM3eEZNkDWOhhqIEEJqkkc2X5Lbuqc2c0ZlILnfTG3Drnrb7l5n-T5HBHgruoZfDB_HstPk7UH-LtQFZEXfvgUjwTZIyCaTYHcsXxv7hwKl8HZYUr09f5ON_BmM/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpMWtxx9UfAPfNJh_iM3eEZNkDWOhhqIEEJqkkc2X5Lbuqc2c0ZlILnfTG3Drnrb7l5n-T5HBHgruoZfDB_HstPk7UH-LtQFZEXfvgUjwTZIyCaTYHcsXxv7hwKl8HZYUr09f5ON_BmM/s320/IMG_5171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The facilities in the park were excellent. As you would expect with such a modern venue, everything was accessible, flat and very well sign-posted. I had no issues at all using my powerchair kindly supplied by </span><a href="http://www.kudosfirst.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kudosfirst.</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The "games makers" were always on hand to help or point you in the right direction - all in all a brilliant day out. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL8WsXguMqAZukeuCOBbLcyqy7TIYScECJ9F48k8IOgFHRe67sDxNBiuaGfZQQn5GqO7HEFxkxcMsVQ10KFgoA4hE3mlp4oR2T-ntJXcw_bvyyNhuhtGQyF0OIDKImkp0I-Ar3s87sWU/s1600/IMG_5154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL8WsXguMqAZukeuCOBbLcyqy7TIYScECJ9F48k8IOgFHRe67sDxNBiuaGfZQQn5GqO7HEFxkxcMsVQ10KFgoA4hE3mlp4oR2T-ntJXcw_bvyyNhuhtGQyF0OIDKImkp0I-Ar3s87sWU/s320/IMG_5154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-91447308106386046252012-05-11T22:48:00.000+01:002012-05-11T22:48:34.231+01:00South Central Muscle GroupAttended a very good meeting this morning over in Milton Keynes with members of the South Central Muscle Group, Mark Lancaster MP, Laura Watts and hosted by Nic Bungay.
The agenda included various items including the presentation of the new advocacy pack, fund raising ideas from Laura and a good talk from the local MP - Mark Lancaster. It was again highlighted that there is a severe lack of physiotherapy facilities for MD sufferers.
It was my first time meeting the group, who were all extremely friendly, and will definately be attending the next one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-65341590824277634312012-03-28T21:45:00.000+01:002012-03-28T21:45:29.041+01:00Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5wZWvxSBzjQC700APSTUe3eTPPLoxoRna4M-s8drXKEtiMdIZOHpfSZurLPdg2pUKsMU3ZPgDAqtcujlU3LNgJm6EVUruQ3cw9v0nDegzKMzsQOIbHfNui60o8_FCfjxKLOghSJ_i20/s1600/wrest2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5wZWvxSBzjQC700APSTUe3eTPPLoxoRna4M-s8drXKEtiMdIZOHpfSZurLPdg2pUKsMU3ZPgDAqtcujlU3LNgJm6EVUruQ3cw9v0nDegzKMzsQOIbHfNui60o8_FCfjxKLOghSJ_i20/s320/wrest2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today I took the dogs over to <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/wrest-park/">Wrest Park</a> in Silsoe.<br />
I thought as the weather was still holding out it was time to dust off the <a href="http://www.kudosfirst.co.uk/">Kudosfirst</a> K6, grab the leads and take the dogs for a long walk.<br />
The main house is a beautiful old building surrounded by plenty of green space - all flat enough for the scooter to handle. The park istself is completely free to enter with ample parking space.<br />
Well worth a visit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQm6j1nJYxn87NAtdZ_UKXEyyvRQSS_drApzEy1dzvkaq5Ym4mQhWQeVN5PK_Mzc-geTAWn2KBPWx5NLzsODTWj7FZgcwvJ8cknrkDPkNi6jq_qD_q-x5JQjCvkoXoDdvIYT8kVIofN8/s1600/wrest1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQm6j1nJYxn87NAtdZ_UKXEyyvRQSS_drApzEy1dzvkaq5Ym4mQhWQeVN5PK_Mzc-geTAWn2KBPWx5NLzsODTWj7FZgcwvJ8cknrkDPkNi6jq_qD_q-x5JQjCvkoXoDdvIYT8kVIofN8/s320/wrest1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6mj6yTDweb5GrJnui36NPl4J8S_0rLYbV9pUUQIFz0C4QUoVA2cemwnVCJJzIMrJKcxXYxph0WqsqRlr113Z05CqKArbqdNyZ6XHIZYUtKluQDc9__gsDYjPXF-vKWA6Ctv4nsZ7qHs/s1600/wrest3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6mj6yTDweb5GrJnui36NPl4J8S_0rLYbV9pUUQIFz0C4QUoVA2cemwnVCJJzIMrJKcxXYxph0WqsqRlr113Z05CqKArbqdNyZ6XHIZYUtKluQDc9__gsDYjPXF-vKWA6Ctv4nsZ7qHs/s320/wrest3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-49178295336784206682012-01-25T15:46:00.002+00:002012-01-25T15:56:12.773+00:00Northants Saints V MunsterHeaded over to Stadium MK on 21st January for a heineken cup game.<br />Having been to the stadium many times before i knew the facilities and access were excellent, and again i was not disappointed.<br />The game itself was exciting, although Munster stamped their dominance towards the end, winning by a clear margin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-50348610160547720052011-10-19T20:40:00.004+01:002011-10-19T21:07:41.136+01:00Naidex South 2011<div><font face="verdana">I travelled to the London Excel today for this years southern Naidex.</font><div><div><font face="verdana">Traffic was fairly kind to me, only taking just over an hour to get there.</font></div></div><div><font face="verdana">Upon arrival the blue badge parking was clearly signposted and i parked the car and unloaded my power-chair.</font></div><div><font face="verdana">After my journey i needed to visit the loo, and was totally amazed that considering the Excel was hosting the event they only have one disabled toilet! The queue was already 5 deep but i had no choice but to wait.</font></div><div><font face="verdana">The exhibition itself was very good. Plenty of interesting exhibitors offering a very varied range of items, from vehicles to bathrooms - there was even wheelchair touch rubgy that you could join in with!</font></div><div><font face="verdana">I met up with prak from </font><a href="http://www.kudosfirst.co.uk"><font face="verdana">kudosfirst</font></a><font face="verdana"> and had a good chat and a catch up.</font></div><div><font face="verdana">I also came across a very helpful conversion company called </font><a href="http://www.tbcmobilityconversions.com"><font face="verdana">TBC Mobility Conversions</font></a><font face="verdana">. Tom and David introduced themselves to me and asked how they could help. I explained my situation and they were extremely helpful, resulting in me arranging a test drive for next week.</font></div><div><font face="verdana">All in all i was glad i made the trip and found it all very well organised - apart from the lack of disabled toilets!</font></div><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-35691602694413157152011-04-19T14:20:00.005+01:002011-04-19T14:36:39.315+01:00Virgin London Marathon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CRXpn9p8PAUPFIo8qFoRGhcXbg7chVQJoMqcIR3rIQPUZw4YT90AUFnSgvLGA5QW4zMNe6baxfXEE4w10viWxrVOOcBaExD3KDeBvbOgkMRjmARYjnXSzUJRW3m3ag6qAxLAAG7x5Gk/s1600/Parlament.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597287777706109266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CRXpn9p8PAUPFIo8qFoRGhcXbg7chVQJoMqcIR3rIQPUZw4YT90AUFnSgvLGA5QW4zMNe6baxfXEE4w10viWxrVOOcBaExD3KDeBvbOgkMRjmARYjnXSzUJRW3m3ag6qAxLAAG7x5Gk/s400/Parlament.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Spent an excellent day on Sunday cheering on Kirsten Knight who was running the <a href="http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/">London Marathon</a> on behalf of the <a href="http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/news/3649_a_marathon_effort">Muscular Dystrophy Campaign</a>. Kirsten managed a time of just under 4 hrs 30 mins and raised just over £2,000 for the MDC.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>I used my powerchair that was kindly supplied by <a href="http://www.kudosfirst.co.uk/">Kudos First</a>, which made things so much easier. In fact, I would never have risked going to such an event before as I wouldn't have risked falling and injuring myself, so yet again its another example of the freedom the chair has given me.</div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><div>It was a great day out, so many runners there doing their bit to raise much needed funds for a whole host of charities, and hundreds of spectators cheering them on. All in all a great experience.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-89733377906344722242011-03-29T20:19:00.002+01:002011-03-29T20:24:46.830+01:00Is spring really here??Managed to get out today and enjoy some of this early spring sunshine.<br />I went over to the Priory Marina in Bedford on my mobility scooter supplied by Kudos first. The scooter can easily handle the terrain making easy work of the ramps and bridges over the various waterways.<br />According to the weather forecast we're in for a decent weekend so i'm looking forward to getting out on my wheels!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-69326433448349538592011-03-22T11:35:00.003+00:002011-03-22T11:42:49.141+00:00Deepblue turns Deep-orange......This weekend <a href="http://www.deepblueaquatic.co.uk%22/">deepblue aquatic</a> in Hemel Hempstead is turning "deep-orange" to help raise funds for Kirsten Knight who is running the Virgin London Marathon for The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.<br />Members of staff will be wearing orange “Muscular Dystrophy Campaign” T-shirts, and there will be various draws including:<br /><br />“How many sweets in the jar” - £1 per guess, winner receives the jar of sweets, and “How many Guppies in the tank” – with the winner receiving a fish voucher.<br /><br />This is an extremely worthwhile cause so we really hope you can make time for a visit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-19099571926921437952011-03-16T18:09:00.001+00:002011-03-16T18:12:57.681+00:00New type of limb girdle muscular dystrophy identifiedInteresting news regarding LGMD announced on the <a href="http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/research/news/3473">Muscular Dystrophy Campaign website</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-87459561538884030402011-03-14T21:48:00.002+00:002011-03-14T21:53:10.842+00:00Access to Work - Practical Help at Work.Did you know there is help available if you are struggling at work with access?<br /><br />Access to Work with the DWP can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347">Click here for more information.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-62871399401969739072011-03-11T21:54:00.001+00:002011-03-11T21:59:51.440+00:00Housing benefit cut hits the disabledGovernment figures show about 450,000 disabled people will see their incomes cut under one of the changes planned to housing benefit.<br /><br />Campaigners fear thousands will be forced from their homes.<br /><br />From April 2013, housing benefit for working age people in social rented homes will be linked to the size of property councils believe they need.<br /><br />Ministers say they want housing benefit claimants to choose to rent properties they can afford when in work.<br /><br />'Recipe for chaos'<br /><br />An assessment from the Department for Work and Pensions shows the change will leave 450,000 disabled people an average of £13 a week worse off.<br /><br />Ministers want to encourage housing benefit claimants to move out of council and housing association properties that are too big for their needs, and to make savings in a housing benefit bill that has almost doubled to £21.5bn in a decade.<br /><br />But Labour's work and pensions spokeswoman Karen Buck said the changes would unfairly affect disabled people.<br /><br />She said: "If you are going to try and force them out with really proportionately swingeing cuts to their weekly income but you can't even guarantee that you're going to be able to offer them an alternative, then we are looking at a recipe for chaos."<br /><br />Adam Louton uses a wheelchair and lives with his wife Lindsay in a three-bedroom house in Westminster. He said: "I'm going to have to move well out of the area, probably up north where the housing is cheaper."<br /><br />Suicidal<br /><br />The government has already delayed a proposal to remove money designed to fund travel for disabled people in residential care from the existing Disability Living Allowance. The DLA is to be replaced with a new benefit under plans set out in the Welfare Reform Bill.<br /><br />One disability campaigner said some had told his organisation they were left suicidal about changes to their benefits.<br /><br />Disability Alliance policy director Neil Coyle said: "We've been contacted by people who've said that if they lose the kind of support that helps them get to work for example, if they're no longer entitled to that support, they'll lose the ability to be independent and they may take their own lives."<br /><br />Anyone forced to move house will be able to apply for money from a discretionary payments scheme into which the government has put an extra £130m to help deal with Housing Benefit changes.<br /><br />Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud said: "We want people to make choices about size and location of their accommodation based on what they can afford when in work, and this measure will bring the social rented sector in line with those claiming housing benefit in the private rented sector.<br /><br />"However, the government is committed to supporting the needs of disabled people, including, for the first time, providing a bedroom for a non-resident carer if someone needs overnight care for themselves or their partner."<br /><br />Councils are legally required to consider the needs of disabled people. But the Communities department has been criticised for announcing a review of all councils' statutory duties.<br /><br />A spokesman for the charity Scope said : "Under these proposals councils could decide not to provide any services to disabled people, including residential care and respite for families and carers. This is a very real threat to the lives, security and future of disabled people."<br /><br />A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said: "The department is reviewing the overall burden of statutory duties. Some duties will clearly remain vital, others may no longer be needed or may create unnecessary burdens or restrictions on local authorities."<br /><br />Source : Ross Hawkins<br />Political correspondent, BBC News<br /><br />Source:Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-46143875905534349622011-02-27T21:34:00.004+00:002011-02-27T21:47:42.833+00:00Dogs for the Disabled - Decorating Team 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19RKMMPNYCA7PKRsjYIKPtTjDSMenRvl-B-hpeMxCtUOAsoBKLLFhZixGvOPYw47e_NkofcDOb4Nlq9-lORQRLuUiRaETQwc5Vn_fnnB0DmTdNi0jrbliZXpXlnaNE-OQGFqXK4GD4eE/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578488991630839746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19RKMMPNYCA7PKRsjYIKPtTjDSMenRvl-B-hpeMxCtUOAsoBKLLFhZixGvOPYw47e_NkofcDOb4Nlq9-lORQRLuUiRaETQwc5Vn_fnnB0DmTdNi0jrbliZXpXlnaNE-OQGFqXK4GD4eE/s320/IMG_2636.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, after much planning the decorating weekend has passed off with great success.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">The team assembled Saturday morning and proceeded to take the centre by storm. The team managed to completely redecorate the 3 bedrooms, reception hall, both hallways, lounge and kitchen!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">A huge thank you goes out to the following:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Team Members - Tony "The Bear" Moliterno, Ian Henderson, Phil Howe, Nick Wall, Craig Gillespie, Michael Parish, Andrew Meakins, Darren Kempton and not forgetting Mark the handyman!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">A huge thank you also goes out to all those who donated paint, tools, beer and food!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-13358442086282351402011-02-24T16:01:00.002+00:002011-02-24T16:06:41.285+00:00Decorating Weekend<span style="font-family:verdana;">A team of 9 volunteers are making their way over to the </span><a href="http://www.dogsforthedisabled.org/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Dogs for the Disabled</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> centre in Banbury this weekend to decorate the headquarters.<br />Paint, materials and labour have all been very kindly donated (a full list will appear on here after the weekend) which is all greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Dogs for the Disabled is a pioneering charity that trains assistance dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities, and families with a child with autism.<br /><br />Photo's will be posted on here next week.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-80091441113036690732011-01-25T12:44:00.003+00:002011-01-25T12:51:50.595+00:00Virgin London Marathon 2011<span style="font-family:verdana;">A good friend of mine - Kirsten Knight - is running the London Marathon on behalf of the </span><a href="http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Muscular Dystrophy Campaign</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.<br />Kirsten has always had the ambition to run a marathon and has decided to tie this in with raising much needed funds for the MDC.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />It goes without saying, any donation at all, large or small would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to </span><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Kirsten-Knight0"><span style="font-family:verdana;">donate</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> anything you can afford for such a worthwhile cause. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Click </span><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Kirsten-Knight0"><span style="font-family:verdana;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> to go to Kirstens' Just Giving page.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">And thank you again.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-17490481507905950922011-01-24T18:53:00.002+00:002011-01-24T19:26:43.650+00:00MDC East of England Stakeholder AfternoonGood meeting today over in Cambridge with the East of England Stakeholders. Many topics discussed including the excellent news that 3 Care Advisers are planned for the region! Some really good speakers and extremely informative.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-37936930755635427462011-01-24T10:58:00.003+00:002011-01-24T11:02:58.205+00:00Views from Greenwich<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMf2d9_98D9bJGH4IzygyajPx8Bh7jldGhMPcXgoa8Pih2yJX5U9KhAg5IKyQTgws0cPfewlh_AAtae8hGgw1NLAo2Ln-GE7vFDLQOMydGacQA4sJdyndW4ksLA6MYnJYCg4HNLYX6K68/s1600/IMG_2554.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565706222235890482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMf2d9_98D9bJGH4IzygyajPx8Bh7jldGhMPcXgoa8Pih2yJX5U9KhAg5IKyQTgws0cPfewlh_AAtae8hGgw1NLAo2Ln-GE7vFDLQOMydGacQA4sJdyndW4ksLA6MYnJYCg4HNLYX6K68/s200/IMG_2554.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1pfIk2-vdAk3I04DZc46EQBtxOxf-O3CVvhs3PPV4_oJfPzqEWZMNZN8m0tl49WfUhl9PXJHRMXwtoWQqHW9LOJSpYg2DpWPz1CJ4ADm5ogqZQgV59m3EXyo5cWQvWE0VHgTs485PG0/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565706220203735810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1pfIk2-vdAk3I04DZc46EQBtxOxf-O3CVvhs3PPV4_oJfPzqEWZMNZN8m0tl49WfUhl9PXJHRMXwtoWQqHW9LOJSpYg2DpWPz1CJ4ADm5ogqZQgV59m3EXyo5cWQvWE0VHgTs485PG0/s200/IMG_2552.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgm1j8bplSrceMUtH-N6BvGCY-ObP2Ib-hlO2lSPEftk90eaZDkm1AiZSVZUHNHLyFm3AA5HRX4h0XKVLBFGB2kSB9WpD6dAZMsw4_5C_emFz3M3MZP-RV9XPdxaS4NXvH3hz12fIqd4/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565706206773256354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgm1j8bplSrceMUtH-N6BvGCY-ObP2Ib-hlO2lSPEftk90eaZDkm1AiZSVZUHNHLyFm3AA5HRX4h0XKVLBFGB2kSB9WpD6dAZMsw4_5C_emFz3M3MZP-RV9XPdxaS4NXvH3hz12fIqd4/s200/IMG_2551.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjUby9XayzHh2bjdUrq9on15CNfsGvEsoU-AEzWyHgKKxrMd6SZoyjALXEEEdZBYGf_LDd5UeOGHYuUnVATVHWXZT8Me6dViGKriU8cNNspXW40dDmSKUy17Lv8YGw1sFL2sJTYB77n0/s1600/IMG_2548.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565706201971869506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjUby9XayzHh2bjdUrq9on15CNfsGvEsoU-AEzWyHgKKxrMd6SZoyjALXEEEdZBYGf_LDd5UeOGHYuUnVATVHWXZT8Me6dViGKriU8cNNspXW40dDmSKUy17Lv8YGw1sFL2sJTYB77n0/s200/IMG_2548.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPLl3ENQulfOy633mPfdzxz45-OlZdH2YuVOAOPAAQEU5Y2mxHA-K_NVX0Hh3Oc-nFNznz5cZQiIKPH_1XE5gpUuKJX1oAZYG09KFmFKU7C_ClDqi1HED7tRvCp9cm-amPjSz67FfeUs/s1600/IMG_2540.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565706199443902482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPLl3ENQulfOy633mPfdzxz45-OlZdH2YuVOAOPAAQEU5Y2mxHA-K_NVX0Hh3Oc-nFNznz5cZQiIKPH_1XE5gpUuKJX1oAZYG09KFmFKU7C_ClDqi1HED7tRvCp9cm-amPjSz67FfeUs/s200/IMG_2540.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849070397669979200.post-85878330357026014892011-01-24T10:12:00.007+00:002011-01-24T19:59:32.159+00:00National Maritime Museum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgeUmRlp35RvRjrECo2XBBS9yJHPrqpRPY_-ZjK4q8_eBQzcFLj4RZr5d-cfYNtUr5lh850eiq1hHk222rEaI2Gv-CCGwGz7sfmK41iEXoePjHAvOAg4aD5RespElW9d6KG8BfcxcHPE/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 254px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565703012717712050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgeUmRlp35RvRjrECo2XBBS9yJHPrqpRPY_-ZjK4q8_eBQzcFLj4RZr5d-cfYNtUr5lh850eiq1hHk222rEaI2Gv-CCGwGz7sfmK41iEXoePjHAvOAg4aD5RespElW9d6KG8BfcxcHPE/s320/IMG_2533.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Yesterday i took a trip down to London to the </span><a href="http://www.nmm.ac.uk/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">National Maritime Museum</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">I decided to go there for a few reasons - a friend of mine who is a designer needed to do some research, i wanted to use the new scooter from </span><a href="http://kudosfirst.co.uk/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">kudos first</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> and also start my New Year resolution of taking a day trip once a month.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></div><div><br />To help me with my resolution i ordered a copy of the "</span><a href="http://www.accessibleguide.co.uk/home.php"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Rough Guide to Accessible Britain</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">" which is available free from </span><a href="http://www.motability.co.uk/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Motability</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> if you hold a blue badge. The guide is packed full of useful information on many popular attractions throughout the whole of the UK. It covers details like attraction prices, directions and facilities - right down to the nearest places to park and any problems you may experience.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The museum itself was very good. As you'd expect with a central London attraction it is very well laid out with all the facilities you would need.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">On site parking is available in the grounds with several pay and display machines with help on hand if required. Parking fees are applicable for badge holders, although entrance to the museum is totally free. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The entrance is found just a short scooter ride around the front of the building were a large information desk is found with plenty of staff to help and provide museum information. The museum exhibits everything from very early works of art, the early navigational tools through to early powerboats and sailing boats.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Facility wise, there is flat access throughout the venue, disabled toilets on each level and a cafe on both the ground and first floors with plenty of room to manoeuvre.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Just behind the museum just up the hill is the </span><a href="http://www.nmm.ac.uk/places/royal-observatory/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Greenwich Obervatory</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">. The hill itself is an extremely steep climb and one where i just would have not attempted if i did not have my scooter as it was just too steep. When i got to the top of the hill the views were excellent and if i didn't have my scooter i would never have seen them. I took a few snaps and then made my well back to the museum for a well earned cup of tea - mainly to warm myself up!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Anyway, the museum is well worth a visit, excellent facilities and a very good day out. </span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0