Holidays

Visit to the Borders

by John Killick At last, Travel again!

FOR a long weekend, we picked the Cloverfords Hotel just outside Galashiels on the Peebles Road. This hotel has recently come under new ownership, and they are upgrading it as fast as money will permit to a very good standard.

One of the owners is a chef and as good a one as I have come across in a long while. When I say that his dining room was full of locals on all three nights of our stay, I think that this shows that I am right! A good chef.

I inspected the disabled room, and it is done to an extremely high standard. It includes a great wet room and easy access to the bar and restaurant. The disabled loo is as good as I have seen anywhere, but there is one problem; it is up a step from the main bar, which would make it inaccessible. This wouldn’t matter if you are staying since your room is only a step away but could be a problem if you have just called in for a meal. The owner is aware of this so it may have changed before you visit.

Places to visit: We decided on Abbotsford House, Sir Walter Scott’s little pile, and it is only about five miles away. Access, both to the house gardens, visitors centre and riverside walk, were accessible but you would require either a strong pusher or a power chair/scooter to get to the riverside walk, as there is a very steep path that could deter a more timid person. My first wife would have shouted “Great, ramp run!” and taken off and scared me half to death just watching! Still, it is accessible but don’t forget that what goes down must come back up!

The gardens are split-level. The lower

Cloverfords Hotel

The bar in Cloverfords Hotel

levels you would have no trouble with but the gravel paths in the upper walled garden are problematic? The turning circle in front of the house has been re-surfaced with what looks like gravel but is not. It is a smooth gravel effect material and is easily negotiated by wheelchair.

The house is all on one floor, and like many Scottish country houses has a great wealth of early weapons etc. unlike the much more formal English style. Sir Walter Scott was of course a writer, so his study and library are both superb. It is displayed exactly as he left it on his death. We both found it very interesting and, in spite of all that military stuff, very warm and welcoming. Would visit again. Please note that the entrance fee is for a year not just for the day.

Two other places of note that we visited on this visit were Jedburgh Abbey - this would be a challenge for any disabled person and impossible for a wheelchair and just across to the English side of Carterbar, Otterburn Mill Shop, which is extremely disabled friendly. This is more a venue for your carer than you and is a very classy outdoor specialist shop! Having been here previously when my first wife was alive however, first lock up your wallet! My second wife came out with £200 worth of winter mountain coat at a sale price of £70! The café is very good and affordable though, and they have disabled toilets!

On the Sunday, we visited the Galashiels Baptist church, which is accessible. Then, in deteriorating weather conditions, took a ride up the beautiful Tweed valley to Peebles where the scenery was fantastic, but the weather was freezing! Time to go back to the hotel for a hot toddy and dinner.

Wherever you decide to go, have a great trip.

Armour and weaponry in the Great Hall of Abbotsford House

Sir Walter Scott's Library

The Bridge and riverside at Peebles

John Killick was the secretary of the Disabled Motorists Federation for over 20 years and was also the editor of 'The Way Ahead' magazine. He continues to be a freelance writer. He was born in Norfolk and brought up in Suffolk, married a Manx girl, and now lives in north east England.

Garvald celebrates Gorgie refurb with shipment of tools to Malawi

GARVALD EDINBURGH, a charity that provides creative spaces and support for adults with disabilities has celebrated a major refurbishment of its facilities in the Gorgie area of the city as members sent off their latest shipment of tools and equipment to support adults with disabilities in Malawi in south-east Africa.

The £750,000 refurbishment, started two and a half years ago, has seen members involved in the design process to ensure more modern and accessible facilities, helping create an environment in which members have had input in creating. Garvald has 230 members across five sites, including Gorgie. Despite the disruption of Covid and the building work, Gorgie’s “Tools workshop” has seen the donation of a large shipment of equipment such as hand tools and sewing machines as part of the Tools and Training for Livelihood in Malawi project, run by The Global Concerns Trust and funded by The Scottish Government. Garvald members are involved in the collection of tools as well as sorting and restoring them, ready for a new life in Malawi, using the skills they have gained.

Garvald’s CEO, Mike Casey, said, “It was important our members are now able to fully access the support and creative activities they enjoy after our services were disrupted for so long. Opening our doors wide once again has allowed our members to reengage with their creative work, which is so important. With the refurbishment of Gorgie they can now do this in a much-improved space.

“Involving our members in planning the building refurbishment at Gorgie has allowed us to create an environment which is much lighter, brighter and more accessible and one which I hope they feel very much part of creating. Being involved in the tools project means our members are able to make a positive contribution globally and feel a part of something special.

“By supporting members to develop craft skills such as weaving, pottery and woodwork; making beautiful hand-crafted items for exhibitions or for sale in our shop or working daily on deliveries to local shops from our bakery, members find their own place in the Garvald creative community and through this to the wider community. ” Garvald Tools workshop is still looking for donations of tools, particularly old Singer sewing machines, as well as garden and woodworking tools. Feel free to call us directly on 0131 516 5114

More information can be found on the charity’s website – www.garvaldedinburgh.org.uk

About Garvald

Garvald is Edinburgh’s oldest building-based services which hosts members with a variety of disabilities. The organisation takes working inspiration from Rudolf Steiner who stressed the importance of creating a secure environment of warmth and care which can nurture the individual's true potential. Garvald is passionate about creating a positive environment where members can thrive and contribute to the wider community. For more information:

www.garvaldedinburgh.org.uk

About The Global Concerns Trust

The Global Concerns Trust was established in December 1996 in Scotland by Alastair Christie. GCT evolved from a concept developed from 1987-1996 by Alastair Christie in Singapore. We are an international development charity which supports grassroots development and environmental projects in Africa and Asia.

Over the years, GCT has worked linking schools, organisations and individuals in a supportive and learning relationship, pioneering grassroots projects in rural and urban environments. We support projects at the cutting edge of development, working in partnership with inspiring individuals and institutions at a local level.

We have a history of working with grassroots initiatives in India, Malawi and Kenya. In 2005, our partner organisation Global Concerns India was established, to develop our work in South India. Global Concerns India is based in Bangalore, Karnataka.

For more information: https://globalconcernstrust.com/malawi/

NAIDEX RETURNS - Join us for a Festival of Fun!

This July, on the 6th and 7th, Naidex is back! Expect a diverse range of exhibitors, enchanting talks on everything from lifestyle to sport, Naidex will be showcasing its new features at the NEC Birmingham - all for FREE! Register now for your FREE tickets to Naidex at www.naidex.co.uk

Village Green

The new Village Green is like a mini fete or festival. Think bunting, tasty snacks and a lot of merriment. It will have a whole host of activities and performances that you can get involved in or simply watch.

The Village Green will feature the likes of Mr Cookfulness,

Ian Taverner,

who will be giving cooking demonstrations and tips on how to navigate the kitchen with chronic pain (11 to 11.30am 6th July and 11.45 to 12.15pm 7th July). Disabled dancer, teacher, and activist Kate Stanforth will be offering an inclusive dance workshop and performance (2.10 to 3.10pm 6th July).

Don’t miss performances from Sign Along With Us, a Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer act from 2020 (1.15 to 1.45pm 6th July).

Plus, the amazing Music Man Project, an international music education service for children and adults with learning disabilities, will be showcasing a very special new song (1 to 2pm 7th July).

Pimp My Mobility

In partnership with The Grumpy Gits this year, we are launching the #PimpMyMobility Campaign! The aim is to decorate & change the appearance of your mobility aids. Come to the Village Green (6th July at 15:30) with your pimped up mobility aids for the competition and awards! Judged by the legendary Grumpy Gits themselves!

Visit www.naidex.co.uk/naidex-2022-agenda for more information on all the talks across the two days. affordable daily aids, tools, and resources to take home with you from the show.

The Disability Horizons Shop started in 2019 with a clear focus – to sell invaluable products that help to make the lives of disabled people easier and to support disabled inventors, entrepreneurs and business owners.

For several years, Naidex has been hatching a plan to showcase more affordable products alongside the bigger solutions, enabling visitors to buy gadgets that they can take away on the day.

So, with similar goals, this year, we’ve joined forces with Disability Horizons to create the Disability Horizons Marketplace, a place to highlight brilliant products that have a genuinely positive impact and cost as little as £5.

Adaptive Climbing Wall

The amazing team from the Outdoor Education Company will first have a chat and make a quick assessment of anybody that would like to try climbing so they can figure out the best way for you to attempt to scale the wall.

This could be anything from a traditional harness with additional roped support, through to their ‘para harness' suitable for wheelchair users. If you want to get to the top, they can probably get you there!

Mobility Test Track – Sponsored by TGA Mobility

Back by popular demand – the Mobility Test Track will include a variety of artificial off-road terrains, ramps, and obstacles in order to gauge manoeuvrability and suspension across all brands of scooter and powerchair available at the event. This provides you with a true representation of product performance before purchasing.

Naidex is sure to bring the fun this summer, and we can’t wait for you to return! Plus, Naidex is better shared, so feel free to bring your friends, family, and carers/PAs along!

DON’T MISS Naidex 2022 on 6th and 7th July at the NEC Birmingham. Tickets are FREE – so what are you

waiting for? Register for your free tickets at www.naidex.co.uk or call the Naidex team 020 8126 4763

On Sunday 17th July

Warrington Disability Partnership will host their 31st annual disability festival. Since its humble beginnings three decades ago DAD, as it is affectionately known, has grown immensely and has taken place in 13 countries worldwide, the latest being Cameroon. DAD Warrington is recognised as the world’s largest voluntary led pan disability event.

The historical Walton Hall and Gardens will once again be the location for the event, which offers a tented village housing over 240 exhibitors promoting independent living, a “Can Do” Sports Zone, a Performing Arts Marquee, a further Arts Marquee with displays of art and crafts, a Centre Arena with an inclusive theme, a marquee hosting a Silent Disco and a variety of family entertainers.

DAD caters for families and people of all ages, with over 120 disability support charities, being pan disability means there will be something for everyone, including mental health, sensory impairments as well as neuro diverse, physical and learning disability. Dozens of businesses will be promoting a wide range of mobility and independent products, wheelchair accessible vehicles, car adaptations and Motability car dealerships, alongside statutory service providers.

The crowds in the Arts Marquee will be treated to acts including nationally acclaimed Ella Together Performance Group, BSL Signing Choir, Creating Adventures, Dream Team Drama, Concert Bands, choirs and wheelchair/para dance. The Centre Arena entertainment included the Pipe Band, Royal Marines Drum and Bugle Corps, Birds of Prey, Physical Disability Rugby League and Martial Arts.

One of the highlights of this year’s show will be WDP’s Disability Heritage Project which includes a display of vintage mobility equipment including a 1970’s Invacar AC70, a 1917 3 wheeled invalid trike and a pre WW1 wicker wheelchair.

DAD is free to enter and includes a free event programme. Check out the range of complimentary services, BSL interpreters, wheelchair and scooter loans, free park and ride and free buses from Warrington town centre.

For more details about Disability Awareness Day visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk. To exhibit or advertise, call Kate on 01925 240064