Holidays

Winter Driving

(Some Gentle Hints)

by John Killick

STORM ARWEN hit the UK at the end of November and the snow quickly followed! We don’t often get a lot of the white stuff these days so many, especially young drivers, haven’t experienced driving on snow and ice.

The editor, since he doesn’t like the thought of his readership being involved in road traffic accidents, has asked me if I can write a piece this time about driving in bad weather. So all you old duffers like me who have experience driving on snow may skip this article, but for those who don’t here are some hints on survival in bad weather.

Please read what follows as hints on staying alive. Others would probably say, “Well for basics ok, but what about so and so!” It is not a final say on the matter but just a general guide. With this in mind the best advice anybody can give is, “Stay at Home”! Or, in other words, “If your journey is not essential don’t make it!” In my early days we didn’t have four-wheel drives, most cars were fitted with rear wheel drive only which made them spinning machines! You are a lot luckier but that doesn’t mean that spins are impossible! Just watch any track racing and those drivers practice constantly for such things!

Now I also know that main roads are normally well gritted these days but with all due respect to the council’s gritting department, which tries really hard to keep the roads open, they can do little about snow falling on fresh grit then freezing solid. So, how can you tell if this has happened? • You can’t tell. The first you will know about it is when you touch your brakes and either nothing happens, or you suddenly discover you are facing the wrong way! In the first instance you are now sliding into the back of the vehicle in front! What to do? Firstly, triple the braking distance you would normally allow for. This gives you plenty of time to think or run off that icy stretch and for your brakes to start working. If on a rise, take your foot off the accelerator and allow gravity to help.

On one occasion on a down slope I drove the front of my car into the snow on the side of the road and used that to break me. Whatever you decide is appropriate, you will require that extra braking distance. In a spin, take your foot of the accelerator and turn into the spin. This will usually bring you out of the spin, if not pray that some poor bloke isn’t coming the other way! • Black Ice! This normally forms on wet roads and can be picked out by noticing that the shiny stuff has just gone a flat matt colour. This is probably the most dangerous road condition of the lot since the chances are you will not spot it until you detect

Perhaps a good day to leave the car at home (taken about 4 years ago in South Shields)

Perhaps not the best time to be in the Lake District

a slide or spin and by then it is a bit late. React as before.

I had an accident in these conditions many years ago on the M18. I had stopped for a line of stationery traffic when I spotted a pair of headlights coming right at my rear end and they were not slowing! Bang! I got out to have a quiet word with the other driver and went straight onto my backside! Ouch! Black ice! • Driving on falling snow! In a blizzard your visibility will be very little. Switch on all lights including fogs in daylight hours. This is so that other drivers will see you, not so you can see where you are going.

Speed; this is difficult since too fast and you will write your car off, too slow and you will bog down on the first drift you come to. I have found that 15 to 25 mph usually is about right, but it does depend on the conditions so don’t take that as gospel. Best action? If you can find one, then get behind a gritting machine leaving plenty of braking distance and pray that he is going your way.

How to prepare for winter driving conditions:

Firstly, make sure that your vehicles service is up to date. You should have done that by the end of September so I will assume you have done this, and you have good tyres and a sound battery. Make sure your screen washers are full with plenty of antifreeze and that your wipers are in good order. The other thing I used to do when I was a field engineer towards the end of September was to place a good arctic weight sleeping bag along with a length of hose, an old army-trenching tool and some emergency rations in the car. When averaging 300 miles a day all over Northern

Britain getting stuck was an ever-present likelihood, and I had a wish to live!

I think everyone in this country should get skidpan training but that is expensive so probably isn’t going to happen. A much cheaper option is to find a nice empty car park at the first sign of snow and preferably with the aid of somebody who knows what they are doing, try a few spins and learn how to control them where you are not likely to cause any damage. When I was in the RAF we used to use an empty aircraft pan for this.

OK, that’s a few gentle hints. I hope they will give you some idea should you have to use your car in extreme winter weather. To finish, the only safe driving on snow and ice is not to use your car at all. I have plenty of experience and some training in driving in these conditions and I can assure you that my car stays at home in these conditions now I am retired!

Please drive safely.

Upper Wear Dale - should have stayed home!

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.

Preparing for the colder weather: advice for powered wheelchair and scooter users

When venturing out on your scooter or powered wheelchair, you should plan for whatever the weather may bring. Especially in winter, the weather can be unpredictable, so it is even more important to be prepared before you head out. With that in mind, we’ve put together five simple tips to help you stay safe and mobile in the coming months. •Stay Visible

The shorter days mean it’s more likely you’ll be travelling outside of daylight hours. If you need to travel after dark, make sure you’re as visible as possible. Many of the larger scooters have lights, but if yours doesn’t, it may be worth buying a highvisibility jacket or vest so that you’re more noticeable.

•Protect the battery

The cold weather can affect your scooter’s battery so you should try to store your product away from the elements – ideally inside, such as in a shed or garage. If this isn’t possible, keep it under cover to help prevent the battery from freezing. Don’t forget, a weather-proof storage cover was included in your lease package for when your product is not being used.

•Check the forecast

Always check the weather forecast before your travel. Always check the weather forecast before you travel. If you have a smartphone, you may also want to consider downloading a weather forecasting app so that you can check for any changes whilst out and about. In the event of snow, or where snow is forecast, it’s really best to avoid any journeys that aren’t absolutely necessary.

•Plan your route

If it’s icy outside, try to avoid any hills by taking an alternative route, and stay clear of rural roads or places you know may be hazardous. This may add more time to your journey but it will be worth it to stay safe. If you do go on a longer journey than normal, ensure your product is fully charged – you could even take your charger with you in case you need to top up the battery while you’re out.

•Speak to your dealer

If you have any concerns about your scooter, now is the time to speak to your managing dealer and make sure everything is working as it should. It is always best to err on the side of caution and get any issues checked out as soon as possible, even if it is only a minor concern.

Motability Assist

If you breakdown, the Motability Assist helpline and recovery staff are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to get you and your scooter home safely. In the event of an emergency, you can contact Motability Assist on 0800 953 5000.

Alternatively, if you have a smartphone, you can download the Motability Assist app. Simply search ‘Motability Recovery’ on the Google Play Store or App Store and follow the installation instructions.

Once the app is downloaded on your phone, if you ever break down, simply open the app, click ‘Rescue me’ to generate a text message with the coordinates of your exact location and press send.

Pre-journey checks

Before you set off, we recommend taking a moment to check the following:

• Tyres: Are your tyres sufficiently inflated?

Are there are any signs of damage? If you notice anything, speak to your managing dealer for advice. • Battery: Do you have enough battery charge to complete your planned journey? If you’re in any doubt, you might want to consider delaying your trip. • Clothing: If you break down, will you be warm enough while you wait for recovery? If not, take an extra layer just in case. • Medication: If you take any prescription medication, would an issue with your scooter impact when you next need to take this? If so, it might be worth taking it with you.

For more information contact Motability by telephone on 0300 456 4566 or visit www.motability.co.uk

Be an artist! Express yourself with paint! Have a ball! Enjoy making your own brilliant artwork to put on Your wall! Imagine That :)

MOST OF US LIKEart on our wall, whatever it may be, but it’s usually some-else who’s made it. If you could make your own artwork, imagine how good that could feel particularly if you have partial sight or if you are blind. When we feel like expressing ourselves art can be the most rewarding and revising way of showing skills you thought you never had.

Why Blind Create then? Why should I bother to have art tuition like this? What's so special about this service?

I make the art work with you, and I go through each step of the artwork with you as your mentor. It's really a mentoring service, because you discover that you’re making the artwork as you’re in control using specific techniques. It's entertaining but you feel like you are stepping into the shoes of an artist. I create the stage for your imagination.

Blind Create has a Blog and testimonials which describe how great this tuition service is.

Have you ever wondered how the great painters made their art, and why art is so enjoyable to look at? Well through the art sessions I describe why we use techniques and how to use the resources you have at home, and how to make your artwork as dramatic or as subtle as you want it.

Dave’s Diary Blog describes the developments of Blind Create every week and how partners such as MASIS (charity), CareYourWay and Designate are part of this exciting new journey.

‘Thank you so much for today. We both had a ball!! Lloyd & Jemima’. That was one comment from a present client who continues to enjoy the informal and productive sessions. They look forward to each session and thoroughly enjoy the time and making the paintings. ‘I really enjoyed learning how to paint dogs as I now have a little Cairn terrier. I will enjoy mixing acrylic paints to obtain various colours and textures which can be built up in fairly swift stages. I saw how David changed a blank page into a life like spaniel over zoom. It was phenomenal to observe. ‘I am now keen to purchase both a fan brush and stipple brush after David kindly showed me in the zoom lesson how to utilize these brushes to paint the dog fur, in various different directions in order to make it come alive. It was fascinating and mesmerizing to see the animal take shape. I painted the dog in pastels as I watched David paint in acrylics. David thank you for invigorating my old interest in art again. I so appreciate your time and effort. I want to further progress and learn about the use of light and dark tones, textures, oils, pastels, inks and acrylics. I enjoyed the whole process, and it was terrific to learn from the comfort of my own home whilst watching David demonstrate. His classes have invigorated my love of art and I have been keen to purchase various giclee prints of his fantastic artwork, which arrives swiftly and beautifully packed. I enjoyed learning about perspective and I had fun drawing. These lessons have reignited my desire to draw and paint with David’s help.’ Tricia ‘Toby’ by Jemima (Blind Create client) ‘Jemima continues to thoroughly enjoy the art tuition sessions

Example studio set up painted by David

‘Toby’ spaniel – example by David

Brighton Pier by Patricia (Blind Create client)

from the moment Blind Create launched. Jemima’s father helps her throughout every session, with choosing, mixing colour and applying the paint.

‘David sometimes wears funny hats and uses props to make the sessions fun and engaging. Jemima sometimes puts on a hat or has a toy or prop that goes with the theme of the painting with her to make the session fun and interesting too.’

So, visit Blind Create for yourself and find out if you can reach your potential www.blindcreate.com

TIME TO START TALKING SLEEP IN THE COMMUNITY

NATIONALaward winning The Sleep Charity is all set to get the nation chatting about sleep with the launch of its new Sleep Talkers wellbeing scheme. The brand-new service is developed by The Sleep Charity and funded by the National Lottery.

Said Amy Wilson, Sleep Talkers Project Manager: “Using a ‘Train the Trainer’ approach, the service will train organisations and their volunteers in the basics of sleep and give them the knowledge and skills needed to empower people to begin those important conversations around how to achieve a better night’s sleep.”

The new ‘Sleep Talkers’ will share information and guidance about how to spot the signs of sleep difficulties and provide early intervention support in the heart of communities on a national level. Other key goals include reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, improving mental wellbeing and growing the network of Sleep Talker volunteers, as well as those who can access support through the project. Whilst the initial focus will be the SEND community, the charity will be broadening its support to include other key communities such as older adults and ethnic minorities over the next 12 months. The project will also be evaluated by Dr Simon Durrant, Director of the Sleep & Cognition Laboratory at the University of Lincoln and Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of Research in the School of Psychology, to provide an evidence base which will enable the service to grow in scale over the next two years, reaching people across the UK in a wide range of communities.

EVERYDAY SUPERHEROES FROM THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY FIND THEIR POWER ONCE AGAIN AT WINTER WONDERWHEELS EVENT

WINTER WONDERWHEELS – part of the Superhero Series, the UK’s only mass-participation sports series dedicated to people with disabilities – took place on 5 December with people aged 270 taking on the fun competitive event.

Powered by Marvel, the event brought people with any kind of disability together to compete in a unique, solo or team challenge; cycling, walking, running or pushing 1km, 5km or 10km at 2012 Summer Paralympic and Olympic venue, Dorney Lake, Windsor. As per usual, the event throws out restrictive rules and regulations and encourages participants to use any method of support required to complete their challenge - all ‘gadgets and gismos’ were welcomed on the course, from day chairs and bikes to walking frames and trikes.

Participants could also choose between flying solo or teaming up with ‘Sidekicks’ (non-disabled family and friends) to take on the unique challenges with as much or as little time and support as needed. With a huge emphasis on fun, Winter Wonderwheels participants and their ‘Sidekicks’ were also encouraged to come along dressed as their favourite Superhero with a dash of festive sparkles

In addition to the three challenges (1km / 5km / 10km), was the ‘celebrity race’ for members of the public who won the chance to unite with high-profile Celebrity Team Captains from TV and sport by sharing their super stories. This year’s event saw celebrities including Bake Off star and TV presenter Briony Williams; Paralympic equestrian Sophie Christiansen; Paralympic cyclist, Megan Giglia; Paralympic canoeist, Anne Usher; Paralympic field athelete Stephan Miller and Military Parasport athlete Dave Henson; led competition winners in their very own teams as they completed the course.

Getting into the Super Hero theme of the day, celebrites super’d up with some festive fun, but this event has never been about the celebrities, it’s about the Everyday Superheroes who boldly face what life throws at them. At The Superhero Series there’s almost too many incredible stories to mention, but here’s two that are particularly SUPER.ååith Cerebral Palsy when she was 3 years old. Over the past few years Sienna has worked SUPER hard to get where she is now, with weekly physio sessions and training she uses exercise and sport to build her strength, balance and fitness. Sienna will not only be taking on the celebrity 5K challenge with Paralympic champion Sophie Christiasen, she will also be taking on an amazing 10K with her personal champion and Sidekick Dad. Another stand- out story of the day and fellow competition winners is the SUPER SEN school Clifton Primary. This school in Birmingham is positively BURSTING with SUPER- sonic Superheroes. They use their SUPER team work powers to work together in getting active and having FUN! This huge team of Superheroes are a SUPER force that can’t be reckoned with. The students of Clifton Primary schooål will be making their way down to Dorney Lake to take on the SUPER 5K challenge. Four SUPER students Amila, Jibreel, Charlie and Ahmed will represent Clifton in the celebrity 5K mission alongside TV presenter, colomnist and Bake- Off star Briony Williams. The Superhero Series is founded and run by Paralympian, Sophia Warner, who has been involved in disability sport for more than 25 years. Speaking of why live events are so important for the disability community, Sophia says: “ This was the first time the Superhero community reunited in what feels like a huge amount of time. They have been particularly hard hit during these times and have not only been more at risk from serious illness but have also been more isolated. We are so happy to see everyone back out together. As well as the live event, a further 1,500 people also chose to do the At Home Winter Wonderwheels virtual version - these have been a life- line for theå disability community over the past 2 years”.

If you consider yourself to be a Superhero or have a Superhero in the family who would love the chance to get active and have a SUPER- sized day out, sign up for the next event,

Superhero Tri on the 20 August 2022. If virtual missions are more your style sign up for At Home Superheroes commencing on the 23 July at Superheroseries.com

Art with Heart’s new show Stan roars into

venues across the UK for Spring tour 10th February – 20th March 2022

CELEBRATING the power of play, the joy of communication and the positive force of friendship, Stan (named after the T-Rex at Manchester Museum) is a powerful and poignant new production, commissioned by Z-arts and developed by Art with Heart with the help of over 200 deaf and hearing primary school children from Greater Manchester. The production positively demonstrates how we can overcome language barriers, and challenges preconceptions of deafness.

Sam (Ross Thompson) is a happy, dinosaur loving 8year-old whose world turns upside down after his parents separate. As he takes himself off to the far end of the school field, he meets Alex (Alexandra James), a deaf girl with a vivid imagination - and an impressive collection of dinosaurs. Alex is from a proud deaf family and despite being socially isolated at school, she is strong, smart, sociable and imaginative. The pair form an unlikely friendship and when things at home become too difficult for Sam, Alex whisks him away on an astonishing adventure to meet the almighty Stan, the gigantic T-Rex at Manchester Museum.

Stan from Sarah Emmott (Secret Diaries, Declaration) is written and performed in English and British Sign Language and embeds creative captions within the set. The play will be accompanied by post-performance workshops, an education pack including a video of BSL signs to help hearing and deaf children communicate, three Deaf Awareness training events and a dinosaur object handling box with some fascinating objects from Manchester Museum’s collections. The postperformance workshop will be BSL Interpreted and has been designed with both deaf and hearing children in mind.

Sarah Emmott commented: “Growing up, my parents lived very separate lives (so) my imagination was both my safe escape and my resource to help me understand myself, my feelings and our family situation. I wanted to create a play that reflected how vital imaginative play is as a form of communication, not only with others but with ourselves. ”

Z-arts commented: “Art with Heart have put children at the heart of the creation of Stan and tackled tricky issues whilst creating positive representation and a super fun show for families to enjoy. We are so excited to bring this show to Z-arts and for as many of our friends, families and schools to see it as possible. "

Performance Dates

10th - 12th February 2022 Z-Arts, Manchester Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Rd, Hulme, Manchester M15 5ZA www.z-arts.org 17th and 18th February 2022 The Met, Bury Market St, Bury BL9 0BW www.themet.org.uk 23rd and 24th February 2022 CAST, Doncaster Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU www.castindoncaster.com 6th March 2022 Arts Depot, London 5 Nether St, London N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk 6th and 10th March 2022 The Dukes, Lancaster Moor Ln, Lancaster LA1 1QE www.dukeslancaster.org 12th March 2022 Arc, Stockton Dovecot St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL www.arconline.co.uk 16th March 2022 The Civic, Barnsley Hanson St, Barnsley S70 2HZ www.barnsleycivic.co.uk 19th and 20th March 2022 MAC, Birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH www.macbirmingham.co.uk