| Our Meetings |
The group meets once a month and we try to discuss anything and everything to improve access in the district. We always love to get new members, and if there is anything you would like to see featured in our next meeting, we welcome any suggestions - just email newtopic@aylesburyaccess.com On this page you can find the full minutes of our most recent meetings, which should give you an idea of the sort of thing we get up to. Scroll down to find past meetings, or use the links below. |
| February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 September 2006 October 2006 |
| AGM 2007 July 2007 EGM October 2007 November 2007 January 2008 |
| Present: Margaret Spencer (Chair), Denise Harper, Tony Bruce, Paul Waddingham, Ed Grimsdale (Buckingham & Winslow Access), Zoe Rowsell, Freda Ackroyd, Ajaib Hussain |
| Apologies: Kiera Bentley BAB, Sheila Payne, Steve Kennell |
| Minutes of last meeting, matters arising: nothing to report |
| Any Other Business: Ajaib said Suzanne Cheshire had been in contact with Roger Priest who wanted to join any future Access group. |
| National Trust – offer free entry for escort of disabled person. Have to apply for special ticket “admit one” card from NT Access for All office |
| Paul asked Ajaib if the council’s parking attendants are aware that they can demand to see the photo on Blue Badges. Ajaib to check this |
Closure of Aylesbury & District Access for All: Margaret said that the decision to close the group had been very difficult. Everyone feels there is still a need for a local Access group, but it has been impossible to recruit new members to carry on the work. The group dynamics have altered. In the past we had enough members to disperse into working parties on several fronts. Margaret has loved being part of the group, and hopes we can keep the website going, expand by email and generally keep in touch. We were delighted to welcome Ed Grimsdale to our meeting. Ed explained how the Buckingham & Winslow Access group was set up by Madeleine Howe about 10 years ago. He considers it our daughter group, and they would wish to offer some help to Aylesbury where possible. Ed feels that help from authorities has diminished following the introduction of the DDA 1995. Money was put into things then, but is in shorter supply now. Madeleine was a full-time Access Officer. Following her, James Oaten was Equalities and Disabilities Officer. Now Ajaib is merely Equalities Officer working half a week. We no longer feel we have routes to the top people in the councils, highways, planning, etc. What they (Buckingham group) can do, they will do to support us. We have life membership of their group. If anyone has any problems in the future, they can contact Ed ed.grim@tesco.net phone number 01280-815758, or Ajaib Hussain AHussain@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk Ed said that Sheila Payne will continue to be a bridge between Buckingham and Aylesbury so we don’t lose contact. Buckingham group has 12 members of whom 6/7 attend meetings. Margaret thought we had been victims of our own success, in that we flagged up things and got things put right without publicity. General public probably aren’t aware of how much we have done. Ed is a trustee of BuDS at Brookside. Manager to be appointed, and ILE to be revived. Ed comes to Aylesbury once a month for BuDs meetings. The Buckingham Group could hold an occasional meeting in Aylesbury. Margaret suggested the Stoke Mandeville venue that we have been using as it has good parking and access. Margaret thought that some of our former members started the High Wycombe Access group. She feels out of touch with younger people. Ed agreed to help set up another local group in Aylesbury if there was interest. Emails had been received from Steve Kennell, Ian Cameron and Sheila Payne thanking the group for all its work and help. Sheila had asked Paul to especially pass on thanks to Margaret and Denise for all their efforts, particularly over recent years in trying to hold the group together and recruit new members. Ajaib endorsed that. Denise and Margaret had previously mentioned all the work that Sheila, Colin, Janice, Tony Hawkins and others had put in over the years. Margaret received a cheque towards her final expenses. Denise and Margaret will get together asap to sort out finances and write a cheque for the Buckingham Group who now have a bank account open and ready. Ed also expressed an interest in the laptop computer and display boards. The digital camera and printer will be donated to the hospice for sale or use, their choice. Ed and Denise will liaise for handover of cheque and equipment. Denise will contact Anna Dowdeswell at the Bucks Herald to do a final report on our closure, and also contact the NatWest bank to close our account. |
It may interest the members to see this short time-line of our history: AYLESBURY & DISTRICT ACCESS FOR ALL Sept 1992 the group was formed Meetings held at Rayners Hedge till April 2002. About 60 members at that stage, of whom around 20 attended meetings. Margaret took over as Chair and we relocated to Stoke Mandeville in Dec. 2002. Group formally closed on 31st January 2008. Balance of funds and equipment handed over to Buckingham and Winslow Group. |
| Good luck for the future and goodbye! |
ADDENDA TO MINUTES January 2008 1 Richard Harper was unable to attend due to his carer turning up an hour late. He is annoyed that he missed the last meeting. 2 Denise wants to thank Paul Waddingham for helping her with all the emails, etc. over the past 6+ years. 3 I would be grateful if you would add to the Minutes my apologies - I did speak at some length with Margaret the day before and said I very much hoped to be with you at the last meeting. As Freda may have said, unfortunately other commitments prevented me from getting there in time. I also wish to add my sincere appreciation not only for what the group has done over the many years I have been associated with it, but also for the enormous help and support the members have given me in my work. I have made some great and I hope lasting friends within the group and will always remember what you have taught me and be true to those principles in all I do. With very best wishes to you all, Madeleine Howe 4 Colin Richards (hospital treatment all day) |
| Minutes of Meeting Held 29th November 2007 |
| Present: Margaret Spencer (Chair), Denise Harper, Freda Ackroyd, Colin Richardson, Mervyn Bailey, Richard Harper and Karen, Gill Stevenson AVDC |
| Apologies: Chris Walkling, Kiera Bentley, Steve Kennell, Zoe Rowsell, Sheila Payne, Freda Roberts, Tony Bruce, Paul Waddingham, Madeleine Howe |
Matters arising from last Minutes: Colin updated info on hospital. He had been in contact with Lynn Fletcher (estates) regarding the new unit opposite the orthopaedic unit, which will be 3 storeys. Taking the whole of 2008 to build. Possibly more land on site to be sold. Transport not easy now or in the future. Only two entrances to the hospital site – 3 and 4. From Stoke Mandeville direction, there will be no right turn into entrance 4. Cars have to do U-turn at Entrance 3 roundabout. Clear signage not erected. Colin to take action. (note: Denise suggests just using entrance 3, to make life easier both entering and leaving the hospital site.) Margaret reported that Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, is solid with traffic joining from Wendover Road and High Wycombe directions. There is extra traffic between Wycombe and Stoke hospitals due to transfer of patients. Parking for the village school is also an issue, as the 3 pubs allow courtesy parking, but it’s still difficult. Hospital staff are starting to use Blenheim Place, Kynaston Avenue and Winterton Drive for all-day parking. Sheila had reported that parking at the hospital was difficult, so she was too late for her appointment. Denise recently took Richard to the dental unit in the Spinal Centre and was forced to park in Kynaston Avenue and push him back to the hospital after several tours round all the full car-parks. |
| Post Office in WHSmiths: Colin to write to head of PO – need box outside, as nearest boxes are in Market Square or Kingsbury. PO vans in High Street by disabled bays make it harder for both pedestrians and blue-badge holders trying to park. |
Future of the Access group: Margaret said she is not sure how to go. We had hoped the website might keep us going, but we don’t get any visitors. The group has stayed in contact by email (the majority of the members having that facility). We all agreed there is still a need for an Access group, but without any new members despite recent appeals, we cannot carry on the work. Margaret will be sad to see the monthly meetings go. Freda and Colin felt that the group will be needed even more in the future as the town changes and new people move into the area. But it doesn’t alter the fact that no new members have come forward, so the group will be formally closed at the Jan 31st meeting. Freda suggested Denise contacts the BAB group at the Holy Spirit Church, Bedgrove. Denise will notify them, but in the light of the closure of the group, it’s not sure what that will achieve. Margaret stated that the group will fold on Jan 31st, and should new members come along to that meeting, they must form their own group from then on. |
| Gill Stevenson from AVDC Customer Services told us that they intend having a panel of users under the equalities for all scheme. All councils must have equalities policies by Feb 2008. Invitations to be members of the panel will be handed out to customers in 66 High Street. Denise asked how non-visitors to 66 High Street can be involved, because in some cases, they are non-visitors due to access issues. AVDC cannot give expenses but will give vouchers for attendance. Colin immediately volunteered his services. |
| Concessionary travel: From 1st April bus travel for the whole of the country will be covered by the over-60s or disabled holders of bus passes. Existing holders will be upgraded automatically, with the council checking the death registers so passes are not issued to deceased people. If you are over 60, Gill suggests applying now for your bus pass, as they are expecting to be inundated in April. You need to be in receipt of higher rate of DLA if under 60, or a supporting letter from your GP. You can get taxi tokens or a railcard if you can’t use the buses. Taxi tokens are now £60-worth for £5, or £30-worth for £2.50 for a half-year. |
| Disabled Go: improving elements round town for awareness – good access via website. |
| Date of next meeting: Thursday 31st January 2008, Eskdale Road Community Centre |
On behalf of Aylesbury & District Access for All, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for the New Year. |
| Minutes of Extraordinary General Meeting Held 18th October 2007 |
Present: Margaret Spencer (chair), Madeleine Howe, Colin Richardson, Mervyn Bailey, Denise Harper, Freda Ackroyd, Paul Waddingham, Richard Harper & carer Karen, Zoe Rowsell, Jonathan Bellars, Angie Sarchet, Chris Walkling, Tony Bruce, Gwen Tighe, Suzanne Cheshire |
| Apologies: Sheila Payne, Ray & Ann Smith, Ajaib Hussain, Steve Kennell. |
| Future of Group: Margaret changed the agenda order to prioritise this, as we still have not recruited any new members from the voluntary sector to help us in our work. It was wonderful to see so many people attending this meeting, and we hope they will be an asset to the group. However, no-one came forward to take over the Chairman's role from Margaret, and Secretary's role from Denise. One suggestion was to close the group and leave the path open for a new group. Zoe congratulated the group on its past successes, as did other people at the meeting. Paul pointed out that it is still not solving the problem of lack of members/officers, as Denise is definitely leaving at the next meeting. Margaret said she would carry on as Chairman if no-one else comes forward. Jonathan said we should not under-estimate our power, and replied to Paul's question that no-one else does Access-type work. General feeling is that group should continue, but Margaret, Denise and Janice need replacing. Janice (Treasurer) has not attended a meeting for at least a year now. Present site for meetings is still available and convenient for most people. Suzanne explained lack of accessible meeting places in Mr Hussain's new building as yet. Colin to attend Bucks Community Action AGM on 19th Oct. and will liaise with them re Access. Final agreement on future of group was that it should return to monthly meetings, same venue and time slot. Denise will bring all her Access paperwork and information to November meeting to hand over to her successor or the Chairman. |
| New theatre: this was not discussed in any depth, as Mr Hussain changed the agenda to have the Vale Park discussed instead. Ajaib will find a speaker to talk about the theatre at a later meeting. Colin reported that he and Tony Hawkins (a former member of Access) went to meetings 2-3 years ago and hopes their ideas not thrown out. Jonathan to tell Ajaib and ask to make contact before Christmas. Colin asked re the roads between the cinema entrance and theatre - a bridge or pedestrian crossing? It was a bridge on the last plans, which is not good due to needing lifts due to geographical slope from court to theatre. Highways will reduce traffic speed and car-use. More shared use of highways to slow down cars (!!). More buses but need to be fully accessible. BCC and AVDC de-cluttering group to improve access and aesthetic reasons. Masterplan for all new developments rather than doing things piece-meal as funds materialise. More co-ordinated approach. |
| Vale Park: Jonathan Bellars produced plans of the revamped park. An external access consultant Lisa Foster has seen plans. David Betts is in charge of operational services. AVDC was in receipt of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid. They produced a general masterplan for costings initially, then to consult Access at a later stage (i.e.now). The park will be fully accessible as far as possible. Reasonable access historically. Not much will change. Historic features will be restored. 1929 design will be reinstated. Park under-used at moment, so plans to revitalise it. The new entrance will be moved nearer the roundabout near the underpass. Only stepped access at that point. There will be a broader ramp and wider steps. All other level entrances will remain. 1:15 ramp not ideal - needs a landing. Non-slip surface to paths, no kerbs. The park has formerly been locked overnight, no lighting. New plans to open park for 24 hours with a well-lit route from the High Street to Aqua Vale and cross-route. Increased seating - 50-75 seats. More bins, artwork. Toilets and park warden's lodge. Jonathan to check out if toilets need RADAR key. Safety aspects in park - drunks moved from Kingsbury when it was revamped, now in Vale Park. Needs policing/managing to discourage antisocial use and encourage family use. |
| Post Office: Colin reported that David Lidington MP is concerned that there is no post box outside WHSmiths, and now the old ones at the old Post Office are sealed, the nearest post boxes are in Market Square. Colin to write to PO. |
| Stoke Mandeville Hospital: Colin has been round the site with Lynn Fletcher (estates). More building starting in January 2008 and going on throughout year. New 3-storey block, which will need a lift, opposite where the eye ward is presently sited. Parking changing. Jonathan said disabled parking moved adjacent to footway. Colin is trying to get bus service which runs every 20 mins. between SMH and High Wycombe Hospital to go round site. There is no pedestrian crossing at the bus stop. Unused Portakabins still sited in A&E car park. |
| Bucks County Council: issues were raised from us at the Disability Equality Scheme held last year. There should be an umbrella group for all Access groups. |
| Local Area Agreement: Chris Walkling said they are improving voluntary sector work. There's a programme to develop Vale Volunteers partnerships. Countrywide forums to link into LEA for priorities. How can we tap into that? Colin asked for clarification re countrywide? What area? Early days - High Wycombe, Aylesbury and volunteers in all areas coming together. Get local issues to the fore but within country-wide forum. Chris assured us that AVDC and BCC work in a joint programme. Madeleine reminded us that the District Council got Access going as a local consultative group. Margaret stressed that issues must be kept local. |
| Transport: Slow work with the bus station due to issues with owners Friends Provident. Outside the library will be a travel-centre from April 2008 with bus screens visible when centre is closed. Railway station - the Southcourt bridge will now take a year to build, starting in November. Taxis will have to be sited within the station car-park not outside while works are on. Morrison's entrance will move further round Station Road. |
| Publicity: very out of date. Denise will bring old material to November meeting for Zoe. Angie offered to work with Denise re posters, advertising material, etc. Paul reminded the group that Denise is resigning, so she is not undertaking any more work for the group after November. |
| Website: Denise to contact David Ogilvie re updating the website. We still need web addresses of other organisations to link into our own. |
| Date of next meeting: Thursday 29th November, 3.30 - 5.30 p.m. Stoke Mandeville Community Centre, Eskdale Road, Stoke Mandeville. |
| Minutes of meeting held 27th July 2007 |
Present: Margaret Spencer (acting chair), Colin Richardson, Mervyn Bailey, Richard Harper & carer Karen, Denise Harper, Tony Bruce, Zoe Rowsell, Freda Ackroyd |
| Apologies: Steve Kennell, Paul Waddingham, Sheila Payne, Janice Humphrey, Marion Campbell BAB, David Manley |
| Freda said that she has now left the library service and is working with Madeleine Howe. Marion explained that she has now been made redundant from BAB, and for professional and personal reasons would no longer be attending the group. Keira Bentley from BAB suggested they see if some of their members would like to attend, rather than staff. Keira is now on the mailing-list instead of Marion. |
| The new Equalities Adviser is Mr Ajaib Hussain. He has made contact with Denise and she has passed on his details to the group via email. |
| Accounts: Janice provided the accounts, but unfortunately there are errors, in that she has not entered any rent details, plus the banking does not match the paying-in book. As Janice is currently out of the country and we don't know when she is due to return, Denise has arranged with the bank to send copies of last year's statements, so we can go through them, then get the accounts officially examined. Denise and Margaret to liaise to deal with this once the statements are collected from the bank in Market Square. All present agreed to this. Denise will then email corrected accounts to all members. |
| Timings of meetings: It was suggested that we try 2-monthly meetings, as it was felt that 3 months was too long a time. Colin will try to reschedule some of his hospital treatments so that he can attend more meetings. We are still struggling with membership (welcome to Zoe!) and Denise will contact the Herald to see if they will put in a piece for us, to say that if we can't increase membership, we may have to close. |
| Development Plan mobile vehicle: we tried to access this, but there was a very steep ramp, which was not felt to be safe for wheelchair-users to use, and the four shiny metal steps, also wet from the heavy rain, had no hand-rail. Denise to complain to Mr Hussain to pass on to AVDC. Not very much fore-thought on the part of AVDC. Very disappointing, esp. in view of it being a good chance for group members to see the plans. |
| Post Office in WHSmiths: This is due to take place in September. Denise to write to Head Postmaster in Hemel, copy to David Lidington, re our concerns about low-level counters, access in general, plus large numbers of customers for both utilities at peak times such as Christmas. This could also affect surrounding shops if the queues over-spill WHS. |
| Plea to increase membership: Tony Bruce will put a plea in the RCV newsletter. We need to ensure that we have links established with Community Link, Disabled Go, etc. |
| Taxis: still struggling to get a decent service if you have a guide dog or wheelchair. Colin to attend a meeting re taxis, and anyone who experiences poor service should let us know so that we can report it yet again to the licensing councillor. |
| Transport Hub: ongoing work now affecting High St., Britannia St., Cambridge St. and New St. In the High Street, there will be no parking for anyone on the Iceland side. On the opposite side there will be loading bays, 6 disabled bays and 4 taxi bays. There will be pavement-widening for the super-bus-stop also on that side of the High Street. Town centre parking will be even more difficult and signage will be up to direct people to car-parks, park-and-ride, etc. Parking will also change yet again when the new Waterside development is started. |
| Chiltern Rail: Colin reported on three success stories - the Stoke M/ville station ramp, an accessible toilet, and the door split 1/3 - 2/3 with an automatic button, rather than a central door split. These facilities are also at Great Missenden. |
| The new railway station - Aylesbury Vale Parkway - will serve the new Berryfields development. Usual concerns about building on flood plains, particularly in respect of recent extensive flooding in central England. |
| Sheila Payne: following a fall, Sheila broke her hip and thigh so has been in Stoke hospital for some weeks. Denise found the signage poor when she tried to visit. Had to ask directions. An arrow was missed off a sign, and a paper one stuck on!! Several members have visited Sheila and we send her our best wishes for a speedy recovery. |
| David Manley: with current commitments can no longer be part of the group. Denise thanked him for his support while he was a member. |
| Date of next meeting: Thursday 27th September 3.30 - 5.30 p.m. Eskdale Road |
| Minutes of Annual General Meeting held 26th April 2007 |
Present: Margaret Spencer (Chairman), Mervyn Bailey, Freda Ackroyd, Richard Harper and carer Karen, Denise Harper, Freda Roberts, Tony Bruce |
| Apologies: Paul Waddingham, Colin Richardson, Sheila Payne, Steve Kennell, David Manley, Janice Humphrey (Janice will supply a Treasurer's report later) |
| The meeting was very unofficial, and the group discussed various issues. |
| Margaret Spencer is standing down as Chairman. David Manley wished her an enjoyable rest after all her hard work, echoed by all the group members. |
| Denise and Tony suggested we have 3-monthly meetings, and as no-one wants to be chairman, we could perhaps run them as a round-robin group, just bringing our experiences to the group. Denise also offered to compile reports from members who have attended meetings, and to circulate to the whole email list, plus hard copies to Margaret & Rich. Paul has agreed to carry on sending out emails to the group. |
| Colin reported that alterations to Stoke Mandeville station were good from an access viewpoint. |
| The High Street Post Office is moving into WH Smiths. The group was dismayed at this news, and Margaret raised the points about access and confidentiality. Freda A attends the Chiltern Disability Focus Group - they can ask WH Smiths to ensure PO is fully accessible. Denise will write to David Lidington. |
| Tony Bruce to contact Vale Volunteers to appeal for new members. Freda A said she would display any posters we may have in the libraries. (A reminder that our advertising material STILL hasn't been completed!) Perhaps Vale Vols can also suggest like-minded groups with whom we could join forces. |
| The subject of double pricing of taxi fares for wheelchair-users was raised once again. Freda R told us that the taxi licensing rules are changing, so we hope the situation may be fairer. |
| Mervyn wrote to Aylesbury College to complain about the emergency call cord in the disabled toilet being caught up and unusable. Had a reply from the Principal. |
| Denise and Richard reported an improvement in the disabled toilet at the Winslow centre, which has been refurbished in recent months. Much more room to move. |
| Freda R suggested Denise write to Theresa Lane at AVDC to see what is happening re James Oaten's replacement. |
| Denise will email members to enquire which days and times people would find more preferable for the Access meetings. The next one is suggested for July 26th 2007, 3.30 - 5.30, but this could change according to members' opinions. |
| Minutes of meeting held 26th October 2006 |
| Present: Colin Richardson (acting Chair), Sheila Payne, Janice Humphrey, Mervyn Bailey, James Oaten, David Manley, Richard Harper & carer Jerome, Denise Harper |
| Apologies: Steve Kennell (congrats on your recent wedding), Freda Ackroyd, Paul Waddingham, Margaret Spencer |
| Minutes of last meeting: Amendment - Quainton Fishing Lake plans still in pipeline. Sheila to meet owner. |
| Matters arising: |
| ILE staying open - contracts to be signed next week. Press release out soon. Social Services and PCT to run it. SS responsible for ground-space. OT involvement plus volunteers. Assistant for Joyce for her last month. Shut for whole of December. Relaunch January. All power to Sheila for pushing to keep ILE going. Colin belongs to "Independent Living" and will write to them to say local services reduced and maintained in different format. |
| Some AVHA (housing association) properties to be adapted for disabled people. |
| DEG - Mervyn not received an invitation for last meeting. No excuse as Mervyn is involved in PPI as well. Incompetence on part of Sarah Darby. |
| Colin asked that the group's best wishes be passed to Paul Waddingham following his recent surgery. Denise helping him in his recuperation. |
| Blue Badge - now traffic wardens, etc. can demand to see the photo, it could cause problems if, for example, the badge owner has been dropped off while someone else parks the car. That excuse could be used by fraudulent users. Colin asked James if the parking attendants are updated on new legislation. |
| Transport Hub - no parking outside County Hall, no pick-ups, etc. while Hub work is being done. High St/Britannia St same parking restrictions. No disabled parking in Lower High St. Janice will do chair-awareness re Hub. |
| Taxi fares - should be no extra charge for wheelchairs. Val Baxter not answered Sheila's query. DDA doesn't cover transport yet. Paul to complain officially to licensing division. |
| M&S - flooding in food hall delayed work. Fire escape upstairs was still blocked but was clear last time Sheila checked. Disabled Go will check store out when finished. Merchandise placed on Per Una slope, contrary to what manager told us. Handrail on one side only, and the slope is very steep. |
| BhS - Janice stranded upstairs when fire alarm sounded. Denise is aware that this is the same procedure for fire regulations in schools. It is so that the fire service only has to rescue the disabled person, not able-bodied helpers. |
| Stowe - David Manley in touch with new contact there. Draft maps gone into print. Sheila to cover Kings Head, David to deal with Stowe, Waddesdon is done. |
| Asheridge meeting - Janice, Colin and wife Jean to go on 7th Feb. Christine Walmsley will be contacted about this. |
| Quainton Railway Centre and Fishing Lake - both want accessible bus access. Perhaps these could be linked? |
| Disabled Go - with Christmas stock appearing in stores, we are watching this. BhS main offender, but Beatties now also starting this since takeover. Suggested we contact Talia Sulman. James has worked in the past with Friars Sq. management on this but BhS don't get involved. |
| Buckingham PDPB - Sheila did presentation. Light-hearted but demanded rights. Services down the drain due to health service cuts. Money for 5-year programme for computer but no other funds. Wheelchair service waiting-list currently 7 months. OT only sees critical category patients. Waiting-lists for moderate/substantial. Nothing for low priority. |
| Social Services - assessment now changed. Social workers' assessments go back to Board for decisions on money. No Board in place at moment - another tier of management. Money could better be spent on equipment. Minutes of their meetings inaccurate. |
| Meetings attended |
| Denise and Margaret didn't get any Minutes from the BCC Disability meeting till Sheila chased it up. Margaret still did not get a hard copy. Denise got an email version and hard copy but with only a couple of days before the deadline and 60 pages to read, it was not possible to comment. |
| Transport Hub - Janice had map showing carriageway, bus-lanes, etc. Difficult for pedestrians and drivers while work in progress. Morrisons subway closing. Station Bridge will have lift but not sure if accessibility features are in place. |
| Hospital - new lifts not "speaking". |
| Phys. & Sensory DPB - neurological and stroke patients will have service maintained and sustained. Rayners Hedge had MS and stroke in their tender and won. |
| AVDC Shopmobility scheme in Buckingham - to be arranged |
| Civic Centre Café - new revamp. No hot meals. Waste of money revamping when centre is due to be demolished soon. |
| Cloisters Coffee Shop - wheelchair access under higher tables |
| Access awards - we need to consider setting up this scheme again, to reward shops and services who ensure access for all. |
| Environment agency - wants our involvement |
Date of next meeting - Thursday 30th November 3.30 - 5.30 p.m. |
| Minutes of meeting held 28th September 2006 |
| Present: Margaret Spencer (chair), Richard Harper & carer Martin Ferdus, Mervyn Bailey, James Oaten, Sheila Payne, Denise Harper |
| Apologies: David Manley, Freda Roberts, Steve Kennell, Paul Waddingham, Tony Hawkins |
| Minutes of last meeting & matters arising: |
| Sheila is feeling pressurised to attend meetings but not able to report back due to secrecy conditions. Colin is achieving results re the Transport Hub. Colin did chair-awareness to highlight changes needed. |
| Bourbon Street zero tolerance - BCC John Charlton happy to work with us on disabled parking and bays. John Charlton to meet with Sheila plus a local person. |
| Independent Living Exhibition - to stay open, funded by Social Services. OT involvement. Under "Access to care", sight of equipment must be provided, even if actual equipment is not always provided. Running till 6th Dec. They will rely more heavily on volunteers. Sheila is resigning after 15 years, as she feels she could get left to train the volunteers. |
| General topics: |
| DEG - Mervyn has been co-opted from PPI to DEG. Hospital plans were to be seen by Access but building already started. |
| Ian Cameron has reluctantly resigned from Access due to ill health. We wish him well. |
| Paul Waddingham in hospital. A get-well card was signed by those present. |
| Blue Badge - photo ID can be demanded from 29th Sept. by parties such as police, traffic wardens, local parking attendants. They must show their ID first if you request it. You must then show them the Blue Badge. |
| Taxi fares - still being charged double or extra costs if wheelchair-user. We keep being told by the licencing authority that they will withdraw taxi licences if they charge extra, but it continues to happen. Paul to take this up when he is better. Sheila also making contacts about it. |
| M&S meeting - Sheila and Denise met with the manager Richard Livings and his colleague Jason. Manager got in wheelchair to attempt going through food hall tills. They had already decided to take one out and widen the gaps. Generally supportive of our concerns and we praised what we felt was good practice. |
| Cutbacks in community services means cross-country transport to the hospital where your service is sited - not your local hospital. Hospital signage still bad. No wheelchairs or porters to transfer patients from car to building. |
| Sheila sent card to Richard at Stowe. Draft guides done well. Look good on paper but need trialling. David Manley to possibly link with Richard's successor. We still need to do the audit at Stowe, and the Kings Head needs checking. Sheila to contact Christine Walmesley re Kings Head. Stowe is open daily till Nov. then only open at weekends. |
| A fishing lake at Quainton is fully accessible, with a toilet. The owner wants to lay on a bus service and wants Access' involvement. |
| Disabled Go - Colin and James attended this poorly attended meeting. Disabled Go will become more involved in Aylesbury town's changes. Link with Tourist Info. To direct to appropriate webpage. Our website to go on their site as a link. |
| Vale Volunteers - Sheila seeing Karen Boddy. Will ask her to add our website to their links. |
| Buckingham Physical Disability Partnership Board - a subgroup of the Partnership Board to ensure that people with neurological conditions get good access to service. Covering all Bucks, despite the name. |
| Sheila was invited to attend an all-day meeting in London re equipment and wheelchairs but declined. |
| Margaret warned us that due to family commitments, she will be resigning as Chairman at the next AGM. She wants to remain a member of the group. |
| OT provision - Denise was talking to Richard's OT who said the service still provides equipment to people with conditions lasting more than 6 months. Some small items like cutlery are now not funded, but big stuff still should be. |
Date of next meeting - 26th October |
| Minutes of meeting 27th July 2006 |
| Present: Margaret Spencer (Chair), Colin Richardson, Sheila Payne, Denise Harper, Mervyn Bailey, David Manley |
| Apologies: Richard Harper, James Cozens, Paul Waddingham, Steve Kennell, Janice Humphrey, Tony Hawkins, Tony Bruce, James Oaten |
| General discussion |
| Upper Hundreds Car Park - still impossible for blue-badge users |
| Transport Hub - while the Cloisters taxi rank area is being updated, two taxi spaces will be at the top of Market Square, in the former disabled bays. No disabled bays outside library while hub work taking place. |
| Bourbon Street - zero tolerance for short-term parking. Mix 96 to broadcast this, despite their being the chief abusers! Mix 96 being hypocritical. They have been contacted but still use the slot outside their office for up to 10 minutes. Bourbon Street needs correctly marked out bays allowing side and rear access. |
| Meetings attended: |
| Bucks CC Disability Equality meeting - Margaret and Denise attended this between them - each doing one session. Disappointing to say the least. Hardly any disabled people attending, possibly due to time-frame (10.30 - 3) and venue (inadequate car-park facilities for wheelchair-users). They still seemed to have the "does he take sugar" approach. We have complained to the organisers. |
| Partnership Board - Sheila attended this. Could not report on much of it as it's secret. Rayners Hedge discussed amongst other scenarios. The Independent Living Exhibition is now lost. Vale Care is catalogue only. People will become subject to hard-selling by companies, with no impartial advice available. No OT provision for short-term use e.g. hip-replacements. No OT equipment provided from Sept. Children's services being cut. They are working to the national services framework. Limited resources should be put to best use for all. Users should decide how funds are used, what service-providers should be providing. |
| DEG - new Chair Sarah Darby wants Access actively involved. Maureen Davis has gone. |
| New Stoke Hospital buildings - new cafeteria has poor access for wheelchairs. Café won't supply water for people needing to take tablets. No drinking fountain. Customers must pay £1 for bottled water! Café is privately owned. Use Jimmy's in the Spinal Unit, if you know where it is. Main reception now open. Entrance 2 is shut. Old wards to be demolished now. Parking on entrance 2 site from entrance 3, signed. Parking for the spinal unit now being abused as there's no ticketing for that area as it is owned by Jimmy Savile. Parking rules will change again. Portakabin in A&E car-park now staying till 2007. Maternity unit having more work. Two new car-parks for staff are not being used as staff prefer to park in general car-park. Car-park is 100 spaces short due to Portakabin. Extra parking to left of main entrance. Eye ward and diabetic unit to be 3 storeys. Plans to be seen by Access. We are urged to do a "Mystery Shopper" style campaign. Please check how easy it is to enter the hospital, parking, treatment, awareness training, toilets, hearing loops, signage, etc. Local residents' parking being abused. Powers-that-be didn't check as far down as Blenheim Place which is practically opposite the hospital! No smoking anywhere in grounds for patients, visitors or staff. Colin to do a walkabout with John Summers. Access would support anyone having an accident, as they've declined our offers of an audit. |
| Waddesdon Manor - Marion from BAB has been in touch with them. With our own audit plus others, it is felt that sight impairment has been covered. |
| National Trust - we will link in with NT's new replacement re Stowe and the Kings Head. K's Head disabled toilet has lighter door and alarm strip. Soon be able to promote it. |
| Highways - A-board outside Tourist Info chained to bollard now! |
| Blue Badge reminders - would be useful but no-one wants to pay for it |
| Shuttle bus between hospitals - current timetable shows half-hourly service between 6.00 - 8.30 a.m. then nothing till 12 noon. Then through till 9.30 p.m. Colin to check this. Bus picks up at Entrance 2. |
| Transport Hub issues - Continuing meetings about this. Sept. to Nov. will see roadworks in town for this. Expect delays (so what's new in Aylesbury?!). Colin to write to Bucks Herald to suggest people use buses rather than cars and allow extra time for journeys. |
| Waterside Theatre - Colin met AVDC architect - 3 people present. James had advised that this meeting was cancelled, due to its near time to Access. Other meetings will be scheduled, particularly with Access group in mind. Theatre is planned to start building in 2008 to be finished in 2010. The theatre car park on the old Bucks Herald site being lined out. Toilets in theatre management level to also be accessible. Hearing aids in all areas. The Exchange St. offices car-park entrance will be the new theatre entrance. Pedestrian crossings in Exchange St will become pelicans. This will be a dual-carriageway plus bus-lane so will be a nightmare for pedestrians and traffic alike. No bridge planned. Theatre seating will be on trolleys and bolted. Venues of various sizes for multi-use. |
| Walton Street car park - two hundred flats to be built on this site |
| Stoke Mandeville railway station - Tony Hawkins and Colin Richardson involved in a promotion re access adaptations - booking hall, toilets, etc. Five projected stations in Bucks. to get this sort of upgrade from central government funds, to a maximum spend of £15,000 per station. Princes Risborough spent £40,000 on adaptations as it is a branch-line station. Other stations to be revamped are Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and Great Missenden by the end of 2009. Wendover is considered inaccessible - transport will be provided to the nearest station. |
| Website - this is now on-line and can be viewed on www.aylesburyaccess.com Please take a look. We will be linking it into other sites as soon as possible. |
| Date of next meeting - as a large number of the group are going to the access audit at Stowe on Aug. 23rd, we will not be holding a regular monthly meeting this month. The date of the next meeting is therefore on Thursday 28th September 3.30 - 5.30. |
|
| Minutes of Meeting Held on 29 June 2006 |
Present: Margaret Spencer (Chair), Richard Harper, James Cozens, Colin Richardson, Freda Roberts, Sheila Payne, Denise Harper (James Oaten had hoped to attend the latter part of the meeting but didn't arrive) |
Apologies: Paul Waddingham, Mervyn Bailey, David Manley, Steve Kennell |
Matters arising from minutes of last meeting:
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General discussion:
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Meetings attended: P&SP Board - fair access to care - housing, Fremantle Trust, adaptations - new housing trust has to provide accessible housing. People with learning difficulties must have equal consideration. Housing trust will help disabled people even if they own their own home, by giving them £26,000 deposit to get started to adapt their homes. The scheme is designed to be fairer to all - but may not be. Unless you live in social housing, you are means-tested. If you aren't eligible for Disabled Facility Grants, there is help for environmental controls - light switches, curtain pulls, etc. free. |
| Extra Care - If you have £450,000 you can buy a home in Denham Village run by this scheme. They have a menu for extra care services, maintenance and extras. There are bungalows in Denham, ground floor flats in Aylesbury. If you are on Direct Payments, you should have freedom of choice. Staff working for this scheme are higher paid than community carers, so would be better trained - or that is how the scheme is sold. |
| Highways - parking rules - zero tolerance (no 5-minute rule). A-boards still occasionally blocking the alleyway to the Tourist Info. Centre. Fowler Road traffic light changes are still running a month behind schedule. Should be working today but are not. |
| Eskdale Road - disabled parking bays put in - taken out - put in again. Costly exercise due to early planning preparation not done. |
| Waddesdon Manor - the house is half a mile walk from the village bus-stop. Have suggested to bus companies to run occasional buses to the Manor. |
| Parkway Station, Berryfields - will be nearest station for Waddesdon Manor and Quainton. There is a 3-year plan to organise transport. Suggested Arriva. |
| Transport Hub - no dropped kerbs in Castle Street. High Street bingo hall will have the new bus stop. Freda thinks it is ludicrous to take buses up High St. We all agreed. Wilkinsons link road in bad state of repair. |
| Sainsbury's - bus stop outside here used by taxis. |
| Royal Bucks Hospital - pavements reduced in width. New Street island crossing won't have new zebra crossing. Footpaths too narrow in New St. |
| Oxford Road - bus stop will be bigger. |
| Hen & Chickens - going back to a single roundabout. |
| Friarage Road - lamp-post put in middle of pavement! Colin to chase up. |
| AVNHS Trust - 2 shires ambulances become 4 shires (Oxon, Berks, Hants & Bucks). All ambulances have satellite navigation systems, but need to ensure that new housing developments feature. |
| Hospital parking - people parking in nearby residential streets. Hospital parking getting impossible. It is hoped that a bus service could go round the entire site, to encourage people to leave their cars at home. |
| DEG - chair Maureen Davis is on long-term sick leave. |
| Bucks NHS Trust - meetings rotate between Aylesbury, Amersham & Wycombe. Colin to investigate connections with hopper bus between Stoke & Wycombe. If people use it to travel between the hospitals, possibly their cars are taking up a parking bay all day at one hospital or the other. But if the buses don't pick up anywhere else, you don't have much choice. |
| Cycling in High Street - Margaret had heard that this was allowable but has been assured that it is not.Equalities adviser reorganised a meeting to be held at Green Park, after our letter saying that we would find it hard to attend an all-day meeting. They have now put back the start time by one hour, but the meeting is still 10.30 till 4.00. To make our point, Denise and Margaret will attend separately - Denise in a.m., Margaret p.m. These people just don't seem to "get it" that disabled people and carers may not be able or willing to attend long meetings. |
| Post Office in High Street - Talia Sulman had forwarded a letter from them saying that they will make sure the low-level counter is manned at all times, or a notice displayed to call for a clerk. Sheila had been (wo)man-handled to it recently! Suggestions nationally that Post Office counters may be placed within WHSmiths stores. Unlikely in Aylesbury while we still have the High St. office. |
WHSmiths - Richard complained that they are always changing their store round and stacking the goods too high and the shelves are too full. He has a carer to help him, but a lone wheelchair-user would have to seek help from a staff member. Denise saw a car parked right in the middle of the pavement along Buckingham Road, and it had a parking ticket on it. Three cheers. |
| Bus station revamp - happening in February. Disabled parking spaces outside the library will go. It has been requested that the two bays at the top of Market Square be reinstated while this work goes on. |
| Date of next meeting - 27th July 2006 |
| Minutes of Meeting Held on 25 May 2006 |
| Present: Margaret Spencer (Chair), Denise Harper, Richard Harper, James Cozens, Sheila Payne, Marion Campbell (BAB), Mervyn Bailey, Tony Bruce |
| Apologies: Freda Ackroyd, Paul Waddingham, James Oaten, Colin Richardson, Janice Humphrey, Steve Kennell, Freda Roberts |
AVDC taxi vouchers - same application form for over-60's/disabled. It seems unfair that if over-60's can have free bus passes and travel as much as they wish, that people unable to use buses have to pay for taxi tokens, and are limited to £30-worth, which only pays for a few trips. For example, from Bedgrove to town costs £6 (Oct. 05) in a wheelchair-accessible taxi, and to the hospital costs £8. Also, not all taxi companies use the scheme, and two that were contacted said they needed several days' notice in one instance, and several hours' notice in another. It was even suggested that if a taxi is not available for a hospital appointment, the disabled person tries to change their appointment time! Denise to contact Cllr Val Baxter regarding this. |
Funding application form from AVDC - Margaret has not received this. It was generally felt that unless we have a specific project to apply for funds for, we are not going to receive a donation. |
Web site - we had print-offs of the web pages, which don't reflect the true size of the on-screen font size. Marion asked for the font size to be considered, also colours, etc. The work is still very much in progress and can be adapted once we are up and running. We try to accommodate everyone. Two pages of the four web-pages are now complete. |
| Waddesdon Manor - visual help very good. Audio rather than Braille, and some touchy-feely exhibits. Car-parking is still an issue for a lone driver as you can't park near the house. Wh/chair ramping and awareness good. Maps unclear - grey on grey. Guides good. Stables - buggy not useful for non-walkers as only one wh/chair can be put on it. Cellar wh/chair-accessible - audio and smells were requested! Accessible toilet has a panic strip above the skirting board so anyone should be able to reach it. Only 2 wh/chairs allowed on any one floor at a time. Chair-lift to fan room. Good emergency evacuation procedure. Gravel has to stay and will be deeper. Signpost to toilet needs flagging up more, as it's a long way from the house. Sheila has had a special thank you card made, as the trip was very well organised, including free refreshments and lunch. |
| Transport hub - The original route had to be rearranged to accommodate wh/chair-users. Planned disabled bays on blind corner by Woolwich. Cycle lane down pedestrianised High Street. Buses still planned to go up High Street. |
| DEG - Stoke Mandeville Hospital door entry - key code for staff. Sorting out parking. Entrance 2 still available for parking till 2008. Maureen Davis (Dir. of Nursing) chairs group. Wants Access involved. Another outside member felt it is tokenism especially at Amersham. Access input is invaluable. Maureen wants it minuted that our input is valued and necessary. Sheila to follow up. Actions not being taken. Outsider disillusioned. John Summers did chair-awareness and made changes according to his own experienced difficulties - traffic calming, frontage. BAB feel their input has been ignored at all three hospitals. Next DEG meeting 2 p.m. 24 July at Amersham Hospital. |
| Physical & Sensory Disability Partnership Board Forum - Rayners Hedge - no mention of MS or stroke services. Cuts in services but stay of execution. Major changes afoot. Cuts in budget on head injuries, children's services, and mental health services which shouldn't have been cut. |
Independent Living Exhibition - going to close. Impartial advice, etc. given. No hard sell. Try before you buy service. To be replaced with two show-homes with 1 company. Freedom of choice gone - unacceptable. Sheila to have meeting with hierarchy. They are reluctant to invite her. ILE cannot promote themselves or do road-shows. Appointments being cut back. Members are urged to write to their MPs, Linda Lake-Stewart and Gordon Austin of PALS. Gordon's details are as follows: Phone: 0800 389 0018 24hr message facility available Podiatry has moved to BDIN's old office and Quarrendon is closed. |
Vale Care - shop now closed. Mail order only. |
| BAB - has some resources of equipment. |
The Mobility shop at the Goat Centre has been removed from Disabled Go website due to mis-selling products. Mobility Zone at Gatehouse has mixed reviews - trained staff but limited space and stock. |
| Disability Equality Scheme - meeting on 12 June in Aston Clinton. Access were invited to send two representatives, but as the meeting time was 9.30 - 2.00, no-one could attend. Denise to write to organisers explaining the need to take into account needs of disabled people and carers with times of meetings. Also to offer to fill in questionnaires if people can't get to meetings. |
| Village Post Offices - vital to local residents. Recently two consecutive Arriva buses didn't turn up in Steeple Claydon so people couldn't get to Aylesbury after waiting an hour in the rain. |
Tourism South East - invited us to a training session at £75 a head. No takers, surprisingly! |
Civic Service - at St Mary's Church on 25th June at 4 p.m. Margaret hoped to attend. |
| AVDC Local Development Framework - display in Unit 18 Hale Leys on 2nd/3rd June 11 - 5.30. |
| Library - Richard raised the query that one of his carers had been told that the library was now a private company! Denise to query this with Freda Ackroyd. Rumours that Bob Strong has left. |
| Subscriptions - it was agreed that membership fees for the year 2006/7 would be £10. Cheques (payable to Aylesbury & District Access for All) or cash to Denise Harper, 11 Purbeck Close, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP21 9UU anytime soon please! Please enclose an SAE if you require a paper receipt, otherwise one will be emailed to you. |
Date of next meeting - 29th June 2006 |
| Minutes of Meeting Held on 27 April 2006 |
Present: Margaret Spencer (Chair), Denise Harper, Richard Harper, James Cozens, Sheila Payne, Talia Sulman (Town Centre Manager) |
Apologies: Freda Ackroyd, Paul Waddingham, James Oaten, Colin Richardson, Janice Humphrey |
| Talia Sulman was welcomed to the meeting. She explained her role which covers the area within the ring road, and mainly the town centre, incorporating the retail sectors of Market Square, Kingsbury, High Street, plus the business sector, AVDC, Friars Sq., Hale Leys, Boots, Thames Valley Police and others. Talia's job is to be on the side of and promote residents, businesses and visitors to Aylesbury over other towns. Most big towns have Town Centre Managers, who meet and share experiences and have conferences. The job includes putting on events, promotional literature, toilets, car-parks, etc. and to encourage visitors. Sheila flagged up problems with the low-level counter in the main Post Office not always being manned. Talia would write to the PO to ask if they could be more pro-active in dealing with disabled customers. Margaret would also write on behalf of Access. Talia will keep in touch with the group via Denise and keep us informed and invite our comments on any developments within her remit. |
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Web-page: Margaret to send Denise a copy of our "mission statement" for the first page. Denise will forward this directly to David, our designer.Under the "contacts" section, we are going to put our first names so it's not so formal. Under "meetings past and present" we will have the last few months' Minutes.Under "current issues" we will list Waddesdon, Tourist Information Centre, new Stoke Hospital rebuild and any other issues we are working on.Margaret, Denise and Sheila are very concerned at the lack of response to test emails and others sent to those members who offered to be contacts on the web-site. Margaret has suggested that we launch the web-site soon, with her as a paper contact point, before we lose the goodwill of those other organisations who have offered to have us as a link on their own sites. |
Meetings attended: Sheila and Janice had been to DEG at Stoke. They tried to approach the new building (now in use) from the carpark at the rear but couldn't get in. The accessible toilet for the use of the general public is well done but the alarm bell pull was still in a plastic sleeve taped to the ceiling! Sheila has suggested a sensor-strip just above the skirting-board as done in other venues. Car-parking is better than first expected. Entrance 2 car-park now available till 2008. The portakabin by A&E is going in July, which will leave more car-park spaces. Parking behind barriers still happening which means a disabled driver can't their ticket validated. Car-park attendants still mis-directing blue badge holders behind barrier. Ward doors won't open easily as they are fire doors. Access will be invited to tour the new building at some stage. |
Waddesdon Manor: there is a visit arranged on May 3rd to audit the house. Sheila has coerced Mervyn Bailey and Babs Sherwin to go along. They are also interested in joining the Access group. David Manley goes to the Halton MS centre and may also join Access. Members attending the Waddesdon visit include Colin & Jean Richardson, Tony & Janet Hawkins, Margaret if possible, Janice and Sheila. Denise has sent some suggestions for the grounds/car-parking following a recent private visit. |
Stowe: ongoing from 2005. Still in the loop. There is a new ramp, the literature has been changed, as has the film. |
TIC: a tourism course regarding access issues is being done coinciding with the opening of the new venue. |
Membership subscriptions: some members had disagreed with the suggestion of a two-tier membership charge, and felt that all members should pay £10 whether they attend meetings or not. Once this is agreed, Denise will request payment. |
Jansel Square, Bedgrove: Denise had attended the recent Bedgrove Residents' Soc. AGM. There is to be a new retail/apartment block development next to the bookmaker's and changes to the car-parks. The main shoppers' car-park plus the back or overflow car-park will be marked out properly and will become "pay and display" to deter long-term commuter parking. This is in the early stages of planning and Denise will keep an eye on any developments as they arise. This is a private area so we can only request that things be done with blue badge holders in mind. |
Date of next meeting: Thursday 25th May 2006 |
Amendments to April 2006 Minutes - from Sheila Payne Problems with the main Post Office, low level counter is used by whoever is next in the queue, so it is seldom that someone with a disability uses it, inevitably we have to use the first free counter, for security reasons this makes us vulnerable as everyone can see the chip and pin. As a rule it is all counters that are not manned effectively, not just the low counter... Meetings attended DEG meeting parking for Janice and I was round at the Spinal, with places cordoned off, they had promised 4 places and only allowed 2, but the person that usually organises our parking was on holiday so it was done by someone else..... I was on my own going to the new building so should read Sheila not they (Janice wasn't with me) Ward doors need to add for clarification, Sister on Ward 2 thought they should be shut at all times, Hospital policy says they should remain open, also flagged up that there was no signage on the intercom to get into Ward 2. Should say I inspected side room 4 and bathroom are well designed and thought out. (we should give them credit for getting it right). Also that when the blips have been addressed that's when we will be invited back.... Waddesdon loved the way it was phrased coerced but David Manley ought to be added to Mervyn and Babs. |
| Minutes of Meeting Held on 30th March 2006 |
| Meeting time to remain at 3.30 - 5.30 as this seemed to suit most of those who actually attend |
Compact - Margaret will chase this up as it seems to have died off. |
| Membership fees - to be increased to £10. Margaret suggested a £5 fee for non-attendees and if they wish to make a donation, that would be very welcome |
| Thomas Hickman Charity - have supported us generously in the past. Denise to send Minutes of the AGM and remind them of our presence, mentioning the new website costs, etc. |
| Tourist Information Centre - has accessible toilet and ramp. A smooth path down the centre of the cobbles is to be done once the weather improves. |
| Web page - DEG, P & SD, Disabled Go & Vale Volunteers will have us as a link on their sites |
| Chiltern & South Bucks Access Group - to be invited to join us every 3 months starting from June. Buckingham group also to be invited on same occasion. |
| Sainsbury's wheelchair-adapted trolleys - an RCV member asked Tony Bruce to look into the availability of these as they are scarce. One concern is that people are not trained in their use! |
| Carers - Richard said that his carers (mainly foreign) have complained that they are unable to access library and leisure facilities due to their not being residents of the area. Freda explained the library's position on this and will get some information to Richard to pass on to his carers. Janice will look into the leisure provision. Some gyms, for example, will not allow one-off visits without an annual membership fee being paid. Some of the carers may only be with Richard for a few weeks every few months, and they do not know well in advance, so can't plan ahead. |
| Disabled Go - Janice, Sheila & Ed Grimsdale attended. There is a good list of groups on the website. Access will be included once we are on-line. |
| P&SD Partnership Board - Janice attended a meeting re leisure group steering committee - Guttman Stadium, Aqua Vale, etc. |
| Rayners Hedge - to be privatised - no provision for MS patients or a stroke nurse. Uncertain future for the centre. |
| DEG - "Health passport" to be issued for people with learning difficulties, speech impediments, etc. This lists details including medication, special requirements, etc. A sample was lent to Richard, who will pass it on. |
| Library - new study centre has split-level counters so people can sign, etc. As new library sections are being done, low-level counters will be included, but as yet there is no plan to redo old counters. |
| Date of next meeting - 27th April 2006 |
| Minutes of Meeting Held on 2nd March 2006 (postponed from February 23rd) |
Present: Margaret Spencer (Chair), Sheila Payne, Denise Harper, Richard Harper, James Cozens (R's carer), Janice Humphrey, James Oaten |
Apologies: Steve Kennell, Freda Ackroyd, Tony Bruce, Paul Waddingham, Freda Roberts, Marion Campbell, Colin Richardson |
Congratulations are due to Janice Humphrey on attaining her B.Sc. in Social Sciences from the Open University. |
Website - We discussed the Contact page and decided on the following: |
Margaret Spencer agreed to be a contact via letter. Ian Cameron would like to be involved where he can. If anyone else wishes to participate, please let us know. It all spreads the load. Sheila will ask permission of those members already mentioned, to pass on their email addresses to her son-out-law David who is setting up the website. We can always have extra direct email addresses later, if the site generates a lot of enquiries. For the time being, we are keeping it simple. Bob Strong (libraries & heritage) and Karen Boddy (Vale Volunteers) will add our website to their sites as a link. |
Any Other Business - Janice told us that our public liability insurance covers us for 2 meetings outside of our usual Access meeting. |
Date of next meetings - AGM 30th March, next ordinary meeting 27th April. |
Please note we will not be doing nominations for the AGM. If anyone wishes to take over any of the roles, or change anything, or become more involved, please come forward. Membership fees increases will be considered at the AGM. |