Disability Won't Stop Strictly Wheels Star!

Paula Moulton became reliant on a wheelchair when complications after pneumonia and MRSA left her with damage to her pelvis. An impromptu dance lesson however set her on a course which has changed her life – and attitude to disability. 

You may recognise Paula as one half of Strictly Wheels, a wheelchair dancing couple, who compete for Team GB at IPC Level, or from her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent – where they went on to become semi-finalists.

Paula has started using an Ottobock Ventus wheelchair as her daily use chair, which has been designed to keep up with her active lifestyle.

“It’s amazing the difference a wheelchair can make”, explains Paula Moulton. “I often struggle with spasms, but after a whole day in this chair, this has reduced. I also noticed I use less energy, which is so important for me to have in a wheelchair.”

Paula wants to raise awareness about the benefit of being active. Her advice to others: “To be active in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you have to tumble on a rugby pitch or sprint for a basketball. There are plenty of sports out there that can keep your body fit and your mind active. Participating in sports such as wheelchair dancing can really help you build confidence – as well as fitness and strength of mind and with the right mind set you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.”

 

Staycation Top 10

Holidaycottages.co.uk today announced that the quaint seaside towns of Appledore in Devon and Bude in Cornwall are set to be two of the UK’s most popular staycation hotspots this summer.

Appledore, famed for its narrow cobbled streets, ship building, gig racing, and book festivals takes the crown for most desirable UK staycation spot with Holidaycottages.co.uk revealing that they are 76 per cent booked throughout August from people wanting to bed down in the seaside hamlet. Rounding out the top 10 are:

·         Bude (Cornwall) – a laidback coastal town that’s Britain's answer to Santa Monica with three quarters (74 per cent) of properties booked throughout July and August

·         Woolacombe (Devon) – lovely seaside resort town on the coast of North Devon

·         Glastonbury (Somerset) – the iconic festival-goers favourite

·         St Austell (Cornwall) – a bustling market town that’s often referred to as the capital of the Cornish Alps

·         Dorchester (Dorset) – historic town boasting a wide range of family attractions, independent retailers and delicious eateries

·         Moreton-in-Marsh (Cotswolds) – a delightful little town nestled in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold countryside

·         Loch Ness (Scotland) – needs no introduction. Home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster

·         The Cairngorms (Scotland) – stunning mountains, green forests and friendly villages in Britain’s largest National Park

·         Brecon Beacons (Wales) – South Wales’ most famous mountain range and a ramblers delight

Properties featured as part of Holidaycottages.co.uk top 10 UK staycation destinations include:


·         The School House, Woolacombe, North Devon

Set on the edge of the peaceful village of Lee Bay, this cosy one bedroom cottage offers breath taking scenery and cliff-top coastal walks just outside your front door. Perfect for exploring the Tarka Cycling Trail and the wild expanses of Exmoor, the area is great for dog walking, romantic evening strolls and rambling. A week’s stay costs from just £490.

·         Heligan Apartment in St Austell, South Cornwall

Less than a 10-minute drive to the Eden Project – the largest indoor rainforest in the world. Other nearby attractions include the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the historical village and harbour of Charlestown as well as the beautiful countryside of the Cornish peninsula. Sleeping three, this two bedroom, ground floor apartment is located within a secure gated community and a week’s stay costs from just £470.

·         Mawr Neuadd Fach, Brecon Beacons

Situated on a 400 acre beef and sheep farm on the edge of the Black Mountains Mawr Neuadd Fach is an idyllic four bedroom cottage sleeping seven. The perfect launchpad for exploring the waterfalls, forests and market towns of the famed Brecon Beacons National Park, Mawr Neuadd Fach is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors as well as visitors with four-legged friends. Other local attractions nearby include Tretower Court and Castle and the South Wales Borderers Museum. A week’s stay costs from just £505.

Where's your favourite accessible staycation?

Wheelchair Accessible Safari

A web app has been launched by Discover Africa which enables one of nature’s most spectacular wildlife events to be tracked in real-time.

HerdTracker is a real time Google map, which shows instant updates of the migration's precise location. This is coupled with a migration map, which publishes accurate monthly migration predictions, based on data from the Serengeti itself.

Real time updates are sourced weekly from pilots who fly over the Serengeti and Masai Mara, safari guides on the ground, Tanzania National Parks Authority rangers and lodges in the Masai Mara in Kenya.

The migration map allows those planning their safari to see a month-by-month prediction, ensuring safari travellers are in the right place at the right time.

Both tools allow travellers to plan their safari around the weather, wildlife, migratory movements, predator interactions, river crossings and where to stay each month of the year.

Find out about wheelchair accessible safari here and write a review.

Try Wheelchair Rugby

GBWR are offering the chance to try out Wheelchair Rugby on Monday 28th April at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke.

The free taster session will be for any potential players, male or female, with a physical impairment. Wheelchairs and coaching will be provided. There will also be an appearance from a player from Stoke city football club joining in the fun on the day. Journalists brave enough to have a go are welcome too.

An exciting fusion of ice hockey, handball and rugby, the game was originally founded in Canada in 1977. It’s not only based on speed and chair contact, but is also a tactically intelligent game to be involved in. Eight rolling substitutes make up squads of 12, with four players on court per team at any time, with the aim of driving the ball across the opponents' goal line. Contact between wheelchairs is permitted, as players use their chairs to block and hold opponents. The emphasis of the sport is on fun, excitement and inclusion, particularly for players with higher levels of impairment.

This taster session is part of a wider week of Wheelchair Rugby taking part in Stoke leading up to the Wheelchair Rugby National Championships taking place 3rd – 5th May at Fenton Manor in Stoke. It will see the UK’s top Wheelchair Rugby teams battle it out for the cup including some of the stars of London 2012 and future athletes of Rio 2016.

The taster session takes place between 12pm – 2pm on Monday 28th April at Fenton manor Sports complex in Stoke, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2RR. More information can be found on the website: www.gbwr.org.uk 

Learn About The English Country House

Celebrate St George’s Day by delving into 450 years of literature inspired by the English country house.

A revolutionary digital course launched today by the University of Sheffield will give people from across the world a unique glimpse into the extraordinary life, culture, drama and literature of the traditional English country house.

Fans of Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice will be able to delve into 450 years of literature inspired and set in some of the country’s most magnificent buildings such as Chatsworth House – home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire which has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family and has one of Europe’s most significant art collections.

The Literature of the English Country House is the second FutureLearn Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) hosted by the University which is transforming education and making learning free and accessible to all.

The eight week course is ideal for 18th century literature lovers and costume drama enthusiasts who would like to discover the secrets behind the exquisite English country houses which are steeped in history, romance and sometimes scandal.

Learners will explore the magnificent 17th century wall paintings of Bolsover Castle often hailed to be the best of their kind in the country and visit Haddon Hall, frozen in the time of William Shakespeare and a great inspiration for the great gothic novelist Anne Radcliffe 200 years later.

Throughout the course participants will learn techniques to analyse literature and make their own connections with the English country house.

There are no prerequisites for registering for this or any other MOOC hosted by the University. Education or academic background is not important – budding learners from around the world simply need an internet connection.

Registration for the course is open today and learning will begin on 2 June 2014. The online lecturers will not only take learners on a literary journey but give them the unique opportunity to go through the key hole of six of Yorkshire and Derbyshire’s most famous addresses.

Would You Move Away?

Seven out of ten British young people consider a future away From the UK, with the weather, quality of life, and the current government being the leading factors, shows a recent survey.
When asked for specific reasons, more than 20% blamed the economy and over 30% said they were unhappy with the current government.

The survey – carried out by Robinsons Relocation – showed that one third of those that wished to leave agreed that life in the UK was too expensive and that they would like to live somewhere cheaper, whilst one in five would like their family to have a better future than what currently seems available in the UK.

Employment and job opportunities were other popular reasons for considering life abroad, as was the cost of attending university.

East Anglia, The North West, The West Midlands and Northern Ireland saw the largest rates of unhappiness, with over 80% of youngsters from each considering an escape.

In contrast, 80% of young people in the East Midlands saw their long term futures there.

When asked where they would like to move, The United States was by far the most popular location with over 60% of the votes, followed by Australia, and Canada, showing British Youth prefer English speaking countries.

Holiday Like #MadMen

With the final 14 episodes of Mad Men about to start, British Airways have put together a guide to the best places to stay in New York if you'd like to experience 1960s glamour and visit some of the places featured in the show.

Roosevelt Hotel

The Roosevelt hotel was featured in the show. Visit the Madison Club Lounge bar to absorb yourself in the glamour of the 1960s.

 Stay at the 4* Roosevelt From £699

Room rate discounted included on selected dates.

Based on travel in June

The Waldorf

One of New York’s first grand hotels, and mentioned on the show in relation to its menu. British Airways recommends the hotel’s original waldorf salad.

 Stay at the 5* Waldorf Astoria New York with British Airways From £749

5* Waldorf Towers (Occupying the 28th to 42nd floors of the iconic Waldorf Astoria) From £879

Based on travel in June

The Pierre

The Pierre is Manhattan’s premier social and business address. The characters used one of the rooms here as an office.

Stay at the 5* The Pierre, A Taj Hotel From £979

Based on travel in May

 

 

Other places featured in the show and hotels nearby….

The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station

Featured as a location in the show and a romantic and glamorous location for any Mad Men enthusiast.

5* Andaz 5th Avenue, a Hyatt Hotel – a luxury boutique hotel, perfect to feel like you’re on the set of Mad Men.

From £799. Travel in May/June.

 PJ Clarke's is one of the oldest bars in New York

Christina Hendricks, the actress who plays office manager Joan Harris is rumoured to be a frequent visitor - Hotels near PJ Clarke’s include:

4.5* Smyth Tribeca – This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is inspired by a Madison Avenue ad man's boutique bachelor pad.

From £799. Travel in May/June.

5* Conrad New York - Contemporary all-suite luxury hotel with magnificent views of the Hudson River

From £679. Travel in June.  

Madison Avenue

Provides the setting for the famous advertising agencies featured in Mad Men Hotels in the area include:

4* The Roger – A  Mr & Mrs Smith hotel with Mad Men inspired style and décor and very appropriately named, as it’s somewhere you could imagine bumping in to Roger Sterling.

From £739. Travel in June.

 

5* The Surrey - This boutique hotel is grand and glamorous and perfect for a Mad Men visit.

From £919. Travel in June.


Add your accessible New York reviews!

All packages are for return British Airways World Traveller flights and three nights hotel stay for two adults sharing one room on a room only board basis.  No book by date unless stated.

Wheelchair Rugby Grant

The National Governing Body for Wheelchair Rugby, GBWR, has agreed a deal with the Middlesex Sports Foundation worth £50,000 that will run for the next four years.

Rhidian Jones, Chairman of the Middlesex Sports Foundation, said: “We were all impressed by the courage and commitment of the athletes at the Paralympics in London in 2012. As a charity with assets derived from the rugby community, and focussed on aiding sport for youth and those with special needs, we considered GB Wheelchair Rugby an ideal partner with which to develop a strong relationship.”

David Pond, Chief Executive of GB Wheelchair Rugby, responded: “We welcome the Middlesex Sports Foundation as partners at this very exciting time in the development of our sport. Our relationship with the able bodied rugby community continues to grow and we are very grateful to the Foundation for this generous funding which will help fund our new youth programme.’’

The money will help support and develop the sport across the country as well as to prepare the elite squad for the Paralympic games in Rio. GBWR is a charitable organisation and continues to forge strong links with charities such as the Middlesex Sport Foundation, as well as able-bodied rugby clubs, in an effort to engage communities with new initiatives and programmes.

Snap The World #aviscantbelievemyeyes

Are we nearly there yet? A familiar sound whether young or old - we're all in a
hurry to get to our destination. But today Avis is encouraging us to enjoy the
journey and capture beautiful moments we might otherwise miss along the way.

To inspire others to open their eyes, Avis is calling out for the best images
caught on camera as part of a journey. Upload to Facebook where a panel of
judges from Avis and photography experts Getty Images will shortlist the best
photos to be voted for by the public. The winning shot will not only win a trip
from BA Holidays, but it will also form part of the Avis advertising campaign
to encourage others to open their eyes and see further than the destination.

Beauty can be found anywhere. Yes, cruising along a coastal road on the Cote
d'Azur is full of picture postcard views. As is driving through the snow
covered Alps, travelling through the ruggedly beautiful Yorkshire countryside
or passing by the majestic Colosseum in Rome. But even on those less than
glamorous journeys there is still splendour to be found, especially if you get
off the beaten track - something often only possible when traveling by car.

If you look hard enough, you won't believe your eyes at the beauty you can see
- be it a magnificent stained glass window on a building covered in graffiti,
wild flowers growing on the side of a motorway, or even a stunning sunset when
driving through the 'rough end of town'. Anywhere from Bognor to Biarritz or
Scunthorpe to Seville, look around and you won't believe your eyes.

Accessible Australia

Have Prince William and Kate inspired you to take a trip to Australia?
 

Witches Falls Cottages, the boutique Bed and Breakfast situated on beautiful Tamborine Mountain, has undergone extensive renovations within two of their cottages to transform them into new all abilities cottages. In the new duplex style accommodation, Witches Falls Cottages have maintained the popular style of stone gables, glass walled bathrooms and private gardens with BBQ facilities. Witches Falls Cottages is proud to announce that with the recent refurbishment their AAA Tourist Star rating has been upgraded from a 4 star rating to a 4.5 star rating. Weekend rates start from $360 per night and weeknights from $310 per night, for two adults including breakfast.
 
Add your wheelchair accessible reviews of 'Down Under'.

Enjoy Spring In A Wheelchair

This spring take time to explore the UK’s gardens, beaches and endless wildlife with The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.
The online guide features reviews of accessible attractions such as Yorkshire Wildlife Park in south Yorkshire. Most of the animals are allowed to wander around the park freely, so visitors can get up close to a wide range of animals including llamas, monkeys and wallabies, while infamous big cats can be viewed from raised, wheelchair accessible walkways. The little ones can also enjoy the Adventure Park and indoor Play Barn.

For those in the East Midlands, see spring flowers at their best at the Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland. A Collection of 38 small gardens set in eight-acres of land; it was once home to BBC’s Gardener’s World. With everything you could want to see, whether you’re green-fingered or not, from rose gardens and fruit orchards to an abundantly stocked Japanese garden, there is plenty to discover. Or for those who fancy something slightly more adventurous, head to Devon’s Tarka Trail and Tunnel Beaches. A great way to explore the grey sand shingle beaches of Devon, through secluded tracks and tunnels that were originally popular with Victorians, the beach is now lots of fun for children with inflatables.

 Share your own wheelchair accessible experiences with WorldInA...Wheelchair!

Do You Remember Appointments?

Missed appointments cost the NHS and taxpayers millions of pounds every year, as resources are wasted and those who fail to turn up, for whatever reason, have to reschedule. Other patients suffer, as waiting times are lengthened by constant rescheduling. 

A Saga poll, carried out by Populus, reveals that 13% of Saga customers with regular medical appointments find it ‘hard’ to manage them.

Today, Saga calls for a better use of technology, to focus more resources on preventing people from missing their appointments, including:

- Greater use of email and text alerts as appointment reminders

- More widespread use of appointment/consultation systems that let patients check, book and cancel at their own convenience

- More provision for ordering repeat medication online

- Expansion of telecare and telehealth services that let patients monitor their health at home and get medical advice without the inconvenience of travelling to their surgery.

Top Tips For A Value Easter Break!

As many holidaymakers get ready to jet off on their Easter holidays this year, Mark Bodega, director at HiFX gives his top tips to avoid paying over the odds:

Don’t leave it to a last minute dash at the airport:
Traditionally buying currency at the airport will cost between 3-6% more than from a typical high street bureau de change or bank. It’s always cheaper to purchase currency before you go, especially if you buy online; you can not only take advantage of a better exchange rate, but also avoid commission charges. If you do purchase your travel money online, make sure you use a company who offers a secure online service, like HiFX.

Beware dynamic exchange rates:
If the hole in the wall or the payment machine in the shop asks if you want to pay in Pounds say no.  It’s called dynamic currency conversion and means you’ll usually get a worse rate than your own card.

Avoid using your credit card if you can:
Most cards add a 3% loading cost to the exchange rates meaning you get a really terrible exchange rate and many charge you ATM fees.  That said there are a number of specialist credit cards that offer some of the best deals.  Some, like the Halifax and Santander cards, don’t and also won’t charge you each time you withdraw money from a hole in the wall.  But you do need to open an account with them to get it and as with any credit card they will charge you interest.

Avoid using your debit card:
Beware debit cards as they can be the worst way to spend overseas.  Most people, and again I’ve been guilty of this in the past, will use their debit cards whilst abroad thinking they’re avoiding the typical credit card charges I’ve just mentioned.  Many debit cards (bank account cards) actually have the worst fees – as they add up to £1.50 every time you spend and an exchange loading fee i.e a percentage they add on to the exchange rate (typically with the bad cards between 2% and 3%).

If you don’t like the idea of taking too much cash look at one of the many prepaid cards available which allow you to load the card up with cash before you go.  Prepaid cards do exactly what they say on the tin and can be used widely at cash machines, restaurants and shops.  Their big advantage is security as if you lose your card most providers will (for a fee) replace it with all the funds intact.

Choose the best currency if you’re travelling across multiple currency zones:
Sterling, euro and US dollars can be widely exchanged in most tourist destinations, compared to local or more exotic currencies, such as the Thai baht. If going away for a long period or visiting a number of countries, HiFX advises that you exchange enough of the local currency for immediate purchases, such as taxis from the airport and then take sterling, euros or US dollars with you to exchange into relevant currencies needed during your travels.

Avoid trying to beat the markets.  Unless your holiday is in 6 months’ time, fluctuating exchange rates will make very little difference to the amount of money you’ll get for your pounds:
By leaving ordering your travel money until the last minute you risk missing out on the good deals available from ordering money in advance online. If you’re going on holiday in a week or two’s time, you’ll actually save yourself more by following the tips I’ve just been through.

Finally, plan a budget – and stick to it!
Calculate the sterling amount you expect to spend each day; don’t forget you could spend a lot more on holiday! Extra funds should be factored in for emergencies, delayed flights, etc. Try to stick to this to avoid making expensive cash withdrawals abroad or being left with excess currency at the end of your holiday.

Remember banks and bureau de changes will only change notes, so get rid of all loose change while you're away, or save it for your next trip!  Alternatively, some airlines collect left over coins for charities during the flight.

Wheelchairs no barrier to horse fun!

Are you ready for the Grand National and inspired to ride?

Wheelchairs no barrier to horse fun

Bored of Britain?

More than a third of young people choosing to travel abroad are doing so because they are bored of Britain.

While 43 per cent say they are seeking adventure and 21 per cent aspire to work overseas, 36 per cent of those surveyed said they had simply had enough of Britain.

The research, carried out by youth travel and work organisation Smaller EarthUK, also revealed that more than half (54 per cent) viewed the UK jobs market as “bad” with only 28 per cent considering it to be “good”.

The survey of 1000 young people aged 18-30 highlighted how 65 per cent had a clear idea about their future career, but felt that the opportunity to work and travel overseas would enhance their prospects of competing in the employment market.

40 Years Of BA Uniform!

To celebrate its 40th anniversary this week, Denise Van Outen (also 40 this year), has modelled vintage cabin crew uniforms from 1974 - the year BEA and BOAC merged to become British Airways.
 

 

The Hardy Amies uniform includes a two-piece thick woolen dark blue fitted knee length jacket to match. The outfit is completed with a red trim, white and blue neck scarf tied in a bow, and a petite hat which is affixed with a pin at the back, to reveal a slight fringe. Air hostess' would wear the uniform with thick black tights and block heel court shoes.

 

 

It's a long way from the current Julien Macdonald uniform, which offers waistcoats, trousers and skirts made in lightweight but durable material to withstand all climates crew may fly to.

Accessible Shopping

Just been paid and want to do some spring shopping now the weather has warmed up?

 Westfield is celebrating the reopening of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with a host of sporting and fun activities for the kids and the kid-in-you!

What’s On at Westfield Stratford City this Easter
-        With the Copperbox and Aquatics centre now open inside the Park, visitors to Westfield Stratford City have a chance to experience some of the activities from these iconic venues as they bring a range of activities to The Street. From basketball hoops to fitness skills training, kids and families can take part and get active from 7th – 13th April at Chestnut Plaza
-        British Gas, sponsors of British Swimming since 2009 are encouraging as many people back into swimming as possible. They will be demonstrating a unique fitness test and showing how swimming can help people of all ages to become fitter and healthier through swimming. Customers can get more information about SwimBritain 2014, a series of fun team-relay events taking place in August and September where the public swim 500m or 1000m in pools around the UK or an open water lake.
-        Kids can also get active at Westfield’s Silent Disco (14th – 20th April)
-        Racing car lovers will love the Top Gear Experience at Chestnut Plaza, on the Street (16th – 27th April)

Retail Therapy
Located at the gateway to the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City is also the gateway to the best of British and international fashion. For those tempted by an authentic London shopping experience, Westfield has more than 250 stores to choose from, including Jaegar, Next, Mulberry, American Apparel and All Saints; with many brands having made their UK debut, including Victoria’s Secret, David’s Bridal, Cadenzza, Browns the Diamond Jewellers and Celeb Boutique.

Treat Your Tastebuds

A highlight is the centre’s unique food market, the Great Eastern Market, which treats visitors to tastes from across the world with a wide variety of cuisines. You might even be lucky enough to see the latest It chef cook-up their signature dish in front of a live audience at the Great Eastern Kitchen. There also are many restaurants available in and outside the centre including popular names such as Wahaca, Ping Pong, G0000iraffe, GBK and many more.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Westfield Stratford City is home to three hotels, the UK’s largest All Star Lanes bowling alley, a 17 screen all-digital Vue cinema and London’s largest Casino by Aspers, completing the round the clock lifestyle offer.
For those who visit the Park to remember a moment in sporting history, the recently opened Café Football, started by two former Manchester United team-mates, is the perfect place to stop off, enjoy a meal and watch some live sport.

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