Mobilise - Promoting mobility for disabled people

Have you ever fancied visiting the Highlands of Scotland for a long weekend, but don’t want to drive? Then why not go on the Caledonian Sleeper? Mobilise member Mark Davidson recently undertook the journey to Fort William and was able to look at the onboard facilities for both disabled and non-disabled travellers alike.

The Caldedonian sleeper, also known as The Deerstalker is one of only two overnight sleeper trains currently operating in the United Kingdom; the other being the Night Riviera which runs from London Paddington to Penzance. Operated by Scotrail, the overnight journey takes thirteen hours from London Euston. However, with the facility for a good nights sleep, it will leave you feeling bright and refreshed, ready for spending a few days in the small Scottish town of Fort William. Continue reading »

Mobilise member Greg Hayball from Dorset tells Mobilise about his travels through France and Spain in his new Ford Focus Zetec.

Having visited France and Spain on numerous occasions I decided to avoid the chills of the bleak UK winter and head across the continent for a few days on a mini motoring holiday.

I’d recently taken delivery of a new Ford Focus Zetec with sports trim and all the extras I could afford. This was an upgrade from my previous Focus, from my Motability dealer in Weymouth, and the Zetec goes like a rocket. It has good handling, steering and suspension, and the 17.5” alloy wheels hang on to the road as if their lives, and mine, depend upon it. I feel as though I’m almost glued in to the driver’s sports style seat, and the ‘rally style’ automatic, tiptronic gearbox is easy to use.  The car has adaptive headlights; those that follow the direction that you turn the steering wheel, which really do let the driver see round corners. Definitely a great choice! Continue reading »

Mobilise Trustee and seasoned skier Helen Robinson hit the red runs in the Italian Alps and found it exhilarating. She shares the thrills of disabled skiing.

In 1992 my husband and I received a surprise letter from the local disabled skiing club inviting us to go skiing in Austria.  We hadn’t even heard of the club and had not conceived of the idea that we would be able to ski.

Although I was interested, John didn’t fancy it.  I therefore informed John that he would staying at his parents’ house for a week while I tried this skiing lark out.  I had a fabulous time and have never looked back. Continue reading »

Mobilise member Spencer Flynn tells Mobilise about his enjoyable trip to New York.

In 2008 my wife and I decided that because we hadn’t had a holiday for at least five  years, we should ‘spoil’ ourselves and repeat part of our 40^th wedding anniversary trip by sailing to New York. Our journey was to cross the Atlantic on the new Queen Mary and then to stay at the Waldorf Astoria for three nights, before flying back to Heathrow. We booked in advance tickets for the Empire State Building including the ‘virtual flight’ over the New York, seats for Mamma Mia and dinner at the Marriott revolving view restaurant in Times Square. Continue reading »

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” So mused Ratty, in Kenneth Grahame’s famous book “The Wind in the Willows”.   Jim Rawlings follows suit and explores different ways of getting waterborne on Britain’s inland waterways.

Harvey’s was founded by Paul Harvey after an industrial accident.  Having lost three fingers and undergoing intense rehabilitation, Paul Harvey was advised to give up carpentry and find himself a desk job.  With sheer determination and passion for his trade, he started his own business which has now grown from a Joinery to incorporate his other passion, boats.  Collin his chief joiner and foreman is deaf, while Tim who does sanding and preparatory work on the boats is registered blind. Continue reading »

When Mobilise member Rob Mannion and his wife Carol made a quick trip to Amsterdam he was nervous about travelling without his adapted car. But, as Rob tells Mobilise, using public transport was surprisingly easy.

I’m a fairly frequent visitor to Holland, but I’m often limited to the Rotterdam area and I usually drive. My normal route is via the Channel Tunnel – usually taking advantage of the off peak travel rates early in the morning – driving up through Belgium into Holland, and trying avoid the peak hour traffic on the Brussels by-pass! Continue reading »

Mobilise member Rob Mannion shares his experience of driving in the Emerald Isle.

Even though I see many British mainland registered cars during my frequent trips to the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, I think many more of us, especially disabled drivers, could enjoy the Irish travelling experience. From Cork to Donegal and from Belfast to Bangor, there are some wonderful people to meet and truly dramatic scenery to enjoy in the land of my ancestors. Continue reading »

Eva McCracken tells Mobilise the inspiration behind her book, Walking on Wheels, a guide for wheelchair and electric scooter users who wish to access and enjoy the Scottish countryside.

When people ask me why did I write Walking on Wheels, I have a stock answer.  “Because it was needed”, I say.  There was a complete dearth of information on barrier free countryside paths accessible to those of us requiring wheels for our mobility. That, of course, is only part of the story but the more I think about “why” the more confused I get.

Was it in my nature?  Was it my upbringing?  Would it have happened had I lived a century ago? Perhaps I was just part of our early 21st century, “go-for-it” attitude and saw an opportunity?

What I know for sure was that Walking on Wheels was part of my journey through life living with MS. It would never have happened had I not become an ‘MSer’, dependent on an assortment of wheelchairs and scooters for the past 10 years.  I feel very fortunate in my nature and my nurture.  I’m an optimist by nature and a problem solver by education. Continue reading »

When driving in Europe, there are numerous rules and regulations that differ from country to country.  To help you stay safe and legal on the roads this summer, Mobilise Motoring Editor Jim Rawlings has put together his top tips for motoring in Europe.

Before driving abroad you should always familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting, check your breakdown and medical cover and check your insurance. The following advice is intended to flag up some of the most common ‘pitfalls’ that await the unwary driver, but it is not comprehensive; if you are traveling abroad we would strongly suggest undertaking some further research on the exact legal requirements of the countries you intend to visit. Happy holidays – and don’t forget to cancel the milk!

Germany

Some German Autobahns have no speed limit. However, where speed limits are displayed they are rigorously enforced. Continue reading »

Alan Simpson, a postgraduate student from the University of Aberdeen, is currently undertaking research for his dissertation regarding the construction of motorway rest areas.

Motorway Rest Areas were created by new legislation in 2008, covering England and Wales, and so far only one exists in the UK. However, mainland Europe has had them for years. They are smaller than Motorway Service Areas and are not legally obliged to provide as many facilities.

Alan is looking to find out if these smaller sites have a future in the UK and whether or not motorists actually see a demand for what they offer and would use them, and has set up an online questionnaire for motorists to complete. This should take around ten minutes.

As an added incentive, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win £25 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers. The winner will be picked at random in September 2010. Your name and email will only be utilised by Alan for this purpose and will not be passed to any third parties.

Click here to fill out the online survey.