Chair: David Foster – Tel: 01788 544991 Secretary: John Burrell – Tel 01788 533796
Minutes of meeting held at Hamilton House on Tuesday 26th August 2008
Welcome & Introductions – Sue asked everyone to introduce themselves and welcomed everyone.Q - Old people are usually left on their own, others are supported by their families. Isn’t this a duplication of what is already being done?
A - Not everyone has a family for support – this group working together will support everyone. Currently talking to local Council’s to ensure this is not duplicating what is already being done.
Q - What resource is on offer for translations into other languages?
A - We will help to engage with individuals/groups giving interpretations and translations of every nationality with people with disabilities and people who are not disabled where there is a need.
Q - When does the project start?
A - In a few weeks time.
Sue thanked Aseia for her presentation.
. Attendance Present – Fiona Bennington, Marion Hersey, Tony Woffenden, Pam Jones, Paul Cooper, Anne Cooper, Derek Hillman, Joyce Carter, Sheena Corbett, George Farthing, Vivian Wilkins, Harry Mossop, Peter Elliott, Nicola Timpkins, Martin Eversfield, Jean Box, John Hicks, Mollie Toye, Suzanna Vandervelden, Alan G Thompson, Mala Solanki, Aseia Rafique, Pat Clarke, J Burrell, B Edwards, Sue Hillman.
Apologies – Daphne, Andrew, David, Maria, Clare Montague.
Minutes – Actions
Marion gave her apologies which were not recorded. George Farthing was present and missed off attendance list. Pam did not receive any minutes. John apologised to Marion, George and Pam and promised to try better this time.
Reports
Country Walks – Derek and Sue met with WCC. The idea is that we have ten accessible walks within the County, each to be 3-4 miles long and must be on public right of way. Present walks are not all on public rights of way which if not used frequently can be closed. Looking at ones that are relatively easy to upkeep. Derek and Sue Vandervelden walked a few routes, particularly the one from Brandon (just past speedway stadium) through the woods to Coombe Abbey, then back a different route (this is the one that WCC have decided to upgrade and make accessible). Derek and Sue found lots of problems which have been passed to WCC. When upgraded it will be disabled friendly and then WCC would like members of the Forum to go around it and give feedback. Members thanked Derek and Sue.
Town Walks – to be discussed at next meeting.
Shop Watch – Anne and her carer carried out a survey of Sheep Street and High Street to give an update on current situation.
Sequoia -nothing being done in the near future.
World of Difference – one step into shop – had portable ramp but no bell to attract attention.
Vodafone – bell for assistance – portable ramp – hoping for a refit but don’t know when.
Heaphy’s – ramp available and bell for assistance.
Phone Zone – due to cost didn’t intend to do anything.
Quite a few people said they had been made aware of their responsibilities but head office won’t find the money!
Members thanked Anne and her carer for carrying out the survey and reporting to the Forum.
Derek has spoken to Robin Richter from ‘Rugby First’ to see if he can recommend any businesses that have made a determined effort to make their premises accessible. It is the Forums intention to give them praise by giving them a special certificate (and suitable publicity) which Robin supported. However it was found that only seven premises had gone that extra mile – very dissapointing.
Taxis – Fiona, Pam and Derek have carried out a survey of Taxis available in Rugby.
London Style taxis – ramp very steep, do not help you to gain access, manual chair just fitted in, unable to turn around, nothing to hang on to, do not strap you in. Not very safe and not very user friendly.
E7 – ramps too steep, had to duck to get into vehicle, could turn around once inside, helped to strap down. Better than London Style taxis. However Pam will not use them again.
DOBLO – access via the rear, ramp very easy, clamp you in, strapped down and wear seat belt – very safe. Headroom is good, however only carries 2 passengers. Much prefer opening at the back of vehicle and driving in and out!
FX4 – the number was unobtainable.
VW Transporter – can carry 4 wheelchairs, used manual chair, was strapped down, access via the rear and help given to get in and was asked if comfortable and ok. Also asked if I had a preference of route to miss road humps – excellent service.
MERC VITO – only have channel ramp access – no good for 3 wheel scooters.
Members at the meeting who are wheelchair users were unanimous in their agreement that rear accessed taxis are much more user friendly than side accessed vehicles and it was agreed that JB advise David of the results of the survey. It was also agreed that Rugby Borough Council be asked to make more information available to help customers select the taxis that suits them best.
6. Any Other Business
Guidepost – Mrs Tompkin advised that there is a new Autumn brochure out on ‘courses for adults’ particularly meditation and relaxation skills. Foundation for the Future are also providing a confidence building course. For details of courses and venues tel.01926 735502 or email rugbyacl@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Walkway in front of Rugby Library – cobbles not very accessible for disabled people. JB to look into.
Sarah Gibbons has left RBC and moved to WCC.
Articles could be given to RBC (Viv Wilkins) to publicise what we are doing.
Rugby Borough Council are currently working on their website to update it and make it more useful and accessible. Members asked to look at the website and give JB feedback on any issues, problems when accessing or using it.
WREP have an excellent website and CAVA are again producing their ‘Grapevine’ newsletter.
Rugby Compact Event Celebration – 7th November 2008 at Benn Hall 10am – 2pm. Do we want a table again? The last event was very successful and the Forum played a large part. Perhaps we should be thinking of what we can do this time?