Tag → independence

Summer walking weekend

06 September, 18:02, by Chris Kenworthy Tags: , , , , ,
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Our biannual walking weekend got off to a dramatic start last weekend. We’d just loaded up our to minibuses (including the purple princess) and set sail for the South Pennines when Sam (from Open Country) rang our mobile to let us know we’d helpfully driven off with his bag, including his house keys. So rather than let Sam sleep rough while we were away having fun, we did the decent thing and drove back to return his kit.

Group of people stood on a path with a countryside valley backdrop

Walking weekend group

The walking weekend centred around Hebden Hey in Calderdale and base camp was a basic but comfortable Scout centre with bunk beds in dormitories and a kitchen. We had a total of twenty six people with us including members, their carers and volunteers.

We offer two residential weekends a year which offer our members even more excitement and adventure than our day trips. It’s an opportunity for people with disabilities to access the countryside as well as a chance for everyone to get to know each other better. We share cooking, eating, social activities and it’s much cheaper than other holidays offered by disability-specialists, that means it’s more inclusive for our members living on tighter budgets. Our members’ families and carers get some respite too for the whole weekend we’re away.

Saturday 4th September

The plan for Saturday was a walk up to Stoodley Pike a hill which features a large war monument visible from miles around, as well as giving a fantastic view over Calderdale. We began at Blackstone Edge reservoir and marched up to the monument at Stoodley Pike summit. Then we gave our members a choice of an easy walk back into town or a slightly more challenging longer walk back to the bus – we cater for people of all abilities at Open Country and give everyone the independence and options they deserve.

Squirrel scoffing

Later that same day, Paul (Open Country) was awoken by a strange rustling sound in the sleeping quarters of our base camp. He was in a bunk bed above notorious Open Country member ‘The Squirrel’ (Ian), renowned for his insatiable appetite and constant feeding. By now, it was 1.30am in the early hours of Sunday, so Paul didn’t suspect for a moment that it would be Squirrel grazing. But sure enough, after firing up his torch and leaning over the edge of his bunk bed – there below was Squirrel having a midnight pork pie, which he swiftly concealed as if caught red-handed.

Ian sat at a table serving tea in a striped blazer and straw boater hat

The Squirrel takes tea

Sunday 5th September

We’d booked a tour of Gibson Mill on Sunday, a modernised 19th-century cotton mill which is self-sustaining, meaning it generates its own energy and has minimal impact on the surrounding environment. It was a fantastically interesting attraction, with the only downside being that they don’t generate enough electricity to run a freezer for ice-cream. Everyone knows that Open Country love ice-cream.

It was in the café at Gibson Mill that Squirrel entertained us by dressing up as a posh gentleman enjoying a spot of tea. Take a look at the delightful photograph attached to this blog post.

Open Country video

06 July, 19:58, by Open Country Tags: , , , ,
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Over a period of six weeks students from Leeds Trinity University College have been out and about with us, filming our activities as we help disabled people to access the countryside. The four members of the film crew (Joe, Natalie, Katie and Sean) are in their first year of a film degree.

In the video, there’s interviews with Sam, Paul and David (from Open Country) as well as contributions from our members and volunteers. We think it gives a really good summary of what we get up to and how much we enjoy our mission to inspire confidence and independence for people with disabilities. You’ll see just how involved all of our members get, who despite learning and mobility difficulties, crave excitement and risk like everyone else.

Our student friends shot over 25 hours of footage on 10 of our activities and they’ve trimmed it down to a neat 6 minute film. Take a look for yourself:

A Day in Bridlington

16 June, 10:00, by Open Country Tags: , , , , , ,
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It’s rare that the humble sat nav gets a mention in any blog post, but our unit gets a special commendation for services above and beyond the call of duty on Saturday 5th June. So arise Sir TomTom, who guided us without incident through the back roads of North Yorkshire, circumventing hours of hot and sticky traffic jams between Harrogate and sunny Bridlington.

Ian stood with a sand-castle bucket on his head

The 'Squirrel' (Ian) at Whitby

We had twelve people on the outing: a mixture of people with disabilities, wheelchair users and volunteers, who after taking the scenic route were ready for a jaunt in the glorious sunshine. Like all Open Country day trips, we provide access to the countryside for people with disabilities but we offer them freedom and independence to do as they choose at our destination.

Saturday was no exception, Sam (Open Country) took a few people for a look around the beach, harbour and fair while Anita and Helen seized the opportunity to go shoe shopping. Others had fish and chips, ice creams and a play in the sand. How delightful.

Do you like sunshine and the countryside?

Then come with us! If you share your time volunteering with us, we can continue our mission to help people with disabilities access to the countryside on days out like these.

A simple trip to the seaside encourages independence, confidence and improves someone’s quality of life but we can’t do it without your help: leave a comment below to get involved or contact us to find out more.