Doing it for the kids and charidee, mate

[silverbullet]

Given the recent success of the club's presence at CamperJam and my family's growing associations with our local children's hospice http://www.shootingstarchase.org.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I have got to thinking (steady now) why shouldn't we i.e syncronauts, organize a day out of gentle-ish offroading for young people who would probably not get the chance and promote the club at the same time?

I'd have that other offroad clubs do similar things, but our vans do rather lend themselves to the needs of people who would otherwise struggle to access a Landy or similar vehicle and who would also have an attendant carer to accomodate.

I can't see why, on the face of it, someone dependant on a wheelchair couldn't have a great day out provided their wheels can be secured to their satisfaction? I've already got lashing eyes in my van floor, would it be such a hardship to drill 4 holes in yours just to give someone a life-affirming experience?

OK so this is just the beginnings of an idea, maybe think on it for a while and see what we can come up with as a workable plan? I'd have thought that http://www.shootingstarchase.org.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; could give us some pointers and guidelines as to who would best benefit from the experience and maybe we could even tie up with them as a "regular" event if we can get it off the ground.

It's not about money or fund raising or self-promotion, we can leave all that at home. It's just about doing something that we all enjoy and inviting someone new along to experience what we take for granted.

What do you say?

[toomanytoys]

[silverbullet]

Finishing the thought...families need a break too! Hospices do a great job in providing time out for stressed parents and siblings, why not run a pilot trip so that those interested can see what it's all about and talk through what would best suit their kid's needs in person?

I think that cover it now...

[Wychall]

Should it be of any interest / use, I have a number of sets of wheelchair restraints for clipping into Unwin tracking. Always willing to lend them out to deserving causes. I also have an Unwin equipped 'bus but only 2wd so not a green-laner.

[sonic23]

Sound Idea Ian. Worth investigating further.
Sounds like it needs to be a topic for the AGM?

Rich

[jes*b]

great idea Ian - i can offer my T4 will full wheelchair access (Ricon tail lift) can be used for collection /drop off etc. Unwin track all in place , straps etc. Bought it to run the father in law around as he is in full electric wheel chair. its been invaluable these last couple of years

[..lee..]

Sounds a lovely idea. I'd be up for it aslong as the minor / major details can be sorted. Serious thought would have to be put in to the severity of the route, safety of the passengers and insurances.

Lee

[silverbullet]

Thanks for the response so far chaps! There's definitely a bit to be done on the planning side,perhaps if we can work out an initial proposal then I can approach our local Shooting Stars and see what they make of it?

Maybe a "Press Pack" (digital as well as a hard copy) with some pics and info on syncronauts inc. past events, the fact that we are RAC MSA with a commitee and what that means, suggestions for liability and disclaimers etc would be a good opener?

I think that the first hurdle would be organizing a day out with guaranteed results, rain or shine, that will be 100% deliverable. Over capacity of available seats to allow for last minute syncro disasters will be essential to avoid disappointment, which has to be avoided at all costs!

A Surrey Lanes day could well be a good place to start, if everything is open and driveable again, a recce immediately prior would be needed. It's a known quantity, bit of a laugh, not too taxing, build in a BBQ to finish the day...a central meeting point for guests to park up securely for the day would need to be found though.

Definitely one for the commitee to chew on.

[silverbullet]

Given it's proximity to the Dorking/Coldharbour/Shere etc, we could possibly roll out and return to Christopher's Hospice at GU3 1LP for a BBQ at the end of the day, if they are happy with the idea? They have a sizeable private carpark and grounds, it would make a nice Saturday event. I can see this being one for next Spring.

There must be somewhere local to overnight for those of us who will have to travel from further afield. We don't want tired drivers!

PS On the wheelchair front (don't want to focus on this aspect too much) I'd have thought that any family who has to transport such an individual would have a set of straps and/or access to spares that could be used for the day?

[lloydy]

While i think this a good idea, i really do think you will struggle to get the correct insurance and public liability for it. I have a sister who is in a wheelchair, and if this was arranged and i got asked to bring my own straps to tie the chair down i think i would decline. You also need to look into a way of getting the chairs into the syncro's, you really need a dedicated van with proper restraints, chair lifts, 3 point seat belts, space for carers ect. And all in a 20 year old van being driven off road. Insurance firms and parents will get pretty freaked out about that!
I'm really not trying to say it's a bad idea, i just don't think it will work. Something less unpredictable might though?

[silverbullet]

"Off road driving is a potentially dangerous activity and all participants do so at their own risk"

Why should anyone be liable in the event of misfortune? None of our insurers would pay out if we have a prang offroad, but I'm not suggesting we go off-road. We'd be on legal byways out for a drive with "friends" who just happen to have a connection to a local Children's Hospice.

Please, let's not get hung up on the wheelchair aspect of things, it's a very emotive matter and is skewing the discussion.

If someone is a passenger (regardless of disability) and suitably restrained in a vehicle travelling on a "green lane" why should insurers get all excitable? I fully appreciate that what I'm suggesting isn't something to go into lightly, but think on this:

Where was the liability at CamperJam? Total strangers giving other people's kids rides around a quarry... No money changed hands, so it's not a taxi service, might have been very different if the club was taking donations. Then disclaimers would have been needed all right. Maybe there should have been anyway?

All I'm trying to do is to organize an old-fashioned fun day out, for members of families who find themselves in a crappy situation through no fault of their own, with the minimum of litigious BS and "whos fault is it if..." mentality.

I did suggest at the start that we could initially have a day out taking parents and siblings for the day (this would be a good thing for them anyway i.e. respite) and then they can make a more informed decision as to whether it would be appropriate to then take out some of the kids (suitably supervised with carers) if suitable transport can be arranged.

I fully appreciate that we can't be cavalier about this and it's just the start of the process, so maybe I need to speak to Shooting Star/Chase first and find out if it's a viable proposition?

I know a few people who work in the field of voluntary youth work, there's plenty of knowledge and guidance available to get this off the ground.

[lloydy]

I'll not say another word on the subject, truthfully hope you pull something off

[silverbullet]

I know it's a touchy subject Lloyd and not everyone is comfortable talking about it, but I reckon it's better to do something for someone than nothing for no-one. If it's possible that this daft hobby/obsession can bring a bit of sunshine into someone else's life (how could it not? Offroading in camper vans, it's completely bonkers to anyone not "in the know") then let's do it.

Here's my own experience: a young man who I met through Scouting a few years back, in his teens, born with CP, wheelchair bound, double incontinent and with basically one arm that will "behave" itself. He was, at the last count, a UK solo champion dinghy sailor! He can't swim!

Let's find a way to make it happen, not reasons why we shouldn't.

P.S. if anyone's got or knows of some of that tracking going spare, I'll happily install it in my syncro to make this happen.

Not much of a comfort given it's appetite for engines recently but I've got another one on the hook outside right now

[silverbullet]

P.P.S. Sorry if I'm coming across a bit strong, just get a bit passionate about this sort of thing and apathy toward disability gets me really pi$$ed off.
Anger is useful! Get angry, get motivated. Lots of parents like me have to when we've got "special" kids, not that they aren't all special, obviously...

What does the commitee think to the idea? Do we need a think tank on this one?

[axeman]

i am happy to help out with a day event/weekend event. as with all things planning would be the key to making it work.

neil