Thursday, November 26, 2009

 

Must Get, better. WOO HOO London (meeting) Calling

We landed, in Arrecife, Lanzarote, on Sunday (4th Oct)
It was about 9.30pm and still, it was HOT. We got a taxi, to the hotel, which is about 20 mins, drive, the taxi driver said it was 31 degrees, during the day !!.
Our room was nice (but HOT), we were told that there was a meal, waiting for us in the restaurant.
In the morning, we went for a stroll, down to the shore (see what had changed since our last visit (not that much).
Got back to welcome Dave and Glenys, who had just arrived.
We all had a meal and a look round, and a sent some time in the entertainment room.
Next few days, were so fun filled, relaxed but we seemed to do so much
Spent some time at the pool (catching some RAYS!) strolling a round the town, EATING (we went all-inclusive, and the selection of food, was outstounding).
Went to visit Lanzarote Aquarium, (that I had seen advertised and knew it was within walking distance). Not much too look at, from the outside, but inside they have some very nice displays. The wheelchair entrance, was out the shop, and what looked like a “dilapidated, trades-mans doorway”. In side were some spectacular sights, and glass sided tanks, to view fish in a fairly natural state, some of which had viewing galleries, with seats, so you could even have a packed lunch !!. Plus they had a disabled toilet (A BONUS!).
Another day was spent strolling along the new promenade by Playa Bastian, a fairly long stretch, of “Wheelable” coastal path. We managed to chat to a few people, check out a few monuments / sculptures, along the path as well as finding a very nice bar, to have a rest over a drink.
Dawn and I decided to take Dave and Glenys, out for an anniversary meal,( at a very nice place, we found on a previous visit) MASTIL, very nice food and a good setting (just looked at my photos and they have a statue wearing armour and a skirt ???).
Dawn and I were leaving one day before D+G, it was very sad to depart, we all had such a FANTASTIC time, with very good memories (and photos, some, of which, can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157622528107839/ ) we hope to arrange it again, very soon. I know in 1 years time we will be meeting at Stansted airport, so being on the airport, means we have to fly, somewhere !!!.
Our return, meant we stayed overnight, in the Radisson SAS, before catching the train home to Carmarthen.
One day, at home, then I was off to Llandudno, North Wales, to attend the Community Transport Association Wales http://www.ctauk.org/index.aspx?id=250 Award Ceremony and Gala dinner and (following day) a conference.
Where I was elected on to the committee of CTA Wales (lets hope I can make a difference, on the accessibility, front).

The weekend (17th+18th) was spent up in Oakham, Rutland at the Home coming, party for Sarah Outen http://sarahouten.co.uk/
It was a great honour, to be personaly, invited, to this.

A meeting of West Wales Neurological Alliance, on Monday.
Wednesday, attended Disability Wales Independent Living Seminar, in Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Friday, a site visit to Swindon and Bristol (Independent Living Centre`s), with officials, involved with a project in Coleshill Social Centre, Llanelli.

Training session, with Community Transport/CTA, on Thursday 5th at Nant y ffin, Llandisilio, (about 15 mins, from here) http://www.nantyffin.co.uk/

Friday, train up to Enable show in Coventry http://www.enableshow.co.uk/
Alot of contacts, where made. A good opportunity for Awareness of Ataxia.

Various meetings, for the following week. Plus the weekend was spent up in Southampton, firstly at a “setting off” “do” for Geoff Holt, as he starts his solo challenge to sail the Atlantic http://www.geoffholt.com/
Details at his blog 48 hour countdown. http://www.geoffholt.com/node/105
All pictures, on-line at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/

Then Sunday was spent in Southampton General Hospital, following the MASSIVE MASSIVE pain, which was due to some Kidney stones.
Must say the hospital and staff, are in a different(HIGHER Standard) “level”
To what we have in our area. I was really impressed, with the quality of standards, that they provide.
This week has been a bit of a “recuperating”, week, getting well for my, attendance, at, (my first) Ataxia UK- trustee meeting.

More, as soon as I track down, that CANDLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, November 01, 2009

 

WANTED = A TRUSTY- Multi ended Candle, with a Time Warp FACILITY

OMG, time has “FLOWN” by ???
I have, had, to split, my BLOG, into “Episodes”, as the last few weeks has included- SO MUCH.
Thursday (1st October) I received my new wheelchair.
A very “Trendy” NOMAD http://www.nomadwheelchairs.com/
No time to “Practice” with it, as we were, catching a train, next morning, to Manchester Airport, to attend the Ataxia UK, conference. The conny, was to be held in the Raddison SAS, Directly on the airport.
Hotel, was excellent, Rooms very nicely laid out (even when you turned the TV, on, it displayed a “Welcome” screen, including, your name!!).
The afternoon, was spent meeting very good friends, and some new friends.
Catching up with the friends, I have met before, and keep in touch with, on a regular, basis, was LOVELY.
After, breakfast,, we all registered for the Conference and the days activities.
What a excellent day, details can be found at http://www.ataxia.org.uk/page.builder/annualconference.html
As chairman of Ataxia South Wales, I was very proud to see, that a lot of the branch, had come to the conference. Which was evident, by the wearers, of ASW badges and ASW Badges.
The evening was so good to mingle, with attendees, and to really have some good “FACE TO FACE” conversations, with people, who I have only MET on-line.
To elaborate, on the whole event, would take so much time and typing.
Some photo`s at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
I would just say,, it was an excellent time, and ROLL ON NEXT YEAR.
Next day, was a morning of saying “FAREWELL” to most of the attendees. Not for me, as Dawn and I were catching, an evening flight to Lanzarote, to have a holiday, Good friends, of ours Glenys + Dave (they were flying out, to meet us, the following day).
In the afternoon, just before, the start of my “goodbye” I was told, of my election to the board of Trustees of Ataxia UK, FANTASTIC, news to start a holiday.
The next, BLOG “instalment”, will focus on the trip abroad, plus mention of forthcoming activities.

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