New Forest Access For All
A locally based voluntary organisation working to provide
information and improve access in the New Forest Area
Registered Charity No. 1106068
Winners of the first ever NFAFA Award Scheme were presented with their certificates at a ceremony on February 22nd. The Awards recognise New Forest businesses and service providers who have shown their commitment to making their premises welcoming to everyone. Members of the public were asked to make nominations in the autumn of 2009.
News
In May 2009, Olive and Joan were invited to Hoburne Bashley to receive an award from Community First New Forest to recognise their hard work for NFAFA.
NFAFA members attended a Buildings Audit training session on March 2nd. to update their knowledge and skills. NFAFA is regularly asked for advice about access issues and we carry out access audits.
NFAFA was asked if we could provide some budding starlets for a photo shoot on the water’s edge at Keyhaven on a cold but sunny September afternoon. The photos are to be used to illustrate HCC’s Countryside Service publications for 2010. Ken, Joan and Mike answered the call, more it has to be said for the equipment they use than their photogenic appeal! Ken brought along his electric wheelchair, Joan her mobility scooter and Mike his legs.
Thirteen assorted scooters and one pair of legs assembled at the Education Centre in bright sunshine on 11 June 2009. The scooters varied from small shoppers to Trampers, the latter of which arrived mostly by trailer. The two new Blashford Lakes Trampers were also used by two of the group.
The Mobility Road Show 2009 was visited by four NFAFA committee members, at Kemble Airfield near Cirencester on a blustery but largely dry day.
After many years with NFAFA, Olly and Lionel have decided to start a new life in Ireland, where Olly was born, and still has many relatives. Having visited in January and survived the coldest winter there for 40 years, they decided that this was where they wanted to retire.
Death of Colonel Peter Sweet
We are very sorry to report that Colonel Peter Sweet, one of our long-term members and a staunch supporter of NFAFA died in January 2010 at the age of 89. Peter lived in the New Forest for many years and regularly attended our open meetings. He was a well-known character who campaigned actively on a variety of local issues and will be much missed.
In March 2010, we were delighted ro receive a donation from Waitrose, Lymington for £255. The presentation was made to Ken outside their store.
HIWCF GrantOur Treasurer, Mike, applied for a ‘Grassroots Grant’ from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation to help with our running costs and to develop our Easy-
Last summer several members of NFAFA had fun carrying out ‘mystery shopping’ access audits for Hampshire County Council. We visited libraries, a registry office, museums and other public buildings to see how accessible they were, to identify any access problems, and to see how helpful the members of staff were.
Exbury Ramble with Hampshire Roamability
In May 2010, members of NFAFA joined Hampshire Roamability for a ramble and a picnic at Exbury Gardens. The weather was cold but dry and the azaleas and rhododendrons put on a magnificent show for us. It was a great day out; our thanks to Mave from Roamability for organising the ramble and keeping us all in order – more or less anyway!
The NFAFA AGM was held at Brockenhurst Village Hall on 15 June. The Annual Report and accounts were approved and elections to the committee were held.
Our excellent guest speakers were Jenny and Andy Clarke, founders of the charity,Woofability, which trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
Our excellent guest speakers were Jenny and Andy Clarke, founders of the charity,Woofability, which trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.