Monday to
Friday.
Drivers who
hold Blue or
Orange
Badges are
eligible to
receive a 100
per cent
discount from
the charge.
However there
will be a one
off payment of
£10 for the
* Chairman's Message
* Congestion Charges
Welcome
to the first issue of Wheel Power in 2003! The year looks promising for our
publication now that we have found Alan Lindsay who has kindly volunteered to
take on the desktop publishing task.
Our annual AGM and Mobility Show took place at the saga pavilion in September.
Over 70 people attended the AGM. The guest speakers were very well received.
Sue Lindsay from Ford Magic gave an excellent presentation on there information
services for disabled people. Maureen Fenner, WUG's secretary spoke about her
autobiography "With These Hands". Maureen contracted polio when she
was 3 months old. Spoke with honesty and humour on her determination to lead
an independent fulfilling life, highlighting her ability rather than her disability.
Attendance at the show was disappointing, to say the least, despite wide spread
advertising.
We have decided not to hold a mobility show this year, but are intending to
revamp, and hold a new look show for 2004. This years AGM will be held at Ashford,
date and venue to be arranged.
On a positive note, the European Year of Disabled People has paid dividends
for the new Centre for Independent Living Kent ( CILK ). £10,000 has been
given for an Advocacy Project, this will see members acting as advocates for
the people with disabilities. CILK has cost over £30,000 to set up, with
the remaining money coming from Social Services, British Red Cross and Scope,
which includes an office in College Road, Maidstone.
Peter Budgen, who is chairman of CILK, said, "Independence is central to
vision of new venture, we have about 40 members at the moment and we want as
many people with impairments to join and move the organisation forward".
For more information telephone 01474 852683, or E-mail cilkent@hotmail.com.
Finally the NHS Countrywide Wheelchair Users Group continues to go from strength
to strength. This active forum gives service users a voice in the provision
and development of NHS Wheelchair Services in Kent. If you want to air your
opinions to managers and therapists in order to influence change, why not come
along to the next meeting on the 29th July at Preston Hall, Aylesford. Telephone
01303 226500 for more details.
Finally congratulations to Mike Bishop on his appointment as KCC Sports Development
Officer for disabled people. Mike is a full time wheelchair user.
Have a good read. ALLEN JONES
Congestion Charges
|
From
the 17th February 2003 london Drivers
will have a congestion charge imposed if they drive into the centre of the city between 7am to |
| 6.30 pm Monday to Friday. Drivers who hold Blue or Orange Badges are eligible to receive a 100 per cent discount from the charge. However there will be a one off payment of £10 for the |
|
|
first year, subsequent
years will be free but you Information can
be obtained from 0845 9000 1234, |
