The Mobility Roadshow,
Castle Donnington 20-22 June 2002

Bob Crane, BCODP Accounts Officer

This year for the first time BCODP had a stand at the Mobility Roadshow, which was held at Castle Donington. Personnel from the Derby office staffed the stand for the whole of the three days - and what a three days!

I cannot estimate how many people passed through the show but it must have been thousands. What a great joy to see so many disabled people in one place! It was also a joy to see how disabled people were treated with respect by non-disabled people, although this may have had something to do with the fact that they were trying to sell us expensive items of mobility equipment! Am I cynical or not?

The reason that we were there was that Paul Matthews had arranged the stand prior to his sad and untimely death earlier this year. Although he is no longer with us the results of his work remain with us in this and many other ways.

It was a tremendous experience to be at the show and, although it was initially disappointing to realise how few people knew anything about BCODP, it was then very rewarding to explain to the many people we met who we are and what we do. The response to our information and requests to sign up as members or supporters met with an overwhelmingly favourable response.

Many members of the BCODP National Council and Executive Committee were present to view all the goods and services on display and to meet old friends and make new ones.

There was also a great number of young disabled people in evidence. Some very young ones had even brought their parents and other family members with them!

In conclusion it was a great event, a terrific opportunity for BCODP to meet many disabled people, some of whom we might otherwise not have met and a chance to renew some old friendships.

This may have been our first time at the show but I hope it will not be our last. I would also recommend that any disabled people who have not experienced the Roadshow should do so - it’s terrific.

© Copyright British Council of Disabled People 2002