Independent
Living home > exhibition news
Mobility Roadshow
Kemble Airfield, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
19 - 21 July 2007
Mobility Innovation for All!
Even
the extreme torrential rain on the Friday did not deter people flocking
from all over the UK to this year’s Mobility Roadshow, held last
week at Kemble Airfield near Cirencester: disabled and older people intent
on trying out the latest mobility innovations, as well as old favourites.
The following feed-back from one visitor from Devon, represents many comments received: "As a parent with a disabled child this was the second year we have come to the Mobility Roadshow and have found it to be well worth the trip. It is the only place where we can meet up with friends, professionals and charities and share information as well as keep abreast of the new developments. Both years we have come away with lots of positive feedback, new information and very supportive ideas."
TV motoring celebrity, Vicki Butler-Henderson, opened the event, the largest of its kind in the world. Welcomed by Sir Patrick Brown, chairman of charity Mobility Choice, organiser of the Roadshow, Vicki said: "I was thrilled when Mobility Choice invited me to share my passion for motoring. It is wonderful that innovation and the inspiration of the people behind it, means that whatever our circumstances in life, we are able to enjoy freedom and independence through mobility."
Vicki also announced Shaan Patel, aged 10, a pupil at Matley Primary School, Peterborough as outright winner of the national Ready Willing & Mobile competition. Organised by the Mobility Roadshow this annual competition seeks bright ideas from school children to help young disabled people on the move. Shaan’s inspiration was a Super Whizz Blind Stick, an 'intelligent' stick with a range of helpful features for those with visual impairment. picture: Mobility Roadshow
The Roadshow opened with over 220 exhibitors and there was an impressive line-up of 80 adapted vehicles to test drive, either as disabled driver or passenger, whether a private owner or through the Motability scheme. This year saw the largest number of drive-from-wheelchair and wheelchair passenger options available to test-drive.
Out and about
One
of the motoring highlights was the UK launch of the Kenguru, the first
electrically powered drive-from-wheelchair car (right). With speed up
to 30 mph and a 30-mile range, it was well received as an eco-friendly
run-about. Although this is very much a showcase 'check-out and try-out'
show, sales were buoyant at Brook Miller Mobility. "It was an excellent
show for us," said Adrian Westbrook, managing director. "We
sold four vehicles and without Friday's torrential rain, I am confident
it would have been more."
Highlights from the motoring hall included the first UK showing of the new Citroën C-Crosser 4x4 as well as new Picasso models. 2006 X-Factor finalist Kerry McGregor helped Hill-Gruau UK launch its Citroën Despatch new Combi with full European-type approval. Visitors were some of the first to see the new smart fortwo ahead of launch; a new Openroad Peugeot Tepee MPV conversion from Constables who also announced the first zero advance payment option for its Renault Kangoo Pure 1.6 automatic wheelchair conversion under the Motability scheme.
New models to test-drive included the Nissan Qashqai plus Micra C+C,
Toyota Auris, Vauxhall Corsa and Antara SUV, Chevrolet Captiva SUV and
Mercedes C-Class. The new C-MAX and Mondeo were star attractions on the
Ford stand.
For people recovering from accidents and about to get back into the driving
seat, or those thinking of driving for the first time, there was professional
advice on mobility options: an assessment 'rig' at the Forum of Mobility
Centres and from Balder UK its latest Assistive Technology for Drivers
assessment vehicle.
You couldn’t miss the UK’s first Winnebago Ability Equipped Motorhome, previewed by Nirvana Motorhomes. Fry's Caravans and Roy Woods unveiled new models, too.
There
was a raft of new accessories and motoring components. The new Roofspider
roof-top chair storage box from Autoadapt automatically hoists a wheelchair
inside the car-top carrier. Autoadapt also unveiled the Carolift automatic
wheelchair pick-up from pavement to boot storage. Ratcliff Palfinger showed
off its automatic, internally mounted 'C-Thru' lift for larger wheelchairs,
Gliderite had a new access ramp and AMF-Bruns UK reported keen interest
in Future-Safe, its new M1-tested head and back rest for wheelchair occupants,
which the company says is a world first. "I have exhibited at this
show for 13 consecutive years," said national sales manager, Max
Brand, "and every year it just gets better." Gowrings Mobility
launched child-seat compatible rear seats (left), enabling wheelchair
users to travel in their wheelchair alongside a baby or child in a child
seat, as well as a New Design 2007 Ford Connect conversion.
There was much to impress in the bikes, wheelchair and scooter sector. Trike Design launched its new Honda Silverwing fully automatic trike, designed in conjunction with the NABD, and Trekinetic unveiled innovative new steering and braking for its all-terrain TREKINETIC K-2 launched at last year's Roadshow. Mike Spindle, managing director, reported excellent business. "Despite the atrocious conditions, it seemed that quality enquirers were not put off, with one travelling all the way from Devon to place his order plus another from Kent."
The Loadstar off-road Quad Bike from Team Hybrid was a hit as was this company's electronically-powered Kiddy Viper. Qpod had a new adapted all-terrain Fun Buggy, from TGA was a new 4-wheel car/boot scooter and Electric Mobility heralded its new Brisa Ambassador riser reclining armchair. A&G Mobility launched a new scooter, with many attributes of a powerchair, providing a dramatic demonstration.
Gerald Simonds Healthcare launched a new electric pushing and braking aid that helps carers to push wheelchairs when they most need it. Braiden International demonstrated its new Gentle Giant wheelchair carrier and GLCC’s new wheelchair ‘slippers’ proved their worth keeping wheels clean.
Among the chairs, bikes and trikes for children, there was considerable interest in the new children’s Fieldmaster 224 from New Motivation, with its tracking and alarm system and the Bath Institute revealed its latest model children’s Wizzybug electric toy scooter.
B&Q chose the Roadshow to launch its Easy Living accessible bathroom collection. Also for the bathroom: Practical Bathing Ltd had new walk-in baths including what they believe is the smallest available; Astor Bannerman had a new Interbath model with drop down front panel and the Walk-in Bath Company had a new shower cubicle with easy access for all-over showering. Astor Bannerman also offered help in the kitchen with height-adjustable furniture. A new Turning Larder for the kitchen was launched by Herbert Direct and The Sussex Wheelchair Lifting Platform company showed its new indoor lift for the home.
BSkyB had the UK’s first Easy Grip remote control for digital satellite with larger and bolder graphics for easier button identification. Commenting on response to its pet feeding aid for people who have difficulty bending down, Maggie Evans, marketing director of DinnerUp Limited said: "There was tremendous interest, people were very enthusiastic: it seems to have hit the spot."
Holiday and Leisure
An
exciting new development for this show, the new Holiday Village attracted
a great range of options from over 30 accessible holiday and travel organisations
from around the world including prestigious InterContinental Hotels launching
its new ceiling track hoist facility, Royal Caribbean Cruises, P&O
Cruises and Virgin Holidays.
Accessible Travel & Leisure offered individually tailored special needs holidays almost anywhere in the world. There were adapted villas in Lanzarote, accommodation to rent or buy at Sol Andalusi in Malaga and a wealth of choice in Alicante, Benidorm, Tenerife and South Eastern Spain. Other countries represented included Holland, Turkey and Slovenia and for longer-haul options Egypt and South Africa.
Sport for All
Also new this year was the Sports Zone, in partnership with Disability Sport Events. As well as watching demonstrations, the opportunity to play ball with some of the country's top wheelchair athletes proved popular. Members of the GB Women's Basketball Team were there each day with RGK Wheelchairs and visitors on Saturday were inspired by Ade Adepitan on the court and at the show with Top End, Invacare. Aspire Hotspur provided the thrill of powerchair football and boccia and new age kurling were there for all. picture: Mobility Roadshow
Up, Up and Away
This year there were five organisations sharing their passion for aviation: Flying Scholarships for the Disabled, the British Disabled Flying Association (BDFA), the British Microlight Aircraft Association, Aviation for Paraplegics and Tetraplegics as well as Kemble-based Fly2help.org.
Visitors could take a passenger flight and meet disabled pilots. Polly
Vacher MBE flew into the show on Thursday morning as part of her Wings
Around Britain challenge to raise awareness of Flying Scholarships for
the Disabled.