BEDS GARDEN CARERS

Activities - Trip to Alton Towers

The Black Hole!

The Haunted House!

On the bus!

Horse Riding

A number of our group have the opportunity to experience horse riding for the first time in their lives. We ride at Loughton Manor Equestrian Centre in Milton Keynes, where John Mitchell the owner and his staff are superb with our riders. This is not riding for the disabled; as one of the group said the other day “we do proper riding on big horses”. The association with the horses has sparked in at least one of our project members a new interest in life which has in turn encouraged him to try to learn to write, which he had previously refused to do. He will be able to write his portfolio, and is now undertaking an ASDAN module in riding. The grooming and stable management lessons have also provided a wonderful opportunity for them to handle and form a relationship with their horse. This can often be a calming influence on certain members.

Fund Raising

One of our Project Members has won a prestigious national award for helping with our fundraising:

From the Beds Times & Citizen- Friday, March 10th 2000

Champion fundraiser nets a national award


A DEDICATED fundraiser has overcome a learning disability to win a national award for his work.

Tim Branson, 32, was made one of 40 millennium civic trust champions at a ceremony in Coventry last week. He was the only disabled person to receive the honour.

The award - which recognised Tim's work filling the coffers of Beds Garden Carers - came after a nomination from his boss Sharon Hart.

It was the culmination of Tim's three years of work for the group, set up by Bedford Mencap to provide employment and education for people with learning disabilities.

Sharon said: "The awards were open to all, not just disabled people. We nominated Tim because of the way he has developed.

"From being someone who could not even use a computer or write a letter, Tim is now arranging events and raising money. We nominated him so he would get more encouragement and have the chance to improve his skills."

Before the award ceremony Tim attended seminars in Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham to hone his fundraising technique.

Sharon said: "It was a major feat for him because he has travelled around the country on his own. We are exceptionally proud of him.

Tim said: "I feel great. I've been working hard and now I'm looking forward to achieving my goals as a fundraiser. But the problem is getting support."

Tim is pressing ahead with a raft of schemes, including a cafe for the disabled in Bedford and an auction -of dreams where people can bid to take part in a hunt for the Loch Ness monster and visit the CrimeWatch studios.

What else? Swimming, singing, golf, gym ...

Please give us a call on 01234 352899 or 01234 352887

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