Local Paralympian Mel Nicholls to officially name “Barney” the Tramper
‘Walking with Wheels’ are delighted to welcome Paralympian Mel Nicholls, who will officially name “Barney”, the all-terrain scooter, on Thursday 19th March, 10am at Forest Holidays at Christchurch near Coleford. Come along to have a free demo ride on “Barney”, and to meet Mel to find out about her journey in the athletics world!
This is a great opportunity for those with limited mobility to come and have a free taster session on the all-terrain mobility scooter and to hear how best to explore areas of the Forest of Dean covered by the designated Tramper routes.
The ‘Walking with Wheels’ project is part of the Foresters’ Forest National Lottery Heritage funded programme, which aims to raise awareness and participation in the built, natural and cultural heritage that makes our Forest special. Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Forestry England, Countryside Mobility and Barney’s sponsors Barnwood Trust are all key partners in the project.
Mel Nicholls commented:
“This is a fantastic project indeed, thank you for enabling so many more people to get out and enjoy the beautiful Forest.. I love what you’re doing with the Tramper.”
You can find out from project partners who will be at this event what you can discover if you venture out from the Forest Holidays site, such as the Forest’s rich heritage and wildlife, Foresters’ Forest volunteering opportunities and the recreational activities in the area; along with the Countryside Mobility scheme and all that it offers in the wider region.
The event will take place from 10am – 1pm at The Pavilion, Forest Holidays, Bracelands Drive, Christchurch, Coleford, Gloucester GL16 7NN. Tramper taster sessions are free of charge and staff will be on hand to help first-time users. Refreshments will also be provided in The Pavilion at Forest Holidays, the venue for the occasion.
Vicky Morgan, Walking with Wheels Project Worker with Forest Voluntary Action Forum says:
“The Walking with Wheels project provides all-terrain mobility scooters, or “Trampers”, for hire in the Forest of Dean, allowing people with limited mobility access to Forest routes. As well as the routes from Forest Holidays to Symonds Yat Rock, there is also a Tramper located at The Speech House which allows access down to Mallards Pike and the Cyril Hart Arboretum. We know that our service can be life-changing, enabling people with limited mobility to access the beautiful Forest. It’s great that our partnership with Foresters’ Forest, coupled with support from local sponsors Barnwood Trust and KW Bell, has enabled us to provide two Trampers for people in the Forest to use.”
Project worker Teresa Rose also commented:
“We are delighted with the success of the project so far which has even seen a user venturing out on the Tramper at The Speech House on Christmas Day to join in a family walk!”
To find out more, see Forestersforest.uk/projects/13/walking-with-wheels