Milton Keynes Theatre - 14th July 2013

On the 14th July we went to Milton Keynes Theatre as part of my birthday treat to see Strictly Confidential - a show full of girlie indulgence - It was great. The theatre is accessible and like so many theatre's the carer goes free.

As soon as we arrived my first stop was the accessible loo in the main entrance. They say first impressions count and they do, this did not disappoint!

Clean, bright, plenty of hand rails. The hand dryer was right next to the sink for me it was perfect and I ffelt confident because of the layout of the loo I could go solo!

The interval came and I thought I'd go for a comfort break. Instead of going to the same loo as before, I decided to use the loo on the 1st floor as that was the same level as our seats. Not the best decision in the world for me, I needed assistance from my husband due to the lack of grab rails. This might of course be me being picky but see for yourself, I just couldn't pull up my trousers what ever I tried!

I would say however that I think there is probably a good amount of room for those that want a side transfer providing the side you can do it from suits. The first loo gets top marks from me the second loo only a 3 out of 5 because I was unable to maintain my independence and needed assistance. A great place to go to the theatre and without doubt I would go again.

Apologies!

Sorry, I really need to write these as I visit. I seem to have an ever increasing number of loos to post about so here goes!!

3rd Unity Hall

Sunday 7th July

Wow one weekend and two very good experiences with loos! This post is relating to the second experience.

On the 13th and 14th July I will be attending a Beer Festival, so it will be very important to have good facilities ensuring maximum fluid intake and disposal! (I do believe there are still tickets available).

So off I went to check out the location and this is what I found.............

How cool is this

This accessible loo even has a shower absolutely brilliant. Great job Barton Scout and Guide Headquaters (Barton Le Clay, Beds)

Another 5 star experience.

http://www.bartonnewhq.co.uk/index.php

Hawk Conservancy Trust

6th July 2013

This is one of my favourite places to visit.

A beautiful trip down into the Hampshire countryside, full of beauty. The team that work at the Trust have a very obvious passion and commitment to their work as do all the volunteers. To me it is a perfect place full of peace and security we have been visiting for 22 years 2 or 3 times a year  and have never got bored, because as with all things to do with nature nothing stands still.

I am going to post the link to their website just so you can investigate further should you wish, they can also be found on Facebook.

http://www.hawk-conservancy.org/index.asp

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawk-Conservancy-Trust/349205011775937?fref=ts.

At the weekend we went down to see an outside production of Romeo and Juliet being performed at the Hawk Conservancy Centre by Andover Community Theatre it was wonderful and such a beautiful evening as well.

Anyway I digress as this is supposed to be about good, clean accessible loos! A little over a year ago (I think) a new restaurant called 'Feathers' was built in the grounds of the Trust and this added additional accessible facilities.

Not only is this a superb place to visit, I believe they have a very accessible loo contained within the restaurant which is just perfect.

I am going to give the Hawk Conservancy a 5 star rating!

Waves Hair and Beauty!

This is a somewhat unexpected post!

I went to have my hair cut and coloured last night at Waves Hair and Beauty in Princes Risborough a unisex salon.

https://www.facebook.com/waveshairandbeauty.

Fully accessible - no step into the building, even a sink without a chair so a wheelchair can be driven in if required. All the usual coffee, tea magazines etc while having your hair done by the wonderful hair stylists they employ personally Leah Horner cut my hair - very good and totally understanding that sometimes (well quite often actually) I have a few challenges.

It seems like I've given them a bit of a free advert but honestly its a really good experience and no worries about the loo, for me it's ideal. I was even able to tell Leah about my blog and asked if she would me kind enough to take a photo of it and look she did!

Great facilities 4 out of 5

Telford International Centre

Ummm I have been delaying publishing this post because of my personal disappointment.

The disappointment came with the loos, I thought that the venue would have great loos due to the event that was being held there, but alas for me and a standing transfer there was a distinct lack of hand rails resulting in me having to ask my husband to assist me. I am starting to wonder whether it is me that requires something out of the ordinary. There were a mixture of permanent toilets and portable ones which I assume were fetched in especially for the show. I also have to wonder why pedal bins are put in accessible loos, as a wheelchair user I haven't quite worked out how to open one - any suggestions?

only a 2 out of 5 for these:(

I know however that next week my experience will be a really positive one, I will be at the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover there are wonderful facilities there, so watch out for my pictures!!

Hopwood Service Station

Saturday 29^th June 2013

Today we chose to go and visit the Mobility Roadshow at Telford International Centre. It meant an early start for me and the journey would be to long not to have a comfort break!

We stopped off at Hopwood Services – I have to say not the best in the world. 

Motorway: M42

Where: at J2

County: Worcestershire

Postcode: B48 7AU

Type: Single site, used by traffic in both directions

The accessible loo is downstairs the other loos are all upstairs. So if you arrive at the same time as a coach party, and people can’t manage the stairs you might find yourself in a queue.

Then once in there after having to wait a while you are so desperate that you don’t care what the loo is like! 

Rather cramped though and some furniture removal required (bin) if you do a sliding transfer, however a standing transfer from the front is manageable.

   RATING: 2 out of 5