tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81538189183722603742012-01-20T12:04:29.671ZFollow my experiences of travel, tourism and leisure as a wheelchair userCarrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.comBlogger231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-22795125699031105882012-01-20T12:03:00.001Z2012-01-20T12:04:29.686Z

As a wheelchair user, I love travel, and working for Tourism for All UK (TFA) is my dream job. As I have a disability and a fondness for travel, I have empathy with others who may have experienced difficulty in finding suitable facilities and services. I undertake review and familiarisation tours, which have previously included Scotland and Blackpool.  This usually involves staying at one or

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-3257234802099755542012-01-11T22:02:00.000Z2012-01-11T22:02:57.595Z

My Trailblazers colleague Dave Gale and I  have received the excellent news that our campaign to improve the access information available on bus stops in the county has succeeded. For full details, click here to visit the Trailblazers website.

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-1352548247010609282011-12-02T12:08:00.000Z2011-12-02T12:08:03.840Z

In my Tripbod role as an accessible travel expert I offer bespoke travel advice on everything the Lake District & Cumbria has to offer - from accessible travel information to the best restaurants and sights not to miss. My Christmas Tripbod offering is Alternative Cumbrian Christmas Shopping! Looking for the perfect Cumbrian Christmas gift? I can help you find the best clothing,

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-74314282015147685642011-10-28T11:35:00.000+01:002011-10-28T11:35:36.048+01:00

Sharing my colleague Brian's campaign for holiday accommodations to provide access information. Although Tourism for All has been working really hard behind the scenes for many years to improve the situation with some success, finding adequate information about accessibility at accommodation for disabled visitors in Britain can still be a lottery. Information about access is often not

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-79158985591660103762011-10-18T14:26:00.000+01:002011-10-18T14:26:15.438+01:00

My accessible transport campaign was mentioned in a Westminster Hall debate last week - click here to read all about it.

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-46865113154727936932011-10-11T10:40:00.000+01:002011-10-11T10:40:50.645+01:00

The new Tripbod site went live yesterday - I'm offering accessible Cumbrian services including wedding planning!  Click here for more info. About me I am a wheelchair user, provider of travel information to disabled people and travel blogger. I am passionate about promoting accessible tourism to disabled people, and showing people that have perhaps lost confidence because of their disability

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-22520620727125651412011-10-11T10:35:00.000+01:002011-10-11T10:35:30.118+01:00

The Westmorland Gazette have covered the story of our local transport campaign - click here to read the article.

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-54889505840744252072011-09-22T15:20:00.000+01:002011-09-22T15:20:43.817+01:00

Almost 2 years ago, in November 2009, my boyfriend Darren surprised me with a candlelit anniversary dinner, which ended in a romantic proposal.  I was ecstatic, and friends and family were thrilled for us.  After celebrations came the questions about when we would get married, and what we were planning… which was a daunting prospect!  As a wheelchair user, I really didn’t know where to start

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-43273365688198289282011-09-12T12:21:00.000+01:002011-09-12T12:21:42.902+01:00

My Trailblazers colleague Dave has been blogging about the fantastic progress of our local transport campaign - click here to read all about it.

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-74935576652607022562011-07-27T16:30:00.000+01:002011-07-27T16:30:12.799+01:00

I was recently interviewed by ITV Border News, about the public transport lottery in Kendal for disabled people.   It's a real struggle for disabled people to get around in this area. Taxis often aren't an option - the numbers of accessible cabs in Cumbria are very limited, with many contracted to day centres and only available between 10am and 4pm. To view the film, please click

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-88506947368900868982011-07-12T13:29:00.000+01:002011-07-12T13:29:49.734+01:00

I met with MPs and transport leaders in London last week to highlight problems disabled people have with public transport. It's a real struggle for disabled people to get around in this area. The buses where I live in Kendal aren't all accessible, so when I am waiting for one I have no idea whether I will be able to get on it or not. Taxis often aren't an option - the numbers of

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-84811237710802357602011-06-13T12:22:00.001+01:002011-06-13T12:28:14.926+01:00

Darren and I took a day trip to Blackpool, to check out the accessible attractions. As I’m a bit of a wimp, we decided against the Pleasure Beach, as rollercoasters really aren’t my thing! After a blustery walk along North Pier, our first port of call was Blackpool Zoo, a short taxi ride away from the centre of Blackpool.  Blackpool North Pier The zoo is all fairly level and flat, with

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-30143403999137989532011-04-28T19:02:00.000+01:002011-04-28T19:02:27.066+01:00

As my role for Tourism for All UK (TFA) is getting busier all the time, I decided to buy some new IT equipment from PC World, so that I can keep on top of my work when out and about attending meetings and events. As a wheelchair user, I love travel, and working for TFA is my dream job. TFA is an independent charity supporting leisure and tourism opportunities for all, operating an information

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-44543057990866401012011-04-28T18:54:00.000+01:002011-04-28T18:54:26.743+01:00

From Cumberland sausage to Torchlight Carnival, – in my Tripbod role as an accessible travel expert – I share the local highlights of my hometown, Kendal. Unique things about Kendal: Our amazing local produce – like Cumberland Sausage and all things Damson-related! Our rich history as a market town and an important centre for trade. Typical Kendal weekend activity: Sunday lunch in a

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-42198553180314104102011-03-31T10:52:00.000+01:002011-03-31T10:52:41.873+01:00

The TFA team manned a stand at the Best of Britain & Ireland Travel Trade Forum (BoBI) 2011, at Birmingham NEC on 16th & 17th March. It is the official travel trade event of the year, and is the centrepiece of British Tourism Week. TFA had a very succesful event, meeting lots of new trade contacts, and catching up with existing partners. We spent time explaining the value of

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-26609638551594895902011-03-29T10:29:00.000+01:002011-03-29T10:29:13.942+01:00

The video of our signed song flash mob at the House of Commons is now up on YouTube - take a look to see this original take on a flash mob in a usually off limits place, getting in the swing and celebrating the launch of the new OpenBritain platform in style! The platform, which is a work in progress, will enable a host of applications to be built that make sure that access information is able to

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-754421917977170202011-02-18T12:15:00.000Z2011-02-18T12:15:48.824Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qPsJDEBJ2w London taxi drivers are generally the best in the world. Their knowledge of London's streets and landmarks is second to none. Just one small request - for those of you who don't yet know how to use your wheelchair ramp (or ramps) please get some training in before London 2012...   Video starring yours truly - next stop Hollywood!

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-87150124252970706922011-01-13T15:49:00.000Z2011-01-13T15:49:04.093Z

RJL Joinery have an exciting new product - wheelchair accessible picnic benches, providing seating for everyone. We have developed this unique product with first hand knowledge of those who might use a wheelchair. The benches are made from locally sourced timber and tanalised for preservation. This new product will help businesses to meet the ongoing requirements of the Equality Act

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-87986071574199203192010-11-12T15:34:00.000Z2010-11-12T15:34:37.671Z

Following last year’s successful trip to Stirling, Darren and I returned to Scotland, this time to check out Dundee’s accessibility. We were really excited to be travelling to Scotland again, as we had enjoyed our previous stays so much. We changed trains in Glasgow, and managed to get from Central Station to Queen Street Station (a few streets away) to catch the ScotRail train without getting

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-57585694434155152192010-07-28T11:48:00.001+01:002010-07-29T10:19:35.890+01:00

Oludeniz Village Earlier this summer, Darren and I travelled Oludeniz, on the beautiful Turkish Turquoise Coast. We wanted to try somewhere new together, and chose Oludeniz after recommendations from friends who had stayed in nearby Hisaronu.    After searching on tripadvisor, I found the Turk Hotel, which had amazing reviews. I emailed them straight away with my access requirements, and

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-53940086518604216172010-05-25T11:11:00.000+01:002010-05-25T11:11:59.222+01:00

On 18th March (my birthday!) at 6am, Darren and I were getting ready to catch the train to London, for BoBI 2010. Despite the assistance guy at Euston Station bashing my chair off several walls, we managed to get to our hotel, the Copthorne Tara, in one piece. The hotel has ten accessible bedrooms which are all located on the mezzanine floor. All of the adapted bedroom doors open and close

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-35437359202348223102010-05-25T11:06:00.000+01:002010-05-25T11:06:39.135+01:00

Last weekend Darren and I travelled to Manchester to visit family. We caught the train from our local station, which is a direct service to Piccadilly. The only hitch in our journey was the group of students sprawled all over the floor of the accessible carriage! On arrival at Piccadilly, we caught the Metrolink tram out to Salford Quays, where we were staying. Having never been on the

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8153818918372260374.post-76756142512505011312010-05-25T10:50:00.000+01:002010-05-25T10:50:11.201+01:00

...I love the thrill of being somewhere new, full of people to meet (growing up in a small town makes feeling anonymous quite nice!) and the excitement and anticipation that comes with being in a strange place. For most of my life I travelled ‘mainstream’ – booking hotels through a high street travel agent, hobbling on to transfer coaches, re-arranging furniture in the room to accommodate my

Carrie-Ann Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650016216729446589noreply@blogger.com0