Convention 2017

[Hobby]

I am writing this post with not a little disappointment. I gave feedback both on this forum (not on others as that would have been inappropriate) and verbally that whilst the last Convention was a good one as far as meeting people and seeing plenty of examples of great modelling the location it was held in was not suitable for those who used wheelchairs. I took Jennie along and after a battle royal to get her down with the wives (getting a ramp and then finding someone who could work it -I knew more than they did!) was bad enough, but I couldn't take her anywhere but the main section as the corridors had steps, not to mention the claustrophobic lift (ok, I just did!). It was a very poor location for anyone with disabilities and difficulty walking. We were lucky that we only attended "on the day" as my reaction would have been far stronger had we decided to stay overnight.

I was therefore extremely disappointed that the 2017 event is to be held in the same place! I am sure there must have been alternatives which would have been more suitable, I even volunteered to check out any the Organisers may have found as to their suitability for wheelchair access but heard nothing.

I am therefore giving notice that I will not be going and the reason why. I am sorry that i had to raise it in this way, but it seems my comments have just been ignored.

Blair Hobson

[Tom Haythornthwaite]

I think the society has a responsibility to make the convention inclusive for all.  I sincerely hope this will be taken into consideration.

[rod335]

Hobby- whilst to a degree I sympathise with you and agree that the proposed venue is not the best, even for the relatively able-bodied, the suggestion (not by you) that the Society has a duty to make the event as inclusive as possible, whilst laudable, is off the mark. I personally think that the Society's duties in this connection, if they actually have any, is limited to MEMBERS only and whilst I understand your reasoning it is your decision alone and not something that you can expect the Society to accommodate you over. I do appreciate not only your reasons and also that you did not raise the point of the Society's duties but, of course, the fact remains that you cannot please all of the people all of the time. I must stressthat I do understand fully the point you are making and why.

Rod

[Hobby]

the Society has a duty to make the event as inclusive as possible, whilst laudable, is off the mark.

Why? It is not off the mark and should be inclusive, anything else is discrimination, so they should choose somewhere that is suitable for all. It's not as if there are no other locations that could be used.

I personally think that the Society's duties in this connection, if they actually have any, is limited to MEMBERS only.

Not when they open it up to Member's Partners... And even so, who's to say that all we Members will all be able bodied in two year's time, Jennie's illness came out of the blue and she is much younger than you or I...

You are correct, it is my decision not to attend, and I was just saying why and that my feedback has been ignored and the consequences of that... It seems that it is too late to do anything in this case, but hopefully people will stop and think before organising the 50th do and find somewhere more suitable will be found...

Blair