Activities in and around Shropshire
Clay Pigeon Shooting to Flying
Clay pigeon shooting (laser)
This is another of the activities on offer at Builthy Hill Farm. Unlike conventional clay pigeon shooting there is no kickback from the shotgun so it is easier for those in a wheelchair. The session usually lasts an hour and can be for small or larger groups. Access to the shooting ground is down a gravelled steepish slope but assistance can be given if necessary. No previous experience is needed.
Clay pigeon shooting (shotgun)
Minsterley Ranges that are situated in beautiful countryside on the Stiperstones above Minsterley offer this activity. There are various guns available for use but a 20 bore shotgun does not give a strong kickback and so may be easier for wheelchair users. The clubhouse has a ramped entrance but at present you will need the assistance of the staff to negotiate a high step into the premises. Once inside there is a shop, refreshments and a good accessible toilet. The path across to the clay ranges is accessible. Tuition is available and there are smaller guns suitable for children from approximately 8 years old. Pre-booking is advisable but it is possible to ring up on the day to enquire about availability.
Cricket
There are 5 clubs in Shropshire at present that are for people with disabilities. 3 of which (Oswestry, Shrewsbury and St Georges Telford) are open for new members and if another 8 people could be found a new club could be formed. They play indoors against each other in a league during the winter months culminating in a final in April. The indoor cricket is suitable for those with less stamina as the game is shorter and played with a softer ball. A runner is provided where needed for wheelchair users when they are batting. There is also disabled cricket outdoors on conventional pitches throughout the summer. For more information contact Shropshire Disabled Cricket on 01743 240465.
Cycling
Alyn Waters Country Park (Tel: 01978 363555) near Wrexham provides cycling for people with disabilities. They have a selection of especially adapted cycles that can accommodate all abilities, from hand operated, through side by side tandems to one with a supported cradle that is pedalled by an able bodied assistant. There is a mile long recently updated cycle track that is situated in the country park. Also on site are accessible toilets and a rest room as well as a small café.
If you would like to read a personal account of cycling please click here.
Fishing (coarse)
There is a club for disabled anglers based in Telford that has a varied programme of different locations (most of which are wheelchair accessible). Fishing takes place on most Tuesdays from March to October. They would welcome new members for more details tel: 01952 403063.
Albrighton Moat situated on the A41 near Cosford has level platforms around the Moat suitable for wheelchair users to fish from, to book please ring 01902 372441.
The British Disabled Angling Association is an organisation for disabled anglers and it offers advice and information for those new to the sport.
Fishing (fly)
Dearnford trout fishery is near Whitchurch on the B5476 Wem road. The spring fed lake which covers a total of 15 acres is stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout. There is excellent access to the lakes edge and an especially adapted boat from The Wheelyboat Trust for wheelchair users. Tuition is available for those new to the sport, please give at least 24hrs prior notice when booking telephone 01948 665914. At present there is a disabled portaloo on site but by the end of 2006 there will be a lodge with ramped access and disabled toilets. There is a powered wheelchair available on site for visitors to use if they wish to. The fishery is open all the year and manager Karl Humphries or his assistant Mark Bailey (AAPGAI instructors) will be on hand to ensure an enjoyable days fishing. For more details on disabled fly fishing visit the English Disabled Fly Fishers website. . N.B.February 2007:- Dearnford is closed at present for restructuring we will post further details when it reopens.
Flying
The British Disabled Flying Association that has been in existence since 1993 provides opportunities for people with disabilities to try flying 'especially adapted' light aircraft. They hold flying days at various venues around the country and the nearest one to Shropshire is at Barton Airfield in Manchester. For an events calendar and further details view their website. To read a personal account of flying click here.
Shropshire Aero Club is a small friendly club based at Sleap Airfield at Harmer Hill and it welcomes disabled visitors to come and have a close up experience of aeroplanes. There is a small Wartime Aircraft Recovery Group Museum and a clubhouse with a café on site. They hold special event days but if you pre-book they can arrange for individuals and small parties to have a look round and a short flight. As with a lot of these activities you do need to contact them to discuss individual capabilities to avoid disappointment.