Words by Angela Clark
Photos by Katie Kennedy and courtesy of Golden Friendships
A local charity has created an entertainment event programme specially designed for wheelchair users – believed to be the first in the world.
The Golden Friendship Club, based in Dalmuir, is a community hub that provides support and social activities to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
Founder Jim McLaren said: “We have been talking about doing this for four and a half years, but because of Covid everything stopped.
“We will host popular music tribute acts which are for wheelchair users and their carers only.”
Accessible Entertainment
The venue will give wheelchair users more independence and is fully accessible.
There are five disabled toilets, one of them has changing facilities, a hoist and a shower.
Also a sink with a button that allows it to move up or down to wheelchair level.
One section of the bar is low, with an overhang so the wheelchair can go under it and the person can see and chat with whoever is serving them without needing to reach up.
Positive Solutions
Club member and electric chair user Annemarie Gavin said: “My mobility is getting worse. I have multiple sclerosis (MS).
“It’s really difficult to go to events because of access. I was going to the King’s Theatre in May and I had to phone ahead to book.
“When I arrive they take my frame with wheels away from me, then return it at the interval for toilet breaks, so it’s not ideal.
“There is plenty of space in the Golden Friendship Club and plenty of disabled toilets and the staff are lovely, this makes a huge difference to my experience.’’
Due to lack of facilities and accessibility, many Golden Friendship members have faced major issues on previous visits.
It was after one of these encounters that Jim decided to hold events for wheelchair users.
He explained: “I remember the first time we went to a pantomime, out of 200 people we had 30 wheelchair users.
“I phoned up to book it and you could only get four wheelchairs into the venue. So, I had to attend 20 shows.
“It’s impossible to go to certain places in a wheelchair so we started to bring the pantomime here instead.’’
The club can only run three events per year as it is not a licensed premises and it would cost too much to get a full licence.
Thankfully Jim secured a sponsor for this year ensuring people who attend get the maximum experience of having a bar.
Red Ramp Arrivals
He said: “We want to make it accessible for everyone and every event will have a red carpet on the ramp.
“Nobody has ever said to me there is a wheelchair events place.
“The nearest we’ve heard of was the Paralympics had a big party at the end. But it was a one-off.
The latest entertainment Red Ramp event is a Freddie Mercury tribute dinner evening on July 8 and a Christmas party dinner is planned in December.
Club member and wheelchair user, Ross Docherty is looking forward to attending the events.
He said: ‘‘I’ll hopefully be coming to all the entertainment. It will be good for me and help me get out into the community.
“I know whatever is on will be accessible.’’
If you are a wheelchair user or a carer and would like to buy tickets for upcoming shows contact Golden Friendship Club on 07957568330.
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