ProActive Winter 2012 by GM Coachwork

PRO ACTIVE GM COACHWORK QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2011-2012

y fl e e m m o C with ity

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Taki

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04 GM NEWS ROUND

Catch up with what’s been happening

06 PROJECT MOBILITY Rallying the troops

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09 LA CREATION Duo in the making

11/01/2012 19:55

GM STAFF

CONTENTS

MEET THE TEAM Gary Albinson Mobility Adaptations

Jan McCullar Receptionist

LIKES Everything in its place The 80’s love ballads

LIKES France My pussycats

DISLIKES Incompetence Sitting still

DISLIKES Cold weather Baked beans Lee Jones Minibus Sales Specialist

Lucy Duller Customer Liaison LIKES Chicken and asparagus pie Sky diving

DISLIKES Hair shampoo My diary

DISLIKES Mushrooms Heavy metal music Tracey Bull Sales Support

LIKES Holidays Horse riding

LIKES Laughing Cats

DISLIKES Baked beans Rain

DISLIKES Rudeness Twiglets Roy Hayter Used Sales Specialist

Stephen Murphy Sales Manager

LIKES Skiing Motorsport

LIKES Cycling Chopping up wood

DISLIKES Water Cricket

DISLIKES Bad driving The rain

Agata Owston Minibus Sales Administrator

Simon Ballamy Motability Adviser

LIKES Chocolate Being pregnant

LIKES Steak Football

DISLIKES Cats Winter

DISLIKES Mustard Rain Paul Barber Minibus Sales Specialist

David Christie Motability Adviser

LIKES Football Coastal walking

LIKES Eating out Huge DIY jobs

DISLIKES Boats Long distance driving

DISLIKES Olives Christmas

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04 // News 06 // Project Mobility 09 // La Creation 11 // Colin’s Coastal Challenge 12 // Aerobility 14 // Adaptations 15 // The Toolbox

LIKES My dog Rugby

Caoney Morgan Motability Sales Administrator

CONTENTS

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15 Mathew Smith, Editor mathew.smith@gmcoachwork.co.uk

GM Coachwork Ltd, Teign Valley, Trusham, Newton Abbot, TQ13 0NX T: 01626 853050 E: sales@gmcoachwork.co.uk PROACTIVE is published every quarter by GM Coachwork Ltd and distributed free of charge.

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GM COACHWORK NEWS

NEW DUO LAUNCHED AT NAIDEX SOUTH THE new DUO wowed the crowds at the Naidex South show in Docklands last October. Impressing the public and fellow convertors alike the DUO, based on the Peugeot Partner /Citroen Berlingo, gives wheelchair users the choice to be the driver or an up-front passenger. Big on the inside, compact on the outside the DUO features a virtually flat floor and interchangeable seats making it easy for the driver and passenger to swap places. The DUO also features a remote operated rear tailgate and ramp, lowering rear suspension and an optional rear fold-out two seater bench. Nigel Collins, GM Coachwork’s Managing Director said “ The Duo gives

The Duo is available with a 6 speed semiautomatic gearbox with a dash mounted dial and electronic handbrake. Turn the gear selector dial, flick the switch to release the handbrake and your journey begins.

customers a new exciting alternative in the compact drive-from wheelchair market. We’ve already enjoyed success with Berlingo Blaze and taking this one step further brought us to develop the Duo. The dimensions of the Duo lead to a very spacious interior and a floor which is virtually flat.”

The DUO is powered by a 1.6 e-Hdi 92bhp engine which produces 58.9mpg in the extra urban cycle. Both Peugeot and Citroen offer a stylish exterior boasting strong, clean lines, exceptional passenger space, and a state of the art diesel engine giving outstanding economy. The DUO is available on Motability from January 2012 with advance payment from £13,495. Call 01626 853050 to arrange a no-obligation home demonstration.

ON THE WAY… VW CARAVELLE MONTEREY 6 What is it? A VW Caravelle 2.0TDI with a 7 speed automatic ‘box converted into a drive from wheelchair vehicle. The Monterey 6 features a lowered floor with 59” access height and 56.5” of interior headroom, a remote operated tailgate and ramp and a 6 way power transfer seat. When is it available? Motability advance payment prices will be released in January. Demonstrations are available now. Phone us!

THE NEW LIGHTWEIGHT MINIBUS YOU CAN DRIVE ON A CAR LICENCE

CITROËN BERLINGO BLAZE REACHES 500 SALES THE 500th award-winning Citroën Berlingo Blaze has just been delivered. The 500 sales-milestone was reached with the first Blaze WAV conversion that we have completed using the recently launched Berlingo Multispace e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6, with its 6-speed automated manual gearbox. Ordered by Margaret and Norman Rush the 500th Citroën Berlingo Blaze meets the couple’s family transport requirements, which included affordability, economy - and the availability of automatic transmission. It also had to be able to carry a passenger in a wheelchair and four others and also have the ability to carry a large Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter. “GM Coachwork has provided excellent service and we are delighted with our new Citroën Berlingo Blaze – it is easy to get the wheelchair in and out and it also does so many other things. It enables us to carry our grandchildren or allow

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Norman and I to go out and about in the country, as it can carry my Tramper allterrain mobility scooter,” says Mrs Rush. The Berlingo Blaze has a low floor conversion in the rear compartment, which not only provides generous rear headroom of 1,372mm (4ft 6in), but also a very shallow angle for the fold-out, non-slip surfaced light alloy ramp. This

provides safer and easier entry and exit for the wheelchair and the wheelchair passenger. The lowered rear floor compartment also provides the width necessary to accommodate a range of full-size wheelchairs. The Blaze is available on Motability. Telephone 0800 3169327 for a noobligation home demonstration

GM’s Dave Christie presents the first Blaze Auto to Margaret and Norman Rush

THE second generation MinibusLite has been unveiled. Based on the Peugeot Boxer the MinibusLite meets the new regulations introduced in October. The new Minibus Lite is available as a 16 or 17 seater featuring M2 tested seats, 3 point all-age seatbelts and a fully

carpeted interior. And the beauty is you don’t need a D1 licence (though of course, conditions apply.] See www.minibuslite.co.uk for full details). Prices start at £23,495. Call Agata on 0845 0760961.

GM JOINS THE SOCIAL NETWORKING REVOLUTION NEVER one to miss out, we’ve been busy on what the experts call “social networking”. That means re-building our Facebook page, building our Twitter presence and creating our own channel on You Tube. See the results for yourself!

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Find us on Facebook facebook.com/gmcoachworkltd Twitter twitter.com/gmcoachwork01

PAUL BARBER HEADS FOR THE HILLS Minibus Sales Specialist Paul Barber is getting ready for the biggest challenge of his life (apart from coming home after midnight and trying to sneak in before Mrs B finds out!). The 3 Peaks Challenge takes in 3 mountain climbs – Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon, all within 24 hours. Its no mean feat and the biggest challenge is the sleep deprivation and the energy needed to climb all three in such a short period. Paul starts the challenge next June.

PUTTING OUR CUSTOMERS FIRST To ensure we are always providing the best service, we have appointed Lucy Duller to the role of Customer Liaison. Lucy is the contact point for all customers after ordering their vehicle. She is your point of contact for keeping you updated on the progress of your vehicle build. We believe this will make the customer experience a lot smoother and stress free for you.

TIME FOR A CHANGE The world of the world wide web (try saying that fast!) never stands still unlike the GM website which was looking a bit jaded. Log on to www.gmcoachwork.co.uk and now you’ll see an all new website, complete with videos on each model in our range.

You Tube www.youtube.com/ gmcoachworkUK

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FEATURE: PROJECT MOBILITY THE FUTURE FOR PM… THE MOTORSPORT ACADEMY

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en vicem r e s d unde o tefan w S r o d f n e a choic Sally s s r u e o i nd bv affecting driving. It also gives wounded the o nks to fou m e e a s h t t ex-servicemen the chance to enjoy o t ay n y bu r m e t adventure and new challenges through v r o rec rspo am off-road safari experiences. Moto them with ked a dre r o p l w to he ky it has Gavin Harvey (REME Sgt) has been a This is an important element of recovery ts fantastic success story of how the project that is unavailable to the majority, with Povol

ard-core driving, rugged terrain, getting thrown around inside a 4x4 and then carrying out repairs hardly sounds like rest and rehabilitation. But to ex-servicemen it’s a welcome diversion. Project Mobility is the brainchild of a couple from Devon who wanted to do more than put £1 in a collection tin for soldiers wounded in the line of duty. One thing that really motivated the injured servicemen who they spoke to was the opportunity to get involved in competitive sport as a participant or a member of a supporting team. They wondered whether there was a route for more direct action to put our military heroes back on the road and help them “drive through adversity”.

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many being left to fend for themselves in a world which is alien to them. And so Project Mobility was born.

Project Mobility started life as a simple idea to adapt some old Land Rovers into overland and off road machines for those with a disability or amputation. The objective is to offer practical help and emotional support through the conversion of 4x4 vehicles so they can be driven by amputees, or those with disabilities

Project Mobility made me realize that despite losing both my legs I had a skill set which could benefit my future

works. Within six months his personal recovery developed in leaps and bounds. Gavin was not only a key part of the rally team but also worked on the Project Reskill Academy concept, a garage and workshop facility which aims to offer experiences in mechanical engineering and be sustainable by offering commercial facilities, training and services to the public, engaging both the disabled military and disabled community. “Project Mobility made me realize that despite losing both my legs I had a skill set which could benefit my future and help others. The empowerment and opportunity I have had, plus the camaraderie the project gives has helped me stay positive and focus on my rehabilitation and my future. I am proud to be part of the team ensuring the experience I had is available to as

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many individuals as possible, whether in service, going through discharge like myself or a veteran. I also want to help the wider disabled community at large.” Gavin has now moved onto set up a Track Team for disabled soldiers who are taking part in competitive and experience races. One of the newer members of the team is double amputee Nathan Cumberland (Reccee Commander). Nathan lost both his legs in 2009 and is currently undergoing his license application and gaining training and coaching in driving rallies and speed tracks. “Project Mobility is a fantastic group of people. Within hours of joining the team I was doing the Hill Climb at Goodwood in a Bowler Nemesis, hanging with Jay Leno and then co-driving in the forest rally stage. Their enthusiasm and love for motorsport is infectious, and there are no barriers to being involved. I have now been in 3 competitive races and getting stuck into being a co-driver said Nathan. The Project believes that motorsport provides a platform that captures the public interest and delivers a high profile halo to spread the Project Mobility objective. The real intent is to create a

sustainable programme of inspiration, employment and success that gives differently abled bodied a sense of purpose, belonging and pride.

RALLYING THE TROOPS As the first British disabled rally team Project Mobility is currently competing in a Land Rover Freelander in stage rallies all over the UK. The Wales GB Rally in November 2011 was their biggest test to date for the team calling on all their skills to come together and they completed the race above some very experiences race teams including the Army Rally Team! The team use each rally with a view to upgrade their licenses and to gain valuable experience to enable them to take part in the Dakar Rally in 2014/15 competing in a Bowler EXR Dakar Rally Vehicle. Each rally throws up its own physical and mental challenges the team has to face and the injured soldiers currently involved in the team all have their own traumatic and inspirational story to tell. Their sheer enthusiasm and drive is a shining example to everyone that they come in contact with and shows the human capacity to triumph over adversity. The team will also be offering experience days in their rally prepared vehicles for the disabled public from February 2012 so here’s your chance to “have a go!”

To keep in touch with the progress of the team visit www.projectmobility4x4.org, follow them on Twitter @projectmob4x4 or like them on Facebook www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

Project Mobility has a desire to create an Academy, led and managed by personnel that have been discharged due to medical reasons, especially the disabled or socially excluded, to give them the future and employment opportunity they deserve. The academy initiative hopes to become sustainable and give rehabilitation and skills to those unsure of their futures, empowering them to help themselves and embracing their passion. With servicemen and women giving so much in hostile and foreign environments we have so much to thank these individuals for, yet many go by the wayside and through trauma and experiences from service are socially isolated and struggling with civilian life. The Academy plans to be a centre of excellence for those with an interest in motorsport, overlanding and expeditions, mechanical engineering, management and learning new skills whilst harnessing and adapting those gained through service. The Academy will be led by the team for the wider public with training days and formal qualifications on offer. The Academy hopes to build a support network based on a common interest to give those in rehabilitation, or those leaving service, a purpose and place where they are respected and with like minded individuals. As this goes to press the team are moving into premises provided by the MoD and hope to have the Academy up and running by Easter, as well as launching into Overland and Off-Road Training Events on the legendary Sailsbury Plains. For more information please contact Sgt Payne on chris@ projectmobility4x4.org

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GM RANGE

FEATURE: THE NEW DUO

THE GM RANGE

Citroen Berlingo Blaze

Citroen Berlingo Duo

Wheelchair access vehicle Over 58 mpg Seats 4 plus wheelchair passenger

Drive-from wheelchair Optional rear two seat bench interchangeable driver and passenger seats

LA CRéATION The GM Duo was a year in the making. A long gestation period was needed to ensure we produced a truly unique drive-from vehicle.

Citroen Berlingo Blaze Auto 6 speed semi-automatic Over 58 mpg Fully automatic and paddle lever gearchange

Peugeot Expert Montana Seats seven plus one wheelchair

Volkswagen Colorado Drive from wheelchair

Side access

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Peugeot Expert Flare: Flat floor throughout Available as up-front passenger Choice of short or long wheelbase

Volkswagen Monterey Flagship of the WAV range

Volkswagen Nevada Drive from wheelchair

Rear access

Peugeot Boxer Utah Accommodates multiple wheelchairs

Volkswagen Vermont Drive from wheelchair

Rear access

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5 THINGS THAT MAKE THE DUO SPECIAL? 1. The Duo has a virtually flat floor 2. Interchangeable front seats

aunched at Naidex South in London Docklands our new Citroen Berlingo Duo was the talk of the show. Customers and rival convertors heaped praise on the new compact drive-from. Unlike our flagship VW Caravelle drive-from vehicle range, the Duo is a smaller offering. Compact on the outside but big on the inside. Space is in abundance. A virtually flat floor allied to a flexible interior that lets the wheelchair driver swap with the passenger are key ingredients. Add into

this mix Citroen’s legendary diesel engine technology delivering over 58 mpg and we have a great all round package.

Steve Murphy.

Dave Christie

Simon Ballamy

Starting from a blank canvas and knowing what we wanted to end with didn’t help. We had to get there. We knew we wanted to create a vehicle with as near a flat floor as we could. Look at the outside and it looks quite compact. Look inside and it blows you away. The space that has been created is unbelievable.

Following the success of the Blaze we wanted to go one step further and create a drivefrom vehicle with class-leading interior space, interchangeable seats, and at the same time, is affordable. I reckon we did it. The Duo has an affordable advance payment on Motability and offers a lot of vehicle for the money.

The Duo gives buyers a genuine alternative in the drive-from market. Space is the real selling point and the Duo is both economical and competitively priced. The Duo’s virtually flat floor is unlike any other vehicle in its class. And the fact driver and passenger can swap is a bonus.

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3. Two cars in one – a drivefrom, and an up-front pasenger

Enjoy the independence of the drive-from experience

4. Big on the inside. Compare the interior dimensions to other compact drive-froms 5. Available on Motability from £13,495 - more space per pound than other compact drive-froms

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USED WHEELCHAIR VEHICLES PART-EX WELCOME NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

MECHANICAL WARRANTY FINANCE ARRANGED

2003 MERCEDES VANEO 1.6 petrol, 57000 miles, lightweight ramp, low floor, one rear saloon seats (J11088) £7,995

2008 RENAULT KANGOO 20000 miles, auto, lowered floor, lightweight ramp, air con. (J11659) £8,250

ACTIVE: Colin Edwards

2009 CITROEN C8 CIRRUS Full width ramp, lowered floor, two removable rear seats (J11848) £16,995

Colins Coastal Challenge

2009 MERCEDES SPRINTER DRIVE-FROM 2.2HDI, 19000 miles, remote rear lift, side door (J11852) £21,995

Left leg amputee Colin Edwards isn’t afraid of a challenge or two. He has been to base camp Everest and the summit of Cocopaxi in aid of charity. His latest venture was to run 630 miles along the south west coast.

C 2003 VW SHARAN 1.9 TDi, 82000 miles, auto, 6 speed manual, low floor, 2 rear saloon seats. (J11865) £6,995

2010 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEEPEE 1.6HDi, lowered floor, lightweight ramp, 27000 miles, one rear saloon seat, twin front passenger seat (J12347) £13,495

2006 FIAT DUCATO 2.3 JTD, 42000 miles, 3 removable rear saloon seats, rear lift, can take 3 wheelchairs (J12174) £10,495

2008 RENAULT KANGOO 38000 miles, lightweight ramp, low floor, one rear saloon seat, (J11823) £6,800

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS VEHICLES (WAV’s) 2007 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER 2.8 TDi, 37000 miles, elec side doors and ramp, 3 rear seats (J12267) £12,995 2009 CITROEN C8 2.0 HDi, 11000 miles, manual, lightweight ramp, 2 rear seats, top of the range (J12268) £15,995

ROY’S STAR CAR EDRIV O FR M

2010 CITROEN BERLINGO BLAZE 1.6 HDi, 38000 miles, manual, 2 rear seats (J10193) £11,495 2006 FIAT DOBLO HIGH ROOF 1.3 multijet diesel, 32000 miles, manual, 4 seats (J12206) £6,995 2004 RENAULT KANGOO 1.6 petrol, 15000 miles, auto, one rear sallon seat, two side doors ( J8240) £5,500 2006 RENAULT MASTER 2.5DCi, 38000 miles, manual, 5 seats, full width lightweight ramp (J11602) £8,750 2005 TOYOTA HI-ACE 2.5 diesel, 58000 miles. 4 seats, manual. (J11964) £6,500 DRIVE-FROM WHEELCHAIR VEHICLES 2010 VW CARAVELLE COLORADO Low floor conversion, electric side lift, 9000 miles, (J11962) £36,995 2009 MERCEDES SPRINTER 2.2TDi, 19000 miles, 4 seats, remote operated tailgate and ramp (J11852) £21,995 2007 RENAULT MASTER 2.5TDi, 15500 miles, auto, 4 seats, remote rear door and Ricon lift (J11653) £15,995

2003 VW CARAVELLE COLORADO DRIVE-FROM WHEELCHAIR 130bhp TDI, auto, only 9000 miles, our own low floor conversion. Save over £10k on new (J11962) £36,995

2008 RENAULT KANGOO 1.6 petrol, 3000 miles, auto, remote tailgate and ramp (J10670) £14,995

All used vehicles are fully serviced with at least 9 months MOT and come with a full mechanical and wheelchair equipment safety check OVER 40 VEHICLES IN STOCK - OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

TELEPHONE 0845 076 0963 or visit www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

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olin’s not afraid of a challenge. The father of two didn’t have his leg amputated until his 40’s following a motorbike accident at 19 and the subsequent years battling problems left him with no option but to have his leg amputated. It didn’t stop him. At 45 he decided to start running again. 100 metres at first and slowly but gradually building up to being able to run marathons and off road races. His level of fitness allowed him to undertake fundraising expeditions such as Base Camp Everest and the summit of Cocopaxi (Ecuador) raising considerable sums for limbless charities. And then came the next challenge….to run the South West Costal Path in Spring 2011. A total of 630 miles with an ascent of 115,003 feet, or four times the height of Everest. This is no mean feat even for an able bodied person. It’s the equivalent of running from

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Colin’s target was to run 10 miles a day but early on he found he could push himself further Brighton to Inverness. But this didn’t put Colin off. With months of training behind him he was ready and on May 1st he set off from Minehead with a support vehicle provided by GM Coachwork, and a driver in tow. His challenge was also to raise money for limbless charity PORT-ER.

Colin hits target Colin’s target was to run 10 miles a day but early on he found he could push himself further. At 10 miles a day he was looking at running for over 60 days. The aim was to finish on Fathers Day in Poole but that felt like a long way off. Day followed day and while he was fit enough to cope with the miles the strain on his legs would takes its toll. He would need attention to his legs at the end of every day to keep the muscles supple. The South West Coastal Path isn’t a beautifully flat ribbon of tarmac running along the coastline. This is a rugged, twisting

and turning, exposed path formed over the years. Hardly ideal running terrain. But Colin soldiered on. Frequently just before he would set off for the days 10 mile run he would be stopped and people would thrust money into his hand. The local press followed him and his online blog kept followers up to date with his progress. As the days went by it was becoming apparent that he was ahead of schedule. Colin finished in Poole on 18 June 2011 slashing days off his target date. What an achievement. He had made it. 630 miles… done. Most people would be thinking of taking a well earned rest or even a holiday. Not Colin. His idea of a celebration was to take part in a half marathon a few days after. Colins challenge is testimony to sheer determination. To go from not being able to run more than 100 metres to doing 10 miles a day for two months just shows what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.

SOUTH WEST COASTAL RUN RUN: 630 miles ASCENT: 115,003 ft DAYS: 60

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FEature: Aerobility

y fl e m o C me h t i w h engt s r t s o th t skill g n w e e r n t om s to learn r f e n as go ping them h y t i il el erob rs, h lity. A e b 3 9 m i in 19 0 me on disab d 0 e 3 s m t For boas r outlook w o n thei and e g n ha and c

or some, the first flight is enough to change their outlook on disability forever: “If I can fly a plane, what else can I do?” Others, realising that the fantasy of flight is in their grasp, decide to continue their training - many all the way to securing a Private Pilot’s Licence, some even looking to making aviation a career.

Giving individuals the opportunity to experience flight is the main objective of registered charity Aerobility. It’s relatively simple for individuals to arrange a trial flight or, funds allowing, train for a Private Pilots Licence (PPL), but for disabled people its not so simple. For Lance Cpl David Rawlins, REME, it has proved a welcome diversion. “After being injured in 2008 whilst in Afghanistan, I began a long process of recovery. Two years down the line I was at home bored unable to return to work and sat waiting for the decision on whether I would remain in the Army. I was given a great opportunity by Battle Back and Aerobility- it was a trial flying lesson. Once you are airborne, anything else that you have going on in your life remains on the ground and all you have to do is relax and focus on the flight. I have enjoyed learning to fly, and there’s not been a moments flying I haven’t enjoyed, from my first solo to my solo cross country flight”

Taking off Aerobility was formed in 1993 by two disabled pilots who had qualified before the accidents which disabled them. They realised that there were no groups or organisations to help keep them flying. Out of their first conversations a fledgling flying club took shape. Tongue in cheek, they fittingly named it the Disabled Flying Club – or ‘DFC’ for short. They had no aeroplanes, but a lot of vision; motivated by nothing other than the joy of flight. Slowly the club gathered momentum eventually re-launching as The British Disabled Flying Club, then The British Disabled Flying Association and a final change last year to Aerobility. Aerobility provides advice, knowledge and advocacy for disabled people who wish to fly and is the representative body for disabled aviation within the UK. Aerobility

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I have enjoyed learning to fly, and there’s not been a moments flying I haven’t enjoyed has grown in capability as well as number. Brian Catchpole, Aerobility Coordinator, recalls “our first aeroplane, an aerobatic Bulldog, was built as a project from the ‘best bits’ of three others”. Now, nearly 20 years on it has another three other aircraft to keep it company and over 300 disabled members. Whatever your aspirations, Aerobility have a strict, fully inclusive policy. Member Lee Pirie summed his feelings up as “Flying offers something that very little in the world today can, and that is freedom. During the hours I fly I can escape the daily obstacles that having a disability can present. The cockpit is a world without borders or boundaries, a world where anything is possible and everyone is an equal. When I fly I am strong enough to climb even the highest mountain!” Offering disabled people the opportunity

to fly an aeroplane aims to remove barriers and provide a real sense of achievement that can genuinely change lives. The specially adapted aircraft fly from various airfields around the UK providing trial flights and flight training, and at some of the airfields there are hoists to get trainee pilots from a wheelchair into the cockpit. Ryan is a 12 year old wheelchair user from Glasgow. “All I could see was sky and clouds but it was so good, I was allowed a few more times in control of the plane and WOW I am the happiest person in the world”. Alan Chandler is a victim of a road accident. “When the pilot said `You have control of the aircraft’ it was an amazing experience and I think I was still floating around at 3,000 feet hours after the plane had landed.”

Aerobility

T: 0303 303 1230 E: info@aerobility.com www.aerobility.com Aerobility is registered with the Civil Aviation Authority to carry out flight training and has aircraft and dedicated ground school facilities at Blackbushe near Camberley, a base at Tatenhill in the Midlands, and capability at Caernarfon and Prestwick, Aerobility seek to offer nationwide flying opportunities for disabled people.

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ADAPTATIONS TEAM

Driver Adaptations Sales Apprentice Engineer

TOM IAN DEREK

GARY OLI

For GM’s Adaptations team, every job is unique. No two customers need the same adaptations but the aim is always the same - to ensure the adaptation offers the perfect solution for the customer. With a vast range of equipment available from simple steering wheel knobs to a vehicle with full joystick control there isn’t anything we haven’t yet managed to do.

Engineer

Specialising in hand controls, hoists and mainstream adaptations.

GM will fix it

Senior Engineer

Gary’s the first point of call for all adaptation enquiries.

JAMIE

Technician

Our one-time song and dance man... and a great delivery and collection driver.

MARTIN

Workshop Manager

In a word, a true craftsman. Simply the best at producing bespoke fittings.

ats base se s Swivel es e of acc for eas

Electronics whizzkid, highly skilled engineer and team leader.

All types of hoist are availa ble

Highly skilled fabricator and welder. If it needs fabricating… he’s your man!

Driving c o supplie ntrols, d and fi tted 14-15_FT_adaptions-tools.indd 14-15

Martin looks after the team in the workshop, schedules jobs and keeps a close eye on quality control.

f ange o Wide r controls g steerin

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THE TOOLBOX

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THE TOOLBO CAR HIRE Perhaps it’s our little secret but it shouldn’t be. Yes... we also offer car hire! From a few days to a few months and from a Kangoo or a Berlingo right up to a Peugeot Boxer or Renault Master we have a range of vehicles to choose from. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.

DECLAN VISIT GM Coachwork were delighted to welcome Declan O’Mahoney, director of Motability, to our offices and workshop facilities. We were all very excited to receive such an important figure.

WHEELCHAIR CHALLENGE

...AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

This summer saw the UK Wheelchair Challenge being hosted at the South West Disability Show. Hosted by Heart presenters Toby Anstis and Emma Scott the challenge presented wheelchair users with the choice of a 1 kilometre or 3 kilometre course. Entering the spirit of the occasion Emma and Toby both had a go at the course declaring it tougher than they thought it would be.

We often receive requests on unusual vehicles. Here’s our latest. Our friends at the Eden Project have asked us to do some conversion work on their Tuk Tuk. See... we can turn our hand to anything!

Check out the video on our You Tu www.youtu be channel be.com/use r/ GMCoach workUK

WHAT DO YOU USE YOURS FOR? Aerobility CEO Mike Miller Smith uses his VW Caravelle Colorado to tow the Aerobility portable display unit. We can’t think of a better vehicle for the job! Email us with your photo. Editor@gmcoachwork.co.uk

clan oght (CEO), De L to R Dave Vo D) (M ns igel Colli O’Mahoney, N

CONVERT YOUR NAVARA INTO A TIPPER No need to part exchange your Navara pick up for a tipper. Our conversion turns it into a pick-up truck. Fit it yourself or we can do it for you.

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Call Graham for details…. 01626 853050. Watch the video on our You Tube channel. For more info www.pickuptipper.co.uk

AS EASY AS 1,2,3 Convert your Citroen Berlingo or Peugeot Partner van into a 5 seater. Our simple conversion adds a second row of seats behind the front cabin seats. Each seat is removable so you can have 1, 2, or 3 rear seats… or none at all. Comes supplied as a DIY kit or we can DIFY (do it for you!). Call Graham for details….

01626 853050. Watch the video on our You Tube channel. For more info www.seatsforvan.co.uk

PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 // 15

10/01/2012 20:47

The new compact Drive from Wheelchair solution

Greater Mobility

Interchangeable driver and passenger seats Drive from wheelchair or travel as up front passenger Remote operated tailgate and ramp 6 speed semi-automatic Diesel economy delivers over 58mpg (Extra Urban cycle) For more information or to arrange a free nationwide home demonstration

Telephone 0845 076 0962 www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

Duo FP launch advert.indd 1

10/01/2012 21:30