Wigtownshire and Stewartry Partnership (WASP) is the umbrella charity responsible for Wigtownshire Stuff and the Wigtownshire Stuff Bike Project. Wigtownshire Stuff took their amazing accessible bikes from their base in Stranraer to Carlingwalk Loch Park, Castle Douglas, for a drop-in session on Thursday, October 17th.
Over 20 participants had fun on the bikes on a slightly damp autumn day. Participants at the session could try various tricycles, a wheelchair platform bike, and a hand cycle for free under the supervision of WASP staff and volunteers. Several participants had lots of fun racing around the park and enjoyed seeing how fast they could get the bikes to go.
Rhea Currie, Support co-ordinator from Castle Douglas ARC said, “I just wanted to say a big thank you from myself as well as the other staff and our members for the bike session on Thursday. It was enjoyed by all, with nothing but positive feed back from the staff, family, and members. We have had the members asking about future sessions, so I feel it has all been very positive overall.”
Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson visited the sessions and said: “I was absolutely delighted to meet up with the team at Wigtownshire Stuff to witness the fantastic work they do to develop real opportunities for adults with support needs.”
“It is great to know that development worker Olivia Donald and her staff organise a host of events across the region, including at Agnew Park in Stranraer as well as at Castle Douglas.”
“Just to see the huge enjoyment on the faces of the participants of all ages taking part in the cycling event on specially adapted bikes, some costing £10,000, was wonderful.”
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP added: “Apart from the obvious fun element, the biking activity also provides many other benefits such as making new friends as well as boosting health and fitness.”
Following the success of the one-off Castle Douglas session, WASP will be working to expand the bike project to Castle Douglas in 2025.
A participant’s support worker said “Ellen has enjoyed being on the wheelchair bikes. Really looking forward to it being here on a regular basis. Thank you.”
WASP would like to thank Kris McDowall for using his van to transport the bikes. Sessions like this would not be possible without the hard work of staff and volunteers who consistently go above and beyond. A big thank you to Charlie, Fin, Gaynor, Joe, Liz and Olivia, without whom this event would not have been possible.
Wigtownshire Stuff bikes are available at their regular sessions at the Pavilion Building in Agnew Park, Stranraer, on Tuesdays from 10 – 12 and Wednesdays from 1 – 3. These sessions are open to all who would benefit from accessible bikes. The sessions are free, but donations are always welcome.
For more information, please contact Olivia Donald WASP, Development Worker, by phone on 07886 707 763 or email at [email protected] or have a look at our website: https://www.wigtownshireandstewartry.co.uk
