(1) By taking an inovative approach we propose the provision of rescue boat/tender to facilitate the participation of elderly/disabled & other socio-economic marginalised individuals within a competitive sailing club environment. i.e. an area normally excluded to such persons.
The rescue/tender boat is required not only to transfer elderly/disabled ambulant persons from the quay to racing craft kept on swinging moorings in the tidal Dundrum Bay, but also from time to time assist in bringing racing craft alongside quay, to allow direct transfer to racing boats of non-ambulant persons by way of a Crew Lift hoist . The rescue/tender boat is required at all times during racing to provide rescue/safety cover.
(2) In conjunction with Down District Council, we propose transfer of unused "Crew Lift", disabled persons boat hoist, from DDC controlled harbour Newcastle to DDC controlled space on Dundrum Quay adjacent to No 19. http://dundrumssailingclubruralchallenge2012.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/sub-sample-15.html
Dundrum Sailing Club constitution (link) expressly states -
1.2 The Club will promote access to sailing, motor boating and other forms of watersports ensuring that all members will be welcome on a non discriminatory basis. The club will endeavour to make sailing accessible for persons less able, for persons with disabilities and will welcome anyone supporting the objectives of the club including non-sailing members.
(3) By provision of a combination of rescue boat/tender & boat hoist Dundrum Sailing Club intends not only to be *self reliant rescue/safety cover but to increase the number of opportunities & potentially offer places to persons with a higher degree of disability (non ambulant) and by so doing add to public safety of Dundrum Bay by maintaining on station such a craft in Dundrum Harbour during the watersport season.
(4) In conjunction with similar group(s) promote rivalry & facilitate competition between coastal towns & villages.
Note 1 - Club Secretary, Ian Groves who is a Pharmacist, has applied for
Building Community Pharmacy Partnership project status. Ian believes it is possible to work with Dundrum Sailing Club as multiple group activity, to address identified local health (link) and social wellbeing needs using a community development approach.Note 2 - In relation to "Access Facilities" for persons with a disability, DARD Minister Michelle O'Neill, whilst writing about earlier projects funded by DARD was now "... very keen to ensure the appropriate level of facilities exists generally to enable access for all"...... It is therefore sincerely hoped that this spirit of inclusivity can add additional velocity to the Dundrum Sailing Club project. http://dundrumssailingclubruralchallenge2012.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/sub-sample-13.html
The purpose of this electronic blog form of evidence is to demonstrate that our club has identified risks in delivery, of a project, that whilst self evidently promoting health wellbeing & social inclusion of the participants needs provision of rescue boat/tender to ensure the safety of these people, many of whom have health related vulnerabilities.
Whilst the club believes the project's potential primary gains are clearly in-line with DARD's intent in issuing the Rural Challenge 2012, the club, via this blog seeks to establish potential for colateral gains in areas such as
(a) Tourism.
(b) dessimination of traditional skills, which might help promote employment opportunities.
(c) offering access to watersport activity to other groups that from time to time might wish to avail of the natural environment of Dundrum Bay including
(1) Youth clubs who approcahed us during Best practice workshop
(2) Downpatrick Special Olympics
(3) Acquired head injury group / Newry Headway
* up to the present Dundrum Sailing Club was reliant on the kindness of other clubs & help of I.L.B. from R.N.L.I. Newcastle (http://dundrumssailingclubruralchallenge2012.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/establishment-of-colateral-risks-of-non.html)
** Note ** - Please use blog index to access all documents submitted to DARD
