Dumfries BBQ & Family Fun Day

19^th August 2023 - David Keswick Centre, Dumfries

We would like to thank everyone that braved the dreich Dumfries weather on Saturday to make the Dumfries and Galloway Wheelchair Athletes/Spinal Injuries Scotland Family Fun Day such a special event.

After an ominously wet start saw us set up our stalls in the David Keswick gymnasium, we were extremely grateful to have such a great indoor space as we feared the whole day may bit a bit of a wash out.

Nothing could keep our spirits down though and buoyed by a rousing speech by co-organisers Russ Watson (Dumfries and Galloway Wheelchair Athletes) and Mary Bell (SIS Dumfries peer support adviser) we got to setting up tables, tinkering with bikes and flicked the switch on the hot water boiler for all the teas to come.

    

As the members, friends and family started to arrive things started to get into swing.

On hand were Dumfries & Galloway Blood Bikes, to talk about their charitable organisation and show off their impressive vehicles. Set up by local volunteers to deliver essential blood and urgent medical supplies between NHS hospitals and healthcare sites.

Max's Wheelchairs were there to show off their latest carbon fibre chairs and let people try out the amazing tri-rides (plus very kindly, help fix Mary's wheelchair.)

Also on hand were the guy from Capability Scotland and Hollister to lend a helping hand.

    

The various adapted bikes supplied by Russ and the D&G.W.A. were the stars of the show though, as the gym turned into Brands Hatch with bikes of all shapes and sizes zooming around the indoor space with World Record Holder, Shelby Watson there to give pointers.

    

The BBQ was fired up and by time the first burger were ready the heavens started clearing and we were able to head down to the track and really let loose on all the great equipment available.

 

"Great day all round. The staff couldn't have done more to make everyone feel welcome. My first ever event as a wheelchair user, I had a blast. My family had a great time too, so thanks so much + the burgers were the bizz."

- Gary Spiers - T12, Incomplete

We were so glad that everyone was able to make it outside to enjoy the bikes on offer, having the space to let loose really makes a difference. Particularly Max's Tri-Rides and the hand bikes . Plus, BBQ really needs to be eaten in the open air, it's just not the same indoors! 

    

Once again, thank you to all the attendees, Members, volunteers that helped on the day. An extra special thank you to organisers Russ and Mary, Hollister for funding the food and The National Lottery Community Fund for sponsoring our events and peer support in the south of Scotland.

If you would like to know more about up and coming events, take a look HERE