A pioneering challenge course is set to bring huge benefits to disabled people in Kirklees.
The only one of its kind in the north of England, the course has been made possible by a £20,000 grant to the local Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Trust.
Freemasons in West Yorkshire have donated the cash to create the facility at Little Deer Wood in Mirfield and both able-bodied and disabled people will be able to access the course.
Sponsored by Howley Lodge in Batley, the grant will be used to fund the low-rope challenge course with a wheelchair-accessible path for the disabled to get to this and other facilities at the Little Deer Wood site.
The course will be strung beneath trees with a series of linked challenges. It is designed to be environmentally friendly and as no concrete will be used, should last for many years.
The ropes, wires and other elements that make up the obstacles are no more than 50cm from the floor but team members must remain off the ground as they negotiate the course.
Courses like these are becoming more popular in the UK, but, there are only two which are totally accessible for able-bodied and disabled people.
This type of course aims to encourage communication and co-operation as well as help individuals to build up confidence and develop balance and co-ordination.
Trust chairman Steve Dunn said: “This is an exceptionally generous gift and, together with the donation we have already been offered by the spinal injury unit of Pinderfields Hospital Stepping Stones Appeal, we can start construction of the low ropes course.
“It will be a superb addition to facilities at Little Deer Wood such as canoeing, archery, climbing, orienteering, bushcraft and many more.”
Trust manager Denise Bedford said: “It is often really difficult to ensure that people with disabilities can join in and benefit from a whole range of activities, most of which require specially-adapted equipment. We can only achieve this with donations such as the one we have just received and the excellent support we get from volunteers, including Freemasons, who help to run sessions for young people so they have access to the full range of activities.”
David Archer of Howley Lodge said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to support such a worthwhile cause.”
Kirklees Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Trust supports around 5,000 young people each year in pursuit of awards. The donation was presented by Stephen Pratt, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding, and was received by Mr Dunn and and Denise Bedford at an event in Harrogate.
