I went to Stoke Mandeville today..

[Paddy_SP]

Smokeless Coal is absolutely right. While we can use our enthusiasm to raise some money to get things going and do the job ourselves if necessary, IMHO it would be far better to get some serious momentum going via the national media and formal commercial channels. If we could get the right sponsors, the guys and gals at the hospital could end up with a nice shiny brand-new building. Sponsoring a charity is, I think, 100% deductible from a tax perspective (I'm sure we have experts on this matter on the BBS), so I think we should take a good look at this angle.

I therefore suggest we form two different BBS groups:

The first group would go in and assess what the best way ahead is if a) no-one wants to help us, and we have to do everything ourselves b) some people want to help, but funds are limited and c) what could be done if funds were unlimited. Then, if necessary, get stuck in and improve the place as best they can in the short-term.

The second group should be composed of those who have relevant commercial skills - by this I mean those with expertise or contacts in such areas as media, PR, accounting, planning, architectural, etc. They would try to drum up newspaper/radio/TV coverage, and then use this to encourage one or more large companies to donate some funds.

Since the second group wouldn't necessarily need to be able to get to the hospital, they could be based anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection or a 'phone.

If there is any support for this two-pronged approach, I am willing to do whatever I can to assist. Since I'm currently working seven days a week and live so far away, please count me in the second group!

[Born Again]

Nice ideas Paddy, I have contacts in the newspaper industry but I'm not sure if anyone will connect themselves with shooting, especially as they sell so many papers on the back of sensationalist gun-control headlines.

Maybe the National Lottery would be a better hope.

One thing is for sure , if we all turn up with tools we will be able to improve what's already there, even if it's only better lighting, draft excluding and a lick of paint.

One fly in the ointment though, will their policy allow us to work on their site ? This could drown in red-tape if we're not careful.

[Terry D]

One thing is for sure , if we all turn up with tools we will be able to improve what's already there, even if it's only better lighting, draft excluding and a lick of paint.

OK, chaps, I've spoken to the Secretary of the organisation - Disability Target Shooting Great Britain - and she's sorting out a priority list as we speak. She's absolutely overjoyed at your reaction, too.

Realistically, the prospect of getting a new building is a non-starter for all sorts of reasons, so it's a re-furb we're looking at here. What's being organised now is a meeting between the DTSGB people and a delegation from here, so we can work out between us what can and can't be done. There are 'structural complications' with the roof which will need expert input, and stopping the leaks is a major priority.

As soon as the DTSGB get back to me we'll sort out the advance party and we'll roll things out from there. Stay tuned, chaps, this IS going to happen.

[Nealsey]

OK, chaps, I've spoken to the Secretary of the organisation - Disability Target Shooting Great Britain - and she's sorting out a priority list as we speak. She's absolutely overjoyed at your reaction, too.

Realistically, the prospect of getting a new building is a non-starter for all sorts of reasons, so it's a re-furb we're looking at here. What's being organised now is a meeting between the DTSGB people and a delegation from here, so we can work out between us what can and can't be done. There are 'structural complications' with the roof which will need expert input, and stopping the leaks is a major priority.

As soon as the DTSGB get back to me we'll sort out the advance party and we'll roll things out from there. Stay tuned, chaps, this IS going to happen.

Well done Terry, let's hope we have some roofers on here as well.

Nealsey

[baz]

Well done Terry, as a disabled shooter I am only too aware of the problems that exist, shooting fullbore at military ranges for a start! Clubs advertise as being disabled friendly yet expect everyone to be able to walk the 300m to the butts to do butt duty You can use a bicycle, fine if your disability allows but mine doesnt, and vehicles are not allowed at the butts

Myself and a couple of others got around it by having someone put several airgun size targets onto the std target board and using spotting scopes so not needing anyone to mark for us, but that took a lot of persuading as clubs dont like any changes!

Good luck with this venture it will be greatly appreciated of that I am sure

baz

[Guest]

I am good at breaking things and putting up tents.

If I can help with 'anything' yell!

Main skills are in Telecoms and Organisational Planning but more than happy to jump in at 'hands on' level as well.

Dave

[snapcapblue]

Terry I'm limited in what I can do physically, but count me in for a donation to the funds. I was an out-patient at SM for over 2 years but I didn't know about the disabled shooters and their appalling conditions. I'm confident that the BBS will have a massive impact on their predicament. Many thanks for bring this to our attention. Cheers and ATB - Tony

[Smokeless Coal]

We don't want to lose momentum on those good men who have the get up and go to get something done.

First thing is for a real appraisal of what could be done with what they have already got.

I think we could get a report back on this very soon.

[sniper22]

Smokeless Coal is absolutely right. While we can use our enthusiasm to raise some money to get things going and do the job ourselves if necessary, IMHO it would be far better to get some serious momentum going via the national media and formal commercial channels. If we could get the right sponsors, the guys and gals at the hospital could end up with a nice shiny brand-new building. Sponsoring a charity is, I think, 100% deductible from a tax perspective (I'm sure we have experts on this matter on the BBS), so I think we should take a good look at this angle.

I therefore suggest we form two different BBS groups:

The first group would go in and assess what the best way ahead is if a) no-one wants to help us, and we have to do everything ourselves b) some people want to help, but funds are limited and c) what could be done if funds were unlimited. Then, if necessary, get stuck in and improve the place as best they can in the short-term.

The second group should be composed of those who have relevant commercial skills - by this I mean those with expertise or contacts in such areas as media, PR, accounting, planning, architectural, etc. They would try to drum up newspaper/radio/TV coverage, and then use this to encourage one or more large companies to donate some funds.

Since the second group wouldn't necessarily need to be able to get to the hospital, they could be based anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection or a 'phone.

If there is any support for this two-pronged approach, I am willing to do whatever I can to assist. Since I'm currently working seven days a week and live so far away, please count me in the second group!

put me in for group 2 as well. im useless for hands on work due to my parkinsons disease but im online a lot and ive got a phone.

[Terry D]

The first group would go in and assess what the best way ahead is if a) no-one wants to help us, and we have to do everything ourselves b) some people want to help, but funds are limited and c) what could be done if funds were unlimited. Then, if necessary, get stuck in and improve the place as best they can in the short-term.

The second group should be composed of those who have relevant commercial skills - by this I mean those with expertise or contacts in such areas as media, PR, accounting, planning, architectural, etc. They would try to drum up newspaper/radio/TV coverage, and then use this to encourage one or more large companies to donate some funds.

Since the second group wouldn't necessarily need to be able to get to the hospital, they could be based anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection or a 'phone.

If there is any support for this two-pronged approach, I am willing to do whatever I can to assist. Since I'm currently working seven days a week and live so far away, please count me in the second group!

I'm liking the cut of Paddy's jib!