Rushmere Country Park

At the invitation from Rushmere Country Park, our Dunstable based social group, Socialeyez, visited them on Tuesday 21st. August 2018. The aim was to assess the viability of their current access for partially sighted/blind persons. We were transported there by Leighton Buzzard Charity Minibus ‘Buzzer’ and we were greeted on arrival by Sarah and Chris who assist in the running of the parkland.

We first visited the outside area of the Cafeteria, which was a veranda overlooking a valley and gave a good view over some of the  parkland. The veranda had 2 sets of binoculars for sighted people to look over the wooded valley. Under one of the binocular sets were a set of steps to enable youngsters to use them as well. We then went for a short walk along one of the many paths. The walk was really enjoyable and there were plenty of opportunities there for all, sighted or partially sighted/blind to experience the sounds and various aromas coming from the surrounding woodland which was great for the senses.

The few creative sculptures, like benches made from branches and the varied carvings that can be felt, if you can get to them before the children, were (excuse the pun) a sight to behold.  Although we only had a limited walk, if what was there is similar to the longer walks, this parkland is a great day out for all. We finished with a trip to the cafeteria which gave us all a varied menu to choose from and catered for everyone’s different tastes.

But like all good things the afternoon enjoyment had to come to an end so we eventually got back onto our transport, The Buzzer, and returned back to Dunstable.

All in all our afternoon was a pleasant success.

By Michael A. Bonnar.