16/05/2018
** Positive post ALERT ** this makes it all worth while.
Proud Cobh moment for me today. I came to Cobh today for a school trip out with our class. Our class consists of 5 gorgeous boys these boys are in wheel chairs and im sure many of us don't give a second thought about heading off somewhere with our children. Well i can tell you its not so easy to think of somewhere to go with 5 wheelchairs. Somewhere that is accessible, fun, sensory and stimulating.
Well Cobh was all of these things for us today. Firstly I rang ahead to The Commodore Hotel, Cobh and spoke to the lovely Mary and she put our minds at rest that there would be somewhere for us to park up and eat in comfort. Then I contacted Cobh, The Queenstown Story at Cobh Heritage Centre and spoke to Marianne, and she assured us that even though they would be busy with the liner passengers we could pass on through the tour no problem.
We arrived to the wonderful hustle and bustle of the liner and its passengers and went straight to Cobh, The Queenstown Story at Cobh Heritage Centre, where Marianne ushered us in free of charge (we cannot thank you enough for this) Our children got so much sensory input from the exhibition from the lights and the sounds. Not to mind the staff really enjoying the whole tour. Then we made the short walk to Cobh Maritime museum in the train station to see the wonderful art work from all the schools that entered this years port of cork competition (well worth a visit!)
Then we took a stroll along the waters edge to the New Playground what a success and a credit to all the committee Cobh Playground Fundraising Cobh Play Ground Project . you guys should be so proud of yourselves. The kids were able to each have a turn in their wheelchairs on the roundabout. Then we lifted them out for a go on the sea-saw, and the two basket swings. We will be letting all the parents know about the accessibility of the playground because its nice for them to find places that they can take their kiddies on a sunday spin (something that most of us take for granted).
After the playground we headed back to The Commodore Hotel, Cobh . Guys we cannot thank you enough Mary, Sabrina, Filiana, Damien Jess and the other 2 guys that helped us in and out (i'm sorry i don't know your names). They brought out their ramps and brought each of the 5 kids up the ramp and into the hotel (not light wheelchairs by the way) There was a table set up for us in the lounge and we had a beautiful lunch. (by the way food was top notch) and then they helped take each child out again. We got back to school with 5 tired but very content boys and 5 even more tired staff 😉
Sorry for the long post.
Coming to my hometown for a school trip made me very proud.
Thank you Cobh you are wonderful as always x
