Good morning to everyone. We hope that you're enjoying the sunshine and haven't suffered adversely in the heavy rain and thunderstorms?
It's great to see the Pine Marten and Red Deer Refurbishments and know that there is a Master Plan for further Lodge updates (subject to available funding), but what progress is being made on making Lodges more Accessible please? We realise that some Lodges are completely unable to be rendered 'Accessible' because of the number of steps up or down to them, but what Plans does the Committee have for trying to make improvements to those Lodges which are easier to modify? We're talking about ramps, walk in showers, Conservatory and Lounge Seating, front doors and Conservatories without sills to step over, door widening, raised toilets etc. We realise that this wasn't possible during either Red Deer or Pine Marten updates because of their steps, but is Accessibility still on the Committee's Agenda? It has been discussed positively at recent AGMs but has any funding been reserved to address Accessibility improvements to Lodges which are capable of modification work? We don't see these adaptations as impacting negatively on LRHC Lodges because those with families and young children would welcome ramps, walk in showers, wider doors and lower sills too!
It's good to know that ramps to the Pine Martens have been considered and also lifts, but these would cost mega bucks and there are cheaper ways to make modifications. Can Richard or Committee Members let us know what is happening to make our Lodges and LRHC meet Accessibility Legislation please? Thank you.
Refurbishment of Lodges and Accessibility?
Dear Mrs Atkinson,
Thank you for reaching out and for raising a crucial aspect of our ongoing considerations for the improvement of our lodges.
As you have rightly mentioned, the subject of accessibility has indeed been part of our discussions and agenda. We completely understand the need for making our lodges more accessible for all members, and the points you have mentioned such as ramps, walk-in showers, wider doors, and lowered sills are all being considered.
However, we do also acknowledge the constraints that the physical structure and topography of some of our lodges present. While we strive to make as many lodges as possible accessible, the implementation of these modifications requires careful planning to ensure that the architectural integrity of the lodges is not compromised and the cost effectiveness of these modifications is upheld.
I assure you that we are looking into this matter with great importance. At this stage, detailed plans and budgets are still under development. We plan to discuss our progress and next steps in this regard at the upcoming AGM in December, where we can share more concrete plans with our members.
Again, thank you for your input and concern about this important issue. We deeply value our members' feedback and suggestions.
Best wishes,
Richard Deak
Thank you for reaching out and for raising a crucial aspect of our ongoing considerations for the improvement of our lodges.
As you have rightly mentioned, the subject of accessibility has indeed been part of our discussions and agenda. We completely understand the need for making our lodges more accessible for all members, and the points you have mentioned such as ramps, walk-in showers, wider doors, and lowered sills are all being considered.
However, we do also acknowledge the constraints that the physical structure and topography of some of our lodges present. While we strive to make as many lodges as possible accessible, the implementation of these modifications requires careful planning to ensure that the architectural integrity of the lodges is not compromised and the cost effectiveness of these modifications is upheld.
I assure you that we are looking into this matter with great importance. At this stage, detailed plans and budgets are still under development. We plan to discuss our progress and next steps in this regard at the upcoming AGM in December, where we can share more concrete plans with our members.
Again, thank you for your input and concern about this important issue. We deeply value our members' feedback and suggestions.
Best wishes,
Richard Deak