Come fl y with me

PRO ACTIVEGM COACHWORK QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2011-2012

Catch up with what’s been happening

Rallying the troops

Duo in the making09 LA CREATION

04 GM NEWS ROUND

06 PROJECT MOBILITY

09

06

Come fl y with me

Taking to the skies with Aerobility

04

06

01_cover.indd 1 11/01/2012 19:55

www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

CONTENTS

PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 // 03www.gmcoachwork.co.uk02 // PROACTIVE WINTER11/12

GM STAFF

Lee Jones Minibus Sales Specialist

Roy Hayter Used Sales Specialist

Paul Barber Minibus Sales Specialist

Gary Albinson Mobility Adaptations

Caoney Morgan Motability Sales Administrator

Agata Owston Minibus Sales Administrator

Jan McCullar Receptionist

Tracey Bull Sales Support

Simon Ballamy Motability Adviser

Lucy Duller Customer Liaison

Stephen Murphy Sales Manager

David ChristieMotability Adviser

LIKESMy dogRugby

DISLIKESHair shampooMy diary

LIKESSkiingMotorsport

DISLIKESWaterCricket

LIKESFootballCoastal walking

DISLIKESBoatsLong distance driving

LIKESEverything in its placeThe 80’s love ballads

DISLIKESIncompetenceSitting still

LIKESHolidaysHorse riding

DISLIKESBaked beansRain

LIKESChocolateBeing pregnant

DISLIKESCatsWinter

LIKESFranceMy pussycats

DISLIKESCold weatherBaked beans

LIKESLaughingCats

DISLIKESRudenessTwiglets

LIKESSteakFootball

DISLIKESMustardRain

LIKESChicken and asparagus pieSky diving

DISLIKESMushroomsHeavy metal music

LIKESCyclingChopping up wood

DISLIKESBad drivingThe rain

LIKESEating outHuge DIY jobs

DISLIKESOlivesChristmas

04 // News 06 // Project Mobility 09 // La Creation 11 // Colin’s Coastal Challenge12 // Aerobility 14 // Adaptations 15 // The Toolbox

GM Coachwork Ltd, Teign Valley, Trusham, Newton Abbot, TQ13 0NXT: 01626 853050 E: sales@gmcoachwork.co.uk

PROACTIVE is published every quarter by GM Coachwork Ltd and distributed free of charge.

Copyright GMCoachwork Ltd. No reproducton without the publishers consent.

CONTENTS MEET THE TEAM

09

05

11 14 15

12

06

Mathew Smith, Editormathew.smith@gmcoachwork.co.uk

DESIGNED BYyoungstar* creative

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04 // PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 // 05www.gmcoachwork.co.uk www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

GM COACHWORK NEWS

THE second generation MinibusLite has been unveiled. Based on the Peugeot Boxer the MinibusLite meets the new regulations introduced in October. The new Minibus Lite is available as a 16 or 17 seater featuring M2 tested seats, 3 point all-age seatbelts and a fully

THE 500th award-winning Citroën Berlingo Blaze has just been delivered. The 500 sales-milestone was reached with the fi rst Blaze WAV conversion that we have completed using the recently launched Berlingo Multispace e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6, with its 6-speed automated manual gearbox.

Ordered by Margaret and Norman Rush the 500th Citroën Berlingo Blaze meets the couple’s family transport requirements, which included affordability, economy - and the availability of automatic transmission. It also had to be able to carry a passenger in a wheelchair and four others and also have the ability to carry a large Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter. “GM Coachwork has provided excellent service and we are delighted with our new Citroën Berlingo Blaze – it is easy to get the wheelchair in and out and it also does so many other things. It enables us to carry our grandchildren or allow

NEVER one to miss out, we’ve been busy on what the experts call “social networking”. That means re-building our Facebook page, building our Twitter presence and creating our own channel on You Tube. See the results for yourself!

What is it?A VW Caravelle 2.0TDI with a 7 speed automatic ‘box converted into a drive from wheelchair vehicle. The Monterey 6 features a lowered fl oor with 59” access height and 56.5” of interior headroom, a remote operated tailgate and ramp and a 6 way power transfer seat.

When is it available?Motability advance payment prices will be released in January. Demonstrations are available now. Phone us!

carpeted interior. And the beauty is you don’t need a D1 licence (though of course, conditions apply.]

See www.minibuslite.co.uk for full details). Prices start at £23,495. Call Agata on 0845 0760961.

Norman and I to go out and about in the country, as it can carry my Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter,” says Mrs Rush.

The Berlingo Blaze has a low fl oor conversion in the rear compartment, which not only provides generous rear headroom of 1,372mm (4ft 6in), but also a very shallow angle for the fold-out, non-slip surfaced light alloy ramp. This

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/gmcoachworkltd

Twitter twitter.com/gmcoachwork01

You Tube www.youtube.com/gmcoachworkUK

THE NEW LIGHTWEIGHT MINIBUS YOU CAN DRIVE ON A CAR LICENCE

CITROËN BERLINGO BLAZE REACHES 500 SALES

ON THE WAY… VW CARAVELLE MONTEREY 6

provides safer and easier entry and exit for the wheelchair and the wheelchair passenger. The lowered rear fl oor compartment also provides the width necessary to accommodate a range of full-size wheelchairs.

The Blaze is available on Motability. Telephone 0800 3169327 for a no-obligation home demonstration

GM JOINS THE SOCIAL NETWORKING REVOLUTION

GM’s Dave Christie presents the fi rst Blaze Auto to Margaret and Norman Rush

THE new DUO wowed the crowds at the Naidex South show in Docklands last October. Impressing the public and fellow convertors alike the DUO, based on the Peugeot Partner /Citroen Berlingo, gives wheelchair users the choice to be the driver or an up-front passenger. Big on the inside, compact on the outside the DUO features a virtually fl at fl oor and interchangeable seats making it easy for the driver and passenger to swap places. The DUO also features a remote operated rear tailgate and ramp, lowering rear suspension and an optional rear fold-out two seater bench.

Nigel Collins, GM Coachwork’s Managing Director said “ The Duo gives

The Duo is available with a 6 speed semi-automatic gearbox with a dash mounted dial and electronic handbrake. Turn the

gear selector dial, fl ick the switch to release the handbrake and your

journey begins.

The DUO is powered by a 1.6 e-Hdi 92bhp engine which

produces 58.9mpg in the extra urban cycle. Both Peugeot and

Citroen offer a stylish exterior boasting strong, clean lines, exceptional passenger space, and a state of the art diesel engine giving outstanding economy.

The DUO is available on Motability from January 2012 with advance payment from £13,495. Call 01626 853050 to arrange a no-obligation home demonstration.

customers a new exciting alternative in the compact drive-from wheelchair market. We’ve already enjoyed success with Berlingo Blaze and taking this one step further brought us to develop the Duo. The dimensions of the Duo lead to a very spacious interior and a fl oor which is virtually fl at.”

PAUL BARBER HEADS FOR THE HILLS

Minibus Sales Specialist Paul Barber is getting ready for the biggest challenge of his life (apart from coming home after midnight and trying to sneak in before Mrs B fi nds out!). The 3 Peaks Challenge takes in 3 mountain climbs – Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon, all within 24 hours. Its no mean feat and the biggest challenge is the sleep deprivation and the energy needed to climb all three in such a short period. Paul starts the challenge next June.

PUTTING OUR CUSTOMERS FIRST

To ensure we are always providing the best service, we have appointed Lucy Duller to the role of Customer Liaison. Lucy is the contact point for all customers after ordering their vehicle. She is your point of contact for keeping you updated on the progress of your vehicle build. We believe this will make the customer experience a lot smoother and stress free for you.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

The world of the world wide web (try saying that fast!) never stands still unlike the GM website which was looking a bit jaded. Log on to www.gmcoachwork.co.uk and now you’ll see an all new website, complete with videos on each model in our range.

NEW DUO LAUNCHED AT NAIDEX SOUTH

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06 // PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 // 07www.gmcoachwork.co.uk www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

FEATURE: PROJECT MOBILITY

To keep in touch with the progress of the team visit www.projectmobility4x4.org, follow them on Twitter @projectmob4x4 or like them on Facebook

THE FUTURE FOR PM… THE MOTORSPORT ACADEMY

Project Mobility has a desire to create an Academy, led and managed by personnel that have been discharged due to medical reasons, especially the disabled or socially excluded, to give them the future and employment opportunity they deserve. The academy initiative hopes to become sustainable and give rehabilitation and skills to those unsure of their futures, empowering them to help themselves and embracing their passion.

With servicemen and women giving so much in hostile and foreign environments we have so much to thank these individuals for, yet many go by the wayside and through trauma and experiences from service are socially isolated and struggling with civilian life. The Academy plans to be a centre of excellence for those with an interest in motorsport, overlanding and expeditions, mechanical engineering, management and learning new skills whilst harnessing and adapting those gained through service. The Academy will be led by the team for the wider public with training days and formal qualifi cations on offer. The Academy hopes to build a support network based on a common interest to give those in rehabilitation, or those leaving service, a purpose and place where they are respected and with like minded individuals. As this goes to press the team are moving into premises provided by the MoD and hope to have the Academy up and running by Easter, as well as launching into Overland and Off-Road Training Events on the legendary Sailsbury Plains. For more information please contact Sgt Payne on chris@projectmobility4x4.org

Hard-core driving, rugged terrain, getting thrown around inside a 4x4 and then carrying out repairs hardly sounds like rest

and rehabilitation. But to ex-servicemen it’s a welcome diversion.Project Mobility is the brainchild of a couple from Devon who wanted to do more than put £1 in a collection tin for soldiers wounded in the line of duty. One thing that really motivated the injured servicemen who they spoke to was the opportunity to get involved in competitive sport as a participant or a member of a supporting team.

They wondered whether there was a route for more direct action to put our military heroes back on the road and help them “drive through adversity”.

Motorsport may not seem the obvious choice for wounded servicemen

to help them with recovery but thanks to founders Sally and Stefan

Povoltsky it has worked a dream

This is an important element of recovery that is unavailable to the majority, with many being left to fend for themselves in a world which is alien to them. And so Project Mobility was born.

Project Mobility started life as a simple idea to adapt some old Land Rovers into overland and off road machines for those with a disability or amputation. The objective is to offer practical help and emotional support through the conversion of 4x4 vehicles so they can be driven by amputees, or those with disabilities

affecting driving. It also gives wounded ex-servicemen the chance to enjoy adventure and new challenges through off-road safari experiences.

Gavin Harvey (REME Sgt) has been a fantastic success story of how the project works. Within six months his personal recovery developed in leaps and bounds. Gavin was not only a key part of the rally team but also worked on the Project Reskill Academy concept, a garage and workshop facility which aims to offer experiences in mechanical engineering and be sustainable by offering commercial facilities, training and services to the public, engaging both the disabled military and disabled community.

“Project Mobility made me realize that despite losing both my legs I had a skill set which could benefi t my future and help others. The empowerment and opportunity I have had, plus the camaraderie the project gives has helped me stay positive and focus on my rehabilitation and my future. I am proud to be part of the team ensuring the experience I had is available to as

Project Mobility made me realize

that despite losing both my legs I had a skill set which could benefi t my future

sustainable programme of inspiration, employment and success that gives differently abled bodied a sense of purpose, belonging and pride.

RALLYING THE TROOPSAs the fi rst British disabled rally team Project Mobility is currently competing in a Land Rover Freelander in stage rallies all over the UK. The Wales GB Rally in November 2011 was their biggest test to date for the team calling on all their skills to come together and they completed the race above some very experiences race teams including the Army Rally Team! The team use each rally with a view to upgrade their licenses and to gain valuable experience to enable them to take part in the Dakar Rally in 2014/15 competing in a Bowler EXR Dakar Rally Vehicle.

Each rally throws up its own physical and mental challenges the team has to face and the injured soldiers currently involved in the team all have their own traumatic and inspirational story to tell. Their sheer enthusiasm and drive is a shining example to everyone that they come in contact with and shows the human capacity to triumph over adversity.The team will also be offering experience days in their rally prepared vehicles for the disabled public from February 2012 so here’s your chance to “have a go!”

FEATURE: PROJECT MOBILITY

many individuals as possible, whether in service, going through discharge like myself or a veteran. I also want to help the wider disabled community at large.” Gavin has now moved onto set up a Track Team for disabled soldiers who are taking part in competitive and experience races.

One of the newer members of the team is double amputee Nathan Cumberland (Reccee Commander). Nathan lost both his legs in 2009 and is currently undergoing his license application and gaining training and coaching in driving rallies and speed tracks.

“Project Mobility is a fantastic group of people. Within hours of joining the team I was doing the Hill Climb at Goodwood in a Bowler Nemesis, hanging with Jay Leno and then co-driving in the forest rally stage. Their enthusiasm and love for motorsport is infectious, and there are no barriers to being involved. I have now been in 3 competitive races and getting stuck into being a co-driver said Nathan.

The Project believes that motorsport provides a platform that captures the public interest and delivers a high profi le halo to spread the Project Mobility objective. The real intent is to create a

Motorsport may not seem the obvious choice for wounded servicemen

to help them with recovery but thanks to founders Sally and Stefan

Povoltsky it has worked a dream

affecting driving. It also gives wounded ex-servicemen the chance to enjoy adventure and new challenges through

sustainable programme of inspiration, employment and success that gives differently abled bodied a sense of purpose, belonging and pride.

RALLYING THE TROOPSAs the fi rst British disabled rally team Project Mobility is currently competing in a Land Rover Freelander in stage rallies all over the UK. The Wales GB Rally in November 2011 was their biggest test to date for the team calling on all their skills to come together and they completed the race above some very experiences

Motorsport may not seem the obvious choice for wounded servicemen

many individuals as possible, whether in service, going through discharge like myself or a veteran. I also want to help the wider disabled community at large.” Gavin has now moved onto set up a Track Team for disabled soldiers who are taking part in competitive and experience races.

One of the newer members of the team is double amputee Nathan Cumberland (Reccee Commander). Nathan lost Drive through adversity

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PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 // 09

LA CRéATIONThe GM Duo was a year in the making. A long gestation period was needed to ensure we produced a truly unique drive-from vehicle.

Launched at Naidex South in London Docklands our new Citroen Berlingo Duo was the talk of the show. Customers and

rival convertors heaped praise on the new compact drive-from. Unlike our fl agship VW Caravelle drive-from vehicle range, the Duo is a smaller offering. Compact on the outside but big on the inside. Space is in abundance. A virtually fl at fl oor allied to a fl exible interior that lets the wheelchair driver swap with the passenger are key ingredients. Add into

this mix Citroen’s legendary diesel engine technology delivering over 58 mpg and we have a great all round package.

www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

5 THINGS THAT MAKE THE DUO SPECIAL?1. The Duo has a virtually fl at

fl oor

2. Interchangeable front seats

3. Two cars in one – a drive-from, and an up-front pasenger

4. Big on the inside. Compare the interior dimensions to other compact drive-froms

5. Available on Motability from £13,495 - more space per pound than other compact drive-froms

Steve Murphy. Starting from a blank canvas and knowing what we wanted to end with didn’t help. We had to get there. We knew we wanted to create a vehicle with as near a fl at fl oor as we could. Look at the outside and it looks quite compact. Look inside and it blows you away. The space that has been created is unbelievable.

Dave ChristieFollowing the success of the Blaze we wanted to go one step further and create a drive-from vehicle with class-leading interior space, interchangeable seats, and at the same time, is affordable. I reckon we did it. The Duo has an affordable advance payment on Motability and offers a lot of vehicle for the money.

Simon BallamyThe Duo gives buyers a genuine alternative in the drive-from market. Space is the real selling point and the Duo is both economical and competitively priced. The Duo’s virtually fl at fl oor is unlike any other vehicle in its class. And the fact driver and passenger can swap is a bonus.

Steve Murphy.

we wanted to create a vehicle with as near a fl at fl oor as we

Dave Christie

Blaze we wanted to go one step further and create a drive-

interchangeable seats, and at

Simon BallamyThe Duo gives buyers a genuine alternative in the drive-from market. Space is the real selling point and the Duo is both economical and competitively priced.

Simon Ballamy

drive-from market.

competitively priced.

Enjoy the independence of the drive-from experience

www.gmcoachwork.co.uk08 // PROACTIVE WINTER11/12

GM RANGE

Citroen Berlingo Blaze

Citroen Berlingo Blaze Auto Peugeot Expert Flare:

Volkswagen Colorado

Peugeot Expert Montana

Citroen Berlingo Duo

Volkswagen Vermont

Peugeot Boxer Utah

Volkswagen Nevada

Volkswagen Monterey

Wheelchair access vehicle Over 58 mpg Seats 4 plus wheelchair passenger

6 speed semi-automatic Over 58 mpg Fully automatic and paddle lever gearchange

Flat fl oor throughout Available as up-front passenger Choice of short or long wheelbase

Drive from wheelchair Side access

Seats seven plus one wheelchair

Drive-from wheelchair Optional rear two seat bench interchangeable driver and passenger seats

Drive from wheelchair Rear access

Accommodates multiple wheelchairs

Drive from wheelchair Rear access

Flagship of the WAV range

Citroen Berlingo Blaze

Citroen Berlingo Blaze Auto

Volkswagen Colorado

Peugeot Expert Montana

Volkswagen Nevada

Volkswagen Monterey

Volkswagen Vermont

Peugeot Boxer Utah

Citroen Berlingo Duo

Peugeot Expert Flare:

THE GM RANGEFEATURE: THE NEW DUO

08-09_FT_Duo.indd 8-9 10/01/2012 21:13

PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 //11

ACTIVE: Colin Edwards

Colins Coastal ChallengeLeft leg amputee Colin Edwards isn’t afraid of a challenge or two. He has been to base camp Everest and the summit of Cocopaxi in aid of charity.His latest venture was to run 630 miles along the south west coast.

Colin’s not afraid of a challenge. The father of two didn’t have his leg amputated until his 40’s following a motorbike accident

at 19 and the subsequent years battling problems left him with no option but to have his leg amputated. It didn’t stop him. At 45 he decided to start running again. 100 metres at fi rst and slowly but gradually building up to being able to run marathons and off road races. His level of fi tness allowed him to undertake fundraising expeditions such as Base Camp Everest and the summit of Cocopaxi (Ecuador) raising considerable sums for limbless charities. And then came the next challenge….to run the South West Costal Path in Spring 2011. A total of 630 miles with an ascent of 115,003 feet, or four times the height of Everest.

This is no mean feat even for an able bodied person. It’s the equivalent of running from

Brighton to Inverness. But this didn’t put Colin off. With months of training behind him he was ready and on May

1st he set off from Minehead with a support vehicle provided by GM

Coachwork, and a driver in tow. His challenge was also to raise money for limbless charity PORT-ER.

Colin hits targetColin’s target was to run 10 miles a

day but early on he found he could push himself further. At 10 miles a day he was looking at running for over 60 days. The aim was to fi nish on Fathers Day in Poole but that felt like a long way off. Day followed day and while he was fi t enough to cope with

the miles the strain on his legs would takes its toll. He would need attention to his legs at the end of every day to keep the muscles supple. The South West Coastal Path isn’t a beautifully fl at

ribbon of tarmac running along the coastline. This is a rugged, twisting

and turning, exposed path formed over the years. Hardly ideal running terrain. But Colin soldiered on. Frequently just before he would set off for the days 10 mile run he would be stopped and people would thrust money into his hand. The local press followed him and his online blog kept followers up to date with his progress. As the days went by it was becoming apparent that he was ahead of schedule. Colin fi nished in Poole on 18 June 2011 slashing days off his target date. What an achievement. He had made it. 630 miles… done. Most people would be thinking of taking a well earned rest or even a holiday. Not Colin. His idea of a celebration was to take part in a half marathon a few days after.

Colins challenge is testimony to sheer determination. To go from not being able to run more than 100 metres to doing 10 miles a day for two months just shows what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.

Colin’s target was to run 10

miles a day but early on he found he could push himself further

him. At 45 he decided to start running again. 100 metres at fi rst and slowly but gradually building up to being able to run marathons and off road races. His level of fi tness allowed him to undertake fundraising expeditions such as Base Camp Everest

Cocopaxi (Ecuador) raising considerable

then came the next challenge….to run the South West Costal Path in Spring 2011. A total of 630 miles with an ascent of 115,003 feet, or four times the height

This is no mean feat

Brighton to Inverness. But this didn’t put Colin off. With months of training behind him he was ready and on May

1st he set off from Minehead with a support vehicle provided by GM

Coachwork, and a driver in tow. His challenge was also to raise money for limbless charity PORT-ER.

Colin hits targetColin’s target was to run 10 miles a

day but early on he found he could push himself further. At 10 miles a day he was looking at running for over 60 days. The aim was to fi nish on Fathers Day in Poole but that felt like a long way off. Day followed day and while he was fi t enough to cope with

the miles the strain on his legs would takes its toll. He would need attention to his legs at the end of every day to keep the muscles supple. The South West Coastal Path isn’t a beautifully fl at

ribbon of tarmac running along the coastline. This is a rugged, twisting

www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

SOUTH WEST COASTAL RUN

RUN: 630 milesASCENT: 115,003 ftDAYS: 60

TELEPHONE 0845 076 0963or visit www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

USED WHEELCHAIR VEHICLES

2003 MERCEDES VANEO1.6 petrol, 57000 miles, lightweightramp, low floor, one rear saloonseats (J11088) £7,995

2008 RENAULT KANGOO20000 miles, auto, lowered floor,lightweight ramp, air con. (J11659) £8,250

NATIONWIDE DELIVERYFINANCE ARRANGEDMECHANICAL WARRANTY PART-EX WELCOME

All used vehicles are fully serviced with at least 9 months MOT and come with a full mechanical and wheelchair equipment safety check

OVER 40 VEHICLES IN STOCK - OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

2009 CITROEN C8 CIRRUSFull width ramp, lowered floor, tworemovable rear seats (J11848)£16,995

2009 MERCEDES SPRINTERDRIVE-FROM2.2HDI, 19000 miles, remote rearlift, side door (J11852) £21,995

2003 VW SHARAN1.9 TDi, 82000 miles, auto, 6 speedmanual, low floor, 2 rear saloonseats. (J11865)£6,995

2010 PEUGEOT EXPERTTEEPEE 1.6HDi, lowered floor,lightweight ramp, 27000 miles, onerear saloon seat, twin front passenger seat (J12347) £13,495

2006 FIAT DUCATO 2.3 JTD, 42000 miles, 3 removablerear saloon seats, rear lift, can take3 wheelchairs (J12174) £10,495

2008 RENAULT KANGOO38000 miles, lightweight ramp, lowfloor, one rear saloon seat,(J11823)£6,800

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS VEHICLES (WAV’s)

2007 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER 2.8 TDi, 37000 miles, elec side doors and ramp, 3 rear seats (J12267) £12,995

2009 CITROEN C8 2.0 HDi, 11000 miles, manual, lightweight ramp, 2 rear seats, top of the range (J12268) £15,995

2010 CITROEN BERLINGO BLAZE 1.6 HDi, 38000 miles, manual, 2 rear seats (J10193) £11,495

2006 FIAT DOBLO HIGH ROOF 1.3 multijet diesel, 32000 miles, manual, 4 seats (J12206) £6,995

2004 RENAULT KANGOO 1.6 petrol, 15000 miles, auto, one rear sallon seat, two side doors ( J8240) £5,500

2006 RENAULT MASTER 2.5DCi, 38000 miles, manual, 5 seats, full width lightweight ramp (J11602) £8,750

2005 TOYOTA HI-ACE 2.5 diesel, 58000 miles. 4 seats, manual. (J11964) £6,500

DRIVE-FROM WHEELCHAIR VEHICLES

2010 VW CARAVELLE COLORADO Low floor conversion, electric side lift, 9000 miles, (J11962) £36,995

2009 MERCEDES SPRINTER 2.2TDi, 19000 miles, 4 seats, remote operated tailgate and ramp (J11852) £21,995

2007 RENAULT MASTER 2.5TDi, 15500 miles, auto, 4 seats, remote rear door and Ricon lift (J11653) £15,995

2008 RENAULT KANGOO 1.6 petrol, 3000 miles, auto, remote tailgate and ramp (J10670) £14,995

ROY’S STAR CAR

DRIVE-

FROM

2003 VW CARAVELLE COLORADODRIVE-FROM WHEELCHAIR130bhp TDI, auto, only9000 miles, our own low floor conversion. Save over £10k on new(J11962) £36,995

Used_Page_Layout 1 06/01/2012 17:04 Page 1

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12 // PROACTIVE Winter11/12 PROACTIVE Winter11/12 // 13www.gmcoachwork.co.uk www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

FEaturE: aErobility

Come fly

aerobilityt: 0303 303 1230E: info@aerobility.comwww.aerobility.com

For some, the first flight is enough to change their outlook on disability forever: “if i can fly a plane, what else can i do?”

Others, realising that the fantasy of flight is in their grasp, decide to continue their training - many all the way to securing a Private Pilot’s Licence, some even looking to making aviation a career.

Giving individuals the opportunity to experience flight is the main objective of registered charity Aerobility. it’s relatively simple for individuals to arrange a trial flight or, funds allowing, train for a Private Pilots Licence (PPL), but for disabled people its not so simple. For Lance Cpl David rawlins, reMe, it has proved a welcome diversion. “After being injured in 2008 whilst in Afghanistan, i began a long process of recovery. two years down the line i was at home bored unable to return to work and sat waiting for the decision on whether i would remain in the Army. i was given a great opportunity by Battle Back and Aerobility- it was a trial flying lesson. Once you are airborne, anything else that you have going on in your life remains on the ground and all you have to do is relax and focus on the flight. i have enjoyed learning to fly, and there’s not been a moments flying i haven’t enjoyed, from my first solo to my solo cross country flight”

taking oFF Aerobility was formed in 1993 by two disabled pilots who had qualified before the accidents which disabled them. they realised that there were no groups or organisations to help keep them flying. Out of their first conversations a fledgling flying club took shape. tongue in cheek, they fittingly named it the Disabled Flying Club – or ‘DFC’ for short. they had no aeroplanes, but a lot of vision; motivated by nothing other than the joy of flight. Slowly the club gathered momentum eventually re-launching as the British Disabled Flying Club, then the British Disabled Flying Association and a final change last year to Aerobility.

Aerobility provides advice, knowledge and advocacy for disabled people who wish to fly and is the representative body for disabled aviation within the UK. Aerobility

Formed in 1993 Aerobility has gone from strength to strength

and now boasts 300 members, helping them to learn new skills

and change their outlook on disability.

has grown in capability as well as number. Brian Catchpole, Aerobility Co-ordinator, recalls “our first aeroplane, an aerobatic Bulldog, was built as a project from the ‘best bits’ of three others”. now, nearly 20 years on it has another three other aircraft to keep it company and over 300 disabled members. Whatever your aspirations, Aerobility have a strict, fully inclusive policy.

Member Lee Pirie summed his feelings up as “Flying offers something that very little in the world today can, and that is freedom. During the hours i fly i can escape the daily obstacles that having a disability can present. the cockpit is a world without borders or boundaries, a world where anything is possible and everyone is an equal. When i fly i am strong enough to climb even the highest mountain!”

Offering disabled people the opportunity

i have enjoyed learning to fly,

and there’s not been a moments flying i haven’t enjoyed

to fly an aeroplane aims to remove barriers and provide a real sense of achievement that can genuinely change lives. the specially adapted aircraft fly from various airfields around the UK providing trial flights and flight training, and at some of the airfields there are hoists to get trainee pilots from a wheelchair into the cockpit.

ryan is a 12 year old wheelchair user from Glasgow. “All i could see was sky and clouds but it was so good, i was allowed a few more times in control of the plane and WOW i am the happiest person in the world”.

Alan Chandler is a victim of a road accident. “When the pilot said `You have control of the aircraft’ it was an amazing experience and i think i was still floating around at 3,000 feet hours after the plane had landed.”

Aerobility is registered with the Civil Aviation Authority to carry out flight training and has aircraft and dedicated ground school facilities at Blackbushe near Camberley, a base at tatenhill in the Midlands, and capability at Caernarfon and Prestwick, Aerobility seek to offer nationwide flying opportunities for disabled people.

with me

12-13_FT_aerobility.indd 12-13 10/01/2012 00:13

PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 // 15

THE TOOLBOX

THE TOOLBO

www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

ADAPTATIONS TEAM

14 // PROACTIVE WINTER11/12 www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

L to R Dave Vooght (CEO), Declan

O’Mahoney, Nigel Collins (MD)

Check out the video on our You Tube channelwww.youtube.com/user/ GMCoachworkUK

GM

will fi x it

MA

RTIN

W

orkshop Manager

Martin looks after the

team in the w

orkshop, schedules jobs and keeps a close eye on quality control.

JAM

IETechnician

Highly skilled

fabricator and welder.

If it needs fabricating…he’s your m

an!

TOM

Senior E

ngineer

Electronics whizzkid,

highly skilled engineer and team

leader.

IAN

Engineer

In a word, a true

craftsman. Sim

ply the best at producing bespoke fi ttings.

DE

RE

KD

river

Our one-tim

e song and dance m

an... and a great delivery and collection driver.

GA

RY

Adaptations Sales

Gary’s the fi rst

point of call for all adaptation enquiries.

OLI

Apprentice Engineer

Specialising in hand controls, hoists and m

ainstream

adaptations.

For GM

’s Adaptations team, every job is unique. N

o two custom

ers need the same adaptations

but the aim is alw

ays the same - to ensure the adaptation offers the perfect solution for the

customer. W

ith a vast range of equipment available from

simple steering w

heel knobs to a vehicle w

ith full joystick control there isn’t anything we haven’t yet m

anaged to do.

Wide range of

steering controlsD

riving controls, supplied and fi tted

All types of hoist

are available

14 // PROACTIVE WINTER11/12

Swivel base seats

for ease of access

No need to part exchange your Navara pick up for a tipper. Our conversion turns it into a pick-up truck. Fit it yourself or we can do it for you.

Call Graham for details…. 01626 853050. Watch the video on our You Tube channel. For more info www.pickuptipper.co.uk

Convert your Citroen Berlingo or Peugeot Partner van into a 5 seater. Our simple conversion adds a second row of seats behind the front cabin seats. Each seat is removable so you can have 1, 2, or 3 rear seats…or none at all. Comes supplied as a DIY kit or we can DIFY (do it for you!). Call Graham for details….

01626 853050. Watch the video on our You Tube channel. For more info www.seatsforvan.co.uk

This summer saw the UK Wheelchair Challenge being hosted at the South West Disability Show. Hosted by Heart presenters Toby Anstis and Emma Scott the challenge presented wheelchair users with the choice of a 1 kilometre or 3 kilometre course. Entering the spirit of the occasion Emma and Toby both had a go at the course declaring it tougher than they thought it would be.

DECLAN VISITGM Coachwork were delighted to welcome Declan O’Mahoney, director of Motability, to our offi ces and workshop facilities. We were all very excited to receive such an important fi gure.

We often receive requests on unusual vehicles. Here’s our latest. Our friends at the Eden Project have asked us to do some conversion work on their Tuk Tuk. See... we can turn our hand to anything!

...AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Perhaps it’s our little secret but it shouldn’t be. Yes... we also offer car hire! From a few days to a few months and from a Kangoo or a Berlingo right up to a Peugeot Boxer or Renault Master we have a range of vehicles to choose from.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.

CAR HIRE WHEELCHAIR CHALLENGE

WHAT DO YOU USE YOURS FOR?Aerobility CEO Mike Miller Smith uses his VW Caravelle Colorado to tow the Aerobility portable display unit. We can’t think of a better vehicle for the job!

Email us with your photo. Editor@gmcoachwork.co.uk

AS EASY AS 1,2,3CONVERT YOUR NAVARA INTO A TIPPER

14-15_FT_adaptions-tools.indd 14-15 10/01/2012 20:47

The new compact Drive from Wheelchair solution

Interchangeable driver and passenger seatsDrive from wheelchair or travel as up front passenger

Remote operated tailgate and ramp 6 speed semi-automatic

Diesel economy delivers over 58mpg (Extra Urban cycle)

Telephone 0845 076 0962www.gmcoachwork.co.uk

For more information or to arrange a free nationwide home demonstration

Greater Mobility

Duo FP launch advert.indd 1 10/01/2012 21:30