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'Wheelstars' celebrate 20 years !So you may ask who are the Wheelstars and what do they do?The 'Wheelstars' group was formed on the 31st January 1995 as a joint initiative between Bedford Borough Council and the then Lawson Park Indoor Bowling Club in Hillgrounds Road, Kempston to provide bowling for wheel chair users.Earlier in the year, original, past and present members gathered to celebrate the anniversary at the re-named Kempston Park Indoor Bowling Club. An early member, Audrey Wyman recalls that Don Muirhead had started the group (Ray Williams joined a few weeks later) and local people and organisations like Kempston Rotary and Bedford Sports Development had raised funds to purchase the 'buggies' (present cost £1,350.00 each). Other members she remembers were; Harry Gray, Linda Thomas, Bob McPhillips and coach Janet Hirst. On one occasion the Mayor of Bedford, Cllr. Malcom Evans arrived and photographs were taken. Another member, Ann Parker remembers Arthur Grantham helping her and others when they first started and how she took over from Millie Peters in organising the group. She smiles as she mentions what a happy group they are and how they like to socialise as well as play bowls. Mention has already been made of Don Muirhead who helped to start the group but many are not aware that he was a World Champion at the World Wheelchair Games of 1998 held in Stoke Mandeville near Aylesbury. Don and his partner Sue Sumner took part in the pairs competition only to lose in the final but gaining the Silver Medal. Don, however reached the final of the Singles competition and after a long hard fought match against a South Korea opponent won the Gold Medal to become the World Champion. How proud the 'Wheelstars ' were of his success. Unfortunately, due to finance and illness Don was unable to defend his title in Australia. So to the present day - the group, run by a small committee meet on a Tuesday from 12 noon to 2.00pm. They pay the green fees and are recognised as full members of Kempston Indoor Bowling Club. After their session, they often stop on for a drink, a chat or just to enjoy the food on offer. The group are grateful and do appreciate the able-bodied helpers (not necessarily carers) who enable them to play. Although all the 'Wheelstars ' have varying degrees of physical impairment, they are very capable within their own limitations. All members of the group bring a helper or carer who assists them in pushing the wheelchairs whilst on the green and picking up or moving the bowls when necessary. The club provide nine bowls 'buggies' for use at the discretion of members and sets of smaller bowls are available. (Unfortunately, ordinary wheelchairs, including electric wheelchairs are not able to be used because of possible damage to the bowling 'green' carpet). You only have to come along to their weekly meetings to see how with specially designed wheelchairs and with assistance, they can still thoroughly enjoy the sport and competition. Members come from the local area but also as far afield as Welwyn Garden City and Luton. The 'Wheelstars' are a unique group and special not only to KPIBC but to the town of Kempston itself. Hopefully through this article, the news of this group has inspired you and proven that there are no barriers that cannot be broken if the will is there! Well done 'Wheelstars' - Long may the group continue!! Peter Smith Chairman of KPIBC 19th June 2015 Footnote: Since this article was written, Don Muirhead passed away (Monday 15th June) following a long illness bravely borne. He will be sadly missed by all at the Club as he was an inspiration and highly regarded by all. |
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