Disability camping

[Somersetsun]

Can anyone who's camped in disabled camping answer a few questions for me? For context, I've got an undiagnosed chronic condition and it's not obvious I struggle, and only asked about the possibility of doing this cos a kind friend who's been before saw me fretting and suggested.

How rammed is the site and is it super noisy or does it sort of quiet down 2/3 in the morning? Do you get abuse for walking around the site with sticks (I'm going to take my walking poles) or are people generally ok with slow/wobbly bods getting in their way? Do you all try and make one trip with your stuff to the site or make lots of trips?

If there's anything else you think would help...any info would be welcome. My fest isn't looking like how I thought it would two days ago and I'm feeling a bit thrown cos er...I'm a bit of a planner, shall we say, and leave it at that :0)

[Freewheelin2]

Have you registered for the Deaf & Disabled Facilities information pack? It may answer some of your questions and any address some of your concerns.

There's a free shuttle bus from the Disabled car park to the camping area so maybe they could take you and your gear, perhaps not all of your group due to space. It also runs around some of the site during the festival so if you're feeling knackered it may be worth grabbing a ride.

I'm not disabled but have always felt (and witnessed) that the G crowd are very supportive of any 'slow/wobbly bods' whether disabled or not and more than willing to give a helping hand if wanted - it's what Glastonbury's all about. There's usually a steward or security bod not far away, most with radios if you want a bit of extra support.

Hope you have a great festival.

[Somersetsun]

Hi, yes I have but it doesn't. I've just bought a trolley to cart out stuff around for example - but not sure if its going to be okay to take the trolley on the minibus and then reload at the other end or whether that won't be ok cos the space is for wheelchairs...

[grumpyhack]

I went with a friend a couple of years ago who had mobility issues. He could walk around but with difficulty and tired easily.

With the best will in the world Glasto may be able to transport you to some of the key areas and even provide viewing platforms but my best advice is take it gently, pace yourself and carry a camping chair to sit down from time to time and take breathers.

You will find benches to sit in some places but they often get full so having your own chair can be a help - especially if the ground is wet or muddy (not that it's going to be this year!)

[Somersetsun]

Thanks both. Chairs are definitely on the list as well as poles. I've read all the stuff linked, registered for the pack and spoken to Claire too, who was wonderful. I spose some of the more detailed questions I should maybe direct at her and her team via email

I know energy is going to be a major issue. I think I'm going to be sitting while the other half explores

[J.B.]

The site does get very crowded, but it's kept accessible with pathways because of peoples mobility issues. It's really nice and not at all rowdy late at night - there are a lot of families. It's fine to take a trolley on the minibus, a lot of people do and they generally just make the one trip with all their stuff. There can be quite a queue for the bus, so be prepared for a long wait. Everyone is really helpful and friendly and will help you load, unload, get to your pitch and even help put up your tent if needed.

The only negative is that I've experienced a real lack of Glastonbury Spirit regarding being slow/wobbly/using sticks/sitting on chairs. It's got worse year by year and especially late at night when people have had a bit to drink. Sticks get kicked from under you and you can be sent flying without apology or aknowledgement. Also expect your chair to get kicked and lots of loud sarcastic comments however considerate and far away from the stage you are

[Somersetsun]

Ah right, that's helpful. I don't feel comfy taking space on the platforms as I can walk, albeit slowly, so I was thinking of heading to the bits in front of the platforms and plonking chairs there. I was wondering if glosticks on sticks was over the top but it sounds like not. Might as well make a feature out of the stupid things.

Thank you. Fretting much less now.

[Wibbly wobbly]

Hi,

I use 2 poles when I'm there as I'm also very wobbly and slow!! I've never had any problems and found everyone to be great and understanding.

I do tend to avoid the big crowds when a band has finished and everyone's moving on!

Just waiting so I don't hold everyone up!

I carry a tripod chair because it's lighter.

I just take it slow and take lots of stops, there's always a lot of benches to take a breather on.

I love it!

[Somersetsun]

There are benches??? I'd assumed if it was muddy there was nowhere to sit at all Phew. Hmmmm off I got to look at tripods. I've no idea what to do with my walking poles when I'm not using them, gonna need a bigger bag.

[StoneCircle]

Ah right, that's helpful. I don't feel comfy taking space on the platforms as I can walk, albeit slowly, so I was thinking of heading to the bits in front of the platforms and plonking chairs there. I was wondering if glosticks on sticks was over the top but it sounds like not. Might as well make a feature out of the stupid things.

Thank you. Fretting much less now.

Edited May 14, 2013 by StoneCircle

[Wibbly wobbly]

Totally agree with Stone Circle!

We always sit towards the back! Abit more space.

I have a small daysack that I shove my tripod in ( it's popping out of top)but makes it easier to carry around.

I have MS, which means my health is extremely variable. We haven't ever camped in disabled field before as there is a group of us, although I have applied for it this year.

We normally camp in family field near disabled field, which is great.

When it's muddy, it's really hard work and found sometimes poles more of a hindrance than a help, cos they get stuck! Clinging onto a group member is my next option!!!

[guypjfreak]

ive used the platforms a few times mostly with no trouble but if its a big band ie stones they get jam packed so like others have said i stand near the back.

use the toilets .....i have to say that they a life saver youll get a number for the lock when you get your bands .

you also get to use the little short cuts between stages which if its R [which it wont ] can cut 30/40 mins easy off the walk .

wot else...............................................

in the disabled camping they have a huge fire with loads of seats around it so every one can sit and meet and chat ..if you want to

and you can also hire movability chair things but i think you have to preorder these...my wife keeps on about getting me one but i tend to get abit tipsy so not a good idea

[Somersetsun]

queuing for loos was one of the things I was worrying about if we did general camping. Ahem. By the sounds of it, I might not be leaving this festival Saturday evening which has happened in the past. Or ending up in tears cos so exhausted. It's going to be a totally different and a million times less of a mission, I'm so glad I took a friends advice.

[guypjfreak]

good on ya old son

one other thing tho make sure youve got your sun cream .....youll need it

[MrsRookin]

ive used the platforms a few times mostly with no trouble but if its a big band ie stones they get jam packed so like others have said i stand near the back.

use the toilets .....i have to say that they a life saver youll get a number for the lock when you get your bands .

you also get to use the little short cuts between stages which if its R [which it wont ] can cut 30/40 mins easy off the walk .

wot else...............................................

in the disabled camping they have a huge fire with loads of seats around it so every one can sit and meet and chat ..if you want to

and you can also hire movability chair things but i think you have to preorder these...my wife keeps on about getting me one but i tend to get abit tipsy so not a good idea

[guypjfreak]

no you cant just use you blue badge old son you will have to be registered with the festi disabled people .....if your not then i would phone [ dont write or email ] its easier and talk to Clare and sort it out you can maybe ask for an email or something im not sure but she real helpful .

most disabled things have to be sorted by some time this month so dont delay .....

just so you know when you get to the festi you can park in the car park AS SOON as you turn in to the site then you wait for Clare and her team to sort out your bands ect ...then you can either

A make your own way into festi

B wait for the mini van to take you the camp site or

C if your in a camper ect you wait and follow the mini van.

thinking about it tho i cant see any steward stopping you from using the toilets in the stage areas if you show them your badge maybe even the platforms if not bussy BUT i may be living on another planet

[Somersetsun]

Ahhh right so we don't get out of cars but wait for people to come to us?

I'd second phoning Claire, she's ace, the closing date for sending the registration packs is 24th May according to the pack I've got.

[guypjfreak]

no old son we do get out and que up at the little box office that Clare uses :beach:youll see every one queuing up worst thing is the main gates open at 8 and Clare doesn't get to use till 9 in memory serves

[Somersetsun]

Ello again, thought best not start a new thread...

What time do the others of you in disability get there and how stuck in queues do you get? We're in a b & b somewhere near yeovil the night before and I don't know whether to try and get there early or head for lunchtime.

Also, is it an ok campsite to leave clothes etc in or do we need to put everything in the lock ups, and is it super noisy at night or quite chilled? And is everyone on top of each other or is there a bit of space to get in/out of tents? I'm scared cos I fall over when light levels change atm and darkness is er...challenging and it would be so embarrassing to fall on someone's tent.

[Somersetsun]

I've just read that post back, I must be flipping nuts thinking this is a good idea. I'm putting a lot of faith in people assuming I'm drunk and just ignoring me when my inner gyroscope goes bonkers.

[Ben Ahmed]

I'm sure you'll be fine. Just make sure you're ready to sit tight and wait out the crowd surges. The other thing that I didn't realise until I actually got there was how long it takes to get from place to place.

[guypjfreak]

Ello again, thought best not start a new thread...

What time do the others of you in disability get there and how stuck in queues do you get? We're in a b & b somewhere near yeovil the night before and I don't know whether to try and get there early or head for lunchtime.

Also, is it an ok campsite to leave clothes etc in or do we need to put everything in the lock ups, and is it super noisy at night or quite chilled? And is everyone on top of each other or is there a bit of space to get in/out of tents? I'm scared cos I fall over when light levels change atm and darkness is er...challenging and it would be so embarrassing to fall on someone's tent.

[Mr Splodge]

Has anyone got there Arrivals pack yet.

Edited June 3, 2013 by slodge

[guypjfreak]

Has anyone got there Arrivals pack yet.

[Somersetsun]

ill get to festi about 5 am i reckon Clare dosent open her banding thing till about 8 30 .

the disabled camp site is nice and chilled plenty of space and you can just leave your suff in your tent ....ONLY disabled people with bands can get into the field so its quite safe to leave yor stuff i didnt bother locking my camper last year a couple of times and only realised when i was half way round site but it was all ok .

dont forget there are little short cuts you can use on site as well old son ..