Overview
Guy Llewellyn, a dedicated member of the Haverhill Silver Band and a wheelchair user, received a grant of £786 from the Brass Bands England (BBE) Project Fund to purchase new wheelchair ramps. This grant was crucial for ensuring accessibility at various performance venues, significantly impacting Guy's ability to participate in and enjoy his musical engagements, without worrying about whether or not he could comfortably access the stage.
The Challenge
The need for access ramps became apparent when Guy’s band was booked for a performance at a festival in Bury St Edmunds, held on the grounds of an historic cathedral. Despite the event’s regularity and its accessibility being a known issue, the venue lacked a proper access ramp. This situation highlighted a recurring problem: whilst venues are making efforts to promote accessibility for audiences, they often fail to provide adequate accessibility for performers, leading to potential exclusion of those with mobility issues.
“It would’ve been the easiest thing in the world to just get a dep in to cover the performance, but I thought to myself actually, if we don’t address this problem now, then this is going to happen again in the future. Also, it’s not a good message to put out to organisers that it’s just easier to get someone able-bodied in rather than put a little effort into improving access”.
Implementation
Guy made an application to the BBE project upport fund and was successful, enabling him to purchase a set of high-quality, telescopic wheelchair ramps. These ramps proved invaluable during a recent performance at St Ives, where they enabled Guy to access a stage that was approximately four feet high. Without the ramps, lifting or shunting Guy onto the stage would’ve been the only other options. Both would have been unsafe and undignified. The ramps, being sturdy and adjustable, allowed for a safe and smooth transition onto the stage, demonstrating their effectiveness and reliability.
“The first thing I thought when I saw the size of the stage was that we have the lovely access ramps BBE granted us. It was really an absolute life saver because there would’ve been no way I could’ve got onto that stage without them. It was quite high, I couldn’t have been safely lifted up there in the chair. It had to be the ramps”.
Impact from Project
Enhanced Accessibility: The ramps have transformed how Guy can access and engage with performances.
"The ramps were really sturdy and strong. I didn’t feel in any way that I was going to be compromised or that they would be unsafe. It was really quite high, and I couldn’t have been lifted up there in the chair. I had to be helped up, but the ramps were quite safe and nobody had to strain themselves. They’re telescopic, so you can get them quite high without too much of a steep incline. This was probably the worst case scenario that we could’ve faced, but actually, it was a doddle. It was really fantastic.”
Inclusivity and Dignity: By ensuring venues and performances are accessible, ramps help maintain the dignity of performers.
“I do get asked if we can just lift me onto the stage or just shunt me up the steps. I could, but it’s unsafe and undignified. Sometimes access to the stage is from the front, and it can be really unceremonious to be lifted onto the stage in front of an audience. The ramps are a real relief because we just don’t have to think about it. It’s not only about me - it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their mobility, can participate without feeling excluded or embarrassed.”
Broader Benefits: The ramps are also useful for other band members and performers with mobility issues.
"I’ve seen a few bands recently who have quite a lot of elderly members, and I do know of another band locally who has at least one wheelchair user. I do think about them and the possibility of someone maybe giving up because they can’t get onto a stage anymore or worry about feeling safe to do so. These ramps mean that even if mobility is an issue, people don’t have to stop performing. Most modern venues now have access to the stage, but brass bands often perform in various community spaces that might not have the most up-to-date facilities. Having these ramps ensures we’re not held back by accessibility issues.”
Achievements from Project
Future Outlook
The ramps will continue to be an integral part of Haverhill Silver Band’s performance kit.
“The ramps are a big part of our arsenal of kit now. They’re solid, telescopic, compact and portable. They live in our band room, and just knowing we have them is a great relief. Access shouldn’t be something I have to constantly think about, but unfortunately, I do, and every day there’s something to contend with. I don’t want the ramps to be seen by venues as a substitute for permanent access, but they are something that other bands, and certainly performance venues, should think about having to promote inclusion for those with mobility issues or disabilities. They’re also useful for getting percussion onto the stage!”
“It’s important for audiences to see people with disabilities performing on stages. These ramps allow me to carry on doing the thing I love doing. I want to send that message to others with disabilities - you can and should still do the things you want to do!”
Conclusion
Guy’s experience with the BBE grant demonstrates how targeted support can make a profound difference. The investment in wheelchair ramps not only facilitates smoother performances but also reinforces the message that inclusivity and accessibility are essential for all performers. As Guy put it:
“I feel frustration that I have to contend with these barriers. But having these ramps means I don’t have to think about it every time we perform. It’s a crucial part of ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, can participate fully in the banding community.”