Zip wire given royal seal of approval
A new zip wire for people with disabilities in Shropshire, which is the highest of its kind in the UK, has been given the royal seal of approval.
HRH Princess Alexandra, the Queen’s cousin, visited Tickwood Farm, near Much Wenlock, on Thursday to officially open the wheelchair-friendly zip wire and see the valuable work the farm does to support youngsters with learning and physical disabilities.
Tickwood Farm provides a wide range of outdoor facilities to encourage youngsters to learn in a different environment, including a wheelchair walk, low ropes and varied bushcamp sites.
The aim is to help young people learn and develop social interaction by encouraging them to improve their outdoor skills.
As well as opening the zip wire, the princess also planted a Princess Alexandra rose in the sensory garden adjoining the walled garden which is used to grow produce by the youngsters who turn them into jams, chutneys and cordials.
Edward Dugdale, owner of Tickwood Farm, said through this work, youngsters gained City and Guilds awards in Horticulture and Food production - almost without realising it.
He said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to the farm and she was very interested to hear about what we do here.
“We have big plans for the future to increase employability and hope to expand the activities on offer, as well as opening a cafe and meeting rooms which will be run as micro businesses by the youngsters themselves.
“We are very keen for businesses to come on board as corporate buddies - both to help us raise funds and gain the benefit of their expertise so we can continue to provide vital services for children with disabilities.”
Among the guests for the royal visit was Peter Flint, senior partner at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, who are Tickwood Farm’s first “corporate buddy”.
Mr Flint said: “As a legal firm with its roots in Shropshire we are delighted to support projects like this.
“We will be volunteering the services of some of our staff to help at Tickwood Farm later in the year and are hoping to hold team building workshops at the farm in the future.
“We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”
