I feel like a neew loo!!

It's been another busy week, On Friday morning I was made very welcome by Sadie, Jane & the team at Stourbridge Tesco as they invited the Mayor of Dudley along to officially open their new toilet for the disabled. It might not sound very rock & roll, but in fact it was a really big deal.Tesco has become only the second supermarket to launch a trial of hi-tech new toilet facilities for disabled customers.

I spoke to representatives of Tesco, Changing Places co-sponsor AVESO, as well as local families about the neccesity of the scheme. The Changing Places facility has been installed in the Tesco Extra store in Stourbridge, part of a new programme by Mencap aiming to install 1,000 such facilities across the country. The facility is designed for use by a variety of different people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, together with their carers.It includes a ceiling hoist, a height-adjustable changing bench, assisted sink, grab rails and privacy screen, all of which are essential to preserve the mobility and dignity of those using the facilities.

Without facilities such as these many families would be unable to shop and spend the day out in ways that you or I simply take for granted. Dignity was the watchword for the day, and I congratulate all those involved in the scheme and hopefully we'll see Changing Places facilities rolled out throughout the country. Check them out at www.changing-places.org/

In the studio I welcomed a talented guy who was also tremendous fun. Actor Christian Dixon came along to talk about his Drama Therapy, conducted through his organisation Sky Elixir.

Christian chatted about the need for people to express their feelings in an increasingly stressful world, and explained how they can do it through drama therapy. Take a look at Christian's work at his website skyelixir.co.uk . We also chatted about his love of acting, Shakespeare's 450th birthday and cake! Christian was a wonderful guest who I hope will return to the Afternoon Show soon.

Also in the studio we said hello to founder and organiser of 'The New Un-named Classic Car Group' Ian McAuley. If you're into classic cars of all shapes, sizes and makes then go along to the groups facebook page and say hello www.facebook.com/pages/The-New-Unnamed-Classic-Car-Group/495578973841714.

Ian came along to publicise their latest event a Classic Car Rally from 12 noon at The Old Waggon and Horses pub on the A451 Stourbridge to Kidderminster road on Sunday 27th April. £3 per car, all proceeds to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Next up I spoke with Robert Chesworth, Chair of St Andrews Church Building Committee and Paul Taylor Executive Director of Veolia Environmental Trust. St Andrews in Sedgley is starting work on a new cafe & drop in centre aided with grant funding from the Veolia Trust. Robert kindly asked Simon & I along for a cuppa when the work is finished sometime in July.

Finally, I got the chance to chat with musician Dave Kelly from The Blues Band. The band are on tour and you can find details of venues and dates at their website www.thebluesband.net .

Dave is an absolute gent and always good value to interview. I can do no better than quote from his bio on the website 'If there is such a thing as a British 'blues pedigree', then Dave Kelly's sets the standard.  Kelly is a blues craftsman - a journeyman who has served his time with the best.'

Lots

There are lot's of exciting developments in the offing just now, I'll hopefully be bringing you up to date with some of them in the next couple of weeks, in the meantime dont forget to give my shows a listen at www.thebridgeradio.net

New Traditions 11pm Thursday

Friday Afternoon Show 1pm-4pm Friday

tara-a-bit

MW