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The Freedom Coach
During the 'Year of the Disabled', more than 20 years ago, it was recognised in East Kent that there was a need for a special vehicle capable of taking large parties of disabled people on outings and holidays.
It was from this that the East Kent Freedom Coach charity was formed and a coach obtained and converted. From March 1982 until October 1986 it gave many happy days out and holidays for a wide variety of disabled groups.
However, as with all good things, there comes a time when they have to be replaced so the decision was taken to purchase a new coach and fundraising began in earnest.
By July of 1987 a brand new £100,000 coach entered service in the distinctive yellow and blue colours of the charity.
To enable disabled people to travel in comfort the coach needed to be converted to allow:
- Hydraulic lift for manual and electric wheelchairs.
- Anchor points which enable up to 8 passengers to travel in their wheelchairs.
- Kneeling facility, which lowers the front entrance for easier access.
- Large W/C for emergency use with hoists.
- Ample storage.
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The coach was adapted for use by the disabled, thanks to donations and contributions from various groups, charities and organisations. All monies generated from the use of the coach go towards maintenance costs and the replacement fund.
The number of passengers that the coach is able to carry varies according to the number of people who need to be accommodated seated in their own wheelchairs, rather than on the coach seats.
This ranges between a maximum of 38 when there are no wheelchairs and the lift is not required to 30 when there are 8 wheelchairs. There is ample locker space for wheelchairs and scooters, but battery cars cannot be accommodated.
As with all large forms of transport, purchasing, maintaining and operating coaches is very expensive and fundraising is therefore an on going process.
Over the years the East Kent Freedom Coach Committee has enjoyed the friendship and support of many individuals and organisations in raising the necessary funds to purchase and run its vehicles. |
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Our Supporters from Commerce and Industry
- Barclays Bank
- Blackmans
- Bligh Refrigeration
- Boots the Chemist (Canterbury)
- Brett Gravel
- BT
- Buckland Press
- Channel Woodcraft
- Eastbourne Mutual
- Geering's
- Hammonds Shipping
- Henley's
- Hollis Motors
- Invicta Radio
- Kent Reliance BS
- London Fancy Box Co
- Marks & Spencer
- NatWest Bank Plc
- Pfizer Ltd
- R Brett Ltd
- R Wren Partners
- Ram Brewery
- Ricemans
- Saga Travel
- Sega's Dover
- TML
- Townscope
- Woolwich BS
Statutory Bodies
- Canterbury & District Health Authority
- KCC Community Care
- KCC Social Services
- South East Kent Health Authority
Charity Funding Organisations
- Calais Yacht Club
- Coleman Charity
- Dean & Chapter
- Canterbury Cathedral
- Folkestone Carnival Committee
- Folkestone Lions
- Elham Valley Lions
- Godinton Trust
- H.M Customs, Dover
- Royal Trust
- Soroptomists
- TVS Trust
- WRVS Ashford
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