Ripon Activity Project
Ripon Activity Project (RAP) provides a range of leisure, recreational and craft activities for people between 16 and 65 with physical and/or learning disabilities.
We generally meet at the Youth Centre in the grounds of Ripon College on the second Saturday morning of each month, but some of our activities are carried out at other locations. Bowling, riding, sailing and archery are all popular with our members and we have the occasional theatre visit. There are Friday evening swimming sessions at Ripon Spa Baths and games at Lister House on the last Wednesday evening of each month.
Dominoes are always popular.
Some of our members enjoy Scrabble.
Everyone appreciates the bar.
Christmas Party 2008
Christmas card making, competitions and carols, food and fun made the party a big success.
Our annual pool competition was won this year by Rebecca.
Stevie was a very worthy runner up.
Matthew won the Talent competition with some very spirited singing and dancing.
Other members and volunteers wowed the audience with poems, songs, dancing and jokes. Jerry, our hard working Chairman, gave an unforgettable performance on the penny whistle.
Lightwater Valley
Our November session was just up the road at Lightwater Valley. Most members opted to visit the Birds of Prey Centre, where they enjoyed looking at all the different birds and watching a flying show.
There was the opportunity for some hands on experience too, before heading for a coffee and a look around the shops.
We were all sorry to bid a temporary farewell to Becky, but wish her well in her travels.
2008 AGM
The meeting was very well attended and we were grateful for mayoral support from Ripon, Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge. All the volunteers and members on the 2007/8 committee were re-elected and we were happy to welcome Sue Hurley on board. Thanks were expressed for everyone's hard work throughout the year, for the support we receive from local organizations and in particular to Ripon College for the use of the Youth Centre for our meetings.
Margaret, our Vice Chair, was proud to welcome the mayoral party from Boroughbridge ...
... and it looks as though Emma may be planning to take over in Pateley Bridge!
The craft group had less time than usual, but managed to produce some very creditable table mats.
2008 Summer Outing
After disappointing weather so far this month, members and volunteers were equipped for anything the elements might throw at us. However, the rain held off and we even had sunshine during the later part of the afternoon.
Everyone enjoyed the ride from Leeming Bar to Leyburn on the Wensleydale Railway. Beth was startled to find a carriage with her name on it!
Our coach took us on to Hawes for lunch and a look around the Dales Museum.
The last thing on the agenda was a visit to the Brymor ice cream parlour at High Jervaulx Farm on the way home.
It was a very satisfying way to round off our summer outing.
Ripon Spa Gardens
We stayed close to home in June and enjoyed a morning playing Crazy Golf and following quiz trails.
Sailing at Otley
Our May activity was an aquatic one, courtesy of Otley Sailing Club
Club members have put a great deal of effort into making their craft accessible for the less nimble and for wheelchair users.
If the wind fails to fill the sail, you can always use your initiative!
Sailing off into the great unknown? There was a lot of water out there and an island to circumnavigate.
After all that effort, a picnic lunch was just the job.
Games and Craft in April
When the sun came out this morning, some members and volunteers took the opportunity to abandon indoor pursuits and kick a ball about.
Others couldn't be torn away from the clay plaques they were designing.
Sport Relief
Spearheaded by Vice Chair Margaret, we raised £60 for Sport Relief in March. This was achieved through a variety of competitions, quizzes and a raffle.
Spotting which baby photo belonged to which member or volunteer had us all scratching our heads.
Some members took time out to get on with their decoupage. This involved cutting out pictures and arranging them into a collage to decorate a box.
Margaret presented the newly engraved RAP Talent trophy to this year's winner, Rebekah.
First Aid workshop
In February, Danielle came along to demonstrate some First Aid techniques and then let the members have a go. Becky allowed David to practise his bandaging skills on her.
Anne seemed delighted with her new sling.
The recovery position is a tricky one to learn.
It's even harder when the 'casualty' gets the giggles, but Bethany did a good job on Chris.
2008 bowling trip
The staff of Star Bowling in Northallerton gave us a big welcome, as always, and everyone had a good time.
Who's going to win?
Is it a strike?
I don't believe it!
Tim (our wonderful volunteer minibus driver) and David hamming it up for the camera.
2007 Christmas party
Chairman Jerry and Secretary Gemma were much missed on this occasion but the rest of the team pulled together to make the party a success.
There was no shortage of entrants for the competitions. Richard won the Pool trophy, Rebekah the Talent and Kim was awarded a new trophy for the smiliest face at the party.
Audience participation was good.
Tim acted as straightman to Stuart's comedy routine. Simon and Stevie gave us some musical numbers.
Matthew and Bethany took a more serious approach. Gavin read one of his poems.
Joy rounded off the entertainment for us with a selection of Christmas carols.
We had three birthdays, including mine, to celebrate and Sue had brought one of her delicious cakes. As no one seems to smoke these days, lighting the candles could have been a problem. Fortunately, Chris had a very old book of matches at the bottom of one of his pockets.
As my birthday later this month will be a significant milestone, I was also delighted to receive a card signed by everyone and a beautiful orchid. Hearty thanks to all concerned!
Recent craft work
Under the skilful guidance of Sue Williamson, members made papier mâché bowls and took great pleasure in decorating them.
Archery at Carlton Lodge
In September, we went to Carlton Lodge to have another go at archery. The staff were very supportive and everyone had a good time.
2007 Summer Outing
The first port of call this year was the Darley Mill Centre. It was very appropriate that Jerry had brought along some bread to feed to the wild ducks on the mill race, as the weather so far this summer has been fine for them!
During the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a ride on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
In June, we welcomed Oliver to train us in the finer points of the game of Boccia.
In May, we had an outing to Brimham Rocks. Despite the overnight rain, which had made the ground slippery, we managed to bring everyone back in one piece.
Line dancing in April was fairly chaotic, but fun.
Tie dying proved very popular in February.
Everyone looks forward to our annual outing. In 2006, we went to Beamish Museum.
