31/03/2016 - Permalink

Shrewsbury Goldwing Light Parade in aid of Shropshire Autism Hub

Related topics: Adult social care / Community / Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners Shropshire & Telford Asperger Carers Support

On Saturday 9 April 2016 up to 60 Honda Goldwing motorcycles will be parading around Shrewsbury to raise money for the Shropshire Autism Hub.

The bikes will hold a static display in The Quarry from 12 midday until 4pm. Then at 8pm they will parade around Shrewsbury, returning to The Quarry for a static light show.

The event is being organised by Shropshire & Telford Asperger Carers Support (STACS) in aid of Shropshire Autism Hub, and is timed to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day (2 April) and the first birthday of the hub.

STACS is a constituted voluntary group of parents/carers who all care for an adult with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism.  The group was founded 9 years ago as the huge gap in service provision and specialist knowledge had become very apparent.  The organisation goes from strength to strength, offering lived experience peer support to families and campaigning locally and nationally for service improvements.

Shropshire Autism Hub is facilitated by A4U, with support from Shropshire Council.  A4U provides specialist advocacy at the hub and is supported by a range of other organisations including Autism West Midlands and Bromford Housing, to enable all service users to become empowered to achieve their optimum outcomes. The Hub offers peer support, carers support and advice on a range of issues including welfare benefits, housing, relationships, monetary advice and employment advice.

Marilyn Jones, organiser of the event, said:

“I am delighted that the Goldwing community is willing to get behind us, and I am confident that this inaugural event will be sufficiently successful to become an annual attraction.

“The Goldwing Light Parade provides an excellent spectacle and will be one of only six such events taking place nationally in aid

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adults, added;

“It’s greatly encouraging to see organisations coming together to raise money for Shropshire’s Autism Hub, who I know do a great deal of work in supporting individuals with autism and their families.

“These fantastic machines are fully ‘tricked-out’ with display lighting, so it will be a spectacular event. Please come along and show your support.”

STACs will also be hosting a tombola stall at the event.  Donations for the tombola are welcome and can be dropped off at reception at Louise House, Roman Road until 7 April 2016.

For more information about the event email stacsshropshire@gmail.com.

You can also visit the event’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/435706356624637/

Further information

Honda Goldwings are impressive-looking touring motorbikes and trikes.  The participants in this event have added artwork and/or many LED lights to make them even better.  The event will take the form of an afternoon static display between 12pm and 4pm, and later the riders will muster at around 7pm-7.30pm to ride slowly in a lit parade twice around the town centre and return to The Quarry for a lit static display.  The Mayor of Shrewsbury and the High Sheriff of Shropshire will both be participating in the parade. At the moment we believe we have 60+ bikes attending.