Friday 2 July 2010

Langstone Sailing Club

As you know, Steven and I bunked off school and work last Tuesday to go to the Sailability Open Day at the Langston Sailing Club, well on Wednesday I had a phone call from the club to say Steven had been turned down for membership...

The reason it seems, was a few of the 'older' Langston sailing Club members felt Steven is NOT suitable material to be a member, as they felt he was too loud for their liking...

OK that doesn't stop me taking him sailing, as we can still do that and make a small donation... but I have to try and keep him quiet, so I'm now in two minds what to do...

Part of me wants to say stuff it, I don't want my son going somewhere where he is not not really wanted, but when I look at the photos and remember how he so much it enjoyed it, makes ME feel guilty if I keep him away...

Yes I know Steven was loud, as that is the way Steven expresses himself when he is happy. I don't suppose the membership would mind very much if one of their own was given to a bout of loud laughter...

I did send the disability club side of it an email, thanking them for the lovely day we had on Tuesday, and could they thank the people involved in our fab day, but also said as for the people that think my son is not suitable material for their club, I sincerely hope they or their families do not get to experience the pain of having a loved one affected with a disability like my son's. But I think I will have to give some further serious thought into the implications of this matter.

Sorry to moan, but this has been playing on my mind since the phone call, I'm all in mixed emotions, mainly feeling guilty I'm not letting Steven do something he so clearly enjoyed, yet they are the ones that should feel guilty ... NOT ME...

but I do, I'm he's mum...

14 comments:

SusieJ said...

Maria - I really feel for you. I'm also angry on your behalf - in this day and age this is appalling behaviour - I know your first reaction would be to say "stuff it" (it would be mine too) but Steven so obviously enjoyed it (you could tell from the photos) - what to do for the best?
Aren't situations like this covered by the Disability Act?
Are there any other sailing clubs nearby?
I'm quietly fuming here on your behalf.
Sending you lots of sparkles and hugs.
Sue xx
p.s. My poky tool and papergator are ready ....

Hi it's Maria said...

thanks sue, I'm still in mixed emotions over it...xx

sue-bubbles said...

Welldone on your email to them Maria, I do hope they take the issues up with the ignorant snobby snobs!
Sue x

Valerie-Jael said...

So sorry that you feel bad about the situation. How mean must those people be? How awful to punish someone with a disability, instead of being thankful for their own good health. I think a complaint would be appropriate, and perhaps a visit to another sailing club?? Lots of hugs and sparkles for you both!

jan said...

oh Maria how appalling, you poor dears, yes agree with Sue to say stuff them, but you both enjoyed it so much. How stuffy of the club!I'd like to stick my poky tool in them too.........How about Emsworth Sailing Club?, down at the millpond,if you walk round the millpond they are at the end of it, it is a lovely area too, the Chichester Harbour etc., and a few places to eat, etc. Emsworth is a lovely place too.............
Take care and thinking of you, hugs Jan xxxx

Crafting to stay sane! said...

This makes me so mad to read Maria! As you know I am in a simular situation with Sophie although on the whole I have been quite lucky as people have been accepting of her special needs so far but as Sue says in this day and age this behaviour is appalling! I understand where you are comming from completely!
Sending lots of hugs and sparkles your way!
Alyson x

Hi it's Maria said...

thanks sue, val, jan and alyson...xx

it' a lovely day today and we should have been enjoying the afternoon there, instead I've a lovely headache and feel sick with guilt...xx

Anonymous said...

OH Maria, you don't have it easy at all, the others are right, find somewhere else, if you return your only going to worry about what they'll say next just remember it's there loss and when they need more members they'll be wishing they hadn't said anything, there loss your gain by finding somewhere better.

Hi it's Maria said...

thanks sall...xx

tea_bag said...

You would really think in this day and age people would be less ignorant I really think we have such a long way to go with disability issues. I also feel a complaint would be in order. I do hope you find somewhere else where Steven can go and enjoy the sailing Hugs alma

Hi it's Maria said...

thanks alma...xx

Carole said...

I'm so cross to read your post Maria, poor Steven, and poor you. Blow them! Find another sailing club, but good on you for writing the letter and telling them how you feel.

My pokey tool is ready for action!

Hugs - Carole xxx

Susan said...

Sorry for swearing but that is so shitty of them. Who the heck do they think they are!!

People like that make me sick. I would much rather be loud and be Steven than have a crappy attitude like that. They should be counting their blessings and welcoming people with disabilities or special needs.

I am so angry and hurt for you. Even if Steven does not understand what they have said you and Clive obviously do. What a kick in the teeth for you all.
I'm sitting here seething.

Hi it's Maria said...

thanks susan, it still hurts when I see the photos of him and remember how much he enjoyed himself...

I'm looking into any other sailing places round there that he might be able to go to...xx