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Accessibility at Banbury Sailing Club

Banbury Sailing Club is in Northamptonshire on Boddington reservoir between the villages of Byfield and Upper Boddington; approximately 6 miles northeast of the town of Banbury.

Clubhouse Side Entrance
Entrance to site from main road (on the left) approaching from the Byfield side

SatNav:
Banbury Sailing Club, NN11 6XU

Access to the club is via a 400m long private road, the entrance to which, is located off Boddington Road. Although the entrance is signposted, visibility can be poor along Boddington Road so care should be taken when entering and exiting.

There is a large flat public car park just inside the entrance with pedestrian access to the club and rest of the reservoir site. Car access is for club members only and controlled by a locked gate at the start of the private road. All members have keys to unlock the gate and can allow entry to visitors at their discretion.

Entrance Gate
Entrance gate is normally locked, and all members are issued with a key

The gate is on casters so once unlocked, is easily pulled opened. However, visitors finding it difficult to open the gate can call the club house (01327 260960) and a member will come down and open the gate for you.

The road leading to the club house has a gravel surface that is traversable by cars. However, the surface can deteriorate over winter months so vehicles should be driven cautiously to avoid potential potholes. The gravel surface can also present difficulties for pedestrians, wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

Once you reach the club house there is a large car park to the rear with plenty of parking. It is recommended that you park opposite to the club house if possible. The other parts slope downwards and can present problems for some cars in wet weather.

Main Car Park
Main car park for club members/visitors at rear of club house


Clubhouse Access and Facilities

The clubhouse has two main entrances both of which have stairs to reach. One entrance is just inside the main gate from the car park. (See below) The other entrance is to the rear of the clubhouse and is off the veranda. (see next page) Both entrances are locked and alarmed and entry to the club house is controlled via a keypad code that is only available to members. When the main club house is open, there is also a level access route with wheelchair access up to 75cm straight into the club house from the car park through our drop bar Fire Exit. Once inside, all areas are on one level with no steps/barriers limiting access and there are accessible toilet and changing facilities.

Clubhouse Side Entrance
Right side entrance to the club house
Clubhouse Rear Entrance
Rear entrance to the club house with level access (max. width 75cm)

The large outside veranda area (below) has some sections on the same level, whilst other parts have one or two steps to access. There are plans to make all areas accessible with ramps. (This Statement will be updated when work is complete).

Clubhouse Main Steps
Main staircase to clubhouse veranda
Clubhouse Veranda
Clubhouse veranda with level access to Clubhouse interior


The Main Clubhouse Area

The main interior space is open plan. However, there are supporting columns at regular intervals so visitors with visual impairments should take care when moving around inside. There is a fully equipped kitchen/galley area for preparing and storing food with modern appliances. A bar area serves a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks. We have a separate quiet training room off the main clubhouse room and there are separate male and female toilets and changing facilities.

Clubhouse Kitchen
Clubhouse kitchen and bar area with level access fire escape
Clubhouse Interior With Tables
Clubhouse Interior With Tables
Clubhouse Disabled Toilet
Disabled toilet entrance with level access to rest of clubhouse interior


Access Around the Grounds

Commodores Lawn
View of the commodores looking out towards the pontoons and water

The club is situated on a gentle sloping bank at the edge of the reservoir. The ground surface is either mown grass lawn or hard gravel paths and can be quite uneven in parts. Access for wheelchair users is generally good except in poor weather conditions when the ground can become slippery and/or muddy. There is plenty of seating and tables placed around the site.

Commodores Lawn
Cars can be brought down to the boat lawned area to unload/load equipment and trailers.

The boat park takes up most of the club grounds. Care should be taken if approaching parked boats as there will be various ropes running from the boats to ground level to tie them down that pose a trip hazard.

Boat Park
View of the boat park, be aware of ropes and other trip hazards

For those members with mobility issues, support will be provided to ensure safe transfer to and from boats and training craft. Different ways of entering and exiting a craft will be taught depending on mobility and these can include bum shuffling or the use of an access board.

Training Craft
One of two fixed shore based training craft


Slip ways and Pontoons

Caution should be taken if walking along the bank by the reservoir as erosion has made several portions unstable. The pontoons are off limits to visitors unless permission is given by a club member. Buoyancy aids must always be worn whilst on the pontoon and water.

Main Pontoon Access
Main pontoons for mooring craft
Main Pontoon Access
Access ramp to main pontoon when water level is high
Main Pontoon Access
Alternative access to main pontoons when water level is low
Main Slipway
One of two main slipways for launching and recoving craft from the water
Electric Winch
There is an electric winch to help launch and recover craft, the power switch and rope are located in the club duty box
Winch Rope and On/Off button
Power swith and winch rope location in the club duty box


Equipment Shed

General equipment for sailing; life jackets, sails, etc are housed in the container below. Access is a little uneven and can be slippery in wet weather. Sails are kept on shelving and are clearly marked on the shelf edging and equipment is easily accessed with plenty of space and good lighting in the unit.

Access to equipment shed
Acces to the club equipment shed
Bouyancy Aids in Club Equipment Shed
Club Bouyancy Aids can be found in the Club Equipment Shed
Sails in Club Equipment Shed
Sails for Club boats can be found in the Club Equipment Shed

For those members with mobility issues, support will be provided to ensure there is safe access to boats and training craft to cater for everyones individual need wherever possible.

At Banbury Sailing Club we believe sailing is an inclusive activity and should be accessible for all to enjoy whether taking part or watching and supporting someone out on the water. We make every effort to ensure our facilities cater to all ages and abilities. If you have a particular requirement or concerns about accessing our facilities, please do not hesitate to contact the club and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.


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Last updated 17:38 on 7 February 2024

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