The Beamsley Chapel, near Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale, was built in 1876 and served a thriving farming community. By the late 1980's much had changed in rural life, population distribution and other ways, all leading to a dwindling membership and increasing costs to maintain the large premises in good order.

At the Circuit Meeting of September 1988, following exhaustive enquiries and research into needs and ways and means, a proposal was presented for the creation of a centre specially designed for the use of disabled people of any race, gender, creed or age. This was accepted unanimously, and a small group of lay people led by Rev Rex Owen, then having pastoral oversight of Beamsley, started the long haul to raise funds and carry out major works of alteration and refurbishment. The Project became an independent charitable Trust in 1989 and six years and £500,000 later a building contract was completed and a fifty year lease entered into with the church.

The Trust's objective is to provide specially adapted short stay residential accommodation for disabled visitors and their companions. Our early researches brought to light a great need for a place where people with life impairing disabilities could relax and enjoy the opportunity to show and develop their independence. A scheme based on self-catering and self programming seemed to be the correct starting point and with this in mind Beamsley is planned with a generous provision of space in all areas. Special kitchen equipment and lifting aids contribute to this environment.

Situated six miles from Skipton - the Gateway to the Dales - in the County of North Yorkshire there are many local places of interest to visit. Among other attractions the Bolton Abbey Estate is only two miles away and enjoys good access for disabled people. Whatever the disability the Beamsley Centre can offer unparalleled facilities and equipment to make the stay as enjoyable as possible.

Beamsley is not a big centre in so far as we can accommodate 30 visitors at any one time. Experience has shown, however, that this is entirely adequate and practicable from both visitors' and management's points of view. A warden was appointed in April 1999, our only paid member of staff. The rest of us are volunteers (20/30 people) mostly from Ilkley Circuit, turning their hands to most jobs! An active Friends group helps to supplement fund raising and provide helpful publicity.

Our visitors come from any part of the UK, distance not being a deterrent. The Project has hosted visiting groups from Germany and a family from New Zealand. We look forward to future visits from overseas groups and families. Special needs schools find our facilities ideal for residential study weeks run within the requirements of the national curriculum, or for a more recreational stay. An existing cottage on the site has been refurbished and extended for the special purpose of providing a self catering unit for family use, and is proving to be very popular.

The Cottage

The refurbished and extended cottage can accommodate six persons, it is ideal for small groups of disabled persons and families with disabled members.

The ground floor includes a comfortably furnished sitting room with television and a well equipped kitchen with dining area. The kitchen has a double oven, induction hob, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dryer and stainless steel sink unit. The sink unit and the hob are adjustable for height. Special cutlery for the disabled and doidy cups are provided.
Also on the ground floor is a Clos-O-Mat 'wash 'n Dry' toilet.

The first floor, accessed by stairs or a wheelchair lift, has three twin bedded rooms. There is an electric adjustable bed - the other beds can be fitted with adjustable bed rails if required and there is a Caspian pillow lift. Also on the first floor is the shower room with toilet and washbasin.

There is a coin operated telephone in the cottage.

Information on food and milk supplies and emergency medical services will be sent to visitors following payment for their stay.The cottage will be available from 3pm on the day of arrival and should be vacated by 11am on the day of departure.

Bookings can be made in writing or by telephone.If telephoning you may be asked to leave a message.The warden or a volunteer will respond to your call as soon as possible.

Further information may be obtained from: The Beamsley Project, Harrogate Road, Beamsley, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6JA

Phone: 01756 710255 Fax: 01943 816303 Website: www.beamsleyproject.org.uk Email: info@beamsleyproject.org.uk