Staff at Hannah’s at Seale-Hayne have taken another step towards greater access for musicians, DJs and radio presenters, especially those with disabilities, thanks to a gift from Phonic FM’s Wheely Saying Something Show. A new portable mixer was handed over by Damian Houston, wheelchair user, choir singer and radio show host, who hopes the new equipment will be yet another improvement to Seale Hayne’s already excellent rehearsal and recording facilities.
“As a disabled broadcaster and singer, I really value the difference good kit can make when it comes to making and sharing music,” said Damian, who has had Multiple Sclerosis for over twenty years. “The facilities created here by the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust at Seale-Hayne are amazing, they’re open to everyone and we wanted to help the cause.”
The donation – a mixing console worth over £100 that can be connected to a laptop – was made as part of the centre’s Easter Monday celebrations, where local children searched for hidden eggs, had their faces painted and played with pet rabbits and other farm animals. Damian (pictured right), who created the ‘Wheely Saying Something’ Radio Show on Exeter’s Phonic FM with fellow wheelchair user Chris Norton, presented Owen Hewitt of Seale Hayne’s Big Red rehearsal and recording space with the new kit as youngsters hunted for Easter chocolate nearby.
“This is a great addition to our gear and a real bonus for our users, especially the disabled young people who come here from all over the county, to make music or try their hand at producing a podcast or practice radio skills,” said a delighted Owen, himself a musician, teacher and enabler.
Hannah’s at Seale-Hayne, formerly the home of Plymouth University, is hoping to change the way we see disability. People with physical and learning disabilities are already part of the team that runs the space, which now boasts a café, conference facilities, an accessible farm, craft gallery and an outdoor pursuits centre as well as the rehearsal and recording facilities.
A major performance space with a 600-guest capacity is also set to open in May, in the grand 80-acre setting, further supporting the vital work of the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust who for over 200 years have supported young people and adults with a range of disabilities, as well as their families.