The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust are celebrating the prestigious award of Accredited Museum status by Arts Council England, a UK-wide benchmark recognising that the Trust meets the highest standards of management, education, care and access to their historic collections.

To celebrate the new Museum Accreditation status, the Trust is relaunching the Visitor Centre located on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge as the ‘Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum’ and unveiling a new brand.

Open to the public 7 days a week, the museum welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. Inside, visitors can discover objects from the museum collections and learn how the bridge was constructed and is maintained today. Free and ticketed tours run throughout the year, in addition to children’s activities for families and school groups.

The Museum Accreditation application process took approximately three years, during which time the Trust’s Archivist worked to ensure important documents, drawings, photographs and objects were properly catalogued, preserved and made accessible to the public. Many of the items can already be viewed online, with more exciting projects to follow before Christmas.

Bridge Master Trish Johnson said, “We are thrilled to announce Museum Accreditation for our heritage site. This award represents our commitment to preserving the rich heritage of our bridge. Ultimately, we aim to continue sharing captivating stories for present and future generations.”

Museum Archivist Dr Hannah Little added, “We are really pleased to achieve Museum Accreditation. While Clifton Suspension Bridge is familiar to many, our museum and its collections are less well known – these tell us how the bridge was seen, built and used in the past, enabling people to see Bristol’s famous landmark in new and different ways. It is important to preserve and share these objects and stories for the benefit of the public.”

Members of DanceSydrome, a charity set up in Lancashire in 2009, have been invited to Japan to share their bespoke approach and methodology in how they support people with learning disabilities to be leaders, as part of a pioneering project to promote inclusion in Japanese society.

DanceSyndrome transforms lives, creating change and giving joy, hope and opportunities to people with learning disabilities, and their families. Through the medium of inclusive dance, the organisation empowers those with and without learning disabilities to believe they can achieve their ambitions in life, and that having a disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams.

At DanceSyndrome, people with learning disabilities co-lead inclusive dance sessions and take visible Dance Leader roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive. All sessions are co-produced with professional Dance Artists working side by side with trained and qualified Dance Leaders with a learning disability to co-produce high quality inclusive dance sessions for everyone to enjoy together. The Dance Leaders are all visible members of their communities, who can regularly be seen leading workshops, dance performances and community activities.

In recent years, DanceSyndrome’s work has been recognised on a national level, with multiple partnerships with NHS England, Foundation of Nursing Studies and other national social care providers, as well as securing funding from National Lottery Community Foundation and Arts Council England (and is a 2023-26 National Portfolio Organisation).

The organisation is now celebrating success on an international level after recently winning a Gold Award in the 2024 International Stevie Awards as a non-profit or Government ‘Organization of the Year’ and has now been invited to Tokyo to share learning from their inclusive approach to co-delivery.

In September 2023, DanceSyndrome welcomed an international student, from University of Central Lancashire, called Ayuko Hara to volunteer in their Weekly Company Class sessions in Preston. Ayuko was so inspired by her time with DanceSyndrome that she reported this back to a colleague in Japan called Dai Matsuoka, who programmes the Tokyo Accessible Dance Festival on behalf of an organisation called LAND FES.

Dai reached out to the DanceSyndrome team to ask about the potential for them to share DanceSyndrome’s approach to co-leadership in Tokyo. Funding for this project was secured in Japan from Arts Council Tokyo and four members of the DanceSyndrome team will be travelling to Japan in November 2024 for a 10 day visit which will enable them to share their co-production methodology, supporting Japanese Dance Artists and dancers with learning disabilities to become more inclusive in their delivery of dance activities, with a view to encouraging greater inclusion in the wider society in Japan which currently is not as advanced as in the UK.

Tokyo-based LAND FES has been working on projects that build creative relationships between dancers and people from all walks of life, including people with disabilities, the elderly and young people receiving support for employment. Through international collaboration and interaction, they have learned that in Japan there are not enough examples of different work and creative processes that encourage inclusion in dance.

Co-produced inclusive dance workshops are very hard to find in Japan and there isn’t a system to share learning so that professional dancers can work in an inclusive way, meaning it is even more difficult for people with disabilities to learn to be leaders in dance and other aspects of society. LAND FES is keen to break this cycle by creating new opportunities, increasing accessibility to inclusive dance and deepening the understanding of its value within wider culture.

Dai Matsuoka from LAND FES said “I feel very honoured and thrilled that we have been able to invite DanceSyndrome members to Tokyo this November. As an organization that is committed to develop and promote inclusive dance in Japan, LAND FES will benefit so much from this international collaboration project. I believe that DanceSyndrome’s unique program should be shared more and permeated to empower people with disabilities all over the world.”

Julie Nicholson, DanceSyndrome Managing Director, said “This project embodies everything that DanceSyndrome stands for. We want to change the way that people think about learning disabilities by sharing the ways that we put inclusion and co-production into practice every single day. Our mission is to go out into the world and demonstrate that people with learning disabilities are able to be dancers and leaders or anything else that they want to be, as long as they are given the right support and opportunities to do that. We are so proud to have been invited to travel to Japan to be held up as an example of what good co-production looks like on an international level.”

DanceSyndrome Dance Leader John Burrow will be travelling to Japan with the team. He said “I’m excited to be going to Japan to share the Dance By Example workshops that I co-deliver here in the UK. Through DanceSyndrome I’ve gained social life, I’ve gained friends and a new outlook on my life. I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself so when there’s moments of self-doubt I’m now able to kind of go “no, I can do this.” I’m looking forward to being able to share that with new people in Japan too!”

The DanceSyndrome representatives will be in Japan from 1^st to 10^th
November 2024. Photos and videos from the trip will be shared on the charity’s social media channels. You can follow them on X, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In
and YouTube
at @DanceSyndromeUK

THE black silhouette of the ­mountain range emerges in the distance as we drive through the barren desert.

It looks ­ominous, like a ­location from the movie Dune.

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But perhaps that’s because my mind is on overdrive thinking about what awaits at the top of the peaks.

Not long after I’m staring across a yawning valley, hoisted horizontally onto a zipline and about to be launched over the cliff edge.

This is Ras al Khaimah, one of the lesser known Emirates that collectively make up the UAE.

While for the moment it remains in the shadow of its better known neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, intense development and ambitious plans for the region mean it could soon be on a par.

RAK, as it is also known, is carving out a niche as a destination for adventure.

Depart with a scream

Which is how I find myself on the edge of a precipice about to zipline across a valley at 100mph.

Lasting three adrenaline-fuelled minutes and covering a fear-filled 1.75miles Jais Flight is the longest zipline in the world.

The waiting is the worst bit.

With such a dangerous activity, safety is paramount which means thorough checks before each thrillseeker is launched off the side of the rocky, sand-coloured Jebel Jais mountain.

Most depart with a scream and seconds later they are lost, just a dot in the distance. Finally it’s my turn.

Whizzing down head first does strange things to one’s face. Imagine a dog gleefully putting its head out of a car window, tongue flapping, while travelling at full speed along a motorway.

After the initial rush (and yes, a scream) comes a feeling of gliding like a bird over the dramatic landscape.

Thanks to the extreme length of the zipline, there is also time to truly appreciate it.

But that is not all the Hajar Mountain range has to offer adrenaline junkies.

A ­little lower down the quiet winding roads is the terrifying Jais Sledder toboggan ride.

Much like the zipline, it’s massive. As your toboggan ascends slowly to the top, it climbs and climbs. And just when you think you are at the summit, it climbs again.

But what goes up must come down.

It feels much faster than its top speed of 25mph as it hurtles around sharp corners with nothing but sheer drops below.

It’s an absolute buzz and also great value for money at just 50AED (£10) a ride, or 120AED for three goes for anyone who believes fear is a byword for fun.

There are more thrills to be had in the mountains of Ras al Khaimah.

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp offers extreme ­experiences, with guests staying in a camp and learning survival techniques approved by the TV personality.

Opening soon will be Via Ferrata, an extreme hiking trail, featuring ladders and zipwires allowing non-expert climbers to ascend the mountain.

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But for me it was time to leave the rugged terrain and head to the fishing village of Al-Rams to let my imagination go on an adventure.

Here I boarded a traditional wooden boat, with its decks covered in colourful rugs, destined for a pearl farm in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

There our guide, dressed in traditional clothing, explained the history of pearling.

His storytelling was aided by the use of props including ancient maps that would have been used hundreds of years ago in the pursuit of the precious gems.

It was impossible not to conjure images of the jewels being traded at bustling markets and picture those who dived for them ­centuries ago despite the very real risk of death.

Stepping off the boat after we were brought back to shore, it felt a shame to have to return to reality.

The UAE has a reputation for luxury, and RAK is no different, playing host to top hotel brands including Ritz-Carlton, Hilton and InterContinental along the 40 miles of soft, wide sandy beaches.

Thrilling journey

I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria which was impossible to fault.

Superb restaurants from a traditional grill to a vibrant Japanese ­eaterie were among the highlights of the sprawling 5* resort.

It also includes the Al Hamra golf course which, during my stay, was playing host to some of the world’s top golfers at a DP World Tour event.

From the hotel’s beach, an army of cranes at work across the water were signs of the intense construction taking place in the region.

RAK will soon feature the UAE’s first casino — Las Vegas behemoth Wynn is currently building a 1,500-room resort on a man-made island. It plans to open in 2027.

And there are already some great value mid-range hotels offering four-night stays with flights from just £885pp.

Already a destination for thrill seekers, Ras Al Khaimah is seemingly on a thrilling journey of its own.

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In the words of Winnie the Pooh, “You can’t help but love a bear that loves honey”, and we totally agree.

On October 12th, International Animal Rescue (IAR) invites you to join us in celebrating World Sloth Bear Day! This day is not just about recognising the beauty and unique charm of sloth bears but also about honouring the incredible resilience of these magnificent creatures.

This year, we are thrilled to share the heartwarming story of Mithali, one of our beloved sloth bears, as she enjoys a sweet pot of honey to mark this special occasion.

IAR’s partner in India, Wildlife SOS, delivers excellent work in collaboration with local communities and has worked with Mithali and her sibling since they were found trapped in a dry well with their deceased mother for over 48 hours. At just 20 weeks old, they were discovered wailing and clinging to their mother’s mammary, overwhelmed and frightened by the tragic events they had experienced.

Despite their dire circumstances, the two orphaned cubs have emerged victorious, embodying the spirit of their namesakes: Indian cricket legends Mithali Raj and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. While Mithali Raj broke barriers as the captain of India’s women’s cricket team, leading it to a commendable ODI ranking of number 3, Dhoni inspired countless fans as he guided India to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Just like their namesakes, Mithali and her sibling have shown remarkable courage in overcoming adversity. Thanks to the dedicated care provided by our IAR, Wildlife SOS and the Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) team, they are learning to thrive in a safe environment. Under the nurturing guidance of Ankita Bear, Mithali and her sibling have slowly come out of their shells, embracing life with newfound hope.

It is truly heartwarming to witness their progress and see them enjoying the little things, like indulging in honey.

On World Sloth Bear Day, we celebrate and share some unique facts about these bears, who are central to Indian mythology.

Fun Facts About World Sloth Bear Day:

• Conservation Status: Sloth bears are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching. Awareness days like World Sloth Bear Day help raise awareness for their conservation needs.
• Dietary Habits: Sloth bears primarily feed on insects, fruits, and honey, making them crucial for seed dispersal in their habitats.
• Unique Characteristics: Known for their shaggy fur and long claws, sloth bears are uniquely adapted to dig for insects and honeycomb, showcasing their essential role in the ecosystem.

As we celebrate World Sloth Bear Day, we invite you to join us in supporting Mithali and Maahi’s journey toward a bright future. Your support is vital in ensuring these incredible bears continue receiving the love and care they deserve.

Native to the Indian Subcontinent, even though sloth bears are legally protected through the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the population of this bear is still decreasing, with only around 6-11,000 remaining in the wild they are on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable,

Gavin Bruce, CEO at International Animal Rescue, emphasised, “The risk of extinction faced by sloth bears underscores the urgent need for their protection. Co-existence with these magnificent creatures is imperative, and raising awareness about their plight is a shared responsibility.”

Let’s spread the word about the importance of conserving sloth bears and their habitats. For more information on how you can help, please visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/projects/indian-sloth-bear

A VILLAGE in England is home to an 18th-century subtropical garden where visitors feel like they’re abroad.

Located just 20 minutes from the longest beach in the UK, the village of Abbotsbury is home to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

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The Jurassic Coast village is steeped in history, with Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens being one of its main attractions.

Established in 1765, when the 1st Countess of Ilchester built the castle on the site overlooking Lyme Bay, the gardens are home to thousands of different plant species.

Several generations of the family tended to the garden over the last few hundred years, expanding its growing collection of plant life.

Nowadays, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is home to over 6,000 species of plants from around the world.

Because of its coastal location, which benefits from mild winters and cooler summers, several species of plants can thrive in the Victorian gardens.

Spread over 30 acres, visitors can walk along winding paths through lush landscapes, featuring stunning displays of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons.

One of its rarest plants is the Puya, native to Chile, the plant has ferocious spines that have been known to trap sheep, birds and small animals.

The Puya only flowers once every 10 years, with its last blooming taking place in 2023.

Other features in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens include a Victorian Walled Garden and a children’s play area.

There’s also a cafe with a wooden veranda and courtyard that’s surrounded by plants.

Light snacks, savoury pastries, sandwiches, cakes and a range of hot and cold drinks are served at the cafe.

Entry into the gardens costs £12.95 for a full-paying adult and £6.95 for kids.

The Dorset-based gardens has a 4.5/5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “Who needs to go abroad you have this”.

Another person added: “It’s such a beautiful place, and it really does feel like you’re abroad somewhere”.

A third person wrote: “We visited the garden on a lovely sunny day and it was like stepping into a different country”.

Set on Dorset‘s Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of other attractions in the area, including Chesil Beach.

Chesil Beach is the longest beach in the country, running from the Isle of Portland to West Bay.

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The Dorset beach was the backdrop for Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel On Chesil Beach.

Despite not having any sand, the shingle beach still draws in holidaymakers from across the UK thanks to its stunning views.

Chesil Beach is also backed by Fleet Lagoon – a large saline lake, which is one of the last undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world.

Designated a Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Fleet Lagoon is an important habitat for many different species of wildlife, including the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans.

Meanwhile, this hotel has been rated the best in the world by travel specialists.

And this UK seaside town was named the best in the country.

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