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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Will I be allowed to join the accessible queuing system?

279 replies

InvisibleDisability · 13/09/2022 22:36

I really want to see the lying in state in London as a sign of my respect for her majesty. I’ve been watching all coverage on TV and her dedication and loyalty to us all has been making me frankly emotional. I feel the least I can do to honour her is to brave the crowds and the conditions to see her lying in state.

However… I have (several) invisible disabilities including POTS and ME/CFS. These mean I get tired easily and when I overdo it am prone to collapsing. However, I’m willing to risk it for this last chance to pay my respects. Do you think I would qualify for the accessible queuing system? Would I need to bring “proof” of disability? I’ve got my PIP paperwork if that’s needed?

note: the guidance has just been released on gov website announcing the queuing route and the accessible queuing scheme which is much shorter and will operate on a ticketing basis. By all accounts you turn up at Tate Britain to get a timed ticket (nor guaranteed as depends on numbers I guess) then you go to the palace for the set time?

OP posts:
PatienceHeatherstone · 14/09/2022 20:07

It would be lovely to know that - for instance could a family group, parents and children, go together- but don’t massively inconvenience yourself- you’ve already been really helpful :)

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:15

I have been back
It is 1 carer per person unless that person clearly needs more than 1

Children dont count. I gave my DS scenario of a disabled adult with younger siblings and his mother and they said that was fine.

I will check the position gain tomorrow at 7am as I go out to work an update
Post any specific questions before then

Original poster
InvisibleDisability · 14/09/2022 20:17

thank you so much, that’s really helpful. Does one HAVE to have a carer with them?

OP posts:
weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:19

InvisibleDisability · 14/09/2022 20:17

thank you so much, that’s really helpful. Does one HAVE to have a carer with them?

No I dont think so as some people were alone. (but I will check tomorrow am)
In fact pretty sure not as people were on their own

Original poster
InvisibleDisability · 14/09/2022 20:22

Does everyone have some kind of mobility aid? I sometimes have to use a stick or my wheelchair but this week I seem to be ok without it, would they judge based on that?

OP posts:
weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:26

It was being manned by what I think were military cadets. They were lovely as are the army and police (the private security guards are not so great)

It is a very safe area of London.
The C10 bus stops just behind on John Islip Street(it comes from Canada Wharf I think to Victoria via Waterloo). The 88 is the same from Wandsworth to Parliament Fields (up near Euston/ Kings Cross but a bit of a walk from them). The 88 is on quite an extensive diversion around parliament square and the mall and I think that may be continuing all weekend but it does eventually get to Tate Britain.

Buses from paddington stop at the end of Vauxhall bridge road which is about 5 minutes walk. Pimlico is the nearest tube-not sure it has lifts. It is less than 10 minutes walk.

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:27

InvisibleDisability · 14/09/2022 20:22

Does everyone have some kind of mobility aid? I sometimes have to use a stick or my wheelchair but this week I seem to be ok without it, would they judge based on that?

No- plenty of people walking in. Some with sticks but not all.

mamaison · 14/09/2022 20:27

Thank you so much for going to check. I actually live by the start of the main queue but I don’t think I would be able to manage that. I don’t have PIP, DLA OR Blue Badge. I do have an Nimbus Access Card with the queueing symbol though (and the medical letters I needed to apply for that).

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:28

mamaison · 14/09/2022 20:27

Thank you so much for going to check. I actually live by the start of the main queue but I don’t think I would be able to manage that. I don’t have PIP, DLA OR Blue Badge. I do have an Nimbus Access Card with the queueing symbol though (and the medical letters I needed to apply for that).

I can ask tomorrow but I got the sense they were quite flexible on proof- they said just bring some proof.

MomwasCasual · 14/09/2022 20:29

@weddingDecliner how lovely of you to check and report back. Warms the cockles Flowers

BlackeyedSusan · 14/09/2022 20:30

Pip issuch a bastard to apply for that not all will have it.

mummydoris2006 · 14/09/2022 20:31

@starfishmummy I have always used pictures of both sides of my badge as proof at concessions etc when my badge has been used for parking. Not sure if this is just me being lucky so far though!

whywedrink · 14/09/2022 20:35

@weddingDecliner - i just came on to say what a super lovely thing to do. really kind, I dont have a royal seal of approval but you can have a mumsnet one. x

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:39

BlackeyedSusan · 14/09/2022 20:30

Pip issuch a bastard to apply for that not all will have it.

They were just examples of proof that I asked about. As I said, I got the idea that they were open to different types of proof, certainly at the moment

If you want me to ask about specific ones then I can

nachoavocado · 14/09/2022 20:44

whywedrink · 14/09/2022 20:35

@weddingDecliner - i just came on to say what a super lovely thing to do. really kind, I dont have a royal seal of approval but you can have a mumsnet one. x

Yes! You are a true legend!

secretfreckle · 14/09/2022 20:47

This is what is so wonderful about Mumsnet. The kindness of other people @weddingDecliner

Libertyqueen · 14/09/2022 20:50

I would strongly guess that you are eligible for the accessible queue with pip. Otherwise perhaps you could borrow a wheelchair and go in the ordinary queue but at least not be liable to collapse.

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:53

Libertyqueen · 14/09/2022 20:50

I would strongly guess that you are eligible for the accessible queue with pip. Otherwise perhaps you could borrow a wheelchair and go in the ordinary queue but at least not be liable to collapse.

As I posted.
I asked at the queue and they said that PIP was fine.

PatienceHeatherstone · 14/09/2022 20:55

Thank you so much!

toomuchlaundry · 14/09/2022 20:57

@weddingDecliner you are so lovely

DysonSphere · 14/09/2022 21:10

@weddingDecliner (great name by the way) thank you so much for doing this, you're brilliant!🌟

With this info my mum and I might be able to make it.

Bluebubble11 · 14/09/2022 21:17

@weddingDecliner thank you so much your advice is really helpful to the hundreds of us sitting at home with unanswered questions debating whether to go or not due to accessibility.

I have one question that hasnt been mentioned though that if you happen to go again it would be really appreciated if you can ask it please?

Re. The bag drop policy. I am a motorised wheelchair user and have 2 bags specifically fitted to my chair to hold all my essential items that I couldnt be without for any length of time (changing items, medications, raincover, charger etc) will these bags be allowed for medical reasons as not easily removed and I will be attending alone so wont have the help of my usual carer (on a recent visit to westminster hall there was no issue but appreciate this will be different).

If not allowed how does the bag drop work for the accessible queue as it is quite far from the kiosk and appears to be located inside the regular queue which Disabled mourners wouldnt be in?

Thanks if you manage to ask these tomorrow.

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 21:21

There is a small park just behind the Tate with plenty of benches. There are some seating areas next to the Tate as well.
Pizza Express is just up the road (in the direction of Victoria Tower)- it looks a bit grotty but they are very nice.
You could of course go and look around the Tate between 10-6 whilst waiting- it has cafes and seats.
There are a few benches by the river as well.
There is a friendly pub the Morpeth Arms close by
Pret and león are on Horseferry road which is between the Tate and the entrance to see the queen (short diversion up the road )
There is a lovely children playground in Victoria gardens but not sure if it is open as the main queue goes through there.

The weather was really nice today- my car said 22 degrees.

stripymum · 14/09/2022 22:37

@weddingDecliner do you know what time the accessibility kiosk opens in the morning. Or is it open 24 hours? Thanks so much

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 22:42

It is 24 hours a day.

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