WHAT with the Sunderland Stadium Of Light and the National Glass Centre being built in the city within the last five years or so, you would be forgiven for thinking they are trying to lighten up on the banks of the Wear. Perhaps it is the "sun" element of Sunderland that is finally emerging from behind the clouds. It was time to see if disabled access was emerging equally brightly on my family's recent visits.

At the back end of the football season, I took two of my children to the Stadium Of Light to see Spain play France in the final of the UEFA Under-16s tournament.

Joining the queue, at 2.15pm, where the A19 joins the A1231 (signed: Sunderland North) it was clear it was going to be a tough job getting 40,000 people comfortably inside by 3pm. We made it to the stadium in half an hour but were turned away by the steward who, despite being shown my blue disc, suggested we try park and ride or the City Centre. So near yet so far!

Opting, tremulously, for the park and ride, I felt I was sinking into deeper water and was tempted to head for home, but the children persuaded me to try again. We found a parking space at about 3.15pm and the two young Donegans ran on ahead to stake a claim for a place in the bus queue.

By the time I arrived, using a combination of walking sticks and prayer, the bus was preparing to leave - but my team of young negotiators were busy using skilful delaying tactics with a very understanding bus driver who was persuaded to wait.

We then went on a tour of Southwick and arrived at the stadium at 3.30pm. The bus stop was a fair hike from our destination in the Southwest corner and the walk to it took us past numerous empty disabled bays (some occupied by a burger van) and many unoccupied numbered bays by the Premier Concourse - all the more galling to witness as by now I was practically crawling. Finding our seats to enjoy the last two minutes of the first half we were glad that, at least, this particular game was free.

To be fair to Sunderland AFC, this was not a carefully prepared trip - our friends found us some last-minute tickets - and, I am sure advice is available for disabled people who contact the club in advance. The purpose of my trip was to see just how much someone with a disability can do on the spur of the moment. The answer seems to be very little - there is sparse regular and public information for people with disabilities out there.

We are largely expected to find information ourselves and do our preparation thoroughly before society is ready for us.

Sorry Sunderland, you were a bit of a guinea-pig but some questions do arise. Such as, what instructions had been given to stewards regarding people with disabilities arriving at the stadium car park, and why were the disabled bays largely underused?

A second visit to Sun City took us to the National Glass Centre, a different experience but - more next month.

FACT FILE:

Address: Sunderland Stadium Of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU

Tel: 0191-5515 151

Website: www.sunderland-afc.com

NOTICE BOARD:

Boyes: In response to last month's feature on Stokesley, Miss Stubbs the general manager of the store contacted me to say that, happily, there is access available. This is already in place via a dark blue door with a brass handle to the left of the main doors. Shortly, a sign will be erected to indicate this and we are grateful for such positive action.

Orange WOW Festival: Many thanks to Carol Alevroy who filled in the gaps left by Orange's inadequate website for this particular traveller. She provided me with a mound of useful information which made planning a trip to the North Shields festival much easier.

North York Moors: Whitby D.A.G. include news of an audiotape version of the North Yorkshire Moors annual visitor guide, the Talking Moors Guide. For details call The Moors Centre, Danby, on 01439 770657

AA Mobility Assist: Recalling my scooter breakdown in Middlesbrough last Christmas, I was interested to read in Disability News (01642 827471) of this AA recovery service for such eventualities. Details on 0800 477 499.