With a very successful and enjoyable summer season 2015 drawing to a close, the JDF team are very pleased to announce that our plans to extend the facilities at Braddan Bridge now appear to be a realistic ‘goal’ and we are keen to have the new complex operation for summer 2016.

The holiday apartments have been open for 5 years and continue to provide first class holiday accommodation at ‘Budget airline prices for people of all ages and with a wide range of special requirements.

With summer occupancy levels increasing by 20% to 80 %( virtually 100% in June, July & August), guests continue to advise the team that our facilities are simply the best in the British Isles which is something we are extremely proud off.

Kevin Quirk of JDF said:

Architect Dave Luton and well known sidecar sponsor Andy Faragher of A&J Building have been extremely busy with drawing plans which will result in the complex comprising of 5 two bed-roomed apartments which will increase capacity by 8 to 20.

One of JDF's biggest supporters is DLP who are based in Snugborough. DLP specialise in the design, development and manufacture of products for the assisted living sector, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Its products enable people with mobility issues to live independently in their own homes. DLP donated the kitchens and bathroom/shower room equipment in 2010 and have confirmed that further support will be available for the new apartments.

Tim Baker Senior Executive Director of DLP said:

"The JDF house is an excellent facility which makes a real difference to those who use it and we are proud to be one its supporters. The kitchens and bathrooms that we supplied in 2010 are now being refreshed and we have also agreed to supply our latest products for the 2 new kitchens and the 3 new bathrooms. The products we develop here at Snugborough are sold under the AKW brand both across the UK and internationally and there are several on-Island outlets with our displays. To find out more simply find us on Facebook /dlplimited or visit our website http://www.dlplimited.com”

John Watterson, chairman of JDF said:

‘Together with a very few helpers and volunteers, I have been involved in JDF right from the outset and it remains an honour to operate and be associated with the charity in memory of ‘Yer Maun.’ Over the years since it started, under the inspiration of Barbara Wood and ably organised on a daily basis by Kevin Quirk. In addition to these two, there have been many others who over the years have been associated with JDF all holding the same determination to ensure that the Foundation prospers in its charitable objects of providing the facilities at Braddan Bridge House as purpose built accommodation for those with disability and requiring special assistance to both individuals and families.

‘As we move to the next stage of the evolution of Braddan Bridge House and JDF, on its behalf I have to record the Foundation’s heartfelt thanks to all those who assist and work with JDF. As a group we are determined that the Foundation continues to provide accommodation with joy and happiness for all those who use the facilities as well as all those who so generously support our fund raising campaigns and activities every year be a market leader in the provision of specialist holiday accommodation. To all our supporters and helpers in whatever form and no matter the amount we are deeply indebted to all of them for their continued help and your financial support, without them, JDF and BBH would never have been able to prosper and expand.’

If you would like to assist with fund raising, organise a fund raising event or make a reservation then please send an e mail to kevinquirk@hotmail.com or give Kevin a call on 01624 677741.

The Joey Dunlop Foundation has thanked the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its continued support in 2015 as the charity prepares for a busy winter.

As in previous years, the Steam Packet Company once again assisted Foundation members with travel costs to attend fundraising events in the UK and Northern Ireland.

In addition, Steam Packet Holidays again promoted travel packages including return ferry transport and accommodation at Braddan Bridge House, which has specially-adapted apartments for disabled visitors to the Island. The promotion ensured increased awareness of the adapted apartments among potential visitors and made planning a trip easier by combining travel and accommodation in one simple booking.

Kevin Quirk, of the Joey Dunlop Foundation, said:

‘Since our inception, fundraising has been ongoing both on and off the Isle of Man. We have received significant support from Isle of Man Steam Packet Company during this time, which has allowed the JDF to have a presence at the North West 200, Ulster GP and various motorcycle shows in England.

‘With the majority of our guests travelling to the Island in a car, we have appreciated the support and assistance of Brian Convery and his team at Steam Packet Holidays.’

The apartments opened five years ago, the culmination of fundraising efforts in memory of road racing legend and 26-times TT winner Joey Dunlop. Situated alongside the TT course at Braddan Bridge, the apartments provide holiday accommodation for people of all ages and with a wide range of special requirements.

Summer occupancy levels this year were up 20% to 80%, with Braddan Bridge House almost full in June, July and August. The JDF has announced plans to extend the facilities with additional apartments ready for summer 2016.



Kevin said:

‘When the idea of building our apartments were first discussed in 2004, we believed that they would be popular. However demand has far exceeded our wildest expectations. Our facilities are a jewel in the crown for Manx tourism and we are determined to ensure that the additional apartments will be designed and equipped to the highest of standards, while remaining at an affordable price.’

JDF Chairman John Watterson added:

‘As we move to the next stage of the evolution of Braddan Bridge House and JDF, I have to record the Foundation’s heartfelt thanks to all those who, like the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, assist and work with JDF. We are determined that the Foundation will continue to provide accommodation with joy and happiness for all those who use the facilities, and honour the generous support our fundraising campaigns and activities receive by continuing to be a market leader in the provision of specialist holiday accommodation.’

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said:

‘The JDF has done great work over the years to provide a much-needed facility. A key part of our role in Island life is to help support the continued growth of tourism, and Braddan Bridge House contributes to that growth by making the Isle of Man a viable holiday option for people with special requirements.

‘We’re proud to have supported the JDF’s fundraising activities, and pleased to be able to promote the opportunities offered to visitors by Braddan Bridge House through Steam Packet Holidays.’

To find out more about packages from Steam Packet Holidays call 01624 645777.