Why Write a Book

We have altered our attitudes to this book over the period of writing it.  At first we 
wanted, rightly or wrongly, to show other disabled people what could be achieved, given 
the correct set of circumstances.  Then we thought that perhaps those in authority might 
be inspired to provide the necessary conditions for independence for other disabled.  
Certainly in our case. It was having one such person who was willing to put her trust in 
our limited abilities which made all the difference.  Lastly, as we progressed through this 
book, it became clear that we simply wanted to record our sincere thanks to the many 
people who, whatever their background, have come together in our support.  The 
kindness, loyalty and cooperation of a team is indeed the very basis of our present life, 
and that surely says something about dependence, independence and community.




Forward

Many changes and new developments affecting the lives of people with handicaps were 
taking place in Norwich in the late 1960s.  When Jack and Margaret Wymer moved into 
their new flat in 1969 they seemed to symbolise locally the culmination of a period of 
changing attitudes and new opportunities.  Even so, many caring, involved and 
knowledgeable  people found it difficult to believe that they would be able to achieve the 
degree of independence they were aiming for and have now accomplished.

Knowing what to regard as 'normal' is always difficult, but for most of us the ability to 
exercise control over as much of our own lives as possible, especially our private life, is 
an essential ingredient of our normality.  To be able to exercise choice is vital for life if 
we are to develop our own potential, but making choices means taking risks.  It means 
risking failure.  Society too often wishes, unrealistically, to impose risk-free environments 
on people with physical, mental or social handicaps, restricting their lives and limiting 
their potential development.  People in society have difficulty in coping with their feelings 
whenever risk taking results in hurt or tragedy.  But society would be much healthier, in 
my view, if we could all accept more openly and readily that risk and the independence 
essential for human dignity are inter-related.

In writing this book and allowing us to share in their experiences, Jack and Margaret 
Wymer give us all the chance to see that risk, choice and independence are essential 
elements in the growth of their relationship and their life together.  Apart from the 
significance of this to themselves they have taught the able-bodied something about 
living.  Their greatest achievement, however, is in demonstrating that the apparently 
impossible can be done, thereby making it harder for society to deny the same 
opportunity for independence to other people with handicaps.

I regard myself as especially privileged to have know Elizabeth Barnes, the social worker 
to whom this book is dedicated,  She was a woman of remarkable maturity and wisdom.  
I know that Margaret and Jack Wymer agree with that their personal achievements in the 
last ten years are a tribute also to the special combination of faith and realism of 
Elizabeth Barnes, who risked, in backing the venture initially, the harsh criticism that can 
be metered out to professionals if failure results in accident or injury.  If, as a result of 
taking this risk, other people with handicaps are enabled to achieve greater 
independence, she would have felt well rewarded.

GEORGE MEREDITH
Director of Social Services
Norfolk County Council