Tag: Calvert Trust

The Calvert Trust needs all our help


We are facing an immediate and critical financial crisis.
Without raising £500,000 by August 31st 2024, we will have no choice but to close our doors forever.

DONATE NOW

For almost 30 years, our centre has been a vital source of transformative outdoor adventures for individuals with disabilities. We’ve offered life-changing experiences through accessible activities like horse riding, zip-lining, climbing and canoeing, among others. Our mission has always been to foster independence and build confidence, and we’ve proudly provided these opportunities to so many incredible people.

The situation we face

The current economic climate has presented us with severe challenges meaning we are now at crisis point:
Decline in Tourism: The South West tourism sector has been hit especially hard this year by weather issues and increased competition from overseas travel.
Inflationary Pressures: The costs of running our centre have risen sharply due to inflation. Essentials like food, fuel, maintenance, and wages have all become more expensive, putting a strain on our finances.

How your donations will help
To overcome these challenges and secure our future, we have launched a Crowdfunder campaign with a target of £500,000. This desperately needed money will be used to:
Keep Our Doors Open: 
We need cash now to enable us to stay operational over the winter months. We have a fantastic number of bookings for 2025 already, but without this money now, the centre will close and our excited guests will miss out on their opportunity to flourish through their upcoming breaks.
Keep our Horses Safe: With 14 horses in our care, one of our top priorities is ensuring that these cherished animals can stay on site and remain cared for by our dedicated and passionate equestrian team of staff, volunteers and community members.  If Calvert Exmoor closes, our horses will be considered assets and no longer remain in our care, making their future uncertain.
Explore New Opportunities: We want to invest in new bunkhouse accommodation which will enable us to tap into new markets and create an immediate sustainable future.

Note, if the target isn’t reached and the centre closes, your donation amount will be returned to you by Crowdfunder.In the past 18 months, Calvert Exmoor has made remarkable strides, thanks to the incredible support of our dedicated community of staff, volunteers and donors. We’ve successfully launched a new website, introduced exciting new activities like rafting and outdoor crate-stacking, and upgraded our facilities with cutting-edge accessibility equipment and a new community sensory room.We are delivering ambitious plans to diversify our offer and secure a sustainable future, however, we have unfortunately run out of time to reap the rewards from investments leaving us in a critical position.We now face an urgent need for emergency funding to carry us through the winter season and enable us to keep our doors open to those who rely on us.This is a community effort. Calvert Exmoor enables people from all over the UK and in the local North Devon community to access invaluable experiences. We have always believed that it’s what you CAN do that counts! We need this campaign to reach our goal and secure the future of the centre, so that our valued guests can remain a part of the Calvert Exmoor family. Every share, every connection, every piece of advice helps.Please join us in this mission. Together, we can ensure that Calvert Exmoor continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for those who need it most.To support our campaign, please donate now or get in touch ASAP with other ideas.  fundraising@calvert-trust.org.uk | 01598 763221Thank you for your support.The Calvert Exmoor TeamDONATE NOWWe are committed to delivering bookings already made for as long as we’re able to, but it would be unethical of us to take any new bookings or payments until we are confident that we will be able to deliver them.For booking enquires or questions, please contactreceptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.ukor phone 01598 763221 between 9am and 6pmwith any questions you may have.

Recent successes…let’s keep these wins going, together


New horses
New horses Harold, Indie and Saffie have settled in well with stable life and regular riding sessions with guests


New sensory room
The sensory room is now under the sea. It has been painted, refreshed and refilled with new sensory experiences


New bikes
Thanks to ongoing fundraising and donations we can continue updating the fleet of bikes


New carriage
This purpose-built carriage is wonderful! Our thanks to Pets Foundation and Bennington Carriages for making it happen.


New outdoor crate stack AND rafting 
The outdoor crate stack is finally in use! See how long you can stay on top of the ever-growing tower before it topples, leaving you floating in the air with views accross the reservoir. AND we recently put some new rafts on the water for a second water based activity – a splashing good time has been had by all so far!
The next success needs to be the biggest ever!Please do what you can to help us reach £500,000

DONATE NOW

The Fundraising Regulator LogoCharity No 1005776 Copyright (C) 2024 Calvert Exmoor. All rights reserved.

Eat Dirt on Exmoor

Exciting Bank Holiday Thrills

3rd May 2016

A group of Mountain Bike enthusiasts from across the South West and beyond took to the Exmoor hills yesterday for a new May Day bank holiday ride,  “Eat Dirt on Exmoor”, organised by Calvert Trust Exmoor.

195 cyclists took part in the ride, raising over £3,000 between them, with more sponsorship still coming in. Much of the 25 mile main route took riders through areas of Exmoor not normally open to the general public, thanks to the Hollam, New Invention and Broford Estates allowing special access for this event.

The circular route started in Dulverton following the route of the River Barle up to Tarr Steps, then up onto the moor, south east to the river Exe and then back into Dulverton for the finish line.

 Despite mixed weather the riders enjoyed the event, with many already asking when it will be repeated, like Julian from Tiverton; “I had a great time today, it was a well organised fun event. The course was really enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next one already!”

Rob Lott, head of Communications at Calvert Trust Exmoor said “What an amazing day we’ve had! We were absolutely delighted that so many riders came out to support us and enjoy some beautiful Exmoor countryside. Thanks to these riders, the support team, volunteers and marshals we will be able to support more people with disabilities to access cycling and other adventurous activities.”

As well as the fabulous volunteer marshals and helpers, Calvert Trust Exmoor would also like to thank and the brilliant local businesses whose support  enabled the event to happen; Mason Kings, Mole Valley Farmers, The Bike Shop (Taunton), Ivan’s Coffee, GT Bicycles, AMASS medical, and Altitude 58 Film Company.  A film of the event produced by Altitude 58 will be available in the next few days.

image018Tarr Steps from Above (image © Altitude 58 Film Company)

 Calvert Trust Exmoor hopes to announce the date for the next “Eat Dirt on Exmoor” in the next few weeks. In the meantime the Trust is running another cycling event on the 25th of June, the Calvert Coastal 100. This is a cycling sportive event, following the coastal roads of North Devon from Lynmouth round to Barnstaple with stunning views and 3 different routes for people with a wide variety of experience and fitness levels. You can find out more about the Coastal 100 from www.calvert-trust.org.uk/100

 

 

Web:             www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/CTExmoor

Twitter:        www.twitter.com/calvertexmoor

YouTube:     www.youtube.com/CalvertTrustExmoorUK

LinkedIn:     www.linkedin.com/company/calvert-trust-exmoor

Calvert Trust Exmoor is a double finalist in the 2014 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

Calvert Trust Exmoor Logo RGB SquareCalvert Trust Exmoor has been named as a finalist in two categories of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014, Tourism Experience of the Year and the Access for All Tourism Award.As a finalist Calvert Trust Exmoor now goes forward to the glittering Awards Ceremony which is being held on Monday 12 May 2014 at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

The VisitEngland Awards attracted 368 applications for the 2014 Awards – an increase of 15% on 2013.

Calvert Trust Exmoor will have to wait until the Awards Ceremony to find out which award they will receive. All finalists are guaranteed to receive a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said “I would like to congratulate all those nominated as finalists for this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. We receive hundreds of applications each year of an extremely high standard, so it is a tremendous achievement for Calvert Trust Exmoor to become a finalist and to represent the top five in two categories in England. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck for the Awards Ceremony in May”

The Access for All Tourism Award is being sponsored by Welcome to Excellence. “Welcome to Excellence is delighted to sponsor the Access for All Award for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence this year. May we pass on our congratulations Calvert Trust Exmoor on becoming a finalist. We wish them every success at the Awards Ceremony on 12 May 2014.

Robert Lott, Head of Communications at Calvert Trust Exmoor said “We are absolutely delighted to be finalists in two categories at the VisitEngland Excellence Awards this year, it’s a great recognition of the consistent hard work and high customer service standards of all of our team. We are looking forward to being part of the team representing the South West on the night and doing our part to represent the region and hopefully bring back gold!”

 

 

South West Tourism Excellence Awards Success for Calvert Trust Exmoor

FB-aCalvert Trust Exmoor are very pleased to have won two Gold awards and Winner of Winners at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2013-14, which took place in Plymouth on 30 January 2014.

Calvert Trust Exmoor runs the only 5 star activity centre in the country, and caters for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities of all ages and levels of ability, together with their families, friends & carers. Activities on offer include sailing, horse riding, wheelchair abseiling, accessible cycling and archery. Over 3,700 guests had a residential break with Calvert Trust Exmoor last year.

0094

The two Gold awards were in the “Access for All” and “Tourism Sport and Experience of the Year” categories.

Tony Potter, Chief Executive of Calvert Trust Exmoor; “This is fantastic news that rewards all the hard work that the Calvert Trust Exmoor team consistently put in;  we are so pleased to be recognised for delivering an excellent experience for anyone and everyone,  of any ability or age. Going on to win the Winner of Winners award was the icing on the cake; I was delighted to be able to accept these awards on behalf of our whole team. ”

Regarding the Winner of Winners award The Judges said:0096

“There are no criteria for this award. At the end of the judging panel meeting its members are asked to identify any entrant which, in their view, has shone out as an exemplar in its field. On this occasion the debate was short. This year’s Winner of Winners was visited independently by two mystery visitors. Both of them came away declared themselves “inspired” by a business that is doing things that others regard as impossible, or simply hadn’t thought of.  It is a genuine exemplar to all tourism businesses on how to widen their audience, be accessible, and deliver excellence.”

With Gold in both the Devon and South West Awards this year Calvert Trust Exmoor are now looking forward to the prospect of represent the region in the National Visit England Awards for Excellence 2014 in May.


Calvert Trust Exmoor is the South West’s premier holiday destination for people with disabilities, and the only 5 star accredited activity accommodation in the country. We welcome over 3,500 residential guests and 5000 day visitors a year with the philosophy of “At Calvert Trust Exmoor it’s what you CAN do that counts”. This sums up our approach to what we do, we help people of all levels of ability to fulfill their potential and be all that they can be.

CalvertTrust Exmoor is the third Calvert Trust Centre. It was opened in 1996 to offer people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities – and their friends and families – the chance to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure.

www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

www.facebook.com/CTExmoor

www.twitter.com/calvertexmoor

www.youtube.com/CalvertTrustExmoorUK

 

The Calvert Trust helps armed forces families

Calvert Trust Exmoor Logo RGB Square

The Calvert Trust’s three  centres in Exmoor, the Lake District and Kielder are gearing up to help armed forces families from across the UK, following George Osborne’s  announcement yesterday that they are one of the twenty four  projects to receive funding from the third tranche of the MOD’s Armed Forces Covenant (LIBOR) Fund.

Over the next two years the three Calvert Trust centres will assist 240 serving, reserve and veteran armed forces families with a disabled service person, partner or a child in the family.

Tony Potter, CEO of Calvert Trust Exmoor and LIBOR project leader for The Calvert Trust; “we feel privileged that our project ‘Uniting Service families with disabilities’ has been selected by the MOD.  The Calvert Trust already has a proven track record cooperating with many Armed Forces Charities; we are relishing the opportunity to help and support as many families as we can through our programme of adventurous activity breaks at our 3 Centres’.

One of the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant is to overcome disadvantage faced by members of the armed forces, especially those injured in service.  The Calvert Trust has over 40 years’ experience in helping members of the disabled community to overcome obstacles and discover “it’s what you can do that counts”.

If you are a serving, reserve or veteran armed forces family and want to find out more about accessing this support please contact one of the three centres.

Exmoor; 01598 763221, Kielder; 01434 250232 or Lake District: 01768 772255.

The Chancellor’s announcement can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/libor-fines-fund-a-further-twenty-four-armed-forces-charities-and-good-causes

The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the state and the armed forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

The Armed Forces Covenant (LIBOR) fund is £35 million of funding, taken from fines levied on banks for attempting to manipulate the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The Government allocated this money to the Covenant Reference Group to support the Armed Forces Covenant. The remaining funds will be allocated over the next two years.

The intention of the Libor Fund is to support the two key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are that the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services, and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

The Calvert Trust comprises three independent, not-for-profit, charities that each share the same Vision and Mission (which can be found on their website here:  http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/about-us/vision). The three centres are Calvert Trust Kielder, Lake District Calvert Trust and Calvert Trust Exmoor.
The Calvert Trust has 40 years’ experience in providing adventurous breaks to the disabled community. We pioneered access to challenging outdoor activities and our staff advise local authorities and sports governing bodies on access issues. Since 1974 we have helped over 200,000 people with disabilities to become more active and adventurous.

 

 

For more information about The Calvert Trust please contact Rob Lott, Head of Communications on rob@calvert-trust.org.uk or 01598 763221 

 

Web:             www.calvert-trust.org.uk/

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/CTExmoor, www.facebook.com/calverttrustkielder, www.facebook.com/pages/Calvert-Trust-Lakes/249894035066697

Twitter:        @CalvertExmoor, @Calvert_Kielder, @CalvertLakes

YouTube:     www.youtube.com/CalvertTrustExmoorUK

People’s Millions – Calvert Trust Exmoor need your help!

People’s Millions – We need your help!

On the 25th of November 2013 Calvert Trust Exmoor will be competing in The Big Lottery People’s Millions, with a short film about us being aired during the ITV evening news. Throughout the day we will be going head to head against another project in a public phone vote to win £50,000. Voting opens at 9am, closing at midnight and the winner takes all.

Calvert Trust Exmoor will use the money to do two things; firstly to provide bursary funds to assist families with a disabled child to take a break with us, and secondly to improve our water sports facilities to be even more accessible.

We won’t know the number people need to phone to vote for us until the morning of the 25th of November; although the film is not aired until early evening, voting opens at 9am and closes at midnight. We need as many people as possible to vote for us, as many times as possible, from as many phones as possible. (There may be as many as 10 votes allowed from any one phone number).

How you can help

Tell your friends & family all about it, get them ready to vote on the 25th of November, tell them you will let them have the voting number on the day. Why not download our poster and put it up on the notice board where you work, in your local shops, pub and school?

If you have an email address; please email exmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk to make sure you are on our list. We will send you an email on the 25th of November with the voting line number that you can send on to friends and ask them to vote too.

If you are on Facebook; please like the CTE facebook page (www.facebook.com/ctexmoor) and start sharing our posts about the Peoples Millions.

If you are on Twitter; Please follow the CTE twitter feed (@calvertExmoor) and start re-tweeting our tweets about Peoples Millions.

If you have a mobile phone; Please let us have your number; text 07790 591058 or phone 01598 763221. We will send you a text message on the 25th that you can send on to people you know. (There is no text voting, but you can text people the number and ask them to phone and vote).

Pledge your support: Pledge your support of our project on the peoples millions website, which will encourage others to support us too.

If you can volunteer your time on the 25th of November;

Please email josh@calvert-trust.org.uk telling us how and where you can help on the day. We are going to need as many people as possible in all sorts of locations across the South West to hand out leaflets asking people to vote for us.

The People’s Millions is a grants programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Winners will be decided by public vote.

Calvert Trust Exmoor Logo RGB Square

Letter from Exmoor: Life without Limits

wheelchair abseil (mar 2013)

Calvert Trust Exmoor have been accredited as FIVE STAR Quality by Quality in Tourism (The Assessment Service for VisitEngland) , becoming the only five star accredited activity accommodation in the Country.

Calvert Trust Exmoor Logo RGB SquareCalvert Trust Exmoor runs an accessible 60 bed residential activity centre, catering for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities of all ages and levels of ability, together with their families & friends. Activities on offer include canoeing, carriage driving, wheelchair abseiling, accessible cycling and archery. Over 3,500 guests took a break with Calvert Trust Exmoor last year.

Becky Endacott, Contract Services Coordinator at Quality in Tourism, confirmed yesterday that Calvert Trust Exmoor are the only organisation in England to have reached the five star standard for activity accommodation.

Tony Potter, Chief Executive of Calvert Trust Exmoor; “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised in this way, it’s a great reflection on the hard work of our fantastic team, working together to achieve high standards of customer care. As a specialist accessibility centre its fantastic that we compare favourably with mainstream providers and are the only five star accredited activity accommodation in England”.

Quality in Tourism also assessed the centre against the National Accessible Scheme, and accredited CTE as being suitable for a range of disabilities including older and less mobile guests, Part-time wheelchair users, Assisted wheelchair users, Independent wheelchair users, Visually impaired guests and Hearing impaired guests.

For more information about Calvert Trust Exmoor please contact Rob Lott, Head of Communications on marketingexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk or 01598 763221 

Calvert Trust Exmoor is the South West’s premier outdoor activity destination for people with disabilities, welcoming over 3,500 guests a year, with the philosophy of “At Calvert Trust Exmoor its what you CAN do that counts”, which sums up our approach to what we do, we help people of all levels of ability to fulfil their potential and be all that they can be.

 

CalvertTrust Exmoor is the third Calvert Trust Centre, opened in 1996 to offer people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities, and their friends and families, the chance to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure.

 

VISITOR QUOTES

Audry Hopkins, Heritage House School: “We’re so grateful for all of your help, support and guidance – its been awesome! All praises to a wonderful organisation that actually looks for the positive achievements of all people with physical and learning disabilities. In my twenty years of teaching both mainstream and special educational needs young people, this has easily been the best, most positive experience I have had the fortune to be part of. You deserve award after award.”

 

Martyn & Pauline Clark: “My wife suffers from MS and my grandson has ADHD & ODD, but despite their worries they took part in all the activities and did me proud.  Can we just express our gratitude and thanks for the high standard of accommodation, catering and service that we received, everyone was exceptionally friendly and helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend your establishment to anyone, and the children were asking when they could come back as we were leaving!”

 

Pete Houghton, RNIB: “Can I say a big thank you to everyone at Calvert Trust Exmoor. It was a truly an inspiring weekend. The care shown by your staff to the visually impaired children was unbelievable and they even had time to help a 50 year old softy like me with a fear of heights.”

 

Web:             www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

Blog:              http://pilgrims-progress-exmoor.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/CTExmoor

Twitter:        www.twitter.com/calvertexmoor

YouTube:     www.youtube.com/CalvertTrustExmoorUK

 

Images from the Calvert Trust Exmoor image bank are available for press use, please contact Rob Lott on marketingexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk or 01598 763221 with your requirements.