This national award is the culmination of a run of awards for Calvert Trust Exmoor in the last few months, starting with winning Bronze in the Visit Devon Awards in November 2012, then Silver in the South West Tourism Awards in February this year, followed a few days later by being accredited as the only 5 star activity accommodation in the country.

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 to deliver an excellent experience for our guests. It’s been a privilege to represent the South West at these prestigious awards!”

Commenting on the finalists James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said  “It is a great achievement to win a Highly Commended Award in a field of very high quality applications. The Award places Calvert Trust Exmoor in the top five businesses for excellence in 'Access for All' in England.  I hope this success will encourage them to go for Gold in 2014.  I warmly congratulate them".

John Pelton, Director of CH2M HILL UK, Headline Sponsor of the VisitEngland Awards 2013 said: "CH2M HILL is delighted to be working with VisitEngland – and we’re especially proud to be this year’s headline sponsor for the VisitEngland Excellence Awards. In England we can be proud of our diverse and successful tourism industry and at CH2M HILL we understand the passion that goes into any business; we know it takes dedication and an unwavering commitment to make it a success. Our warmest congratulations to Calvert Trust Exmoor”.

Pictured left to right: Penelope Viscountess Cobham (Chair, Visit England), Dr Tom Bigge (Trustee, Calvert Trust Exmoor), Tony Potter (CEO), Helen Vicente (Business Manager) & Jon Cawley (Activity Manager).

Leading chipboard manufacturer, EGGER UK, has donated funds to help build a specially designed and equipped chalet at Calvert Trust Kielder.

The luxury holiday accommodation in Northumberland will provide a getaway for families with a disabled adult or child.

The first phase will see five chalets constructed and ultimately 15 will be built, which will see a total of 25 chalets at Kielder.

Hazel Ditchburn, Corporate & Events Fundraiser, Calvert Trust Kielder said:

“We are truly grateful to the employees at EGGER UK.  This is an ambitious project and the on-going support we receive enables us to make these improvements to benefit the work we do.  Through the generosity of local businesses such as EGGER we can continue to provide our often life changing service.”

Through its charity committee monies raised by Hexham employees, the annual donation gifted by the EGGER family and the company HQ in Austria are used to benefit local charities.

To maximise its Calvert Trust Kielder donation, EGGER took advantage of the Big Give matched funding programme. 

Karen Hunter, EGGER Charity Committee Secretary explains:

“Each year the Big Give release a Charity Champions Fund over three days, matching donations made online until the fund is exhausted for that day. You have to be quick and after two nail-biting failed attempts, we were lucky enough on the third and final day to receive some funding.

After seeing the plans and the construction of the first chalet it is great to see how our contribution will help benefit the families that come to Kielder.”

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We have 10 horses in our stables and it is one of our most popular activities. As a volunteer in the stables you would have an opportunity to get involved in a number of ways, depending on the group we have in and your interests & abilities. Things you might get involved with include:

Leading a horse with a rider – some riders may need assistance with controlling the horse, as well as mounting and dismounting. You may also be need to helping the rider complete the task being asked of them, or to help them understand the instructions given to them.

Side walking an instructor – Provide physical and psychological support to the riders. You may also need to help balance riders whilst they are in the saddle.

Assisting with carriage driving – This involves holding the horse still whilst the riders climb into the carriage or assisting with loading wheelchairs into the carriage and securing them.

Stable upkeep – the upkeep and cleaning of the stables including grooming the horses, mucking out etc.

We are looking for Stables volunteers for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (10am - 1pm or 2pm - 5pm), and also at weekends once a month, to help with our Horse Experience Weekends.

If you would like to get involved in the stables or to find out more information about our other volunteering opportunities then please contact Josh on volunteerexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk or 01598 763221. More information on volunteering is also provided on our volunteering page.

Pictured are Tony Potter (CEO Calvert Trust Exmoor, left) receiving a cheque for the donation from Brian Martin( Worshipful Master of Benevolence Lodge of Mark Master Masons, right) at the Charity Dinner.

The Freemasons also generously donated an additional £200 to fund two stable skylights, as part of our 'Noble Ninety-Six' Appeal.

Jon Cawley, Activities Manager, accepting delivery.

 reading the instructions...

Easy access with the fold down ramp

Jon, Ollie & Tony Potter (CEO) of on the inaugural run... 

..on the way down to the reservoir!

In the next few days we will be running a competition on our facebook page to name her - don't forget to cast your vote!

We will be at the Mountain Festival throughout the weekend from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th May.  You can meet Karen on Saturday 18th May at 2.30pm in the Festival Village in Crow Park.  Please come along to support us and hear more about the work we do to challenge disability through outdoor adventure at our outdoor centre near Keswick.

Lynn Healey, Business Manager said

“We are thrilled that Karen will be coming to visit us at the festival.  Karen who is well aware of our work visited the centre several years ago with Pinderfields Spinal Unit not long after her spinal injury. Karen is s real inspiration to all and an amazing athlete, don’t miss this opportunity to meet her and talk to her first hand.”

Karen sums up her philosophy,

“Someone once said to me, ‘Disability is a state of mind, not a state of body.’ That’s a notion that relates to us all, regardless of whether we have a physical disability or not. Our own mind is our biggest obstacle to living and achieving our wildest aspirations. What is life if it isn’t an adventure?”

Karen Darke was paralysed from the chest down in a climbing accident at the age of 21. She is a 2012 Paralympic silver medallist, and member of British Cycling GB squad, who has an adventurous spirit and, amongst other achievements, she has cycled the length of Japan by hand bike, skied across Greenland, climbed El Capitan and been crowned the 2009 World Para-Triathlon Champion. In 2013 Karen is already planning Para Triathlon and Iron Man races, as well as an attempt to reach the South Pole. Karen will be speaking at the Theatre by the Lake on Friday at 7.30pm with her talk “Paralympics & Possibility”.

We are really looking forward to meeting Karen and we hope you will join us in welcoming her to Keswick.

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Matt gave himself a target of raising £500, and has completely smashed it with £750 collected so far and donations still coming in! If you would like to sponsor Matt you still can through his JustGiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Matt1977.

Everyone at Calvert Trust Exmoor would like to say a massive THANK YOU! to Matt for his brilliant fundraising efforts, the money raised will make a huge difference to our visitors. 

If you would like to do something similar (or even slightly less adventurous!) in aid of Calvert Trust Exmoor we would really appreciate your help, please get in touch with Josh, our fundraiser, on fundraisingexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk or phone him on 01598 763221.

Long standing guests of Calvert Trust Exmoor will remember that we previously had a vehicle, fondly nicknamed "the pope-mobile" that we used to assist guests with mobility issues to get up and down from the reservoir.

Our new E-Z-GO Cushman 6 seater wheelchair vehicle will be a much more modern version of the same idea, complete with wheelchair access ramp. We can't wait for it to arrive and start transporting our guests around. We are hopeing for delivery by next Friday (17th May), so if you are visiting us after then look out for the new arrival!

Calvert Trust Kielder, respite care guest, Doug Paulley has created an amazing weather forecast for Kielder Water & Forest Park, he tells us how and why: 

"Over the past 11 years I've been visiting Calvert Trust Kielder for respite care breaks and the weather has affected all sorts.  I've had sunburn through to zip wiring in a blizzard; bitten to near-death by the midges; stayed through a two day power cut caused by a windstorm.  I've seen the reservoir as still as a mill-pond, sailed in exciting winds and got through more sets of wet clothes in downpours than I can shake a stick at.

Kielder is an interesting area to forecast; with its remote location and man-made landscape it presents unique challenges for weather forecasting.

I am a tech-head and as far as I know, I am the only person who has achieved mobile phone reception at the centre, having built a Heath Robinson portable mobile phone aerial. I have a degree in earth sciences and IT which I completed at the Open University whilst living in a care home.  I am now studying meteorology which has inspired me to create a weather forecasting system for Kielder Water & Forest Park.

I take data from aviation weather stations, weather buoys, balloon soundings and outputs from the Global Forecast System.This feeds into an interactive local atmospheric modelling system, which has been tailored for Kielder. The result is a detailed forecast lasting around 5-6 days.Pride inevitably comes before a fall, and I have no doubt whatsoever that my forecast will prove to be incorrect a lot of the time.  However, I hope that I can provide forecasts that may prove to be more accurate than some.

I've created this forecast for three reasons; firstly I hope it can provide a useful resource to organisations and people around Kielder.  Secondly I want to pay something back for the phenomenal times and the wonderful respite from my everyday life that I have experienced at Calvert Trust Kielder. And finally, it is an interesting project I really enjoy working on.

I currently live in a residential care home for disabled people.  Visiting Calvert Trust Kielder has changed my life massively for the better.  The positive, ‘can do’ atmosphere of the centre and its staff and volunteers, has been a revelation to me.  It's been exciting but reassuring, ground breaking but comfortable - an interesting dichotomy but a fabulous place that will remain forever in my head and in my heart."

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Rotary District 1070  very kindly donated the funds for the shelter to be built and it proved very useful during their visit, as guess what the heavens opened just as their activity started!  We would like to say a big thank you to them for their support and we are sure many future vistors will be pleased to take advantage of the shelter during their activity session.

Lynn Healey, Business Manager at the Lake District Calvert Trust said "We are very grateful to Rotary District 1070 for their support, they visit us every year from Northamptonshire and its fantastic that they help us with projects like this."

Calvert Trust Kielder is thrilled to announce that TLW Solicitors will be Gold Sponsors for The Calvert Ball 2013.

TLW Solicitors are compensation specialists dealing with all types of personal injury and clinical negligence claims.  They are a firm of forward thinking, dynamic solicitors founded in 2000 who have enjoyed a recent period of significant growth.  They now operate from their purpose built offices in North Shields but they represent clients from all over the country, not just the North East.  They are able offer assistance and support to all accident victims, from those involved in the most straightforward of accidents to those involved in complex legal disputes.

Peter McKenna, Partner, TLW Solicitors said:

“Following on from the success of last year’s Ball, TLW are again delighted to be associated with The Calvert Ball. The work that Calvert Trust Kielder does is absolutely inspiring and we are more than happy to aid their work in any way we can.”

Since its debut in 2009, supporters, sponsors and guests of The Calvert Ball have raised over £120,000 and helped more than 20,000 people with disabilities and their families, to benefit from an adventure holiday at our centre in the stunning Kielder Water & Forest Park.

In 2012 guests entered an enchanted land, when Kielder Forest was re-created in the Gateshead suite at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. In 2013 Calvert Trust Kielder want to entice you onto Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in Europe.

The ball has enjoyed year on year growth and the committee are hoping to exceed last year’s fundraising total of £35,000.

Other sponsors include Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Perro Design & Communication and Robson Print.

Peter Cockerill, CEO, Calvert Trust Kielder said:

“We would like to say a special thank you to Peter and his team at TLW Solicitors.  We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors for their support which helps us to truly change lives. Without the dedication and support of these local businesses and friends, we would not be able to host The Calvert Ball, which raises substantial funds for the Trust.” 

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The event includes a variety of stalls selling crafts and local produce, Tours of the Calvert Trust Exmoor centre including the wonderful courtyard gardens,  Cream Teas and activity sessions including archery, climbing and zip wire.

Garden are open and activities running between: 2 pm - 4 pm
Cream teas available: 2 pm - 5.30 pm

Parking is available on site.

the event is FREE ENTRY - but donations to the centre will be gratefully received.

The app works alongside our website and brings together lots of interesting content about Calvert Trust Exmoor from all sorts of places such as our twitter feed, facebook and blogging sites, as well as providing functions such as easy ways to contact us, and a map to get to us.

Versions of the app are available via Google Play for android users, and via App Store for IPhone and IPad users. To get the app just search on Google Play or App Store for "Calvert Trust Exmoor", or click on the buttons below, or scan the QR code below and the site will take you to download the correct version for your phone or tablet.

Scan this QR Code to get the App:

The Lake District Calvert Trust are thrilled to announce that Claire will be also giving a talk when she is a guest speaker at their inaugural Calvert Trust Ball on Friday 27th September at Rheged, Penrith. This will be an exciting event and will give people the opportunity to listen to Claire's remarkable experiences first-hand.

Louise Miles (Fundraiser at the Trust) said, " We are really looking forward to hearing all about Claire's amazing challenges at the Ball in September and everyone here at The Lake District Calvert Trust would like to wish Claire all the best in her bike ride challenge. Go Claire, you can do it!".

Claire Lomas, an extremely talented event rider, who has produced horses and competed at 4* level, had a freak accident while competing at Osberton Horse Trials in May 2007.
She collided with a tree which resulted in fractures to her neck, back and ribs. She suffered a punctured lung, pneumonia, had to have a tracheotomy to help her breathe and was in intensive care for 10 days.
The fracture in her back caused damage to Claire's spinal cord resulting in her being transferred to the Northern General Hospital's Spinal Injuries Unit. Claire left Sheffield after 8 weeks - the shortest time anyone has ever spent in that hospital with her type of injury. Claire is still paralysed but determined to get better.
Claire has since set herself some incredible challenges to raise money for spinal research and she is not going to give up the fight to walk again, her biggest challenge!

For your opportunity to hear Claire speak at The Lake District Calvert Trust Ball send an e-mail to Louise Miles louisem@lakedistrict.calvert-trust.org.uk or tel 017687 72255 for more details of the event.

To read more about Claire's bike adventure click here 

To see todays BBC report on the start of Claire's bike challenge click here

Berwick based support group Bear Ahead enjoyed a much needed break at Calvert Trust Kielder. The group, who provide support and friendship to people who have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, along with their families and carers, had a “smashing time”  trying out some of the Trust’s high adrenaline outdoor activities.

“Even though many of us were scared of heights, when we worked together as a group, we were able to complete the high ropes course.  Supporting each other made us realise that we could do it."

During their week at the centre, they tried out archery, laser clay shooting, climbing on the indoor wall and flying through the air on the zip wire. 

The group used their time away to build on their core values of friendship and support for one another, but also to help give their carers, who are family members, a break from their caring role.

Bear Ahead heard about Calvert Trust Kielder through their supporter Northumberland Head Injury Service, who were able to make this trip a reality from funding they received from Berwick Borough Housing Community Care Fund.

Bear Ahead is a voluntary organisation who receive no regular funding from outside agencies. They hope that with support from the Community Care Fund they can build their service to help more people in the future.

Bear Ahead is a very friendly group who share their knowledge and coping strategies for living with a Traumatic Head Injury. If you would like to know more about the group and the support they could offer you they are having an open day on Thursday 16 May 10.30am – 2.30pm. Check out the Bear Ahead website or Facebook page for more information.

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Deafgard is a bedside unit that incorporates a high intensity strobe and a  vibrator pad that when placed under the pillow vibrates to wake up a sleeper when the the fire alarm sounds. The flashing strobe and LCD also  provide visual indication that the fire alarm is going off, allowing our hard of hearing guest to exit safely.

These new units are part of our ongoing programme to continually improve and increase our facilities for guests with all types of disabilities. Calvert Trust Exmoor is accredited by the National Accessiblity Scheme as being suitable for guests with a wide range of disabilities, including hearing impaired guests.

Splash Swim School and Bumbles Music Group are both run by Louise Benjafield, a long term supporter of Calvert Trust Exmoor who has raised money for us on several occasions. Splash Swim School also runs regular swimming classes in our swiming pool on Mondays and Saturdays.

 Our Swimming Pool

The money rasied will be put into our bursary funds, and used to enable guests who require financial assistance to be able to have a holiday at Calvert Trust Exmoor.

Congratulations to Lynda Nixon from Bumbles Music Group for winning the raffle, and earning herself a big box of Dairy Milk chocolates!

If you would like to find out more about Splash Swim School or Bumbles Music Group please go to their web pages by clicking on the logos below:

Held at the Beggar’s Roost, Barbrook, Lynton (EX35 6LD) on the 22nd of June 2013, the event will feature an exciting line up of bands, as well as stalls, fair rides, and great food.

CalvertStock 2013 will be the second one day festival in aid of Calvert Trust Exmoor, following the success of the first ever CalvertStock in August 2012, also held at the Beggar’s Roost.

Calvert Trust Exmoor would like to thank everyone who has already supported us to make this great event happen especially the fantastic musicians, Lathwell Associates for their support designing the posters & leaflets, and First Steps Management for pulling everything together and making the event happen.

We look forward to seeing you all there for a great day out!

To find out more about CalvertStock 2013 go to our  CalvertStock page or contact us on 01598 763221. You can also download a PDF of the great poster design, we would really appreciate your help displaying the poster for us, or why not bring one with you on the 22nd of June and get the bands to sign it?

You can keep up to date with the latest information about the event by joining the event on our facebook page. 

Already confirmed in the line up are:

Quitesnake (Whitesnake Tribute)

www.myspace.com/quitesnake

Hangfire

www.hangfire-rocks.co.uk/

This Devastated Fan 

www.tdfhq.co.uk/

Falling Apart 

www.falling-apart.co.uk/

Dave Sharp (Ex The Alarm)

www.davesharp.org/

Digital Natives

www.myspace.com/digitalnativesmu

Ataraxis Vibration

ataraxisvibration.co.uk/

Chris Millington

www.myspace.com/chrismillington

Despite Water

www.reverbnation.com/despitewater 

Alistair Brewis, (Chairman of Friends of the Lake District Calvert Trust) said,

" The Cranstons shoppers were really generous and we are very grateful to Cranstons for their continued support to the Calvert Trust. I would like to say a huge thank you to Cranstons and their staff, their shoppers and also to the volunteers that helped with the collection. Everyone's contributions were very much appreciated."

If you would like to volunteer to help us with events like this please contact Louise Miles (Fundraising Officer) for more information about volunteering or becoming a Friend of the Lake District Calvert Trust:

tel: 017687 72255

e-mail: louisem@lakedistrict.calvert-turst.org.uk

Our family visitors enjoyed a rather delicious Easter Surprise last weekend.  As well as enjoying a host of activities including an Easter Egg Trail they got to tuck into an Easter Egg each thanks to Square Halo who kindly gave the Easter Bunny a helping hand this year. 

Square Halo are a web design company from Essex who were keen for our visting families to have an Easter treat during their stay at the centre and the chocolate surprise was very much appreciated.  Emma Cribbins who stayed with her familiy said "Thank you my little girl loved hers  - we bought ours home to eat when she's not around!"

We would like to say a big thank you to Square Halo on behalf of all our guests, it was a real highlight of the weekend for them and they thoroughly enjoyed searching for the eggs during the Easter Egg Hunt.