10 Minute Takeover Notes - Nov 2024: Calvert Trust
12/11/2024 - Category: default
Mike Dicks of Visit Exmoor provided an interesting insight into the work of the Calvert Trust and the challenges that the Charity faces.
Calvert Trust Exmoor a brief history of foundation and ethos:
- 1951 Harold McMillan created the first national park in the UK.
- 1978 John Fryer Spalding born 1937 retired Lt Col Royal Green Jackets, High Sherif of Cumbria.
- founded Calvert to provide disabled people with access opportunities to our door adventure.
- 1978 CT Keswick opened.
- 1984 CT Kielder opened.
- 1996 CT Exmoor opened.
Calvert Trust Exmoor is a Renovated Victorian farmstead with grade 2 listed buildings in a 40 acre estate by Wistlandpond Reservoir on the Western edge of Exmoor North Devon. It offers a residential facility that is fully accessible, catered with facilities for up to 60 guests.
All activities on site:
- Good Standard ( AHOEC) Activity Centre, on-site instructors and catering domestic staff.
- Equestrian Centre ( BHS and RDA) including wheelchair accessible carriages.
- Accessible accommodation, kitchen and dining hall.
- Heated pool.
- Sensory and TV room.
- Climbing Wall indoor/outdoor.
- Canoe and rafting on reservoir.
- Indoor activity area, wheel chair skills/ games etc.
- Cycling track round reservoir.
- Archery.
- Also, the location provides access to many sites within Exmoor National Park.
Bed nights sold per year total 7,000+ and generate income of £1.3 million but the cost-of-living crisis generates a funding gap circa £50 pp per night, as many guest stays are subsidised via Bursaries.
The ongoing annual fund-raising need is circa £400k via donations, grants, sponsorship, legacies etc.
In 2024 closure was averted following successful Crowd Funding and a land sale raising circa £700k.
The money has been used for:
- Investment in marketing to non-disabled access for activities seminars conferences team building etc.
- New investment in solar energy
- A new roof for indoor Equestrian facility
- The installation of 10 residential PODs increasing guest capacity by 50, and aimed at schools and other groups looking for onsite residential activity events.
- The Trust will be taking part in national Christmas digital fundraising via the Big Give platform, where match funds double public donations.
For more information, please visit www.calvertexmoor.org.uk or contact Jennifer.young @ calvert-trust.org.uk
