Calvert 2026

In 2026 the Calvert Trust is celebrating 50 years of “Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure” and in April Mark Winfield was again responsible for arranging a five-day experience for 20 SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) guests from across Rotary in the East Midlands.

The candidates were sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Bedford Castle, Bradgate, Danetre Daventry, Grantham, Grantham Kesteven, Grantham Sunrise, Kettering, Kimbolton, Leicester, Melton Aurora, Melton Belvoir, Northampton Becket, Northampton West, Ramsey, Rushden, Sleaford, Spalding,

Aided by seven other District Rotary volunteers, they befriended and looked after guests who were split into three non-competitive teams, and took part in archery, canoeing/kayaking, cycling, orienteering, rock and rope course, zip-wire and hill-walking.

As always, the real leaders were the highly professional and patient instructors employed by The Calvert Trust.

All of the participants — Rotarians included — agreed that the last day walk to the top of Ullock Pike, between Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw, one of the highest peaks in Cumbria was the most challenging exercise.

While walking through Whinlatter Forest, Emily (instructor) pointed out Latrigg which they had walked up on a previous day. Willow (participant) was marvelling at it and Janet (Rotarian) said if I told you we were going up there would you go and Willow said no ! But she had already climbed it - Just shows what they can achieve. 

Over yet another delicious and nourishing evening meal all agreed that the event had been exhilarating and exhausting. But that did not stop the candidates — the oldest of whom was 45 and the youngest 18 — from enjoying the disco.

The following morning, over breakfast, they were each given their own personalized photo album showing them taking part in the activities.

Calvert Trust staff and long-standing Rotary volunteers agreed that the April 2026 candidates were unusually tall, with one man 6ft 8ins tall, another 6ft 5ins as were twin brothers and another young man.

Sponsoring clubs paid £875 per guest. Some were ‘self-funding’ as were some Rotary volunteers. The guests had a range of physical and mental disabilities.

The above account is courtesy of Jim Matthews, Bradgate Rotary.