RORY JOINS VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT DRIVE AT CALVERT TRUST

Penrith and The Border MP Rory Stewart on Saturday visited the Calvert Trust’s stables at the foot of Latrigg Fell near Keswick, to learn more about their BHS-approved riding establishment, which runs a range of outdoors trap and driving sessions, and indoor lessons, to aid people with disabilities who come from all over Cumbria and indeed the UK to use their facilities.

The local charity is desperately in need of more volunteers to help support their riding for the disabled programmes, and Rory visited to get a sense of their work and to raise awareness of their important campaign to try and recruit many more volunteers.

The Calvert Trust is renowned for its range of programmes offering people with disabilities the opportunity to take part in outdoor and active pursuits. It provides riding and trap driving outings, and grooming sessions, to both those with disabilities and their accompanying families and carers. Sessions run daily, however rely heavily on volunteers to help support riders, accompany the trap, escort the ride, and walk on ahead to traffic-watch. Volunteers may also help with grooming, tacking up and general yard work if they wish. The Calvert Trust undertake all vetting procedures – and cover those costs – and ensure that volunteers are well-trained before proceeding with their tasks.

Rory Stewart said: “Please consider applying to the Calvert Trust’s riding centre as a volunteer. It is a remarkably accessible place, even though it is in a beautiful rural setting, and would be a rewarding role for anyone with some time to spare and the energy to get involved. The Calvert Trust is a remarkable charity, and I admire its aims greatly. To see the hard work of Henri Carew and her team today has been a great privilege, and I strongly urge anyone with an interest, to get involved by contacting the Trust on 017687 72250.”

Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, fit, and willing to be out in all weathers. Prospective volunteers will be invited for a session to assess their suitability, then serving a 6-month trial period. Basic training is given in session, and more extensive training is organised from time to time. Potential volunteers from Keswick, Penrith, Cockermouth, Workington, Whitehaven and beyond are called upon to get in touch.

Left to right: Centre Director Sean Day, Stables Manager Henri Carew, and Rory Stewart MP