Welcome Break
Welcome break A weekend of forest fun and friendship on Exmoor
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hen Jersey RDA Chair, Cathy Fricker and Group Organiser, Rachel Andrews took over the running of the group, they made a wish list of things they wanted to achieve. Right at the top was ‘go on a group holiday.’ 12 years and 5 holidays later, we find out more about their experiences at the remarkable Calvert Trust Exmoor. “We always had a riding holiday in the back of our minds,” says Rachel Andrews, who has been involved at Jersey since 2000. “After the financial uncertainty of 2008, we wanted the group to flourish – not just survive.”
rda.org.uk
A publicity push resulted in more support, and when a local Family Trust came forward and asked if there was anything particular the group would like to do, Rachel and Cathy remembered their wish list. They did some research and found Calvert Trust Exmoor, an outdoor adventure centre specially designed for disabled people and their families. Among the many activities on offer, The Trust (which is also an RDA group) runs horse activity weekends, and with Exeter only a short flight away, Rachel and Cathy started planning.
A real break The first trip was in 2012. Six riders and six parents, accompanied by Rachel, took a flight to the mainland and spent a weekend immersed in the beautiful surroundings of Exmoor National Park. “Everyone had a wonderful time,” recalls Rachel. “The Trust takes care of everything – all the activities, the meals, the evening entertainment. The riders are busy all day long.” With a weekend totally centred
