Twenty teams of golf enthusiasts took to Saunton Golf Course on Thursday 8th November in Saunton Sands Hotel’s annual charity event, which is sponsored by Isca Barum Insurance Brokers, raising more than £5,000 for Calvert Trust Exmoor.
Now in its tenth year, all proceeds from the fundraiser organised annually by Saunton Sands Hotel are donated to a nominated charity. Calvert Trust Exmoor, which provides inclusive activity breaks in the North Devon countryside for people with disabilities, was absolutely delighted to be their chosen beneficiary for a third consecutive year.
“We are so grateful to Brend Hotels for naming Calvert Trust Exmoor as the beneficiary for their Celebrity Golf Day again this year at Saunton Golf Club. The Brend family has been so very supportive of our work over the years and we are humbled to be one of their chosen charities.”– Jeremy Duxbury, Head of Fundraising for Calvert Trust Exmoor.
The North Devon charity enables people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities to experience confidence-building outdoor activities on its accessible, all-inclusive site located on the edge of Exmoor.
Key Account Director of Isca Barum Insurance Brokers Ltd, Sarah Page said: “Isca Barum Insurance Brokers have been the main sponsors for this fundraiser for the last three years. As a local business, we appreciate just how special Calvert Trust Exmoor is and how very important the personal and caring service is that they provide. Beliefs which we share.”
The jam-packed day began at 8am with coffee and bacon rolls at the hotel, before the teams headed off to Saunton Golf Club to play an 18-hole round on the East Course. Each of the 18 holes was kindly sponsored by a local business, and there were some tempting prizes to play for on three of the holes, including champagne, two holidays and a car sponsored by Taw Citroen Barnstaple.
After lunch, there was an opportunity to play more golf with the professionals, followed by a presentation, dinner, games and a raffle all kindly hosted by Saunton Sands Hotel. Alongside representatives from the charity and main event sponsors, sporting legends Ian Holloway and Gareth Chilcott, who both originally hail from the Southwest, were pleased to support the fundraiser as celebrity guest speakers on the night.
Together, they spoke of their friendship, humble beginnings, and the support and self-belief required to help them achieve their dreams – a sentiment echoed in Calvert Trust Exmoor’s mission.
Charity Trustee, Will Vandersteen who also entered a team in the event, expressed his thanks to all those involved: “It was another fantastic Golf Day with Brend hotels kindly supporting Calvert Trust Exmoor. Saunton East is always a treat to play and the food and hospitality at Saunton hotel were superb. The after dinner speakers finished the evening off with a brilliant double act – funny and inspiring. Thanks to all concerned for organising a great day out and thanks to the guests for supporting our important cause.”
Calvert Trust Exmoor must raise more than £400,000 each year to provide vital bursary support to disabled guests who require financial support, and continue its life-changing work. To learn more about the charity and how you can support them with a donation, please visit: calvertexmoor.org.uk
About Calvert Trust Exmoor
Calvert Trust Exmoor is the South West’s premier outdoor adventure centre for people with disabilities, and the only 5-star accredited activity accommodation in the country. We welcome over 3,500 residential guests (totaling over 14,000 bednights) a year, with the philosophy of “At Calvert Trust Exmoor it’s what you CAN do that counts”. This sums up our approach to what we do, we help people of all levels of ability to fulfill their potential and be all that they can be.
CalvertTrust Exmoor is the third Calvert Trust Centre. It was opened in 1996 to offer people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities – and their friends and families – the chance to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure.
Web: www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CalvertTrustExmoor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/calvertexmoor
YouTube: www.youtube.com/CalvertTrustExmoorUK
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/calvert-trust-exmoor
Visitor Quotes
Sarah Davies: “Just had possibly our best holiday ever, because we were all together, and able to completely relax. Monday to Friday was way too short, so we are already planning to return. We couldn’t have met a nicer group of people, both guests and staff. The food was gorgeous, the accommodation spotless and comfortable, and the activities, well, I didn’t imagine myself doing half of what we did but we loved every minute.”
Aileen & Spud Milsom, Energeyes: “Once again another wonderful week, Calvert Trust Exmoor has been truly inspirational for our members getting them to achieve things they thought were not possible. The Instructors gave them the confidence and encouragement to reach new heights – many thanks. This is certainly a special place, thanks to all the staff”.
Elizabeth Fitzroy Support: “The environment was peaceful and allowed space for people, and everything was made effortless with practical equipment and clothing. Our apartment was spotless, and there was plenty of help to sort out any problems – not that there were any!”
