Last updated 19:39, Thursday, 08 May 2008

DISABLED visitors to the Calvert Trust Centre near Keswick will be getting a huge lift from now on thanks to the generosity of Rotarians from the district.

Rotary District Governor David Bennett handed over a portable hoist and power unit to centre director John Crosbie, to assist staff with their handling of disabled users in and around the centre at Little Crosthwaite.

The £2,500 equipment is innovative and versatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Mr Bennett was first person to try out the hoist, being strapped into the chair before being lifted into a canoe to demonstrate just one of the many uses of the equipment.

Keswick Rotary spokesman Mike Murgatroyd said: “Rotary in the north west has operated a Calvert Week for some years now, when disabled delegates and their carers where appropriate are sponsored by Rotary clubs throughout the area to attend a week of activities and the extent of their disabilities is no barrier to experiencing an incredibly varied programme.”

From the sports hall and its indoor climbing wall, they progress to experience climbing and abseiling on rock outcrops in St John’s in the Vale and Borrowdale near the Bowder Stone.

On nearby Bassenthwaite Lake they have an opportunity to sail and canoe and on Windermere they can sail in the centre’s large catamaran.

Other activities include archery, an obstacle course, swimming in the indoor heated pool, horse riding and carriage driving based at the Calvert Trust Riding Stables at Old Windebrowe on the outskirts of Keswick.

Mr Crosbie said: “The hoist is going to be very useful. It folds up into the size of a golf bag which makes it very versatile – you can put it on a minibus and take it anywhere.”

It is hoped that the 2008 event, which took place recently, will provide funds for the setting up of a Rotary bursary to provide financial assistance for disabled people who wish to attend the Calvert Centre.