Bursary helps Open DAWS members enjoy Exmoor activity weekend

A SIXTY per cent Lexus Bursary worth more than £1,900 helped a group of Open DAWS members to enjoy a long weekend at the Calvert Trust, on Exmoor.
The bursary was secured by West Somerset Council and allowed six members of Open DAWS to take part in abseiling, canoeing, sailing, and other activities at the trust’s centre at Wistpoundland.
Open DAWS stands for Opening the Doors to Disabled Activities in West Somerset. The Calvert Trust’s facilities are designed for people of all abilities to take part in range of healthy outdoor pursuits.
Anne Roberts, who went on the weekend, said: “I have never been before and it was a fantastic trip.
“I tried activities I have never done before and it was great fun.”
The group has also launched a new action-packed events listing for the summer and would welcome more people joining it to go sailing at Wimbleball Lake, swimming at St Audries, sea fishing, horse riding, or simply relaxing at yoga sessions, as well as trips to Tiverton Museum, Paignton Zoo, and Slimbridge Nature Reserve.
Open DAWS is supported by West Somerset Council and emerged from work undertaken with Watchet and District Activity Group (WADAG) by council community officer Liz Stewart.
Council community portfolio holder Councillor Neil Parbrook said: “Open DAWS provides some fantastic activities.
“People get the chance to enjoy pastimes in a friendly atmosphere or try something completely new.
“Qualified instructors and coaches are on hand to help everybody enjoy the activities on offer.”
A membership scheme is available and by joining, people will receive reduced rates for all the activities, or they can take part as non-members.
All activities are run by qualified personnel, and transport to and from activities can be arranged.
More information about Open Daws is available by calling Liz Stewart on 07921 231369 or Gail Sloman on 01984 635208, or emailing gksloman@westsomerset.gov.uk or lstewart@westsomerset.gov.uk, or logging onto http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/..

• Our photograph shows members of Open DAWS enjoying a day out at a steam railway during their weekend away. Photo submitted.