Accessible adventures !
“ It was very fun !” – the words of Sarah , one of the holidaymakers who came on Through the Roof ’ s holiday to the amazing Calvert Trust accessible activity centre in Devon this year . Sarah loved the holiday and is already looking forward to going again next year .
What did Sarah like best ? Everything ! The range of activities is amazing . From horse riding and carriage driving to accessible climbing and abseiling , canoeing and cycling . All these activities taking place within Calvert Trust ’ s own 44 acres on the edge of Exmoor National Park . Possibly Sarah ’ s favourite activity was the canoeing . “ I liked the boat a lot !” says Sarah . She also loved the climbing … “ I was high up . I waved to a lady . It ’ s fun !”
Through the Roof holidays are more than just the activities . Sarah mentions other things that were important to her : “ I played games with lots of people . We did some praying and singing . I made some friends .”
The friendships and fellowship of the holidays are an important factor . Jesus is at the centre of all that we do at Through the Roof , and it ’ s great to be able to enjoy time with others , sharing experiences and sharing Christian fellowship too .
Sarah summed up what was felt by everyone who joined us for the holiday this year : “ I would like to go again because I enjoy it . I am looking forward to meeting them next time , and meeting new friends .”
We ’ re pleased to say that Through the Roof will again be organising a holiday to the Calvert Trust centre from 24th to 28th June 2024 . Why not join us for accessible activities , fun and fellowship ? Further information is on the TTR website .
Disability diaries
In the last issue , we asked you to share your stories with us of lives transformed through disability inclusion . Thank you to those who did . Some of these stories were used ( with permission ) to form a series called Disability Diaries on social media . We ’ ve also shared them on our website – you can read them at https :// bit . ly / 46YNRRX . Here is one story from Alison who is a wheelchair user .
My Green Wheelchair Moving to a new church was a massive thing , after years of becoming less and less confident , my confidence was just about zero . I sat right at the back , trying not to be ' in the way '. Or leave track marks , or oil . But the Lord , as per usual , had other plans ! A lovely Christian friend dumped me in it and informed the people in leadership that I could sing , and play . Thanks !
So , Christmas came , and the Lord had a few of us , including a group of refugees , singing a new Christmas song . Previously , I ' d always been terrified of being judged ' imperfect ', but here it was different ... the joy of actually feeling wanted , and of actual value was so wonderful , it was like a glimpse of heaven !
Sarah ( in pink T-shirt ) side-by-side cycling on the Calvert Trust holiday . Below : Sarah carriage driving at the activity centre on Exmoor .
This church has been so accommodating , but the joy is that now the bright green wheelchair I use when I play the grand piano is placed right by it at the front of the church . It is telling anyone who feels they have no worth left that here ( the church ) is a place that accepts you as you are , and the Lord find a place for all who seek . He is a Lord who leads a church that isn ' t ashamed to have a green wheelchair right by the platform and on show to everyone .
Alison in her green wheelchair .
www . throughtheroof . org