02/07/2026
Peter loved music, loved performing, loved Scouts! He also had myotonic dystrophy.
His mum Margaret shares her memories of their Calvert adventures, over 9 fun, action-packed years.
The 1980s and 1990s were not an easy time to grow up with myotonic dystrophy, which affects muscles, movement, speech and confidence. Peter faced many tough challenges, but at Calvert Devon activity centre, he discovered his inner adventurer!
He conquered the climbing wall and abseiled down!
Staff brought a kayak to the swimming pool so he could roll in the water - and get that Scout badge he was after!
He grew in confidence and courage and eventually sailed on the lake, overcoming his anxiety around water.
โItโs funny the things you rememberโ, muses Margaret. Frogs crossing the road, a peacock on site, the excitement of the great 1999 solar eclipse!
But more than that, they made friends. People who understood their experience. And they all had fun together.
โYou didnโt label people. [Everyone] tried. They did what they could.
โPeter loved it here. He really loved it.โ
And now itโs 2026, and the world is getting so much more accessible! Something to really celebrate!
