PAM Black , a member of Troutbeck WI and, though disabled and walking with the aid of sticks, recently embarked on an adventure aboard the tall ship Tenacious.

Tenacious is one of two tall ships owned and operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust which is a charity aimed at promoting the integration of physically disabled and able-bodied people through sailing tall ships at sea.

Tenacious has a permanent crew of 12 and all disabled crew members have able-bodied helpers called Buddies.

Pam tells us: "The weather in Oban was grey.

A piper piped us out and we sailed to Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

Next day we sailed to Colonsay and anchored for the night.

Once we left Oban the weather was sunny but very cold.

On Wednesday we sailed south and viewed the Isle of Man, Calf of Man

and the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland, eventually docking at Dun Laoghaire, near Dublin.

On the Friday we visited that city.

We left Ireland next morning and spent the night anchored in Morecambe Bay, arriving in Barrow on the Sunday morning.

"During our holiday we participated in all the chores involved in sailing a ship - galley work, swilling the deck, handling of ropes and sails, a period of time on the helm and being on watch.

The most memorable event for me was going aloft up the foremast."

Pam went up the mast to the crow's nest in the wheelchair, enjoyed the whole thing, was never sea-sick and would love to go again next year! On dry land Pam helps her mum run Troutbeck shop and Post Office and is a WI committee member.

SUE LEVER