Residents and staff at Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech enjoyed ‘memorable’ day on a canal boat

Care home residents and staff enjoyed a ‘memorable’ day as they set sail down a river while tucking into fish and chips.

Residents of Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech travelled to Hartford Marina, where they met the crew for the Ladybird Boat trip, which is funded by a charity and is run by volunteers.

Residents and staff travelled down the River Great Ouse to St Ives, passing through two locks.

They then enjoyed fish and chips whilst moored up at St Ives.

Miranda Robinson, lifestyle lead at the care home, said: “The views were breathtaking, and the weather was perfect.”

For some of the residents, it brought back many fond memories of when they had a boat, but for some, it has been a whole new experience.

One resident, Liz Loates, said: “I have been on a ferry but never a canal boat, and this was a lovely, peaceful, relaxing day, and all the guys on the boat were helpful and nice to talk to.”

Sarah Watson, the care home manager, said: “This was a wonderful day out for our residents and the crew were so accommodating, I can not thank them enough.

“This was a first for me and it was such a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I would look forward to doing this again.”

Resident Roy Speed said: “I loved the boat trip and can’t wait to go again. It was nice to see the wildlife, and everyone waved as they sailed past.”

Another resident Peter Tibbs said: “I used to go sailing a lot and this was not quite sailing but nice to be on the water again.”

Renee Bunn, a resident at the care home, said: “I was really surprised about how calm the boat was and I enjoyed the fish and chips. I don’t normally do boats, but this was really enjoyable.”

Anna Smith, activity co-ordinator, said this was a very enjoyable experience to share with the residents.

“This was my first time on a boat, and it was better than I expected staff and the crew were very friendly and very helpful with the residents, as some of them were ex-military, like some of our residents”, she said.

Miranda said: “The Ladybird Boat trust gets booked up quite quickly, and I was pleased we managed to get the opportunity to go out on the water with them.

“The crew were so welcoming and supportive towards us all. The trip was wonderful, and it was nice to see everyone taking in the views and relaxing. I would definitely like to arrange this again next year for our residents.

“This truly was a remarkable day and so memorable for all who attended.”