Whittington Residents Enjoy A Swans Eye View Of The Gloucester-Sharpness Canal
The sun shone brightly as an excited group of residents boarded a minibus at Whittington House and headed off to nearby Saul Junction for their highly anticipated rendezvous with a canal boat.
All Aboard A Shiny Canal Boat
The day’s activity was organised through the Willow Trust, whose two beautiful canal boats provide an opportunity for people who are less able to enjoy a day out on the water. Wellbeing Lead, Cathy, and carers, Sherry and Jemuel accompanied Whittington House residents Anne, John, Susan and Rowena. The group received a warm “welcome aboard!” from the Willow Trust’s wonderful volunteers and once everyone was sitting comfortably, their adventure on the waterways began.
The views from the boat’s large, low windows were fantastic and everyone felt quite exhilarated as they glided serenely along a lovely stretch of the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal. Seeing beautiful scenery pass by and watching swans and many, many, ducks cheerfully going about their daily lives was a real treat for the residents, and of course, everyone wanted to take a turn steering the boat!
Resident Ann Reveals Nautical Talent
Anne was especially enthusiastic. She’d previously mentioned how much she’d like to go on a boat and part of the reason behind the day’s outing was to bring her wish to life. However, it came out during conversations on the day that Anne used to own a 19 ft Saker motorboat called Annabelle. She’d moored it at Tewkesbury Marina and regularly took it up and down the River Avon. Suddenly, Anne’s requests for the canal boat to go faster began to make sense!
As lunchtime approached, the Skipper announced that they would be stopping for lunch and the boat moored at Purton – the perfect place for a picnic. After an al fresco lunch, the group re-boarded for a happy and relaxed journey back to Saul Junction. Everyone was keen to have a singsong, with favourites including ‘Country Road’, ‘On Top of the World’, and a rendition of ‘Dr Foster Went To Gloucester’.
A Wonderful Day Cruising Calm Waters
Luckily there were no showers of rain to cloud a thoroughly enjoyable day! Anne reflected that it had been “…. such a wonderful day sitting with great company” and Rowena added that it was a wonderful trip and she would love to go again. The boat’s volunteer crew had been magnificent, keeping the party hydrated and happy with refreshments and biscuits throughout the journey.
Once the residents had disembarked, they couldn’t wait to get back to Whittington House to tell everyone about their adventure – an incredibly special day where they were able to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the unique pleasure cruising calm waters without a care in the world!
A Warm Welcome Awaits
When searching for the right care home for your loved one, you’re looking for more than professional support, you’re seeking reassurance, warmth and peace of mind. At Whittington House Care Home in Cheltenham, we provide personalised Residential, Nursing, Dementia, Palliative and Respite Care within a safe, welcoming environment that feels like home from the moment you arrive.
Life here is about comfort, connection and choice. Residents can share stories over homemade cake in the bistro, enjoy a favourite film in our cosy cinema room, or unwind with a visit to the hair salon. Whether your loved one needs gentle day-to-day assistance or more specialised nursing or dementia care, our compassionate team is here to support them, and you, every step of the way.
