Residents at Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech recently enjoyed a peaceful and picturesque day out with a special boat trip along the River Great Ouse, thanks to the wonderful volunteers at the Ladybird Boat Trust.
The Ladybird Boat, a fully accessible narrowboat operated by a team of dedicated volunteers and funded by a local charity, provided a unique opportunity for residents to experience the joys of river cruising in comfort and safety. The group travelled from Hartford Marina to St Ives, passing through two historic locks, soaking up the sunshine, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the scenic Cambridgeshire countryside.
The relaxing journey gave residents the chance to reminisce and connect with past experiences or enjoy a brand-new adventure.
“This was a wonderful day out for our residents and the crew were so accommodating—I can’t thank them enough,” said
Sarah Watson, General Manager of Orchard House Care Home. “It was my first time on a trip like this too, and I found it incredibly relaxing. These kinds of outings are so important for enhancing our residents’ wellbeing and creating meaningful memories.”
While moored in St Ives, residents and staff tucked into traditional fish and chips as they enjoyed the gentle river breeze and panoramic views.
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 waves as they sail past.”
Fellow resident Liz Loates added, “I’ve been on a ferry before, but never a canal boat. This was such a peaceful and relaxing day, and all the guys on the boat were really helpful and nice to talk to.”
For residents like Peter Tibbs, who used to enjoy sailing, the outing brought back fond memories. “This wasn’t quite sailing,” he said with a smile, “but it was lovely to be back on the water.”
The day also marked a special first for Activity Coordinator Anna Smith, who recently joined the Orchard House team. “This was my first time on a boat and it was even better than I expected. The crew were so friendly and helpful with our residents—especially since some of them were ex-military, like some of our residents.”
Miranda Robinson, Lifestyle Lead at Orchard House Care Home, who helped organise the trip, reflected on the success of the day:
“The Ladybird Boat Trust gets booked up quite quickly, so I was thrilled we managed to secure a spot. The crew were so welcoming and supportive, and it was heart-warming to see our residents soaking in the scenery and simply enjoying the moment. I’d definitely love to arrange this again next year.”
Located in Wisbech, Orchard House Care Home provides high-quality nursing and residential dementia care in a warm and friendly environment. With a focus on person-centred care and enriching activities, the home ensures residents enjoy not only safety and support but also vibrant and fulfilling days—both within the home and out in the wider community.
