Finally, after all relevant checks and paperwork had been accomplished, Market Lavington residential, nursing and residential memory care home were able to schedule in their first trip out in the new bus!
As it was the first trip, Colleagues felt a simple ride around the villages would be suitable, which Residents happily agreed to. They were thrilled at just being able to see the ‘world’ and to have a different view! See pictured Residents Angela Wakely, Gwendoline Bullock and Margaret Tomalin.
Upon leaving Market Lavington with Driver Colin Bull, they rolled through Potterne, trundled through Wooborough, skirted Devizes, galloped past the Cherhill White Horse, before returning back to base.
“Perfect day for it! Beautiful weather!” One Resident said.
The Residents loved pointing out landmarks they knew, and when going through a small village, one Resident said, “Oh I used to play on the green here as a child!”.
Residents would chat amongst themselves, sharing memories triggered by the landscape; it was like a little mini history lesson for Wellbeing Coordinator, Riaz Ali, listening to all the titbits of information they shared about all the changes they observed (and sometimes their surprise at how little things had changed!)
Riaz said, “It was a delightful experience for everyone and we are very much looking forward to our next trip!”
Residents loved simply having a different view! Being able to see the beautiful, lush countryside rolling by, the gorgeous scenery as they slowly moved through many quaint, quintessential English villages – they adored just observing and reminiscing!
There were so many positive comments from the day;
“The driving was perfect. Thank you, Colin. You made the journey comfortable.” - June Clack, Resident.
“It was good to see all the villages and be out and about” - Jo Mann, Resident.
“I’ve missed going out as my friend used to take me for a regular Sunday drive before Covid. So nice to go for a drive again.” – Gwendoline Bullock, Resident.
“It was great and I am glad it went so well!” – Colin Bull, Driver and Maintenance Colleague.
Riaz ended with, “I’d like to thank Colin for his calm and careful driving. Also, to see the pleasure a simple trip like this gave to the Residents was a joy.”