The Ladybird canal boat docked at Hartford Marina in Wyton recently to pick up staff and residents from HC-One’s The Elms care home in Peterborough.
Enthusiastic sailors were transported down a beautiful stretch of The River Great Ouse, feeding ducks and swans as they glided by before ending the wonderful journey back at the marina.
Residents with a love of the great outdoors enjoyed an appetising picnic on board the boat, breaking out into a singsong of traditional sailing themed songs such as ‘I am Sailing’ as they passed through several locks.
Katie Coulson, HC-One’s Care Home Manager, commented:
“Our residents were thrilled to get out on the water and sail the length and breadth of the locks. It was fantastic to be enjoying the fresh air and taking in the beautiful sights on the way. One of our residents, Denis, enjoyed it so much he kept asking when we can go again.”
The trip was arranged by The Elms’ Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Diana Coulson, who organises an action-packed schedule of activities all year round to keep residents stimulated and engaged in the local community.
The River Great Ouse runs through Bedford and stretches for 74.8 miles along the main line of the river, with a total of 18 locks along the scenic route.