Residents at a all-inclusive care home in Melksham were recently treated to a peaceful and picturesque canal cruise along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Blenheim House, a member of the Berkley Care Group, partnered once again with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust to offer residents a scenic journey aboard the Barbara McLellan, departing from Bradford-on-Avon. The cruise, made fully accessible thanks to the boat’s lift, allowed residents of all mobility levels to enjoy the day with ease.
A spokesperson for the care home said, “The route took residents past lush summer foliage, playful ducklings and even sightings of kingfishers diving for food. Along the way, the group passed through a lock and under stone bridges etched with grooves from the ropes once used to pull canal boats by horse, details shared by the knowledgeable and kind-hearted volunteer crew.
“One highlight was sailing past the 14th-century monastic Tithe Barn, its iconic timber cruck roof offering a moment of quiet awe and historical appreciation. Crew members shared stories and facts about the canal’s past, sparking curiosity and conversation throughout the trip.”
On board, residents were served tea and homemade Victoria sponge cake, enjoyed against the backdrop of gently rippling water and birdsong.
For one resident, Joyce, the day was especially moving. Standing at the front of the boat, she turned to the group and said, “This is the closest thing to feeling free.”
The spokesperson said, “Her daughter later shared how her mum’s eyes glistened the next day, a sign of how much the trip had meant to her.”
The visit was not only a highlight of the week but also part of the home’s ongoing commitment to meaningful experiences that support emotional and mental wellbeing.
Events Manager at Blenheim House, Chris Preston, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to the volunteer crew of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust for their warmth, knowledge and care throughout the trip. It was more than just a boat ride, it was a moment of freedom, joy, and reflection for our residents.
“For those living with dementia especially, experiences like this are rare and precious. We look forward to more adventures on the water very soon.”
Pictured: Residents and staff at the canal cruise
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