Afternoon Tea Raises Funds For Accessible Boat Club Enjoyed By Residents
With a beautiful stretch of the River Thames just minutes away from Benson House Care Home in Wallingford, the home’s idyllic Oxfordshire location is perfect for those residents – and members of the local community – who love to spend time in the natural world.
Supporting Our Neighbours with a Teatime Gathering
Earlier this year, residents and the team at Benson House proudly sponsored local runner, Abi Turner, who took part in the London Marathon to raise funds for their neighbours, the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club (WABC).
Benson House continued their support of the WABC earlier this month with an afternoon fundraiser – a teatime extravaganza planned and hosted by the team and open to the local community as well as residents and their families. The sun shone as visitors enjoyed homemade cakes from Benson’s talented catering team. It was the perfect backdrop for a celebration as chairman of the WABC, John Jenkins, presented Abi with a special award to mark her efforts to raise funds for the club – a total of £2,500 so far. Abi was also named their first ‘Community Champion’.
A Relaxing Pleasure Trip for Residents
Benson House is an enthusiastic supporter of the WABC. The club was created by John Jenkins who, as a full-time wheelchair user, wanted to give access to the river and all it has to offer to those who are less able-bodied. Many residents at Benson love to take a trip on one of the club’s boats and a recent afternoon on the river was particularly enjoyable for Mary, Carole, Sandra and Lawrie.
After a lovely outing, gliding serenely along the river in the WABC’s specially adapted boat, enjoying the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings, Benson’s residents disembarked safely.
Mary reflected, “The area of the River Thames where we are situated is so peaceful that it really gets you out of yourself when onboard. I really enjoyed the boat trip and would go every week if possible”. Mary also commented on the boat, “Such a clever design to allow wheelchairs to get on without any trouble – everyone can use it” – and she made an interesting comparison, “It was a bit smaller than the boat I went on when I sailed in Patagonia.”
With South Oxfordshire more accessible than the southern tip of Argentina, Mary and many more river-loving residents should have plenty of opportunity to experience the joy of a small boat on the Thames!
Discover Benson House Care Home
Benson House is a purpose-built, luxury care home which provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. Set within landscaped gardens, the home offers numerous activities, plenty of space and tranquil surroundings where you can relax or welcome friends and family. If you would like to learn more about the types of care and services available from Caring Homes, please visit our website page. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
