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On a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon the Residents from Pines spent their time in the garden.

Here they stopped by our lovely old timer to have a little rest. Afterwards they visited the chickens and all our new garden ‘creatures’, such as a sheep, a pig and a very colourful tortoise. No worries, they are not real, but wonderful to look at

Congratulations got to Henrique Mota, Healthcare Assistant, who completed his LEVEL 2 Care Diploma.

Well done Henrique – Congratulations from all the Staff and the Residents at Birchy Hill!

Fortunately, we didn’t have to row our boat as it was a vessel powered by a diesel engine.

Our first group of Residents for the planned boat trips this year had a wonderful time last Saturday.  They enjoyed the sunshine, waves and the seagulls.

We experienced going through a lock together with a few other boats, which was very exciting (especially for our Health Care Assistant Ana). We saw many cruise ships, container ships and Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships, vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars. There were fast and slow ferries and we could watch a big cruise liner being directed out of the harbour. It was a lot to see and our boat’s staff explained everything in detail.

Everybody was tired, but very happy, when we returned to Birchy Hill, and you could hear them all talking about this lovely day out for the rest of the afternoon.

Aren’t our Residents very smart looking in their blue boat caps?

Euan does not only enjoy polishing his shoes, no, he enjoys even more polishing the car!

After he washed the Woolsley in and out by hand, he polished the lovely automobile until it sparkled like new.

Thank you, Euan, we all appreciate your effort.

Solent Dolphin Boat Trips on the M/V Alison MacGregor.

Solent Dolphin was conceived in 1987 by New Forest Rotary Club for the purpose of taking people with disabilities on day trips out to sea. It is a Registered Charity and operates a purpose built 11 metre motor catamaran. The trips are free of charge. The boat has ramp access and is therefore also designed for passengers in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties.

All trips leave from Hythe Marina towards Southampton Harbour. There we’ll have the chance to see all the impressive cruise liners and get all the information we want. All passengers get tea, coffee or hot chocolate served with lovely biscuits. And if it is a bit chilly blankets are offered to everyone.

We booked one trip last summer, which was a great success for our residents who could join. For two of them it was the last chance to be on sea before they sadly passed away.

This year we were lucky to book 4 trips between June and September. And everybody is looking forward to take part.