Bluebells Enjoy a Cruise Down The River

Thanks to Henley Lions, clients of Bluebells Day Centre were able to go on a 2 hour cruise on the Rivertime accessible boat from Mill Meadows.

Alex’s Mum who only started at Bluebell last week said, “Loved last week and as soon as she heard about the boat trip she said oh yeah!  Bluebells gives her a day out, meeting people and being active and for me it’s knowing that she’s looked after and happy.”

David Murray from Henley Lions said, “We know how much the members of Blubells enjoy a trip out on the river and we’re very pleased to be able to provide them with the opportunity to go out on the Rivertime, a specially designed river boat. We supported the Rivertime from the time it was first built and took to the river and have funded outings on it for both Bluebells and the Memory Cafe for a number of years. Now that COVID restrictions have eased we have, once again, been able to provide these well needed respite outings for members of both organisations.”

Skipper Lucy said, ““It was great to have the Bluebells Dementia group on board today as they are Henley locals, based at Christ Church Centre. We cruised upstream as far as Shiplake Lock before turning to head back to our home mooring at The River and Rowing Museum. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the sun even got his hat on.”

Chair of Trustees at Bluebells, Glen Lambert said “Respite care is absolutely central to our mission as a charity but we are acutely aware of the enormous good we can do for our guests, particularly when we are able to organise day trips like this.

When caring for my father, I learned quickly that the emotional boost and positivity a fun day out gave him, lasted far longer than his memory of the day itself. We understand this well at Bluebells and it is fantastic that organisations like the Henley Lions Club, who generously provided the funding, understand it too.

I’d like to thank the Rivertime Boat Trust, the Henley Handybus, the Henley Lions Club and our staff and volunteers on the day. Thank you all so much.”