The eye of the tiger

Once a year, The Exalon management are released into the wild for some festive fun, and this year there was much merriment and mirth had by all. It's certainly good to see that even those at the highest echelons know how to let their hair down before being returned to their cages for the year!

Christmas time, merriment and wine

3 cars, 7 miles, 9 days to Christmas, 14 people, 28 courses.... 1 happy house.

Yesterday was Christmas meal day for all the service users and staff at The Willows. This year we descended on the Hungry Horse in Yarnbrook, for a slap up two course meal and drinks.

Colin, Ian, Katharine, Kurt, Jon, Grazina, Justin, and Dougie were joined by 6 members of our staff team to enjoy a festive afternoon to begin our Christmas in earnest.

As you can see, a fun time was had by all, and everyone returned back to the house in the best of spirits.

A life of Safari

Over the past week, there have been two house trips to the safari on the Longleat Estate. Colin, Katharine and Jamie all sampled the various antics on show from the monkeys, as well as seeing lions, wolves, and camels.

A trip to heavens gate

Yesterday Jamie and Katharine took a stroll to Heaven's Gate, a popular beauty spot on the Longleat Estate. Supported by Kerry and Gill, they walked in the winter sunshine before returning home for a well earned spot of dinner.

Delightful Devon

Last week it was the turn of Ian and Jon to go on holiday. This time it was to sample the delights of Devon at the Ruda Holiday Park.

Supported by Marianne and Jackie, and a touch of late autumn sunshine, a relaxing week was had by all.

A relaxing week in Cornwall

Colin has now returned from his week in Cornwall, and he appears to have had a relaxing time. Staying in a luxury lodge, with adjoining hot-tub, Colin was supported by two of our members of staff, Angie and Gill.

Whilst there, Colin explored many of the sights, including Tintagel Castle, as well as the many lovely beaches Cornwall has to offer.

Holiday season is here again

As we move into the autumn months, it means the holiday season is getting in full swing.

This week has seen Colin go off to Cornwall for the week to stay in a luxury lodge. Whilst there he will sample the delightful beaches that Cornwall has to offer, and no doubt enjoy some Cornish fudge.

Over the coming weeks many of our other service users will be jetting off to various areas of the country. Kurt, Justin and Grazina have chosen to take their well earned vacations to Butlins. While Jon and Ian will also be going to a holiday park to enjoy some relaxation time.

Longleat fun for all

After much deliberation at the Willows, it was finally decided to use the money donated at this years garden party to purchase Longleat passes for our service users.

This means that over the past weeks, and coming year, many of our service users are going to be able to enjoy days out at Longleat safari park.

The Willows Garden Party

As part of National Care Home Day, The Willows hosted it's very own garden party today. As well as plenty of fine food and drink, we were joined by friends and family, including the deputy mayor of Warminster. 

As part of the day, a donation from Kingdown School was also made to The Willows. This was presented by some pupils at the school, as well as Wendy and Stephen Thorburn, in memory of their daughter Rebecca, who was cared for by the staff at The Willows and Willow View for over two years.

A photographer from the Warminster Journal captured the presentation, and we were also lucky enough to be joined by local DJ celebrities from WCR, Barry Mole and Helen Loveday.

This Sunday three of our residents took part in the Lions Club annual trip to Paultons Park. This has become a popular day out over the years, and this time Kurt, Jamie and Justin took the opportunity to enjoy the thrills and spills of the rides. After catching an early coach out of Warminster, they were looked after by the patrons of the Lions Club and, as well as free entry to the park, had a packed lunch provided to boot.

The house takes over the Hungry Horse!

Today was a special day at The Willows, as all the residents went out for a meal together, and left an empty house behind. Grazina, Jon, Jamie, Kurt, Colin, Ian, and Justin, all went to the Hungry Horse in Yarnbrook, and enjoyed their evening meal and a few drinks in each others company.

All the service users and staff enjoyed the sunshine and the food, and returned home in the best of spirits

Kurt takes to the buses

One of our service users, Kurt, took a trip to the market town of Frome this morning. He went with one of our members of staff, and decided to take a ride on the bus.

Kurt said he enjoyed his trip, and after looking around the shops, bought himself some music.

Enjoying the early summer sunshine

The sun has been shining here in Warminster, and it has given both service users and staff alike, a chance to get outside and play some games.

Justin bowls a googly to our assistant manager, Sharon

A particular favourite has proven to be cricket, as well as tennis and football. So roll on the summer, when scenes like this can be an everyday occurrence

Justin takes to the airwaves!

One of our service users has been working at a local radio station now for a number of months. Justin, who has qualified as a tech op, has been helping to broadcast the breakfast show at WCR, a local community radio station, for nearly a year now. As well as helping out and practicing around the station, Justin presents the final 30 minutes of the breakfast show on his own each day.

Justin hard at work broadcasting the WCR breakfast show

Some lucky members of staff have been fortunate enough to go down and watch Justin at work, as well as being able to meet such local celebrities as Barry Mole and Andrew Robinson. 

Earlier this month, one of our service users, Jamie, was asked to participate in an Autism Awareness campaign. This initiative, on behalf of Wiltshire Council, culminated in a conference held at Adult social care services in Devizes, in which Jamie took an important part.

Jamie was asked to produce a five minute video explaining what it was like to live with Autism, how this impacted on his everyday life, and what support he felt he needed to help him live life to the full. His video was then played in front of some of the most influential people in Adult Care within the Wiltshire area, and was warmly received by those present.

Jamie said afterwards that not only had he enjoyed the experience, but that he was keen to be involved in more initiatives in the future.

A trip to see the stars in London

The London Skyline

Recently, four service users from The Willows, Jamie, Kurt, Grazina and Colin, went for a day trip to Greenwich to visit the Planetarium. Whilst there, they took in the beautiful surroundings of Greenwich park, as well as taking in the stunning skyline of London.

Colin, Jamie and Kurt in artistic formation

 The sun shined all day, and it was the perfect weather for the picnic that had been prepared that morning.

Jamie and Colin

As well as looking around the parks, they also visited the museum, and took in a show all about the stars. 

Jamie, Kurt and Grazina

Of particular interest was a wall that radiated heat, which fascinated both service users and staff alike. Everyone seemed to enjoy their day, and returned to the house in good spirits. 

Kurt, Grazina and staff member Angie