The Willows and The Allotments

This week has seen the introduction of The Tynings Allotment into the range of possible interests for the individuals residing at The Willows. We are sure there will be many more pictures to come with the hopeful inclusion of some of our green fingered individuals.

The Willows making the headlines with our local paper.

The first of what is hoped to be many

Today saw the  first certificate issued in 2016, presented to Kurt for achieving a set goal in the use of Makaton, from all at The Willows........WELL DONE KURT

I wonder who will be next?

A Festive Visitor

Excitement builds as a festive visitor arrives at The Willows

Merry Christmas to one and all,

From all at The Willows 

Key skills beginning to shine!

Recently we have been working very closely with Kurt in relation to building on his key skills, this has now lead to the successful use his new computer skills to connect with family members and friends.

Happy Birthday Mr Harshaw

Last Wednesday 13th saw an early surprise birthday meal for Ian, with his good friend Jon also from the Willows invited.

Ian had a lovely time with his family as you can see by the wonderful pictures supplied by his support  (Gill).

And the talent continues.

As promised below are further pictures of the latest creation from Grazina on her second attempt. Im sure we all agree that a talent is most definitely born.

Natural Talent

A week ago today (08.05.2015) saw Grazina begin her new college course of Cake Decoration.

And below is an image that Grazina wanted to share of her first attempt at creating from icing three rose buds.

Everyone at The Willows would like to congratulate Grazina on her wonderful creation and we all look forward to seeing what is crafted next.

A Birthday Surprise

This week started with a big birthday surprise for Jon, Thanks to the work of Richard (Support Worker) Jon was able to spend the morning with a local paramedic (Kevin), exploring the local area and gaining an understand of the role of a paramedic.

As you can see by the photographs Jon was very excited and happy with this surprise so much so that he wishes to share this moment and his new jacket which was given to Jon as a gift from Kevin.

**Watch this space as Jon's Emergency Service exploration will continue**

A football team in the making

A Football Team in the Making

In conjunction with Wiltshire F.A, we have begun to explore the possibilities of starting up our own football team here at The Willows.

The Exalon Titans, although still in its formative stages, is already beginning to take shape, and will hopefully be playing in the 'Ability Counts' league next season.

Instrumental in the work already done, has been one of our service users, Sheriff, who has designed a badge and kit (as above), as well as enthusiastically looking for community sponsorship for the team.

Having a hand in the future

Having a hand in the future

On the 19th February, One of our service users, Jamie, was involved in helping Trowbridge college to choose the social workers of the future.

Asked to be part of a three person panel, Jamie was supported by one of our support workers, Kerry, to interview prospective social worker candidates for future courses at Trowbridge college. Jamie appeared to enjoy the experience, and it is hoped that he will be able to continue his association with the college over the coming months. 

Food, glorious food.

Food, Glorious Food

As from the beginning of 2014, we have introduced some new regular monthly activities to our schedule, which all revolve around the wonderful world of food.

In January, and every month onwards, each service user now goes out with their key-worker for a meal at a place of their choosing. This provides the perfect opportunity for the guys to catch up and have a chat in a relaxed environment, and of course into the bargain try out the various local delicacies.

Also, as from January, we have reintroduced the monthly takeaway in the house. This appears to have gone down a treat, not only with the service users in the house, but also the staff on duty that day! So far, the choices have been pizza and chinese, so we eagerly await this months choice.

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.