Friends of Woodberry Downs Outings 2017

The theme for the Friends of Woodberry Downs group outings this year was walking. This included encouraging older people aged 50 years and over to step out for the day, meet new friends and take in the glorious fresh air as we walk around our English seaside towns.

In total 152 participants joined the group over the summer to take part in seaside walking activities. The group visited Clacton-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea and Eastbourne. Each participant was provided with refreshments, and the entertainment kept going on board the coach with exciting raffles and The Amity’s Project bespoke group sing-a-long session - 'Musical Memories'.

Participants also received printed handouts, with suggestions about places of interest to visit whilst walking on the various day trips, and a selection of songs to sing on the coach.
Friends of Woodberry Down.

The first stop was Clacton-On-Sea on 18 July 2017, a very sunny day and members were able to stroll along Clacton sea front and admire the seafront and the famous Clacton garden walk.

On 15th August the group visited Southend famed for the longest seaside pier in the world extending to an impressive 1.3 miles long. Grandparents and grandchildren came along to spend the day walking in Southend.

As one of the participants said:

"Its always so nice going on a Friends of Woodberry Downs day trip, I don’t want to miss any, we have a lot of fun on the coach, I like the music they play and the singing too, I get lots of help from the organisers they are very friendly".

On 5th Sepbember they visited Eastbourne, the precision of the planting in the Carpet Gardens was spectacular. Group members were able to view the array of beautifully laid flowers. There was a little rain, however it was fleeting and did not dampen their spirits.

The trips by encouraging walking contributed to the well being and health of all those that took part over the summer. The group expressed their thanks to Siovhan Crombie from the Resident Participation Team for all her support enabling us to provide three summer coach trips to areas of natural beauty for older people in Woodberry Down.