Due to popular demand, 17 members plus staff and support travelled by bus to The World of Countrylife in Exmouth. Thankfully, we managed to catch the connecting bus from Exmouth and no taxis were needed unlike last year!

We had pre-booked seats on the deer train, so after a quick look around, we went off to feed the deer, sheep and singular llama from the train. Nick, the driver, gave food to anyone that wanted to feed the animals. Everyone managed to keep all their fingers, although a thorough hand-washing was required when we returned to the station!

After lunch, we then made our way to watch the Bird of Prey Show-a popular attraction last year, where members got close to a European Eagle-Owl, buzzard and Bald Eagle.

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After the show, there was plenty of time to explore the other attractions including watching ferret racing-the eventual winner representing the Republic of Ireland! Some members took the chance to have their photo taken with ‘Appy Angus’, the Country-life mascot, before moving on to look at all the other attractions.

Eventually, after a quick look around the shop, it was time to catch the bus back to Exmouth-the rain held off just enough while we waited but by the time we arrived back at Exeter Bus Station it was pouring! Even on the journey back, some members, especially Jenny Westcott were already asking if we could go again next year!

The date of the long awaited boat trip was soon upon us, so 17 members plus support staff travelled by bus to Exmouth to join the Stuart Line river cruise. On arrival, we made our way through the Manor Gardens to Exmouth Marina, where we waited patiently for the Tudor Rose to dock. The members made their way on-board and settled down ready to eat lunch and listen to the commentary all about Exmouth and the Exe Estuary.

The vessel made its way along the coast towards Budleigh Salterton and then turned around, heading up the River Exe in the direction of Topsham. There was plenty to see in the shape of an abundance of estuary birds and also people enjoying various water-sports.

On return to the marina, ice-creams and hot drinks were in order, so the group made its way to the Strand Gardens prior to catching the bus back to Exeter. Everyone had a great time and we are now looking forward to the next excursion…watch this space!

On Saturday 24th June, members of the centre travelled to Millfield School in Somerset for the annual Mencap Day. As usual, there were plenty of activities to suit all, organised by the staff and pupils of the school. Certificates were awarded for football skills, coconuts hit, faces painted and a delicious lunch enjoyed. The arrival of the fire engine was a definite plus to some members! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and are already looking forward to next year!

On the 1st June, sixteen members and staff travelled by bus to sunny Exmouth. The intention was to have a wander along the seafront, enjoy an ice-cream, have lunch and then take a leisurely cruise on the Stuart Line ferry up the Exe Estuary taking in the sights. The plan worked well until the lunch break over-ran and we missed the boat by a few minutes! All was not lost as The Exmouth Festival was still running, so a walk to the Manor Gardens saw several members taking part in the available activities.

A circus workshop, with plate spinning and hula-hooping, gave some of the more energetic members a chance to show off their skills! Scott Lawrence was a picture of concentration as he span his plate and both Emma R. and Emma H. managed to get their hoops spinning around their waists.

After a short break for more ice-cream and drinks, everyone made their way back to the bus stop and the trip back to Exeter. Despite the disappointment of not going on the boat, a great time was had by all and we are planning a return to Exmouth and ensuring that we don’t miss the sailing!

With the start of the outdoor bowls season, members have again been able to attend regular sessions at the Belmont Bowls Club. Thanks must go to Arthur, the club captain, for inviting our members, and especially to David and Gordon, for their humour and instructional expertise. This is a great opportunity for members to get out and about and improve their hand-eye coordination.

Several members are becoming very accurate with their delivery and their scores on the games reflect this. We hope to continue throughout the summer (weather permitting) and finish the season, as we did last year, with tea and cake.

Eileen explaining what a ‘skep’ does

At the Gateway centre, we were treated to an informative talk from a bee-keeper. Not a guest, but in the shape of one of the staff. Eileen, the centre manager, dressed up in her protective suit and explained to the members about keeping bees and how honey is made. Members were shown many of the resources required, including part of a hive and a skep (a basket for collecting a swarm). While she was talking, Eileen played the sounds of a hive to build up the atmosphere.

FACT: it takes the pollen from 2 million flowers to produce just one pound in weight of honey!

At last the sun was shining so the members had a chance to ‘thread the Maypole’. The intention was to do it as near to May Day as possible, but due to the damp weather it was almost the Whitsun Bank Holiday! Several members took part on two different days using our improvised Gateway Maypole and ribbons. With Eileen and Daryl singing their own versions of ‘suitable’ music, the pole was threaded in the traditional over and under fashion around the ‘Maypolers’ (although often just over and visa versa!).  A great time was had by all and miraculously no-one became tangled!

For this year’s Comic Relief, it was decided that the staff and members would raise money by taking part in a range of activities. We had a discussion as to what Comic Relief is all about and the members were keen to participate. Over the course of the week, those members who took part had to complete an hour of activities in the form of Wii-Fit, aer/chairobics, Karaoke, dancing and walking 15 laps of the outside of the centre. More than twenty members took part and thanks to the generosity of their sponsors, just short of £280 was raised for this worthwhile cause.

Up-cyle Update

Many members have been putting their DIY skills to great use by up-cycling items of furniture. At last count, six items of furniture have been given a new lease of life by a host of enthusiastic members. Anita Galliford has had an influence on all items so far, adding her special touch to each piece, whether selecting the colour choice or the finish!

Waie Inn Trip

On Saturday 18th March, 23 members plus staff and support travelled by coach to the Waie Inn at Zeal Monachorum. Here, we met up with members from the Barnstaple Abbey Gateway Club. Due to inclement weather, the activities were limited to inside but this did not stop a very enjoyable (if not at times competitive) skittles competition between the two centres. Unfortunately, the scores weren’t very close, with Exeter ending up as runners-up! After the skittles, we adjourned to the upstairs function room, where everyone dined in style and chatted to newly made friends.

After the success of our Christmas Dinner, it was decided to hold a Valentine’s lunch, where 27 of the members dined in style. With help from her eager ‘sous chefs’, Eileen prepared and cooked a feast fit for the occasion. The lights were dimmed and candles lit-romantic music filled the air and everyone had a great time, chatting and savouring the delicious lasagne, cake, heart shaped biscuits and ice-cream.

There are still plenty of members showing an interest in woodwork, and an array of different size and shape boxes have been made over the past few weeks. They have been painted a selection of colours and decorated with pictures ranging from Shakin’ Stevens to a Liverpool FC badge!

Other members have been working hard to up-cycle some old furniture-the objects are nearly finished  so watch this space for the results!

A date has been finalised, June 24th, for our annual trip to Millfield School. We are also hoping to travel to the Bristol Science Museum on the previous weekend-it’s going to be a busy month!