For 45 of Stryder’s social clients, springtime meant a must-visit trip to the Tulip Festival at Corbett Gardens in Bowral.
Imagine visiting gardens that are filled with a kaleidoscope of colour and magnificence. Filled with the presence of over 75,000 tulips that have been massed planted together with 15,000 annuals. Added to that, another 30,000 bulbs have been planted across the Southern Highlands shire providing a wonderfully welcoming sight to behold leading up to the gardens.
The sense of adventure begins with a 7.30 am door-to-door pick-up for each of our clients as they board our special bus with exciting anticipation. There is an additional spring and a bounce to be ready at the door and be punctually picked up.
Due to the popular demand, 3 trips have been organised, so our clients have choices of preferred dates and favourite drivers and bus assistants. Bert had the lucky draw to drive the Willandra clients on the 16th September, whilst Peter, with volunteer bus assistant, Christine, did the 21st September trip. Not to miss out was Malia and our new bus assistant Sharon (welcome) did another bus load of excited clients on the public holiday, 22nd September.
So, what are the pleasures of being out in nature and visiting such manicured gardens?
For some of our clients, going out for a social day is one of the joys of using Stryder for community transport. They get to catch up with friends made within the Stryder community. Sometimes new friendships form as they find common interests. For others, it may be some nice leisure exercise, fresh air, and appreciating the creativity of the planters and gardeners who design and nourish such fauna and flora. It takes the breath away when everything comes together for the fields to blossom alive to put on a spectacular display for the young and the young at heart.
And for the families of our clients, it is peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are in great hands to enjoy themselves!
And to round up the trip, the second pit stop was at the delightful Mittagong RSL Club for lunch. What a treat.
For more information regarding our social trips, visit our events page on the website. Our October/November program will be on there by the end of the week. https://stryder.org.au/events/