Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Today at Tyspane Care Home we were honoured to welcome Torridge and District Motor Club. Torridge & District Motorcycle club was founded in 1957. The club organised Trials, Motorcross and Enduro events for over 50 years but now concentrates on running Trials events for people of all ages and abilities. The club operates in the North and West Devon area organising trials all year round from Tavistock to Hartland.

The activities lounge was packed with residents as the motor bike was brought in and balanced on a stand in the middle of the room for all to see. It was truly, a spectacular sight for sore eyes. The residents were captivated by the stories of the riders and couldn’t stop asking questions and recounting their own experiences about motor bikes. Who would have thought that so many of the residents at Tyspane Care Home owned and rode motor cycles in the past? The stories emphasised that trial riding really is one of the most technically demanding and challenging disciplines. Riders need exceptional balance, patience, as well as amazing throttle and clutch control. The values and ethos of Torridge & District Motorcycle Club did not go un-noticed as they talked by encouraging friendship, companionship, loyalty whilst supporting independence and challenge all of which our residents appreciated.

Thank you Chris and John for a wonderful afternoon.

Lorna, Dennis and Brian, residents of Tyspane Care Home visited Braunton today for coffee and cakes. Whilst seated in the sun, Lorna captivated everyone with her exceptional storytelling, especially the tale of St Brannocks Church.

According legend and Lorna the Church owes its foundation to Brannock, a missionary who came across the Bristol Channel from Wales (some authorities claim he came from Ireland) to bring Christianity and improved agriculture to the area. The legend states that Brannock attempted to build a church on a hill above the settlement but it kept falling down. He then had a vision and was told to build his church at a spot where he would find a sow and piglets. This legend is commemorated on a highly coloured roof boss immediately above the font. A similar boss can also be found in Exeter cathedral.

Luckily for the residents of Tyspane Care Home the only visions we encountered in Braunton was the beautiful sunshine and spectacular array of cakes!

At Tyspane Care Home, we believe that every moment in life is worth cherishing, and we are thrilled to share the heart-warming fulfilment of a special wish for one of our residents. This month, we celebrate David Prior.

David shared that whilst living in Sussex as a teenager his stepfather Peter taught him to drive around the farm fields on a 1947 Massey Ferguson. David described the feeling as amazing and has wonderful memories of driving this now vintage tractor. He recalled that it was this early experience that helped him pass his driving test at 17 years of age and acquire his first car, a black standard 8. David expressed that it would be a dream come true to see a 1947 Massey Ferguson again.

As a result of David sharing his dream, Jaye Yeo (Activities Team) screamed with excitement as she owned a 1947 Petrol Massey Ferguson Tractor. Jaye agreed to speak to her son James about surprising David by driving the tractor to Tyspane Care Home. James who is 23 years old, is a passionate collector of Massey Ferguson Tractor and is the proud owner of four vintage tractors. With careful planning and a smile on his face, James set off from Muddiford, North Devon down the winding roads at 10 miles an hour. He joked that there was no traffic in front of him, only behind him!

Whilst on his way, the staff at Tyspane charged into action and lead David and other residents to the front of the building where James was waiting with his tractor. The whirling and growling of the vintage tractor along with a sensory blast of oil and petrol fumes only added to the experience. David couldn’t believe his eyes, it was exactly like the one he had learnt to drive on.  It was a lovely afternoon as everyone chatted and reminisced about early experiences in their lives, it was wonderful to hear stories about how they knew about Massey Ferguson tractors.

We therefore extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jaye and James Yeo. Their generosity and collaboration played a vital role in creating a truly memorable experience for David Prior. It is a testament to the staff’s determination to make dreams come true, no matter the age or circumstance.

Here at Tyspane Care Home we continue our mission to provide exceptional care and support to all our residents. We are committed to creating an environment where dreams are nurtured, cherished, and celebrated.

Sunday the 9th July 2023 was a day to be remembered by all.  Tyspane Care Home was bursting with energy at 8.00 am preparing for the annual Family Fun Day at 2.00 pm. Balloons were blown up, bunting hung, vases filled with beautiful blooms and outside seating arranged. Our young volunteers made sure Tyspane Care Home shone bright and beautiful.

Stall holders started arriving with a spectacular array of homemade craft pieces which included hand knitted baby clothes, homemade cakes, silk scarfs, jewellery, books, cosmetics and toys. Tyspane Care Home provided raffle and tombola stalls with fabulous prizes including spa days, vouchers, plants and baskets of fruit. The cream teas and ice-creams were simply delicious and a hit with everyone especially the young children.

Luckily, the sun shone which allowed family and friends to socialise outside and watch the young play bowls, spin hoops and run around trying to solve cryptic clues for the scavenger hunt. Never a dull moment allowing for wonderful memories with loved ones to be made.

Entertainment was provided by the famous “Hatchet Jack” with a mixture of new and old songs allowing staff, friends and families to sing and dance. Followed by The Victorians playing the Hurdy-Gurdy, simply magical.

Today at Tyspane Care Home, we were visited by the elegant, sophisticated and truly wonderful Barnstaple Ladies Choir. The ladies sang in harmony to a number of classics such as “You raise me up” and “On eagle’s wings”.

Residents were captivated by the musical melodies and enjoyed chatting to the ladies after the event which supported and strengthen community links.

Thank you Ladies.

We had a wonderful Spring flower show, the residents had a posy making class then they were judged. We also had live music from Dog Leg.