Activities at Tyspane Care Home

In recent months, Tyspane residents and children from Caen School have been taking part in an exciting initiative called the ‘Open Arms Dance and Music Project’ run by the Devon Dance Company. 

Weekly rehearsals have taken place, with residents singing and playing instruments, whilst the children interpret the music in dance. A special ‘Song for Spring’ has also been written by the residents and children. A finale performance was planned, with invitations going out to friends and families, but sadly this has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

To the delight of the residents, children from Caen School delivered letters, drawings, homemade quizzes, and artwork to cheer the residents and keep in touch, in the hope that the project will go-ahead in the future

We were delighted to accept the children’s art work. It has brought a great deal of pleasure to our residents, who are unable to go out or receive visitors. It has brought a touch of colour to their day and has made a big difference to their well-being.

Residents & staff came together to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Tyspane Care Centre. Local Vicar Dr Suzanna Metz, who enjoys researching music and the origins of traditions, visited the home to give a talk on Valentine’s Day and how different nationalities around the world celebrate this special day.

The residents joined Dr Metz singing songs like “What a wonderful world” and “When I’m 64”. A colourful flower arranging class was also undertaken by the residents who enjoyed making posies and arrangements for their loved ones.

Damon Drummond, General Manager at the home, said: “It was great that so many people came along to celebrate Valentine’s Day with us and the entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Tyspane staff and residents love a good celebration but it’s always extra special when the local community get involved too.”

Residents at Tyspane Care Centre in Braunton enjoyed a morning of bowling organised jointly by the staff at the home, Ian McCombes and the Just Bowl team which is funded by NHS Devon for people living in care homes. The Residents were able to take part in an in house bowls session which they really enjoyed. The equipment was left at the home so regular weekly bowling sessions are set continue.   

Damon Drummond General Manager of Tyspane said: “Our residents had a great time bowling it is a fun way to bring everyone together and a good way to exercise both body and mind, it is a therapeutic activity that many of our residents can easily take part in.

Staff, residents and relatives came together at Tyspane to enjoy a festive panto.

Staff from Tyspane donned outrageous costumes and fluffed their lines in the name of pantomime. Jack & Dame Trump were joined by a cast made up of care and ancillary staff, who all work here. The delighted audience joined in with the jokes and booed and hissed in all the right places.

With the festive period in full swing Tyspane have decorated the home with Santa’s Sleigh, filled with his 5 little helpers taking centre stage. Residents have enjoyed the Torridge Male Voice Choir, the Two Rivers Choir and The Braunton Ladies Hand bell Ringers and with a packed programme of events still to come.

The residents and their relatives can look forward to the Christmas Party on 19th December at 5:30, which will be another highlight of the festivities as the Rock & Roll Band “The Grumpy Old Men” are top of the bill.

Residents and staff at Tyspane care centre, laced up their trainers and set about warming up for a weekend of sporting fun at the care home.

The Long bike Ride-Saturday 30th November.  Residents their relatives and staff took part in a 25 mile cycle ride challenge, riding static bicycles and a physiotherapy motomed machine. They were joined by local sportsmen and Triathletes Mike Culley, Andy Willmer along with Les Smith who were at Tyspane to get the ride underway offering support and encouragement to the participants who cycled as far as they could to smash the 25 mile target. Spectators took part by waving flags and cheering on the participants.

Special cakes were baked and decorated especially for the day by residents and their families.

On Sunday 1st December, Glenn, guest speaker and former ABA Heavyweight Champion of Great Britain 1977, had some great anecdotes and stories to tell from his distinguished boxing career.

Four boxers including Kamil Sokolowski, a current heavy weight champion, ranked 11 in the country were at the home to perform an exciting, sparring demonstration.

Barum Boxing Club trainer, Gavin Lane brought along one of their up and coming young boxers Liam, together they were able to showcase young Liam’s ability in the boxing ring.

Boxing runs in the Adair family as Glenn’s sister, Babs Spear also Physio Assistant at Tyspane became the first woman to receive a boxer licence to train world champion Richie Wenton a British & Commonweath Champion who went on to win the Lonsdale Belt in 1995.