Suffolk care homes celebrate the Tour of Britain

Company news

Sep 19, 2017

Residents at Care UK homes across Suffolk got to work on their bikes to celebrate the Tour of Britain.

As stage six of the Tour of Britain passed through Suffolk, residents at eight Care UK care homes within the region came up with their own unique theme as they transformed a vintage bike into an eye-catching reminiscence display for the home.

At Cleves Place care home in Haverhill, residents transformed their bike into Del Boy and Rodney’s iconic Reliant Robin. The classic sitcom was chosen as inspiration for the bike as the show is a long-time favourite of many residents at the home – fittingly known as ‘Only Fools & Cleavers’ for the day.

Meanwhile, at Davers Court in Bury St. Edmunds, residents decorated the bike with brightly coloured flowers to reflect their recent ‘Bury in Bloom’ win. Residents and visitors continued the celebrations as they visited the sideline of the route to cheer on a number of the world’s best cyclists as the tour passed through the town.

Residents at Cedrus House in Stowmarket opted for ribbons, handmade fans, flowers, tissue paper and pipe cleaners to decorate their bike which is now on display at the home. To celebrate the day, residents also spent time learning about Jeanie Welford – the first female member of Cycling UK – and engaged in conversations about their own memories of bike rides in younger years.

At Hartismere Place in Eye, residents decided to decorate their bike with an allotment theme. Residents at the home on used flowers to decorate the bike and finished it off with a purpose made basket – perfect for carrying freshly grown veg – and a life sized farmer.

Residents at Mildenhall Lodge on St. John’s Close made a colourful creation of their vintage bike. Residents then placed the bike on display as they watched the race and cheered on the cyclists.

Sally Shadbolt, home manager at Cleves Place, said: “We were thrilled to hear that the Tour of Britain would be passing so closely to the home. Many of our residents were keen cyclists in younger years and everyone was really excited about the race, so we wanted to find a way to celebrate the occasion.”

Angela Hodge, customer relations manager at Hartismere Place, added: “The residents had a brilliant time coming up with themes and suggestions for the display, and it has been a real talking point for everyone at the home. We were delighted to be able to take part in such a special event for the local area, and the residents all had a wonderful time cheering on the riders.”