Knutsford care home enjoys a day of sports with the local community

With the Olympics underway, a local care home kicked off their own summer of sports day with the help of a special guest.

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Cranford Grange, on Hall Lane, welcomed professional golfer and Head Coach to the England Northwest under 18's boys golf team, Pete Barber to host the home’s very own golfing games.

The event came as Cranford Grange joined The Big Care UK Sports Day, which saw over 130 Care UK homes across the UK host sports days for the local community and showcase what life in a care home is really like this summer.  

Guests soaked up the sporting atmosphere and had the chance to win their own gold medals with an afternoon of fun and games, with the help of Wilmslow Golf Club, who created a golf-putting space at the home for residents.  

Pete gave coaching sessions to many of the guests and residents who were looking to brush up on their skills, before taking part in the big competition. Many of the residents have played and enjoyed golf in their younger years and were thrilled to have expert coaching from Pete.

Taking home the gold medal at the end of the tournament was 100-year-old Joyce Forbes who had never played golf before and won the competition.

Commenting on the afternoon, resident Pam Wilkinson, aged 91, said: “I was a member of the Prestbury Golf Club for many years, and never thought I would get to play golf again, especially at the age of 91.

“It was a truly an exceptional event, I really enjoyed the golfing tips Peter gave me. I even found an old golfing shirt to wear for the event, and seeing my golf ball pop into the hole was a true delight. I had forgotten how competitive I was, and so very pleased to come runner-up. It’s great to see golf back this year in the Olympics and will be keenly following the British team.”

Lisa Burrows, General Manager at Cranford Grange, said: “Summer sports days are always a highlight for us, as not only is it a fun opportunity to compete in light-hearted games with team members, but provides an opportunity for us to welcome the local community and see what life is like here at Cranford Grange.  

“Keeping fit is important for everyone, but exercise has many additional benefits for older people, from reducing the risk of falls to increasing wellbeing and confidence. Here at Cranford Grange, we know just how important physical activity is, so we always encourage residents to stay active – and our own sporting tournament was a great way to do just that.  

“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to Peter Barber and Wilmslow Golf Club for kindly creating a golf putting green at Cranford Grange, enabling the competition to take place and a golf putting area for residents to use all year round, thank you.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Cranford Grange, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.