Golf in Society Brings Joy to Residents of Sycamore Hall Care Home
Anthony Blackburn, the founder of Golf in Society, recently visited Sycamore Hall Care Home in Ripon to lead the residents in a person-centred golf session. The day commenced with a warm-up, during which the residents were taught about the importance of wrist rotation in mastering the golf course.
The session then proceeded to a putting green, where the residents tested their swings before engaging in a round-robin competition. Joan Mears, an 88-year-old who used to participate in golf tournaments, described the experience as a trip down memory lane. “It was a fairway to reminisce,” she said with a smile.
Bernard Bland, 87, also found the session to be a nostalgic journey. Having taken up golf after retirement, he spoke about the benefits of the sport, including the ample fresh air and exercise. Even newcomers to the game, such as 89-year-old Beryl Burfield, expressed their delight at the opportunity to try something new. Beryl’s family was amazed to see her playing golf, and she commented, “I’ve never done anything like this before in my life and never thought I would. It’s made my day.”
Jill Scaife, the activities coordinator at Sycamore Hall Care Home, expressed her gratitude for the session and noted the residents’ enthusiasm in participating. She highlighted the joy experienced by both seasoned golfers and first-time players, emphasizing the sense of achievement felt by all.
Golf in Society was established to provide golf sessions for individuals living with chronic illnesses, including dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Anthony Blackburn explained that the programme aims to bring sports-based experiences to non-traditional settings, such as care homes, to promote meaningful and enjoyable activities.
By partnering with care homes like Sycamore Hall and others across the Tees Valley, Golf in Society seeks to deliver beneficial sessions to residents, ultimately promoting flexibility and stimulating the brain to learn new skills. As residents successfully master putting techniques and sink the balls, they experience a real sense of achievement, which is truly inspiring.
The day of golfing fun at Sycamore Hall Care Home was a testament to the positive impact that sports-based activities can have on individuals, regardless of their age or level of experience. The smiles and laughter shared by the residents were a clear indication of the joy and fulfilment experienced during the session.