Bike Week fun for residents of Moray care homes

RESIDENTS of care homes in Moray relived their childhoods when they had some fun on bicycles as part of Bike Week.

Staff at Glenisla in Keith and Netherha in Buckie were supported by volunteers from the Highland Cycle Ability Centre, based near Cantray.

Glenisla activities coordinator Emily Clair said: “The residents always enjoy getting out on the bikes and we try to have them a couple of times a year.

"It’s great exercise and helps a lot with flexibility, and it’s also a great way to get out and enjoy the local scenery.”

Caroline Cameron, activities coordinator at Netherha, added: “I booked the bikes a couple of months ago as they are always a hit with both staff and residents.

"The residents all loved it and it brought back a lot of childhood memories and quite a few of them have asked if we can book them again.

"We’re so grateful to the team from the Highland Cycle Ability Centre. They’re always so helpful and our residents really enjoy getting out on the road.”

At Glenisla, Emily was joined by her son Arthur Stevenson who volunteered to help cycle with the residents. She said it taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of community volunteering:

“The schools were closed for the Platinum Jubilee weekend, so Arthur said he would be happy to come and volunteer giving residents spins on the bikes.

"He and our resident Angus chatted for a long time about the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community."

Later in the day Arthur went to Tesco and donated his £5 pocket money to the local food bank.

For more about the Highland Cycle Ability Centre, visit highlandcycleabilitycentre.net

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