‘Bib the Bike’ brings freedom of cycling to home’s residents

FUN and freedom-loving residents of a Dorset care home have begun touring their locality with a specially adapted trishaw.

‘Bib the Bike’ is proving a definite hit at Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton with passengers enjoying the fresh air and opportunity to go out and about. Companionship team leader Karlene Horswill said: “It’s so nice to see Bib in action. The residents were absolutely fascinated and asked lots of questions about the bike and the prospect of going out on rides. They certainly enjoyed the first outing.”

The bike, pedalled by a suitably trained operator at the back, can carry two people in comfort.

Run by volunteers, it is part of a community health and wellbeing initiative led by the Blackmore Vale Surgery in the town’s Old Market Hill, a couple of minutes away from Newstone House.

By helping people to enjoy the local neighbourhood and nearby countryside, the aim is to improve mental health and stimulation and support those who may feel lonely if they are otherwise unable to be mobile in the community.

At Newstone House, the trishaw was brought into the gardens for an hourlong test run before starting the first of what are expected to be regular outings along the North Dorset Trailway.

Charlie was contacted by the team at Care Dorset’s The Hayes in Sherborne, who explained that Mary, 92, had expressed a wish to meet him.

Activities officer Vicky Feltham said: “We started a Wishing Tree last September when Care Dorset took over The Hayes and asked all the people we support to tell us their wishes.

“We want to show that coming into a home is just a new chapter which can be enriching, fulfilling and fun. “Wishes granted so far have included a boat ride for a former Royal Navy officer and even a flight in a helicopter.”

Vicky added: “At first we were a little daunted when Mary said she wanted to meet her favourite weather presenter, Charlie. But we sent a message via the ITV Facebook page and were amazed when they came straight back to us saying he would be delighted to visit.”

Fellow activities officer Bev Williams said: “Mary adores Charlie and tells everyone to be quiet when he comes on the TV each night.

“It hasn’t been easy keeping this all a secret from her, especially as she has a big family with lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren who visit her often. But we invited her family in for a tea party beforehand and then Charlie made his grand entrance.”

Striding into Mary’s tea party, Charlie said: “I understand you wanted to meet me, Mary?”

A stunned Mary said: “Oh Charlie you look exactly the same as you do on the telly. “They told me they didn’t think they would be able to get you to come. I’m so happy. You’re my favourite.”

Mary has been living at The Hayes since March 2022.

Her daughter Dawn Payne said: “Mum has vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s and was really struggling at home before coming into The Hayes. But now she is doing well.

“She loves taking part in all the activities and has made many friends.

“We are so grateful to Care Dorset for making this wish come true for her and to Charlie for coming all the way from Exeter to meet her. This will be all she talks about for months to come.”

A further surprise came when Charlie invited Mary to introduce his weather forecast, which went out live across the West Country from The Hayes. She proved a natural in front of the camera.

Charlie left The Hayes after signing autographs for Mary and her colleagues.

He said: “It’s been lovely to meet Mary and her family and incredibly flattering to know how much she enjoys my weather reports. She has also been an excellent co-presenter.”