Here at Layston the lifestyle team do their best to provide activities to suit all tastes. We are an eclectic bunch but even so, they always seem to come up with ideas for things that we can all enjoy. We have craft days where we get to sprinkle glitter on anything and everything, just to add a bit of sparkle. We have exercise sessions to keep our joints moving and our motor skills functioning. We have parties and virtual holidays; we have entertainers and educators. It is certainly never dull here. 

All activities are open to all who wish to participate, and none are designed specifically for any one group to enjoy however, when the sporting events are screened in the Sky bar accompanied by beer and bar snacks it is predominantly us fellas that get involved.

In my youth I fancied myself as a bit of a sportsman, I loved a game of cricket or a kick about in the park, jumpers for goalposts. As I got older, I tended to watch more than I played. I followed football and rugby. I enjoyed watching snooker and darts, horseracing and formula one. I like anything with a competitive edge. 

Since moving into Layston Grove, I will admit to having tried many activities that I had not previously considered. I’ve painted, I’ve crafted, and I’ve even had a go at baking, I enjoyed them all; it’s nice to have the time and the opportunity to try new things but I will say, I don’t think Mary Berry has too much to worry about.

My favourite way to spend my free time has always been in front of the television, sport on, cold beer in hand and that has never changed. Years ago, I would walk down to my local and watch the game with my pals, more recently I would watch at home from the comfort of my chair.

Being able to sit in the Sky bar with the other fellas, watching the footie, yelling at the ref, discussing the team formation takes me back years. It feels good to have friends with similar interests even if we don’t all support the same team. We drink beer, we munch on crisps and peanuts, and we relax in each other’s company. It’s my favourite part of the week.

One of the things that drew me to Layston Grove was the facilities. They have cleverly managed to bring the outside in. Not all of us are as mobile as we once were, and the fact that we have our own bar, tearoom, hairdressers and library means that we don’t miss out, we aren’t stuck with the choice between a lounge or a bedroom. 
 
At Layston we are more than residents, we are a community and I’ll happily say cheers to that.