The Thomas Centre's Innovative Musical Pavilion Enhances Family Connections

Nestled in the Lincolnshire countryside, The Thomas Centre is a family-run business established in 2006 to offer families an autism-friendly holiday destination.

This unique setting accommodates families and groups with children and adults who have Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, Tourette's, or other complex and sensory needs, such as Cerebral Palsy. Once a small, redundant farm, this five-star location now features barns that provide ample space for families to enjoy a variety of activities, including go-karting, sensory rooms, as well as woodland walks, and outdoor music!

Visitors to The Thomas Centre can now enjoy making music on newly installed outdoor instruments from Percussion Play. A pergola area has been created at the edge of the Centre's site to serve as the 'music space.' The selected instruments are designed to provide an engaging activity for the whole family. Lizzie Richards, the Business Manager, emphasizes, "They're for everybody and anybody!"

The instruments' intergenerational aspect is crucial because the center aims to make activities inclusive for everyone in the family. Lizzie remarked, "I just saw a three-year-old playing the chimes and a 70-year-old on the drum! It's really important for our families to have sensory experiences, and these instruments are perfect for that!"

Color played a vital role for Lizzie when selecting the instruments, leading her to choose the rainbow-colored Calypso Chimes, which are particularly popular among younger children. In addition to the chimes, they incorporated the Duo xylophone, an innovative instrument designed for two people to interact and create music together without the need to look directly at each other. This design allows them to focus entirely on the auditory experience in a comfortable and personal space. The Duo features an ergonomic curved design that makes it easier for individuals with limited mobility or wheelchair users to reach all the notes.

Lizzie and her team recognized the importance of selecting instruments that could be played by individuals with motor skill challenges. They chose the Cyclone and the Large Babel Drum because both instruments do not require the player to hold onto anything while playing. The Cyclone produces the sound of rain with a simple push, while the Babel Drum can be played easily with the hands.

The Babel Drum held significant meaning for Lizzie and The Thomas Centre, as it was installed in memory of one of the center's founders and Lizzie's father, Richard Crean. The drum is engraved with the phrase, "Make as much noise as you want," which reflects both the motto of the Centre and Richard's words to visitors.

Today, children, carers, and parents are encouraged to make as much noise as they want—something Richard would have been delighted to see!