Activities at Crandon Springs Care Home

Following his fantastic performance at Crandon Springs Care Home last year, we were delighted to welcome back the amazing, talented, Wells-based Elvis tribute artist, Harry James.

Harry transported residents back to the early days of rock ’n’ roll, capturing Elvis’s unmistakable sound, style and charisma. From his slick early Elvis outfit and authentic moves, to his fantastic voice and audience interaction, he certainly entertained.

There were plenty of familiar favourites, loads of smiling, chair dancing and applause, and when Harry serenaded Doreen with her requested song, `Love Me Tender`, there were even some happy tears!

Our residents have been enjoying free Trishaw rides around the beautiful city of Wells, thanks to the Wells Community Network and their volunteer drivers.

What a lovely way to enjoy the early autumn sunshine and fresh air. Even those who are sensitive to the cooler weather were kept snug and warm so they could enjoy the experience.

Our residents enjoyed a nostalgic seaside experience without leaving home, complete with traditional games, fish and chips and ice cream.

There were sandcastles, beach balls, games, sunglasses and even a Punch & Judy show, creating a fun `day at the beach` for everyone to enjoy. The seaside theme continued into our dining rooms, where residents tucked into traditional fish and chips served in seaside-style boxes, followed by delicious ice creams from our very own ice cream trolley.

It was a wonderful opportunity to have fun, enjoy shared experiences, reminisce about seaside holidays and create new happy memories together.

We had some very soft and special visitors recently - two wonderful alpacas, Caramac and Liquorice.

Our residents, family and friends enjoyed meeting them as they visited every area of the home, including residents' rooms, making sure that everyone had the opportunity to spend time with them.

Alpacas are gentle, calm and curious animals, with incredibly soft fleece, which makes them wonderful, comforting companions. We were as curious as they were, so their visit caused a lot of conversation, petting, and fun!

Pasquale from Pasquale’s Barbers in Weston Super Mare, visited our home to give the gentlemen residents a traditional Italian barbershop experience. From fresh haircuts and shaves, to eyebrow, ear and nose grooming, they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to relax, feel refreshed and be pampered.

When Pasquale’s father, a former barber, moved into residential care, Pasquale was inspired to bring this personal barber experience into care homes, ensuring gentlemen have access to the same level of grooming and self-care that everyone deserves.

He made our gentlemen residents feel so special, we've booked him to return again very soon.

We enjoyed a fun-filled Wild West-themed day packed with laughter and cowboy spirit, as our Memory Lane community was transformed into a Western ranch, complete with cowboy hats, themed decorations and `Wanted` style photo opportunities. 

Residents and staff joined in with games of Buckaroo, hoop the cactus, and hilarious inflatable costumes, while country music favourites, including Dolly Parton, provided the soundtrack. And the celebrations continued with a hearty ranch-style dinner before we settled down in the evening to watch a Western film.

A great day, with everyone coming together to talk and laugh, reminiscing and making new memories too. Resident Margaret loved the experience, saying it felt like they had gone somewhere completely different for the day.

Our residents, families and friends enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of classic cars, thanks to a special visit from the Classic & Historic Motor Club.

A fantastic selection of beautifully maintained historic vehicles filled our car park, giving everyone the opportunity to admire the cars up close and chat with their proud owners about their history and upkeep.

Refreshments were served in our café throughout the afternoon, so we were able to come together, share stories and reminisce during this memorable annual event which is greatly anticipated and enjoyed.

We enjoyed a delightful afternoon of traditional treats, good company and memories brought to life at our lovely vintage afternoon tea.

Our dining rooms were transformed to create a charming step back in time. Our kitchen team prepared a delicious selection of traditional favourites, including sandwiches, cold meats and pickles, followed by cakes, trifle, scones and jam. Pots of tea were served alongside a little fizz to make the occasion extra special.

The atmosphere was wonderful with residents relaxing, chatting and reminiscing while enjoying some much-loved treats, and the staff enjoyed working together to create such a special occasion.

A small creative group of our residents explored the work of Somerset sculptor Ian Marlow, taking inspiration from the natural world around us. 

Joy created a beautiful flower-shaped trinket dish, Pat and Greta made pressed flower hanging decorations, and Jo crafted a lovely butterfly decoration featuring pressed lavender. 

It was a lovely, relaxing and enjoyable session celebrating creativity and nature, and it was fun to try model making, with some great results.

Our residents were treated to a mixed martial arts showcase from Nicole, a member of the Activities team, before getting active themselves.

Nicole has been practising mixed martial arts for over 10 years, is a black belt, and has been an assistant instructor for both children and adults. She demonstrated some impressive Taekwondo moves and techniques and everyone enjoyed the show!

While our residents might not be able to match Nicole’s moves just yet, they can keep active in their own way. There’s always a way to get moving and have fun at Crandon Springs Care Home, including through the home's weekly tai chi and exercise classes.

As the leaves on the trees are starting to turn, and autumn colours are appearing all around us in beautiful Somerset, we enjoyed making some simple but effective autumn wreaths. We used paper plates and stencil patterns, and a mixture of colouring, sticking and printing. 

We also enjoyed reflecting on this quote from philosopher Albert Camus that reminds us to celebrate the beauty in all seasons and all ages: "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

Our annual Summer Party and BBQ brought more than 140 residents, relatives, friends and local community members together for a fantastic afternoon in the sunshine. With delicious food, live music from local singer Julie Evans, and an exciting reptile encounter from Garwynn and Steph at GRAB (Garwynn's Reptiles And Bugs), there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Residents and visitors of all ages shared laughter, games, music and memorable moments, while the raffle, craft and plant stalls added to the fun.

Days like these create lasting memories, strengthen connections and showcase the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes our home such a special place.

At the heart of our Memory Lane community is getting to know the person behind the diagnosis, and Niamh, our Activities Coordinator, always makes time to get to know our residents.

She recently spent some lovely one-to-one time with Susannah, a former geologist and editor for a renowned educational publishing house. Susannah shared fascinating stories from her career and gave Niamh a masterclass in creating eye-catching magazine layouts and engaging copy. Niamh also encouraged our new resident Mike to give us a beautiful piano performance. Completely self-taught, Mike plays entirely from memory, without sheet music.

These personalised moments help us celebrate each resident's unique life story, supporting wellbeing, memory, and meaningful connections.