Activities at Plas-Y-Dderwen Care Home

At Plas Y Dderwen, community isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something we live every day.
Whether it’s sharing stories over a coffee at a local café, joining in with community groups, attending Chapel services, or laughing together during a lively game of bingo, we cherish every opportunity to stay connected with people around us. These moments are more than activities – they’re the ties that bring us closer.

We’re also proud to support our wider community. We recently delivered a box of essential items to the Carmarthen Foodbank, thanks to the generous donations from our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff. It was a small act with a big heart, and we are committed to keeping this going. If you’re visiting our home, you’ll find a donation box in our reception area – every contribution makes a difference.
Also this month, we made a visit to the local fire station with our Blue Light Breakfast. It’s our way of saying thank you to the incredible emergency services team who work tirelessly to keep us safe. Over bacon baps, fresh fruit, and juice, we shared a few words of gratitude and plenty of smiles.

At Plas Y Dderwen, we believe that community is built on kindness, connection and care – and that by coming together, we can create something truly special.

This Carers Week, we took a moment to pause and reflect on the people who make Plas Y Dderwen such a warm, compassionate, and supportive home – our incredible carers and colleagues. Each day, they go above and beyond, offering not just professional care but genuine kindness and connection. Their commitment, patience, and dedication never go unnoticed.

To show our appreciation, a chocolate hamper was delivered to the home, and our carers received thoughtful gifts as a small token of thanks. The Activities Team prepared a special afternoon tea, complete with cream scones and a delicious selection of homemade cakes. It was a moment for everyone to relax, enjoy and feel celebrated. 

Our residents also joined in, writing heartfelt messages that were proudly displayed on our Gratitude Board – each one a reminder of how deeply valued our carers are by those they support. To all of our carers – thank you! Your hard work and compassion make all the difference every single day.

There’s something special about stepping outside the everyday routine and reconnecting with the wider world – and for our residents at Plas Y Dderwen, that’s exactly what made this recent day out so memorable.

We didn’t just plan one outing – we planned two! Our first trip took us to the beautiful Llansteffan beach, where the sun was shining and the sea breeze brought smiles all around. For many residents, the visit stirred up cherished memories of past holidays and seaside strolls. They watched the boats drift by, enjoyed the laughter and the simple joy of hot chips by the shore. And of course, no beach visit would be complete without a traditional ice cream enjoyed under the sun.

Later that same day, a second group of residents headed out for a lively evening at Xcel Bowl. Spirits were high as everyone joined in three fun-filled games of bowling alongside staff. The sound of laughter and friendly competition echoed through the lanes – each strike and near-miss adding to the joy of the moment. After the games, everyone gathered over food, swapping stories and playfully debating who had the best technique and comparing the scores of the evening.

These experiences go far beyond the activity itself. They offer residents a renewed sense of freedom, inclusion, and community. Being out and about not only brings a change of scenery, but it strengthens the bonds between friends, staff, and the world beyond our home.

It was a day filled with sunshine, shared memories, and smiles that will last well beyond the last wave or final game.

On May 8th, our home held a celebration in honour of VE Day—an afternoon that blended heartfelt remembrance with community spirit and shared joy.

The day brought residents, staff, and guests together in a moving tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who lived through the Second World War. The Carmarthen Ukuleles brought their musical talents to the event, filling the home with the sounds of familiar wartime songs. Their performance sparked smiles, singing, and even dancing, as cherished memories resurfaced.

Many residents took the opportunity to reflect on their own wartime experiences or those of their loved ones. It was a reminder of the individual lives behind history, and the strength of the human spirit.
We were honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Carmarthen and local Police Community Support Officers, whose visit helped to reinforce the strong bond between our home and the wider community. Their kind words and friendly faces added a sense of unity to the occasion.

The afternoon concluded with a traditional spread of tea, homemade scones, and cakes—an opportunity to enjoy a taste of the past and the comfort of good company. VE Day at Plas-Y-Dderwen was more than a celebration; it was a heartfelt tribute to a generation that endured so much, and a reminder of the importance of remembering together.

We had a wonderful morning at the beginning of May when a group of staff and residents set off early for a special outing to St. Clears. We arrived in time for a 10am sing-along session hosted by Goldies Cymru, and in true VE Day spirit, we raised our voices to a joyful selection of wartime songs from the 1930s and 40s. Everyone sang loudly and proudly, and the atmosphere was full of joy.

After the singing session, we made our way to Curiositea Café to round off the morning with a lovely selection of tea and cakes. We received a warm welcome from the staff, which made the visit even more enjoyable.
Our residents had a fantastic time, not only enjoying the music and refreshments but also sharing memories. One resident fondly recalled getting married in St. Clears and spoke about how special it was to return to the area and see how it had changed. The day was filled with laughter and community spirit – a truly memorable outing for all involved.

This month, our residents had the joy of visiting Circus Mondao, with two exciting minibus trips in one week!

The atmosphere was electric as residents became part of the lively Carmarthen crowd. For some of our residents, the experience sparked cherished memories of childhood visits to the circus, or of taking their own children and grandchildren to see the magic under the big tent.

For Geraint, it had been 68 years since his last circus visit. Colin, aged 93, experienced the circus for the very first time! Gill shared how thrilled she was after the show, saying she had been "so excited" and "thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience."

The performance was a delightful mix of entertainment—from clowns and performing dogs to elegant ponies, breathtaking aerial artists, and impressive balancing acts. The show was full of wonder and laughter. More than just a trip out, it was a meaningful experience—one that brought back fond memories, created new ones, and strengthened the sense of community amongst residents and staff.

This month, we held a heart-warming Easter Fundraising Event in support of Barchester's Charitable Foundation. We were delighted to welcome our friend, Jimmy Elvis, whose lively performance not only entertained but also significantly boosted our residents wellbeing. Jimmy Elvis wowed us all with his classic tunes, smooth dance moves, and personal serenades for our residents – adding a special touch to the afternoon.

We also had a special visit from Carmarthenshire Party Ponies & Therapy Pets who came along with Toby the Pony and Thunder the giant bunny, who made heart-warming room-to-room visits, spreading smiles and Easter cheer throughout our communities. Our cake sale was a huge hit and the raffle was a great success, thanks to the generosity of those who donated prizes and bought tickets.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported us – whether by attending, donating, or purchasing goodies. Your kindness helps make a real difference. We had a fun-filled afternoon and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Events like these are more than just fun – they bring a sense of joy, reduce feelings of isolation, and encourage social interacting among residents.

We were absolutely delighted to welcome Daisy, the founder of Redberth Croft CIC, and Samantha into our home today – along with a very special little guest, Ella the rabbit! Ella, who was recently rescued, stole the hearts of our residents during her visit.

Redberth Croft is a fantastic local charity that provides support to veterans and also rescues animals including horses, ponies, dogs, rabbits, and more. They’re currently developing a new, inclusive market garden that will be open to the whole community.

We’re proud to announce that the Barchester's Charitable Foundation has awarded a grant of £2,500 to support this inspiring project. Our wonderful resident ambassadors, Geraint and Gill, had the honour of presenting the cheque on behalf of the Foundation.

It was inspiring to hear more about the incredible work Redberth Croft is doing, and the exciting plans they have for the future. We’re truly looking forward to growing this relationship and working together in the months ahead!

On Good Friday, a small group of us jumped on the minibus and made our way to Carmarthen Indoor Bowls Club for an evening of community bingo – and residents had a wonderful evening.

We were greeted with such a warm welcome, and the atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and fun! Residents soaked up the friendly vibes, and it wasn’t long before it was eyes down and dabbers at the ready!

With a few lucky wins (and maybe a cheeky false call or two), everyone had a brilliant time. The giggles were nonstop, and both staff and residents loved every moment. A huge thank you to everyone who made the evening so special – we can’t wait to do it again!