Activities at Plas-Y-Dderwen Care Home

We recently organized a fabulous Afternoon Tea event to celebrate Mother's Day. Some of our residents contributed by arranging flowers which were used to decorate the dining room tables. Our hospitality, activities, and housekeeping teams worked together to prepare a variety of delicious treats of cakes, scones and sandwiches. Sandra made an amazing cake that impressed everyone who attended the event. It was heart-warming to see so many happy faces, and our residents enjoyed spending time with their loved ones. It was wonderful to see so many family members attend. Some of them even enjoyed a glass of Prosecco, whilst enjoying the joyous atmosphere.

On Mother's Day, we made sure to bring a smile to the faces of all the wonderful women on all communities, by hand-delivering a special gift to each one of them.

The staff and residents celebrated the arrival of the Chinese New Year in style. The dining room was beautifully decorated with hanging Chinese symbols, and everyone had a great time learning about the traditions and superstitions of the festival. One of the highlights of the day was the Chopstick Challenge, where residents had to use chopsticks to transfer fruit and chocolate from one plate to another. In the evening, our Chef cooked up a delicious oriental feast, which was served with prawn crackers. Gill Allcorn, one of the residents, was particularly impressed with the decorations, which brightened up the dining room. She also enjoyed the dragon costume worn by the Activities Co-ordinator, which made everyone laugh. Using chopsticks was another highlight of her day, and she found it fascinating to learn about different New Year traditions.

The staff and residents were treated to a virtual Valentine's table decorating masterclass by Kathryn Delve, a talented master florist. Kathryn is an independent florist who specializes in creating unique wedding and event flowers, all sourced from her local flower farm in Somerset. She takes inspiration for her displays from the beautiful scenery that surrounds her home and the changing seasons and colours.

During the workshop, residents were invited to join Kathryn to create beautiful Valentine's-themed table decorations. The displays will be used to decorate the home for Valentine's Day celebrations. The residents opted to display their arrangements in the main Dining Room and were delighted with the outcome.

Lisa Peart, the Activities Co-ordinator, said, "It was wonderful that our residents were able to follow along and create their own displays using flowers from our local supermarket. It was a fantastic afternoon, and we're so grateful to Kathryn for helping us make the home look lovely for Valentine's Day”.

During the workshop, residents were invited to join Kathryn to make beautiful Valentine’s-themed table decorations. The displays will be used to decorate the home ready for Valentine’s Day celebrations.  Some residents chose flowers in traditional red hues whereas others chose different Spring colours depending on their favourite blooms.

Kathryn commented: “Delivering fun workshops like this is absolutely the best part of my job.  I just love helping people create something beautiful and seeing how much pleasure they gain from the experience.  These table decorations are such a simple thing to do but so effective when you see them around the home.  I’m so glad I was able to work with the Barchester residents today, we all had a wonderful afternoon together.”

Activities Co-ordinator, Lisa Peart, said: “It was wonderful that our residents were able to follow along and create their own displays using flowers from our local supermarket.  It was a fantastic afternoon, we’re so grateful to Kathryn for helping us make the home look so lovely for Valentine’s Day.”

The staff and residents celebrated the arrival of the Chinese New Year in style. The dining room was beautifully decorated with hanging Chinese symbols, and everyone had a great time learning about the traditions and superstitions of the festival. One of the highlights of the day was the Chopstick Challenge, where residents had to use chopsticks to transfer fruit and chocolate from one plate to another. In the evening, our Chef cooked up a delicious oriental feast, which was served with prawn crackers.

Gill Allcorn, one of the residents, was particularly impressed with the decorations, which brightened up the dining room. She also enjoyed the dragon costume worn by the Activities Co-ordinator, which made everyone laugh. Using chopsticks was another highlight of her day, and she found it fascinating to learn about different New Year traditions.

On December 29th, staff and residents wrapped up warm and boarded a traditional carriage on the New Year Lights of the Valley Train.

Gwili Railway is one of the UK’s most picturesque preserved lines. Set in beautiful countryside with abundant wildlife, the line follows the River Gwili on a steady uphill journey through farmland and wooded hillsides.

Residents had a brilliant time on the Steam Train that was dressed in sparkling neon lights. They were greeted on arrival with mince pies and Sherry. The group loved seeing the local area from a different view and the conversation flowed for the whole of the 90 minute journey.

Hazel Julian, a resident said: “I have seen the Gwili Steam Train so many times over the years, but I have never been on it, but always wanted to. It was a wonderful journey and I would definitely do it again! I can’t stop smiling.” 

The residents were all buzzing after this journey and thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon adventure.

Every month we hold a service within our home. Helping residents to maintain their spiritual beliefs and to receive communion is an important feature in our Monthly life enrichment programme. The residents come together through prayer and the singing of hymns and they also have the option to receive communion or a blessing. They are then given the opportunity to speak to the reverend after the service. This month we were visited by Sarah. She is wonderful at providing a meaningful service and choosing wonderful familiar hymns. She also delivers room visits for those who may be unable to attend. One of our residents, Gill, said “That was a wonderful service. Sarah is really easy to talk to and is great with everyone. That service really was lovely to be a part of”. The links with the community and church is important to us here at Plas y Dderwen and it promotes the residents well-being and encourages social interaction.