Activities at Tyspane Care Home

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a whimsical scene from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, featuring the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and a very sleepy Dormouse at an outdoor tea party. It’s a chaotic and nonsensical gathering where time has no meaning, and the characters engage in riddles and nonsensical chatter.

This afternoon, at Tyspane Care Home, we decided to hold our own Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the Community Garden to spread a little magic for residents, families, friends, staff, and Beach Buddies children in Braunton. The afternoon was hosted by the ladies in pink, and included activities for both young and old; scavenger hunts, Mad Hatters General Knowledge Quiz and Riddles,  Egg and Spoon Races, Cake Decorating, and much more.

David (Resident Ambassador) stated, “The air was filled with merriment and joy, a wonderful experience, both young and old spending time together.”

Pat (Resident) replied, “What a wonderful afternoon, I so loved every minute of it. The joy on the children’s faces was lovely.”

A massive thank you, to everyone who made this afternoon so special. It certainly helped strengthen bonds between residents, families, friends, staff, and the local community.

Prom, short for promenade, is a formal dance or celebration held at the end of the school year. It serves as a rite of passage for many teenagers, marking the transition from one stage of life to another. Proms are a chance for students to dress up, celebrate their achievements, and enjoy a final social event. Parents play a special role in supporting their teens in participating in these events both emotionally and financially!

So today, it was wonderful to watch Sam, her daughter Ruby, family and friends mark Ruby’s prom celebrations. The radiant sunshine and the beauty of Tyspane Care Home gardens just made the afternoon extra special.

Ruby looked stunning in her beautiful and elegant prom dress next to Sam, family and friends.

Lorraine said, “Thank you for today, it was lovely.”

Claire said, “Thank you so much for helping us celebrate Rubie, the flowers perfectly matched her dress.”

Rachel said, “Thank you for helping make Rubie’s prom celebration so special, we all enjoyed it.”

Thank you for sharing this special moment with everyone.

This morning, Tyspane Care Home was visited by Reverend David Baker, St Brannocks Church, Braunton for group Holy Communion and person-centred spirituality for residents in their rooms on a one-to-one basis.

As part of his service, Reverend David Baker spoke about Saint Brannock. Apparently, Brannock migrated from South Wales to establish a monastery at Braunton in the 6th century. Braunton church was dedicated to him from at least 854 and in the Middle Ages it was believed that he was buried in the church with both William of Worcester and Leland stating that he was buried there.

Tradition states that he first built his church on a hill overlooking Braunton, but it collapsed. In a dream he was told to look for a sow and seven piglets for the site to build his new church. This story is commemorated in one of the stained-glass windows and in a roof boss of St Brannock's Church, Braunton. Residents, families, friends and staff were amazed to learn about the history of Saint Brannock.

Revered David Baker (St Brannocks Church), “It is always a pleasure to visit Tyspane Care Home residents.”

Thank You Reverend David Baker, for Holy Communion and an inspiring history lesson.

This morning, Tyspane Care Home was visited by Reverend David Baker, St Brannocks Church, Braunton for group Holy Communion and person-centred spirituality for residents in their rooms on a one-to-one basis.

As part of his service, Reverend David Baker spoke about Saint Brannock. Apparently, Brannock migrated from South Wales to establish a monastery at Braunton in the 6th century. Braunton church was dedicated to him from at least 854 and in the Middle Ages it was believed that he was buried in the church with both William of Worcester and Leland stating that he was buried there.

Tradition states that he first built his church on a hill overlooking Braunton, but it collapsed. In a dream he was told to look for a sow and seven piglets for the site to build his new church. This story is commemorated in one of the stained-glass windows and in a roof boss of St Brannock's Church, Braunton. Residents, families, friends and staff were amazed to learn about the history of Saint Brannock.

Revered David Baker (St Brannocks Church), “It is always a pleasure to visit Tyspane Care Home residents.”

Thank You Reverend David Baker, for Holy Communion and an inspiring history lesson.

Prioritising a future built on intergenerational relationships will enhance our communities by transferring essential information, creating a space where each generation feels understood and inspired, and providing opportunities for people to grow no matter what age they are.

Today, Tyspane Care Home Activities Team along with Michelle (Volunteer), Lee (Resident), and Emily (Work Placement) went shopping to seek out plants for Tyspane Care Home Community Garden in preparation for our Summer Fete on Sunday 13th July 2025 at 2.00pm.

Tyspane Care Home understands that there are some things that can’t be taught in school or by research; instead, you must walk through life to find answers. Those that have retired have gone through tough times, learned life lessons, and have grown from each unique experience to get where they are. Older adults can help young people develop their talents and knowledge and can advise on relationships and daily life conflicts. Importantly, their years of living give them an almost intangible ability to communicate and model social and emotional skills, and to help young people develop those key traits.

Furthermore, there is another side of interchanging information where the youth teach their elders. Age is just a number, and there is no hard stop on learning. Communicating, teaching, and taking the time to explain things are essential key factors for a sense of community. For example, younger generations are able to support those older with technology, and social trends because when they were growing up it became second nature to them.

So, it was wonderful to observe different generations this morning engaging in stimulating conversations, and sharing stories. Simply magical.

Michelle (Volunteer) stated, “I have really enjoyed myself, good company and good conversation.”

Emily (Work Placement) replied, “Fascinating morning.”

At Tyspane Care Home, we firmly believe in the enriching power of the great outdoors and the profound impact it has on the well-being of our residents. Stepping out of the usual environment not only refreshes the spirit but also provides numerous health benefits, especially for the elderly. Recently, our residents had the delightful opportunity to visit Braunton Caen Rotary Club, Memory Café to listen to incredible talented Barnstaple Male Choir, and participate in a General Knowledge Quiz.

Doug (Husband of Resident) stated, ”It was a lovely afternoon, seeing my wife enjoy talking to old friends in the community was wonderful.”

Margaret (Resident)stated, “What  lovely afternoon.”

Thank you to everyone who made our residents feel welcome and for the wonderful raffle prize.

Making wishes come true is important because it fosters hope, improves mental and physical health, and provides a sense of accomplishment and joy. It can strengthen relationships, especially within care homes, and provides a distraction from illness. Wishes can act as a catalyst for setting goals and taking steps to achieve them. At Tyspane Care Home we understand the importance of making our residents' hopes and wishes come true, particularly for residents facing difficult situations, the aim being to provide a boost to their self-esteem and overall sense of wellbeing.

Tony, a much-respected and loved resident at Tyspane Care Harm, used to coach and participate in athletics, and is still passionate about it today. He watches all athletic events on the television and enjoys sharing stories of his past achievements. When you talk to Tony, he always expresses how he misses being on the track side. He has longed to spend a day at the athletics track, watching and providing advice to those competing. Well, today, with the help and support of North Devon Athletics Club, we made Tony’s wish come true. Tony spent the whole day at North Devon Athletics Club, Young Athletics Meeting and, luckily for everyone, the weather held out and Tony spent the day on the track side, encouraging, socialising and watching events such as hurdles, races, javelin, long jump, and shot put.

Tony met friends from his past career as an athletics coach and made new friends with North Devon Athletics Club. The North Devon Athletics Club made Tony’s day extra special by participating in the presentations. They ensured his day was special and fun.

Tony said, “It has been a wonderful day, a dream come true. I have met old friends and enjoyed catching up.”

Tim Sharpe replied, “It was wonderful to see you, Tony. I hope North Devon Athletics Club have made your dream come true.”

A massive thank you to everyone who made this Tony’s wish come true, especially Emma and Tim at North Devon Athletics Club.

All Barchester staff are dementia trained but in addition, every Barchester home and hospital has a dedicated Dementia Champion who is on hand to offer help, guidance and practical solutions to families who need additional support.  Bertha, is Tyspane Care Home Dementia Champion, she is exceptionally caring and always goes the extra mile to ensure her residents and their friends and family have everything they need to live life to the fullest.  She is full of good ideas for how to help families and loved ones overcome any difficulties they might be experiencing.

As part of her role, Bertha organised a Dementia Awareness Coffee Afternoon on Thursday 19th June 2025. The event was well attended by; residents, families, friends, staff, local community, medical clinics, professionals and interested academics. Specialist guest speaker, Leon Smith attended. Leon has been part of the Barchester Team for nine years, sharing his expertise and commitment to improving the lives of those living with dementia.

Leon shares:  "Working in dementia care is a privilege. Dementia Care is more than managing the symptoms. By understanding each individual's unique experience, we can recognise the person, their story and their value."

The afternoon was a huge success, informative, reassuring and full of wonderful helpful examples of personal stories and experiences.

One family member stated, “It has been such an emotional journey for us, listening to Leon today helped us understand better especially how we can move forward. He put my mind at rest, and offered emotional support.”

An esteemed professional stated, “Truly inspirational, sometimes we forget about the individual, and how they see the world now.”

Local Community Member stated, “I have been to many talks, but this one was different, it felt real and relevant. Thought provoking.”

A massive thank you to everyone who made this event happen. Professionals with knowledge such as Leon Smith are invaluable and help people living with dementia and their carers to access other services and support through information about services and advice about day-to-day life. The afternoon helped to raise awareness about dementia, tackling stigma.

Tyspane Care Home built their Community Garden in 2024 to support residents physical and mental wellbeing. Gardening and being among nature have been shown to improve mental and physical health.

Maureen sowed seeds in one our specially designed raised beds in March 2025, and joined the Gardening Club so she could observe the progress and tender to her seeds.  So, imagine the joy on her face today, as she went outside to pick sweet peas for her room; it was alight with delight.

Maureen (Resident) stated, “It is lovely, the sweet peas smell lovely.”

David (Resident Ambassador) replied, “The Community Garden has changed so many residents' lives, it brings back memories and is good for our wellbeing.”

A massive thank you to all the members of Tyspane Care Home Gardening Club for supporting Maureen with her newly found love of gardening.