Activities at Crandon Springs Care Home

Much loved and talented resident Diana Mullins lead a flower arranging class for the other residents’ and families today at Crandon Springs. Her classes are always popular, full of fun and laughter, so much so that we had to move into one of the dining rooms to fit everyone in!

The residents spent the afternoon learning new techniques and discussing their favourite garden experiences, whilst creating a range of wonderful flower arrangements.

The flowers were vibrant and were accompanied by foliage from our award winning gardens. I’m sure that you’ll agree that the displays that were made by the group were absolutely beautiful, including these two by Diana and Joy.

The bookshelves at Crandon Springs were treated to a new addition last week, following a visit from published local Author, Alison Knight.

Staff and residents at our home were delighted to welcome Alison, who writes under the pseudo name May Ellis, to the home and were treated to a reading from her book ‘The Clarks Factory Girls at War’, as well as a conversation with the author afterwards. Topics ranged from Alison’s research that went into it, their memories of the factory and local area, as well as the residents’ other favourite books. This book was particularly poignant for some of our residents, having worked at the local factory in the past, including 96-year-old Joy Gane who started work there when she was 16! Upon collecting her signed copy, Joy said “We had a great day and I very much enjoyed reading Alison’s new book and exchanging stories, both with other residents and those that Alison had uncovered during her research.”

Author Alison admitted that she was “excited and terrified”, “I live right here in the centre of the Clarks' heartland, so if I've got it wrong, people are going to let me know the prospect of writing the book, saying ‘I live right here in the centre of the Clarks' heartland, so if I've got it wrong, people are going to let me know!”

Emily Merchant, the Activities Co-ordinator at the home commented: “Our residents all love to read and to discuss their favourite books, so to have a published, local author in who has written about something that is so close to their hearts and is part of the fabric of their memories, was such a great experience.”

Andy Hamilton, Home Service Advisor at the home, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for us all to spend the day talking about a new favourite book, as well as their past memories and how some of their lives have amazingly criss-crossed over the years.  We also had a great debate about reading from print or electronically from a tablet, there were strong arguments from both camps!”

What a fantastic Open Day!

Thank you to everyone who attended and to those who’s hard work made the Open Day a success. From housekeeping to the kitchen, our carers to our admin team, well done you made everything run so smoothly.

We welcomed families and care seekers to our beautiful home to learn more about the amazing care and excellent facilities that we have to offer, with Alexandria, Andy and Karen giving guided tours and explaining how our care is specifically tailored to suit each individuals wants and needs.

Our activities coordinator Emily created a wonderful afternoon of entertainment with Pilates, arts and crafts, flower arranging and an afternoon singalong with a local favourite Jan McNeill, whilst head chef Stuart, along with his kitchen and catering team provided beautiful meals, homemade cakes and refreshments.

Crandon Springs care home have recently hosted an intergenerational playgroup for residents and members of the local community. The event, which took place on Thursday 11th April welcomed Wells nursery ‘Rockers ‘n’ Rollers’, along with staff and family to enjoy music, games and activities with residents at the home.

The adults and toddlers alike enjoyed various games and a sing along with residents to their favourite songs, with some of the younger group members trying the piano for their very first time.

The catering team at the care home, lead on the day by 2nd chef Elliot Allen, provided a selection of healthy snacks, including hand cut fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of refreshments.

General Manager, Alexandria Bowman of Crandon Springs care home said: “We invited the group to the home as a way to support the local nursery and their families, and the residents at our home had a lot of fun on the day as they love our young visitors. If anyone ever wants to stop in for a lovely afternoon with your young ones, or just for a cuppa and a break, we’d love to have you join us.”

Employee Of The Month!!

Congratulations this month go one of our wonderful care team, our hugely popular Care Assistant, Faine!

Faine had many nominations for Employee Of The Month this month and her recognition is richly deserved, congratulations! 

Christine, one of our residents here at Crandon Springs presented Faine with our Employee Of The Month Reward.

Faine has been praised for the dedication to providing first class care day in day out, along with her naturally joyful disposition! Thank you for for being you Faine, from all the residents and staff alike! 

We were delighted to host our local Neighbourhood Watch event recently, which was attended by Avon and Somerset Cyber Protect Officer, Megan Haldane and organised by one of our neighbours Paul Sage.

Megan gave a very informative, yet light and engaging talk about the ongoing threat of cyber security, online fraud and how we can better protect ourselves.

A packed room of around thirty local residents enjoyed the talk and I'm sure all took something away with them from it. I certainly did, and judging by one or two sheepish grins, I'm sure that I wasn't alone in changing some passwords when I got home!

Thank you Megan and Paul, we will be sure to see you again soon.