Activities at Bryn Ivor Lodge Care Home

At Bryn Ivor Lodge, our Memory Lane Community recently enjoyed a magical sensory storytelling experience inspired by The Secret Garden. This imaginative session transported residents into a calming, enchanted world designed to engage the senses and stir the imagination.

Residents gathered around our beautifully lit sensory “garden,” complete with twinkling lights and whimsical toadstools, while a short version of the beloved story was read aloud. Soothing lights pulsed in rhythm with the tale, and a gentle floral aroma from our oil diffuser enhanced the tranquil atmosphere.

This multi-sensory activity offered more than just storytelling—it created a peaceful space for connection, comfort, and joy. It’s just one of the many ways we enrich life at Bryn Ivor Lodge.

We are thrilled to have celebrated a remarkable milestone—10 wonderful years of Bryn Ivor Lodge Care Home! The celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness, making it a truly unforgettable occasion.

Residents, staff, and guests came together for a joyful day, enjoying a delicious array of food and lively entertainment. We were delighted to welcome Councillor Rhian Howells and members of the NHS Retirement Fellowship, whose presence added extra warmth to the celebration.

A special thank you to the incredible Iain Alexander Scott, whose uplifting performance had everyone singing, dancing, and smiling throughout the day.

This event was a true reflection of the community spirit that defines Bryn Ivor Lodge. Here’s to many more years of compassion, care, and connection.

At Bryn Ivor Lodge, we marked World Chocolate Day with a delicious week of fun, learning, and celebration! From handmade Wonka bars to themed quizzes and games, the home was filled with sweet joy and nostalgia.

To kick things off, residents were treated to their very own Wonka bars—because what better way to honour Cardiff’s very own Roald Dahl on such a special day? Our lounge was transformed with golden wrappers, colourful displays, and smiles all around as everyone got into the chocolate-loving spirit.

We continued the celebration with a lively World Chocolate Day quiz, diving into the history of chocolate and its journey to Europe in 1550. Residents loved testing their knowledge, waving Swiss flags, and reminiscing over vintage confectionery ads. The room buzzed with laughter and friendly competition.

The festivities wrapped up with a brilliant game of Wonka Bingo, complete with the beloved soundtrack from the 1971 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was a wonderful way to end a fun-filled week, with everyone joining in on the music, laughter, and, of course, a bit more chocolate.

It truly was a golden-ticket kind of celebration—one we won’t soon forget!

Father’s Day at Bryn Ivor Lodge was an emotional and deeply touching celebration that brought our community together in a truly special way. One of the highlights was a unique and meaningful display—a hand-sewn jacket created by our very activities assistant in memory of her beloved father.

The jacket, crafted during the pandemic, holds a powerful story. Cynthia lovingly stitched it using her late father’s ties—each one representing his personality and the life he lived. She shared, “My Dad always wore a tie, every single day of his life. He was the Best Dad Ever. I wanted to show everyone he’s still with us, even now, and celebrate Father’s Day in his spirit.”

The jacket stirred a wave of emotions across residents, staff, and visitors alike. Laughter, tears, shared stories filled the home, creating a day of genuine connection and remembrance. It sparked conversations, evoked memories, and honoured not only Cynthia’s father but all the wonderful dads we’ve known and loved.

This beautiful tribute reminded us that love continues to live on in the memories we hold—and sometimes, even in the jackets we make.

On the 6th of June, we came together to honour the heroes of D-Day with a truly memorable celebration. Residents, staff, and friends gathered for a day steeped in remembrance, music, and heartfelt connection. The atmosphere was rich with nostalgia as our talented singer filled the room with the sounds of classic wartime songs, stirring emotions and inviting all to sing along. These shared moments created a powerful sense of unity and reflection.

To mark the occasion, our wonderful kitchen team prepared a traditional treat of strawberries and cream—simple, elegant, and perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the day. As everyone enjoyed the sweet refreshments, conversations blossomed, memories were shared, and new friendships were kindled.

This special event was more than just a commemoration—it was a vibrant expression of togetherness. Through music, storytelling, and shared experiences, we paid tribute to those who served while strengthening the bonds within our community. The true essence of the day was not just in remembering the past, but in celebrating the spirit that carries us forward: resilience, gratitude, and unity.

Bryn Ivor Lodge came alive with music, laughter, and fantastic food as we hosted our Tom Jones Garden BBQ Party. The talented Robb Dee took to the stage, channelling the iconic Welsh singer with an unforgettable performance that had everyone singing along.

Our expert chefs treated guests to a mouth-watering barbecue, ensuring that every bite was as enjoyable as the entertainment. Residents and members of the local community came together to celebrate, dancing the afternoon away. In true Tom Jones fashion, excitement soared as some guests playfully tossed their knickers—a nod to the legendary star's famous concerts!

It was an incredible day filled with joy, great music, and wonderful company—an event to remember for all who attended. We can't wait for the next celebration!

We were honoured to welcome Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, as he visited the home to personally congratulate the team. In recognition of their outstanding achievement, he awarded all staff bonuses following the home's recent inspection by Care Inspectorate Wales. 

The home received an excellent rating across all four inspection areas—the highest possible rating—reflecting the dedication and exceptional care provided by the team. 

We marked VE Day in spectacular style, kicking off the celebrations bright and early with a fabulous VE Day nail bar and eye-catching temporary tattoos. 

Voices soared as we sang our hearts out, the energy was electric as we danced alongside Winston Churchill in the lively photo booth, and the day reached its grand finale with a chilled glass of prosecco—perfectly complementing the feast of delectable dishes crafted by our talented kitchen team. 

A day to remember, filled with laughter, music, and a true sense of victory!