Activities at Hafan-Y-Coed Care Home
We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.
Marie Spires
I'm Marie, the lead activities coordinator for Hafan Y Coed. I have been the activities coordinator for nearly three years and am passionate about encouraging the wellbeing of our residents. Ensuring all abilities are catered for in a bespoke schedule is paramount to their individual wellbeing needs. I am joined by Clare and Sue who also help to create a life enrichment program suitable for all communities.
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Hafan-Y-Coed Care Home
It's a dog's life!
Animals have always played such an important part in our residents' lives here in the Wheatlands, from growing up in the countryside and on farms to being the wife of the local vet. They love the companionship and comfort they bring but also are able to reminisce about their own pets at the same time and share wonderful memories.
Jenny loves nothing more than chatting to Lauren, Winston’s owner, about her pets and sharing her photo albums with her. While Barbara enjoys teaching Trixie new tricks each time she sees her. Our residents look forward to visits from both of our therapy dogs throughout the month.
Trip to our local town
Some of our residents boarded the bus for a lovely trip into the local town, where children from nearby schools were showcasing their Young Traders 2025 Project. It was heart-warming to see the creativity and enthusiasm of the students and even more special to see some of the schools who had visited our home before taking part.
Dennis, one of our residents, was treated like royalty by the children. They were amazed to meet a 100-year-old gentleman, especially when they learnt he was one of the last surviving veterans in Wales. Dennis served in the Navy, and the children were fascinated to hear just a little of his story. We’re thrilled to share that Dennis will soon be visiting local schools to talk more about his wartime and naval experiences, something we know will be a privilege for students. Dennis said, “I really enjoyed the day and meeting all the children. I am looking forward to being invited to the schools to talk about my experience.”
After the market, we stopped for a delicious lunch at anyone's waiting café, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Later in the afternoon, another group of residents headed out to Park Howard to enjoy a stroll through the beautiful gardens. The sun was shining, and the flowers were in full bloom. The outing was topped off perfectly with good conversation and some well-deserved ice cream.
Wonderful Day at the Seaside
Some of our residents had a fantastic outing this month, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather! We hopped on the bus and headed out to Port Eynon Beach, with stops along the way at Swansea Airport to watch the aeroplanes and then onto the breath-taking Three Cliffs Bay.
The highlight of the trip? Enjoying traditional fish and chips with a scenic view, a perfect seaside treat! The social atmosphere was full of smiles, laughter, and good company. Joan said, “I absolutely love being in the sun and really enjoyed my fish and chips.”
On the way home on the bus, the residents enjoyed a good old sing song to songs like ‘She’ll be coming round the mountain’ and ‘We’re all going on a summer holiday.’ Nancy said “I’ve had a wonderful day out.”
Centenarian Veteran Dennis Steer Reflects on Remarkable Naval Service
Dennis Steer, a remarkable resident of our care home, has just celebrated his 100th birthday. Born in 1924, Dennis is one of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War, and his story is one of courage, skill, and dedication.
Dennis joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18, serving from 1942 until 1948. His journey began with six months of intensive training—not in a traditional military camp, but at Butlin’s holiday camp, which had been repurposed for wartime training. There, he qualified as a wireless operator, a role that played a critical part in naval communications using Morse code.
“It was a very skilled job,” said Dennis. “I had to be able to transmit and understand at least 20 words per minute.”
Following his training, Dennis was assigned to active duty. He vividly remembers the end of the war, though his service continued beyond that point, taking him to East Africa where fighting with Japanese forces persisted.
One of his most harrowing memories was from his first naval assignment, when the ship struck an iceberg and had to be abandoned during a fierce storm. “We had to jump ship—it was quite frightening,” he recalls.
Dennis later served on a vessel identified as MMS1005, which he remembers was eventually gifted to the Russians as part of post-war arrangements.
When asked why he chose the Navy, Dennis replied simply, “It seemed the most attractive of all the forces.”
Now 100, Dennis remains immensely proud of his service and the medals he earned. Though they are kept safe by his family, he takes great pride in knowing they will be passed down to his grandchildren—a legacy of bravery and service.
His life is a testament to resilience and duty, and it is a privilege to have such a living piece of history amongst us at Hafan-Y-Coed.
VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations
We kicked off our commemorations in style with a wonderful afternoon party in the garden of our Pemberton community! Residents and staff came together to honour this historic occasion with music, laughter, and plenty of red, white, and blue.
There was dancing, delicious treats, and touching moments of remembrance as we reflected on the bravery and sacrifices of those who served. It was a joyful start to what promises to be a heartfelt celebration.
Our Royal Navy Veteran, Dennis, who served in World War II, said “It was such a well-organised event, which was made extra special that my family were invited to spend the day with me. Thank you to all who made it a day to remember”.
A day of sunshine, nature and creativity
Residents enjoyed a delightful minibus outing to the Llanelli Wetland Centre, where they had the chance to see a wide variety of birds and ducks, with the flamingos being a particular favourite!
Mary said “What a lovely day. It was so lovely soaking up the sun with the other ladies and gents. I really enjoyed myself!” We spent the morning ambling around the spectacular grounds trying to identify the different species. The residents soaked up the glorious weather and all had a fantastic day.
