Activities at Plas-Y-Dderwen Care Home

We had the pleasure of welcoming the Rock Choir Wales into our home for the very first time – and what a treat it was! Led by the talented Dan, the choir delivered an incredible performance, filling the room with energy and joy. Their lively renditions of classics like Sweet Child O’ Mine and Club Tropicana had our residents clapping along and smiling from ear to ear. What made the afternoon even more special was the presence of some family members in the choir – a lovely surprise that brought extra joy to a few of our residents. 

Following the performance, everyone enjoyed a delicious spread of tea, sandwiches, scones, cake, and fresh fruit. It was truly an uplifting and memorable afternoon, filled with music, laughter, and togetherness.      

We were truly blessed to welcome Beti Wyn James into our home for a beautiful summer service. Her heartfelt words, filled with love, light, and warmth, lifted everyone’s spirits and brought a sense of peace and joy to our hearts.

As part of the service, Beti spoke about the power of connection and energy, and she even shared a fascinating demonstration using magnets. This simple yet powerful visual captivated the residents and sparked thoughtful reflections and conversations.
Beti has a wonderful way of connecting with others, and her presence never fails to brighten our days. Residents felt genuinely uplifted and comforted by her message, which left a lasting impression on all who attended.

We are so grateful for Beti’s continued kindness and the light she brings into our lives. Thank you, Beti, for sharing your spirit, your wisdom, and your love with us once again.

This month, our residents gathered for a crystal workshop led by our Activities Co-ordinator, Lisa – and what a joyous experience it was! Crystals offer a unique and engaging way to spark curiosity and step outside the everyday routine. Residents were invited to work in groups, encouraging teamwork and a wonderful sense of community. 

The task was to create a mandala using crystals, while also discussing the meaning behind each crystal and the intentions they wished to set within their designs. Each group worked together beautifully, with vibrant conversations flowing around the tables. 

Once their mandalas were complete, residents had the chance to name their creations, resulting in heartfelt titles such as Brightest Star, Elated, and Josephine. One especially touching moment came from Maureen, who explained, “We discussed a heart because of the love we all have for each other.” It was a perfect way to close the session, capturing the spirit of love, friendship, and togetherness that filled the room.

At Plas Y Dderwen, community isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something we live every day.
Whether it’s sharing stories over a coffee at a local café, joining in with community groups, attending Chapel services, or laughing together during a lively game of bingo, we cherish every opportunity to stay connected with people around us. These moments are more than activities – they’re the ties that bring us closer.

We’re also proud to support our wider community. We recently delivered a box of essential items to the Carmarthen Foodbank, thanks to the generous donations from our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff. It was a small act with a big heart, and we are committed to keeping this going. If you’re visiting our home, you’ll find a donation box in our reception area – every contribution makes a difference.
Also this month, we made a visit to the local fire station with our Blue Light Breakfast. It’s our way of saying thank you to the incredible emergency services team who work tirelessly to keep us safe. Over bacon baps, fresh fruit, and juice, we shared a few words of gratitude and plenty of smiles.

At Plas Y Dderwen, we believe that community is built on kindness, connection and care – and that by coming together, we can create something truly special.

This Carers Week, we took a moment to pause and reflect on the people who make Plas Y Dderwen such a warm, compassionate, and supportive home – our incredible carers and colleagues. Each day, they go above and beyond, offering not just professional care but genuine kindness and connection. Their commitment, patience, and dedication never go unnoticed.

To show our appreciation, a chocolate hamper was delivered to the home, and our carers received thoughtful gifts as a small token of thanks. The Activities Team prepared a special afternoon tea, complete with cream scones and a delicious selection of homemade cakes. It was a moment for everyone to relax, enjoy and feel celebrated. 

Our residents also joined in, writing heartfelt messages that were proudly displayed on our Gratitude Board – each one a reminder of how deeply valued our carers are by those they support. To all of our carers – thank you! Your hard work and compassion make all the difference every single day.

There’s something special about stepping outside the everyday routine and reconnecting with the wider world – and for our residents at Plas Y Dderwen, that’s exactly what made this recent day out so memorable.

We didn’t just plan one outing – we planned two! Our first trip took us to the beautiful Llansteffan beach, where the sun was shining and the sea breeze brought smiles all around. For many residents, the visit stirred up cherished memories of past holidays and seaside strolls. They watched the boats drift by, enjoyed the laughter and the simple joy of hot chips by the shore. And of course, no beach visit would be complete without a traditional ice cream enjoyed under the sun.

Later that same day, a second group of residents headed out for a lively evening at Xcel Bowl. Spirits were high as everyone joined in three fun-filled games of bowling alongside staff. The sound of laughter and friendly competition echoed through the lanes – each strike and near-miss adding to the joy of the moment. After the games, everyone gathered over food, swapping stories and playfully debating who had the best technique and comparing the scores of the evening.

These experiences go far beyond the activity itself. They offer residents a renewed sense of freedom, inclusion, and community. Being out and about not only brings a change of scenery, but it strengthens the bonds between friends, staff, and the world beyond our home.

It was a day filled with sunshine, shared memories, and smiles that will last well beyond the last wave or final game.

On May 8th, our home held a celebration in honour of VE Day—an afternoon that blended heartfelt remembrance with community spirit and shared joy.

The day brought residents, staff, and guests together in a moving tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who lived through the Second World War. The Carmarthen Ukuleles brought their musical talents to the event, filling the home with the sounds of familiar wartime songs. Their performance sparked smiles, singing, and even dancing, as cherished memories resurfaced.

Many residents took the opportunity to reflect on their own wartime experiences or those of their loved ones. It was a reminder of the individual lives behind history, and the strength of the human spirit.
We were honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Carmarthen and local Police Community Support Officers, whose visit helped to reinforce the strong bond between our home and the wider community. Their kind words and friendly faces added a sense of unity to the occasion.

The afternoon concluded with a traditional spread of tea, homemade scones, and cakes—an opportunity to enjoy a taste of the past and the comfort of good company. VE Day at Plas-Y-Dderwen was more than a celebration; it was a heartfelt tribute to a generation that endured so much, and a reminder of the importance of remembering together.

We had a wonderful morning at the beginning of May when a group of staff and residents set off early for a special outing to St. Clears. We arrived in time for a 10am sing-along session hosted by Goldies Cymru, and in true VE Day spirit, we raised our voices to a joyful selection of wartime songs from the 1930s and 40s. Everyone sang loudly and proudly, and the atmosphere was full of joy.

After the singing session, we made our way to Curiositea Café to round off the morning with a lovely selection of tea and cakes. We received a warm welcome from the staff, which made the visit even more enjoyable.
Our residents had a fantastic time, not only enjoying the music and refreshments but also sharing memories. One resident fondly recalled getting married in St. Clears and spoke about how special it was to return to the area and see how it had changed. The day was filled with laughter and community spirit – a truly memorable outing for all involved.

This month, our residents had the joy of visiting Circus Mondao, with two exciting minibus trips in one week!

The atmosphere was electric as residents became part of the lively Carmarthen crowd. For some of our residents, the experience sparked cherished memories of childhood visits to the circus, or of taking their own children and grandchildren to see the magic under the big tent.

For Geraint, it had been 68 years since his last circus visit. Colin, aged 93, experienced the circus for the very first time! Gill shared how thrilled she was after the show, saying she had been "so excited" and "thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience."

The performance was a delightful mix of entertainment—from clowns and performing dogs to elegant ponies, breathtaking aerial artists, and impressive balancing acts. The show was full of wonder and laughter. More than just a trip out, it was a meaningful experience—one that brought back fond memories, created new ones, and strengthened the sense of community amongst residents and staff.