Vintage afternoon tea caps off memorable seaside weekend for residents

Residents at Crandon Springs Care Home in Wells, Somerset, enjoyed a nostalgic trip to the seaside without leaving home, as the care home's Memory Lane community was transformed for a weekend of traditional seaside fun, favourite foods and treasured memories.

The vintage seaside day was organised by two of the homes Dementia Care Champions, Liza and Caz, who wanted to recreate the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences that many residents may remember from family holidays and days out at the seaside.

The celebrations began with a beach-themed day packed with activities. Residents built sandcastles, played hook-a-duck in a paddling pool and enjoyed traditional games including beach ball and giant Jenga. A Punch and Judy show on the big screen added another touch of seaside nostalgia.

No seaside day would be complete without fish and chips, which were served in individual boxes. The dining room was given a seaside makeover for the occasion, with themed tablecloths and seagull decorations creating an authentic atmosphere.

Ice creams were later delivered around the home by an ice cream trolley playing traditional ice cream van music. Liza even took on the role of ice cream vendor for the afternoon, delighting residents.

The weekend came to a fitting close with a vintage afternoon tea. Surrounded by floral decorations, residents enjoyed conversation, laughter and reminiscence over a traditional spread prepared and served by the Crandon Springs kitchen team, including sandwiches, cold meats and pickles, cakes, trifle and scones with jam, accompanied by pots of tea and fizz.

The celebrations were designed so everyone could take part at their own pace, with fish and chips, ice creams and afternoon tea also taken to residents who preferred to relax in their rooms.

Darius Ivana, Manager at Crandon Springs Care Home, said: "We wanted to create more than just an activity, we wanted to bring back the feeling of a traditional seaside day for our residents. Using familiar sounds, tastes, smells, games and objects can encourage reminiscence and conversation, while giving residents the chance to laugh, socialise and enjoy themselves at their own pace. It was wonderful to see so many familiar memories come to life and residents and team members enjoying the experience together."