The day the teddy bears had their picnic
Residents of Avalon Nursing Home in Bridgwater took some special companions with them for an afternoon outing to the park at Blake Gardens – a whole bunch of their favourite teddy bears, as well as friends, family members and their teddies too.
Activities co-ordinator Olive Trowsdale said: “We shared conversations about holidays and places we’ve travelled to, careers, everyday life, gardening, animals and family memories.
“It was wonderful to see everyone relaxing, chatting and enjoying each other’s company.
“We have to say a big thank you to our amazing kitchen staff who prepared a delicious picnic for us including delicious sausage rolls, pork pies, sandwiches, pasta salad and yummy cakes.
“The day was such a success that we’re already planning another picnic for later in the summer.”
Blake Gardens is a favourite destination for Avalon’s residents, with the teddy bear’s picnic following hot on the heels of a trip to the annual May Day celebrations.
Olive said: “On that occasion residents were accompanied in pairs throughout the day, with personalised support to enable them to make the most of all the activities on offer at the fete.
“They especially enjoyed watching the maypole dancing and the performances by the talented Chalice Morris Men who were very happy to chat with them about how they do morris dancing.”
The outings form part of a busy and varied activities programme at Avalon Nursing Home which is run by award-winning dementia care specialists Camelot Care. The group also has homes in Wellington and Yeovil in Somerset, and in Holsworthy and Plymouth in Devon.
