Everything Stops for Tea – Celebrating National Tea Day at Guysfield
The team and residents at Guysfield love a cup of tea so when they found out there was a National Tea Day, they decided to join the celebration of the nation’s favourite drink.
Mugs Designed to Bring Happiness
Before the tea comes the mug, and the day began with an arty session, where residents designed and painted their own mugs. The creativity also sparked some happy memories. Margaret said “I want to put something on the mug that reminds me of a holiday I took my children on” – and she proceeded to paint a beautiful blossom tree. Others chose to feature their initial, surrounded by their favourite colours, exploding around the mug like fireworks. There were flora and fauna, and some residents dedicated their mugs to a loved one. One resident wanted to design a mug for his wife; we spoke about all the things and elements of the world that made her happy, then wellbeing coordinator, Natalie, helped him to paint them onto the mug. Residents and team members enjoyed learning about what was important and valued by one other, and the session resulted in some beautiful mugs that captured important memories and cherished thoughts.
Teatime Treats Make a Sociable Afternoon Feel Special
Later that afternoon, the mugs were put to good use at a tea party, held in the Gold Room. The team had done a lot of research on how to lay a table for afternoon tea in the traditional way and some residents came forward to help set out the crockery. There was a conversation about different types of tea and the majority favoured the traditional English breakfast, with Earl Grey the next most popular amongst the group. Herb and fruit teas such as lemon and fennel, green, and peppermint tea were also available.
Guysfield’s chef prepared sandwiches, sultana scones, cakes and teatime treats, and residents’ families were welcomed to the tea party. There were lots of compliments throughout the afternoon and many residents and their guests said the event was such a success, they’d love to attend one on a more regular basis! The benefits were visible throughout, and several residents offered to help with the washing up after the event which was a lovely, thoughtful gesture, and a great opportunity to promote daily living skills, which is something we try to encourage.
Residents continued to be full of praise for the afternoon and said they were happy to have been invited. Catherine said, “This is probably the best party I’ve been to in a while” - a lovely compliment that perfectly summed up the all-round enjoyment of an event that’s sure to be repeated many times before next year’s National Tea Day!
Welcome to Guysfield Residential Care Home in Letchworth
You can find us in the beautiful conservation village of Willian, just a mile to the south of Letchworth Garden City, in Hertfordshire. With all the amenities of a modern home, you’ll find first-class facilities with exciting activities, and plenty of places to relax or entertain.
Around our care home in Hertfordshire, there are beautiful gardens to explore. Our residents like to make the most of local amenities also – including the village shop, post office and our local pubs: ‘The Fox’ and ‘The Three Horseshoes’.
