Spellman Care’s summer fete season has begun in style, after Ghyll Royd Care Home welcomed an exceptional turnout to its much-loved Secret Garden Country Fete.

The event, held on Saturday, 11th July at the home on New Ghyll Royd in Guiseley, saw the garden packed with residents, relatives, colleagues and members of the wider community, setting a joyful tone for the rest of the group’s summer celebrations.

Steven Spellman, Director of Spellman Care, said: “It was wonderful to see Ghyll Royd’s garden so full of life, laughter and community spirit. Our residents, their relatives and our dedicated colleagues put so much love and effort into creating a meaningful event, and the response was fantastic. Events like this are at the heart of the person-led care we deliver, and we are delighted that our summer fete season has begun in such a memorable way.”

Ghyll Royd’s Secret Garden Country Fete was created to offer a relaxing, welcoming and sensory afternoon for those living with dementia, while also bringing neighbours, families and friends together in the sunshine. Guests enjoyed garden games, stalls, refreshments and live entertainment from pianist Kevin James and singer Craig Carlisle.

The home was honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor, who gave a lovely speech about the importance of events like Ghyll Royd’s summer fete for people living with dementia, as well as for the wider community. Singer Craig Carlisle also commented that it was the ‘busiest fete he had attended yet’, reflecting the fantastic atmosphere and packed garden on the day.

The charity raffle was also a great success, supported by generous donations from local businesses and supporters. Spellman Care would like to thank everyone who contributed prizes, which included a complimentary four-ball voucher from Bradford Golf Club, a Kitu facial voucher, a £10 John Lewis voucher, two £150 photography vouchers, Yorkshire Soap Company soaps, Hawthorn Farm cakes, a Maggie’s Tearoom voucher, a Costa Coffee voucher, a Bramble Bakehouse voucher and Willow figurines.

Following the success at Ghyll Royd, the high-energy fun and nostalgic charm continue on Saturday, 25th July, from 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Craven Nursing Home on Keighley Road in Skipton. The home will be opening its gardens for a groovy 60s Funk Summer Fete, complete with free entry, a community barbecue, refreshments and a brilliant selection of stalls.

It is set to be a fantastic, music-filled afternoon for the whole family, with all proceeds going towards the Craven residents’ fund to support future activities and outings. To capture the retro spirit, colleagues are also hoping to hear from owners of classic 1960s cars who would be willing to bring their vehicles along and help complete the theme.

As August arrives, the musical journey moves to Silsden, where Springbank Care Home on Howden Road will host a magnificent Dancing Through the Decades celebration on Friday, 21st August, from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. The event will capture the vintage charm of a classic British dance hall, with families and friends invited to enjoy complimentary entry, delicious treats and timeless melodies performed live by Megan Isabella.

The final summer celebration takes a delightfully whimsical turn at Steeton Court Nursing Home, which will host an Alice in Wonderland Summer Fete on Saturday, 12th September, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. The community is invited to step through the looking glass into a fantastical afternoon filled with magic, laughter and curious themed treats. Whether guests come dressed as the Mad Hatter or the Cheshire Cat, or simply want to join family, friends and neighbours for a beautiful day in the garden, the event promises to be an enchanting afternoon packed with independent stalls, games and surprises for all ages.

Spellman Care is also calling on local individuals and businesses to support the remaining summer fetes by donating raffle prizes. Springbank Care Home will be raising funds for its Moments That Matter project, which supports truly personalised activities and trips for each individual, while Craven Nursing Home and Steeton Court Nursing Home will each be fundraising for their residents’ funds.

There is still plenty of time to get involved in the remaining summer fun, and local businesses will be pleased to know that stallholder pitches remain available for the upcoming fetes. Anyone interested in booking a stall or learning more about the individual events is warmly encouraged to contact each care home directly. Residents and staff are looking forward to sharing more special afternoons with old friends and new faces alike.