When dementia care specialist Richard Dempslake went on a two-week cruise of the Mediterranean recently, he came back inspired to create a thank-you event for colleagues which proved a huge hit at his care home in Wellington, Somerset.

The dynamic activities co-ordinator, who works at Camelot House and Lodge, said: “Since the day I got back from the cruise I've been organising this afternoon - which we called our ‘Bonanza’ - sending invitations, selling bonus balls, advertising the events and writing up the plan for the day.

“It’s not often we blow our own trumpet, but I was thinking about my colleagues when I was away, and decided I wanted to have a really special event that would acknowledge the love and dedication this amazing incredibly hard-working team demonstrate every single day.”

At the heart of his Bonanza was an appreciation ceremony for staff, which also served to help residents and their families discover the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes at the home.

Richard said: “We built the excitement in advance by involving residents in creating a backdrop for the stage, and we started off the day’s activities with a game, with prize certificates for the highest scorers, and a running commentary to give an authentic ‘cruise’ vibe.

“The afternoon was packed with activities that would appeal to our residents – a winning combination of games, refreshments and a celebration – we knew they’d love it.

“After an engaging game of Scattegories came happy hour, with special cocktails like mojitos or sangria, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, all garnished with mint from our home garden and served over ice.

“Then once people had drinks to make toasts with, we had our staff appreciation ceremony - and it was so heartwarming to hear all the cheering and applause.

“We launched the ceremony the rousing Vanessa Amorosi song ‘Absolutely Everybody’ - the unofficial anthem for the 2000 Olympic Games – and I asked the audience to put their hands together as we invited colleagues to come on to the stage.

“Whilst staff were gathering I relayed a few facts about them, then I got them to share things about their jobs, how long they've been with Camelot Care and what they enjoy most about working here.

“This was a great opportunity for residents’ families to meet staff they don’t always see including our admin manager Ann, admin assistant Paul and maintenance manager Barry, and be introduced to our new home manager Zillah and operations manager James.

“Finally things were rounded off with a game of bingo, with half the proceeds going to the winner and half to the staff fund.

“After the event we had some lovely feedback from guests and I’d like to say a huge thank you to my colleagues on the activities team, Kathy Burge and Michael Rowe, who helped everything run smoothly.”

The afternoon Bonanza was part of a varied programme of activities available to residents of Camelot House and Lodge. The home is run by award-winning dementia care provider Camelot Care, which also homes in Bridgwater, Yeovil and Plymouth www.camelotcare.co.uk