MAGICAL AFTERNOON AT CARE HOME

There was magic in the air at a Bridgwater dementia care home when comical conjurer Mr B Bunny shared his critically-acclaimed brand of entertainment with the residents.

Mr B, aka Brian Banwell, is a member of the prestigious Magic Circle and, together with his wife Giovanna, has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years.

An audience of around 30 residents at Avalon Nursing Home in Taunton Road, which is run by Camelot Care, were treated to two hours of magic, comedy, games and songs.

Audience participation plays a big part in Mr B’s shows, and several residents – as well as care home staff – were called upon to assist with some of the magic tricks, while everyone was invited to sing along with the musical numbers.

Avalon’s activities co-ordinator, Lisa Priddice, said: “Everyone really enjoyed themselves at the show; it really was a magical afternoon.

“The residents really liked it when Mr B pulled a real rabbit out of a hat, and Snowy the rabbit was shown around to them afterwards, and they were able to stroke him.

“A lot of the residents really enjoyed the music, and were singing and clapping, and they also enjoyed it when Mr B made balloon animals.”

Staff at Avalon like to organise a range of different entertainments for residents to joy, ranging from visits by exotic animals to art classes.

Lisa said: “We like to mix things up a bit, and offer the residents something a bit different.

“We have four big shows per month and regular entertainments every week.”

Among the residents who enjoyed the show was David Cridge, who said: “I thought it was brilliant, good fun.”

June Jones (pictured), said: “The rabbit was lovely, really soft!”.

Resident Joan Upham said: “I really enjoyed myself; it’s nice to have something different.”

Avalon Nursing Home is part of the west country-based Camelot Care group of specialist dementia care homes.

Camelot Care has 16 years’ experience in providing top quality nursing and dementia care to the elderly with other homes in Wellington and Yeovil in Somerset and Plymouth, Devon.