Greenan Manor Care Home creates a buzz for bees

Residents, relatives and colleagues at Greenan Manor Care Home in Ayr enjoyed a day with a difference when more than 12,000 bees arrived at the home for a special learning and activity experience.

The themed Bee Day brought together nature, education, food, creativity and plenty of laughter. What began as an opportunity for residents to observe bees safely and learn more about their life cycle quickly developed into a full-home celebration.

Greenan Manor, located in Doonfoot, South Ayrshire, welcomed Ayr-based beekeeping expert Phil McAnespie, a former president of the Scottish Beekeepers Association. Phil brought along his bees and shared his specialist knowledge with residents, relatives and colleagues, giving everyone the opportunity to see the colony up close in a safe and controlled setting.

More than 12,000 fascinating visitors

For many residents, the highlight was seeing thousands of bees working together and hearing Phil explain the different stages of their life cycle.

Bees play an important role in the natural world, but it is not every day that residents can observe a colony at such close range. The session gave everyone the opportunity to ask questions, share memories and discover more about how bees live, communicate and support the environment around us.

Resident Ella said: “The bees were amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and would like him to come back again.”

Fellow resident Sheila added: “It was an interesting day, and I would love to see Phil and the bees come back.”

The residents’ enthusiasm helped turn the visit into a memorable occasion for the whole home.

From a bee observation session to a full Bee Day

The event was organised by Activities Coordinator Clara MacKinnon, who took the original idea and transformed it into a full day of themed activities.

Greenan Manor was decorated for the occasion, while colleagues embraced the theme by dressing as bees. Residents joined in with colourful and quirky headwear, adding even more fun to the day.

The home’s catering team created bee-themed cupcakes, giving everyone a sweet treat to enjoy, while residents could take part in quizzes, word searches and puzzles inspired by bees and nature.

It became a true team effort, involving activities, catering, housekeeping and care colleagues from across the home.

Care Home Manager Joe Janikowski praised Clara and the wider Greenan Manor team for creating a day that combined learning with enjoyment. He said the visit from Phil and his 12,000 bees was the undoubted highlight, giving residents and colleagues the chance to learn something new while sharing the experience together.

Meaningful activities at Greenan Manor Care Home

At Meallmore, meaningful activity is an important part of life in our care homes.

Activities are not simply about keeping busy. They can support conversation, confidence, memory, movement, social connection and a sense of purpose. They also give residents opportunities to continue exploring their interests and discovering new ones.

Bee Day reflected this approach perfectly. It was educational, sensory and social, with different ways for residents to participate according to their own interests and abilities.

Some residents were most interested in seeing the bees. Others enjoyed the quizzes, decorations, costumes or cakes. The variety meant everyone could engage with the day in a way that felt comfortable and enjoyable for them.

This person-centred approach reflects Meallmore’s vision and C.A.R.E. values, including creating environments of kindness, recognising the contribution of colleagues and engaging in learning and improvement.

Bringing residents, families and colleagues together

The event also created a shared experience for residents, family members and colleagues.

Family involvement and community connections are an important part of daily life at Greenan Manor. Events such as Bee Day give relatives something new to enjoy with their loved ones, while helping the home feel active, welcoming and connected to the wider Ayr community.

Phil’s local connection also made the day especially relevant. By welcoming an Ayr-based expert into the home, residents were able to engage with specialist knowledge from within their own community.

Greenan Manor has a strong history of creating memorable resident experiences. Previous stories have included celebrating 100 years of life and wisdom with resident May Keith and using music to support wellbeing through a donation to a dementia music charity.

These moments reflect the home’s commitment to making everyday life meaningful, enjoyable and shaped around the people who live there.

A care home in Ayr with community at its heart

Greenan Manor is located at 2 Tiree Avenue in Doonfoot, around three miles from Ayr town centre, with coastal views across Ayr Bay.

The home provides nursing care, dementia care, residential care, respite care and palliative care, with support tailored around the needs, preferences and routines of each resident.

Families searching for a care home in Ayr, a nursing home in Ayr or dementia care in South Ayrshire can learn more about the available support through Meallmore’s care services.

Alongside personalised care, residents benefit from modern ensuite bedrooms, welcoming communal spaces, landscaped outdoor areas and a varied programme of meaningful activities.

Greenan Manor has also been recognised for the experience it provides residents and families, including achieving a top 20 carehome.co.uk rating.

Learning, laughter and a little bit of buzz

Bee Day was a wonderful example of how one idea can grow into something that involves the whole home.

From 12,000 bees and specialist talks to cupcakes, puzzles and colleagues dressed for the occasion, the day created opportunities for learning, laughter and connection.

Most importantly, residents were at the centre of it all.

A huge thank you goes to Phil McAnespie for sharing his time, knowledge and bees with Greenan Manor, and to Clara and every colleague who helped make the event so special.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Greenan Manor Care Home?

Greenan Manor Care Home is located at 2 Tiree Avenue, Doonfoot, Ayr, KA7 4GH. It is approximately three miles from the centre of Ayr in South Ayrshire.

What types of care does Greenan Manor provide?

Greenan Manor provides nursing care, dementia care, residential care, respite care and palliative care. Support is personalised around each resident’s individual needs, choices and preferences.

What happened during Greenan Manor’s Bee Day?

Residents, relatives and colleagues safely observed more than 12,000 bees with Ayr-based beekeeping expert Phil McAnespie. The day also included bee-themed cakes, decorations, costumes, quizzes, word searches and puzzles.

Why are meaningful activities important in a care home?

Meaningful activities can support wellbeing, social connection, confidence, memory and enjoyment. At Greenan Manor, activities are planned around residents’ interests and offer different ways for people to participate.

Does Greenan Manor offer dementia and nursing care in Ayr?

Yes. Greenan Manor provides specialist dementia care and 24-hour nursing care, alongside residential, respite and palliative support in Doonfoot, Ayr.

How can I learn more about Greenan Manor Care Home?

You can explore the home’s facilities, care options and contact details on the Greenan Manor Care Home page. Families are welcome to contact the team to discuss care needs or arrange a visit.