A Remembrance Day Tribute: Corporal Pete Shepherd’s Legacy Lives On

On Remembrance Day, we pause to honour former Corporal Pete Shepherd, because for him, service didn’t end when the uniform was folded away. It became part of who he is.

Pete joined the Royal Corps of Transport in 1965 at age 20. Over 12 years, he served five tours in Northern Ireland, including high-risk bomb disposal work during The Troubles. His courage in the face of danger helped lay the foundations for modern bomb disposal techniques. Pete also served in Germany and Bahrain.

Decades later, Pete was diagnosed with PTSD, a reminder of the long-term impact of military service. His story highlights the importance of charities like the Felix Fund, which support the mental health of bomb disposal personnel.

Despite hardships, Pete fondly recalls light-hearted moments, from babysitting a rabbit to mischievous regimental pranks. For his service, he received the General Service Medal with Northern Ireland clasp.

In 1971, Pete met and married Sally just two months after meeting – a love story that has lasted 53 years. After leaving the Army, he worked for 30 years at a Spam board factory, showing the same dedication he brought to military life.

Now living with a Dementia, Pete has also faced cancer and major heart surgery. His daughter Claire describes the heartbreak of placing him in care, saying, “Watching his dementia progress feels like constant grief.”

Life at Heanton

Since moving into Heanton Nursing Home in April 2025, Pete has been supported with care that honours his identity. His room is filled with military memorabilia, and he’s still proudly referred to as “Sergeant Shepherd.” His salutes and discipline reflect the deep imprint of his service, offering a sense of continuity even as his memory fades.

Dementia and Complex Care, Shaped by Identity

Heanton Nursing Home, based in North Devon, specialises in supporting adults living on complex journeys, including Dementia, mental health conditions and other long-term needs requiring compassionate and consistent care. Focusing on truly understanding each person, their history, identity and what matters to them – enabling the right support without restraint or sedation.

At Heanton, we believe no one is "challenging" when their needs are met with compassion, understanding and their independence is encouraged. At Heanton Nursing Home, life continues with dignity, choice and purpose.

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To read the full story please visit Honouring Identity in Dementia: A Devon Veteran’s Story - HeantonNursing Home

Nursing Home Celebrates Diwali, The Festival of Lights

Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton, Devon, celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with a day dedicated to culture, cuisine, and community.

The home, which supports individuals on a cognitive journey, marked the occasion with traditional food, music, dancing, and colourful decorations. Team members from the Hindu community shared their culture with family members (residents) and colleagues, creating an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

Members of the kitchen team, Gurjeet and Jisho, prepared a delicious menu of traditional Indian dishes, including sweet and sour cauliflower, beef curry with vegetable rice, chickpea curry, and vermicelli pudding — all of which were enjoyed by everyone.

The team transformed the dining room and lounge with colourful decorations and lights, creating a welcoming and immersive space where family members, team members, and visitors could come together. Everyone enjoyed watching a traditional Hindu dance performance by a team member, while others came in on their day off and brought their children along, adding an intergenerational element to the celebration.

The Devon Nursing Home said “We’re proud to have such a diverse team and to share in the spirit of Diwali - a time of light, renewal and community. Wishing happiness and peace to all who mark the occasion.”

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/

A Birthday to Remember: John’s Lifelong Dream Comes True at Ilfracombe Harbour

Recently, one of the residents (fondly known as family members) at Edenmore Nursing Home, John Baker, celebrated his birthday with an outing to Ilfracombe Harbour. Joined by a close friend and fellow family member, Pamela Baines, John spent the day soaking up the sights of the Quay, admiring the iconic Verity statue, and – most excitingly – fulfilling a lifelong dream: seeing a full-sized lifeboat up close.

A boat enthusiast, John was thrilled to visit the impressive vessel at the RNLI Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station. The lifeboat crew gave him an informative tour, explaining the many ropes and knots required in their work, and even letting him try on one of their safety helmets.

To mark the occasion, the crew presented John and Pamela with a commemorative plaque - a thoughtful gesture that touched John deeply. Afterwards, the pair spent a relaxed afternoon watching the boats come and go from the harbour, enjoying ice creams in the seaside air.

Back at Edenmore, John couldn’t wait to share his adventure with team members and fellow family members, encouraging everyone to visit the harbour themselves and telling them, ‘I’ll never forget that day’. Gayle Cooper, home manager, shared, ‘he hasn’t stopped talking about the day since.’ The lifeboat crew has now been invited to Edenmore Nursing Home to give a talk on lifesaving at sea.

Edenmore Nursing Home is a Devon Nursing Home located close to Ilfracombe town centre in North Devon, with costal views. The home supports individuals who require Nursing and Dementia Care. 

To find out more about the home, please visit https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/