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/

Sundial Care Home Hosts Coffee Morning in Support of Hospice Care

Sundial Care Home located near Sidmouth, Devon recently held a coffee morning in support of Hospice Care. The coffee morning created a warm, relaxed atmosphere in the home, filled with conversation over cake and community!

Hospice Care previously supported the care home by attending their Summer Fair with a popular tombola stall, and this coffee morning offered a wonderful opportunity to return and show support for each other, strengthening connections within the care community.

Sundial’s kitchen team baked a rich coffee and walnut cake, and a classic Victoria sponge with whipped cream and fresh raspberries picked straight from the care home’s gardens, where the gardening club has been busy growing a variety of fruit and vegetables.

Team members and volunteers at the home supported family members (residents) to join in conversations in the homes dining area, where a table was laid with a variety of cakes and snacks to choose from along with tea and coffee.

Sundial Care Home continues to strengthen their relationships within their local, and care community. The care home organises an array of events annually, welcoming relatives, members of the community and other local organisations. The homes model of care highlights the importance of human connection, continuing independence and sustaining a strong community presence that creates a true home-from-home environment. The coffee morning with Hospice Care was an example of this ethos, bringing people together to enjoy good company, homemade goods, and meaningful conversation, all while supporting an important local cause.

If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit https://www.sundialcare.com/lifes-journey-continued/

Barnstaple Care Home Fundraiser: Classic Cars & BBQ

H1 – Funds Raised in a complex care home in North Devon

On Sunday 21st September, the peaceful village of Heanton Punchardon was filled with the rumble of engines and the smell of a sizzling BBQ. Heanton Nursing Home welcomed more than 20 classic vehicles from the North Devon Sports and Classic Cars Club, turning a quiet corner of North Devon into a lively celebration. For residents (family members), their loved ones and the local community, it was a chance to admire the gleaming cars, share stories and enjoy the warmth of a true community gathering.

The owners of the cars were just as thrilled as residents, proudly lifting bonnets and swapping stories about their beloved classics. Laughter and chatter carried across the drive. “It brought such a wave of nostalgia,” said Home Manager Abi Denford. “You could see the joy on people’s faces as they shared their stories and for those living with dementia on a complex journey, those moments of connection through nostalgia are especially powerful.”

St Augustine’s Church, right next door to the home, was wonderfully supportive. Announcing the event during Sunday service. As a result, several people came straight over afterwards, including Rev. Glyn Lewry, who spent a long time chatting and admiring the cars.

The BBQ was a real hit, with locally sourced meats provided by Reeds Butchers in Braunton. Alongside the food, there were lots of warm conversations about the home, dementia, and interest in Heanton’s household model of care.

The event carried a special meaning for the home. It had been inspired by a much-loved family member who was once a mechanic and often asked the team about cars. When the idea of a major event was raised, he was especially excited at the thought of a car show, often talking about how much he wanted to see the vehicles and sharing stories of cars being restored. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year before the show could take place.  In the week leading up to the event, heavy rain fell every day, with forecasts predicting an 80% chance of showers. But, as the cars began to arrive, the clouds cleared, and the sun shone for the rest of the afternoon. Every soft-top roof stayed down, and people were able to sit outside to enjoy the warmth. The care homes Administrator Sabrina said “I’m not religious but I feel he had something to do with it …”

Plans are already underway for an even bigger Classic Car Show in 2026. The afternoon also had a bigger purpose; this year’s event raised a total of £365.35 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.