North Devon Focus on the Solar Eclipse 12th August 2026

Well here in North Devon we were lucky to have the perfect conditions for the 'Once in a Generation' partial Solar Eclipse. While skywatchers gathered in huge numbers across the United Kingdom and beyond I was lucky enough to have an epic view out the window.

I set up my old Canon 7D with a 10x filter and took one shot about every five minutes as the moon slowly moved over the sun, viewing and focussing through the back screen. I was pleased to have captured this event, the collage below is just a few of the sequence of frames

You can view the whole series on my Flickr album > https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2oQB.

I created a short movie of the series where you can see the moon as it crosses over between the sun and the earth. You can view that on my Youtube here> https://www.youtube.com/@patsfocus

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Canon EOS Digital SLR   7D

Tiffin apex 10x hot filter

Canon 70-300 ultrasonic lens (stabiliser on)

Hand held 

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Fact Checking...

what would we do without  Google and Wikepedia 

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ROYAL MUSEUMS GRENWICH "A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, resulting in the Sun’s light being blocked either partially or fully for viewers in certain locations on Earth. 

On Wednesday 12 August 2026, people in the UK and Ireland will see a partial solar eclipse, when around 90-96% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. 

This will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse, which was total from most of Cornwall and Devon." ( Royal Museums Greenwich) https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/space-astronomy/how-see-12-august-2026-partial-solar-eclipse

"Discover amazing stories of the sea, space, history and creativity" https://www.rmg.co.uk

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North Devon Focus. Watching the changing seasons throughout the year, looking out and photographing events, nature, wildlife and places while walking on the North Devon coast and in the countryside. 
All photos/articles copyright Pat Adams (All Rights Reserved)

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Beach Party Brings the Seaside to Sundial Care Home

Sundial Care Home, in the heart of Tipton St John village in Devon, brought the seaside to the home with its annual Beach Party. While Sidmouth Beach is just a short distance away and many family members (residents) enjoy regular visits there, the Beach Party ensured everyone could experience the classic British seaside from home.

The residential care home's three-acre gardens were transformed with beach backdrops, umbrellas, paddling pools, sand pits, buckets and spades, inflatable instruments and a bubble machine. Musical duo Blue Sky Busking returned to perform after proving popular during a previous visit to the home, with family members, relatives and visitors singing along throughout the afternoon.

Team Member Jo served mocktails made with tropical juice, grenadine and lemonade, finished with colourful cocktail umbrellas that family member Geraldine enjoyed helping prepare.

"The feedback has been excellent. Who needs to go to the beach when the beach party is at Sundial with fantastic mocktails!" Jo shared.

The Kitchen Team, led by Liz, cooked burgers and hot dogs, served in takeaway boxes. Relative and volunteer at the home Lindsay, baked butterfly cakes, ginger cake and coffee cake topped with dolly mixtures, while ice creams and fruit kebabs were served as evening snacks.

There were activities for all ages, hook-a-duck was a firm favourite for the grandchildren, along with sand pits with buckets and spades, and paddling pools where family members and visitors could dip their toes and cool off in the warm weather.

One relative shared, "It was absolutely marvellous how people responded to the music. It had a lovely little festival feeling. Best bubble machine we've ever seen!"

The annual Beach Party is just one of the many events held at Sundial Care Home to support continuation of life, helping family members continue enjoying the traditions, celebrations and shared moments that matter most with the people closest to them.

 

If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit: https://www.sundialcare.com/activities-in-care/

 

 

 

 

 

Seaside Visit Evokes Reminiscence for North Devon Care Home Residents

Family members (residents) Harry and John, from Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, recently spent the afternoon enjoying everything Ilfracombe Harbour has to offer, from watching the boats to visiting the funfair and enjoying an ice cream by the sea.

Accompanied by Home Manager Gayle and Home Administrator Emma, the pair made the short journey to the seafront in the home’s car. On arriving, Harry proudly helped push John's wheelchair along the harbourside as they watched the boats and explored the local shops together.

After browsing, they stopped for an ice cream, and each picked which flavour they would like. Harry's daughter later shared that he and his late wife, Eileen, used to visit the ice cream shop almost every day!

John, who has always loved boats and had a special visit to the RNLI last year, enjoyed watching the fishing boats come and go, while Harry's face lit up as they wandered through the funfair. He even took a turn on the teacup ride before stopping to watch the Ferris wheel turn.

As they stood together, Harry gently took Gayle's arm and smiled, saying, 'Let's watch this, Eileen,' as he looked up at the wheel with a smile from ear to ear.

For many people, particularly those living with a Dementia or on a cognitive journey, places such as the seaside, harbour or funfair can evoke feelings of familiarity and comfort. They may represent childhood holidays, family outings or special moments shared with loved ones, helping them reconnect with positive emotions and things that have always been meaningful to them.

On the journey home, John became emotional as he thanked Gayle and Emma for the day. Holding Gayle's hand, he told them how beautiful the day had been and asked if he could have printed copies of the photographs to keep in his room. Before arriving back at the home, he was already planning the next visit, promising that next time he would treat everyone to fish and chips!

Staying connected with the local community continues to be an important part of life at Edenmore Nursing Home. Whether it's enjoying days out around Ilfracombe or welcoming visitors, such as pupils from Ilfracombe Junior School, into the home, there are plenty of opportunities to stay connected. On less sunny days, family members can still enjoy the sea views from many of the home's lounges and bedrooms.

 

Edenmore Nursing Home offers 24-hour nursing and residential care by the North Devon coast. To learn more about life at Edenmore, visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com