'The Peopling of North Devon' Exhibition at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon.

Set right at the edge of England, North Devon's rich and varied history has been shaped by many peoples and cultures. Are we Celts, like the Cornish, or Saxons? And are there traces of later migrants in our population? The arrival of Vikings, Normans, Africans and Native Americans are all recorded in our history, but have they left genetic traces behind?

In modern times, North Devon has welcomed workers from Ireland, Wales, the Commonwealth and Eastern Europe. We have been a refuge, including in the 18th century for Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in France, in the 19th and 20th centuries Jews from central Europe, and, most recently, a place of safety for Ukrainian families.

The exhibition 'The Peopling of North Devon' is inspired by research undertaken by the Francis Crick Institute, a London-based biomedical research centre, which has analysed some of the Saxon skeletons discovered on the site of the former Barnstaple Castle as part of its 1000 Ancient Genomes Project. It will showcase objects from the Museum's collections, which evidence North Devon's ancient and recent migrations and which tell the stories of some of our local families.

Portraits of Mr and Mrs Rendle from the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon Collection.

' The Peopling of North Devon' Exhibition

 17th October 2026 - 13th February 2027 

Explore how migration has shaped North Devon, from Celts, Saxons and Vikings to more recent arrivals. Featuring Museum objects and local family stories.

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

Aloha Ilfracombe! Edenmore Brings Hawaii to North Devon

Edenmore Nursing Home recently transformed its garden area for their Hawaiian-themed ‘Aloha’ party.

Balloons, banners, paper fans and tropical hanging decorations were strung through the trees and along the fence, while the home’s new garden furniture arrived just in the nick of time! A Tiki mocktail bar was set up alongside a photo booth, complete with inflatable props and blow-up musical instruments.

Family members who chose to join the party were encouraged to wear something bright or add a Hawaiian lei, while team members got into the theme with Hawaiian shirts and holiday wear.

Almost all of the home’s family members chose to spend some time in the garden, including people who often prefer their own space or usually receive their care in their rooms. Some preferred just to stay for ten or twenty minutes before returning to their household or bedroom, while others settled in for longer. A number of relatives also came along for the afternoon.

Edenmore is made up of separate households, allowing people with similar care needs to live together in smaller communities within the home. It is currently preparing to open its newest household, The Quays, which will welcome people who are self-funding.

Head Chef Mike took charge of the barbecue, serving burgers, sausages and skewers, followed by puddings including large trifles and ice cream.

Sydney, the Home Manager’s grandson, proudly took charge of the Tiki bar. He followed the mocktail menu, added ice, shook the drinks and made his way around the garden asking family members and relatives what they would like. Family member Diana was particularly taken with the mocktails, and when Sidney returned to ask whether she would like another, her answer was a definite, ‘Well, yes!’

There were a number of games throughout the afternoon and plenty of photos taken in the photo booth before Roberto, who regularly visits the home for Chair Zumba sessions, joined the party with music and singing. Hands and feet soon began tapping along to the beat, with Diana and Harry, who particularly love music, getting up to dance.

Home Manager Gayle shared about the day, ‘There were just so many lovely moments. At one point Harry and Brian each picked up one of the blow-up instruments and began to ‘play’ beside each other. I said to Emma [Home Administrator], “Just look.” They had simply picked them up themselves and started playing together.’

Events like these at Edenmore give family members plenty of different ways to spend an afternoon together and socialise, whether that means sitting down to some good food, listening to music, joining in with a game or simply enjoying the atmosphere. For some, it might just be ten minutes outside with an ice cream, a little sunshine and a change of scenery.

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

Heanton Nursing Home Team Skydives to Raise for Dementia UK

A team of colleagues from Heanton Nursing Home have raised an incredible £4,502 for Dementia UK after taking on a charity skydive.

Months of planning, fundraising and community support led to the unforgettable challenge, which saw 11 participants jump from 15,000 feet, around 2.3 miles above the ground, freefalling at speeds of approximately 125mph before descending under parachute to the ground.

Representing Heanton were, care assistants Helen Barr, Shaju Manikuzil, Nihal Kadannalott, Anitha Ramannagari and Harpreet Bansal. Care practitioner Ella O’Connor and house lead Sivi Vargheese, who were joined by family and friends to complete the skydive.

For Helen Barr, who organised the fundraiser, the challenge carried an especially personal meaning as it was completed in memory of her father, who lived with vascular dementia.

Helen said: “This was about so much more than doing a skydive. I wanted to raise money for Dementia UK, but we also wanted to do something in memory of my dad. It was an emotional day, and during the jump I felt especially close to him. Watching everyone overcome their fears and achieve something they never thought possible, made me incredibly proud. There were so many hugs, happy tears and so much team spirit when we were all safely back on the ground.”

Among those taking part was Paul Mantle, a close family friend of Helen’s who has partial sight in one eye. Determined to complete the challenge, Paul raised more than £1,000 with the support of The Castle Inn in Landkey, which organised a quiz night and received fantastic backing from its customers and the local community.

The fundraising effort extended far beyond those making the jump. Relatives of family members living at, or who had previously lived at the home gave generously in support of the fundraiser.

For the team, those donations were especially meaningful. The continued support from families whose loved ones remain part of daily life at Heanton alongside those who continue to feel connected to the home after their loved one has sadly passed away, reflects the lasting relationships built between the home, its team and the families it supports.

The team also received a donation from Evolve Care Group, the family-owned care group that includes Heanton Nursing Home, helping the group reach its final fundraising total.

 Helen said the generosity shown throughout the campaign had been overwhelming.

“It took a lot of planning to make this happen, but every donation, every message of encouragement and everyone who supported us made it all worthwhile. One in nine people will develop dementia, so raising money for Dementia UK is something that means a great deal to us. To be able to do that alongside such an amazing group of colleagues, family and friends, is something I’ll never forget.”

The fundraiser is another example of the close-knit community that surrounds Heanton Nursing Home, where team members, family and relatives regularly come together to support one another, both inside and outside the home

 

To learn more about working with Heanton Nursing Home, or to begin your own journey in care, please visit Devon Nursing Home – Join our Team – Heanton Nursing Home