Edenmore Nursing Home is no stranger to getting involved in an array of activities for their residents (fondly referred to as family members) to choose to be involved in, however not normally ones that involve four wheels and rolling through Ilfracombe! I am of course, talking about the recent Soapbox Derby, put on by Ilfracombe Round Table to support their own charity, as well as Children’s Hospice South West.
From the moment the idea was announced to take part (and
sponsor the event too!), the nursing home was keen to include as many people as
possible. The team, family members and their relatives got together to plan
Edenmore’s soapbox kart. In true community style, everyone pitched in – from
the hands-on builders of the kart with drills and saws (thanks Gayle Cooper,
Home Manager’s husband and grandson!) to family members offering design ideas,
colour schemes, and even a few cheeky suggestions for how to make it go faster!
The result was a colourful, Edenmore shaped kart that looked right at home
among the other imaginative entries.
Race day saw team members making the short walk down to
the town and joining the buzzing streets of Ilfracombe. Families lined the
route, the sun was shining, music was playing, and the atmosphere was one of
pure community spirit. Edenmore was the first kart to attempt the
course involving sharp corners, ramps and lots of hay bales (which Captain Jesu
made friends with on the test run!).
Team member Jesu shared ‘manuvering down the course was
quite challenging! The steering was all over the place as the kart was not
designed to have a house built on it – but I had so much fun and the turnout
was absolutely amazing – bring on next year!’
‘It was just brilliant to be part of the first-ever
derby,’ shared Gayle. ‘The atmosphere was electric, and the community spirit
made all the hard work worth it. We’ve already started talking about ideas for
next year!’
As the day came to a close, it was clear the Soapbox Derby had sparked something special in the community. Edenmore was proud to help launch what is sure to become a new Ilfracombe tradition.
