Community tea garden created by refugees opens in Barnstaple

A community tea garden co-designed and built by people navigating the asylum process and the refugee community has been opened in the heart of Barnstaple. 

The garden is the work of Project Unitea – a partnership initiative between Devon Wildlife Trust, Pickwell Foundation and Barnstaple Town Council. The project has been made possible thanks to £18,000 support from the National Lottery Community Fund through its Awards for All (England).

The Unitea garden was opened on Tuesday 16^th June as part of Refugee Week - ‘the world’s largest arts and cultural festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary’.  

Project Unitea is bringing people together through a shared love of nature, conversation and connection. The project centres around a small community tea garden, using space donated by Barnstaple Town Council close to the town’s clock tower and museum.

Project Unitea involves people supported by the Pickwell Foundation, as they settle into the area, offering them the opportunity to take part in practical outdoor activities, improve their wellbeing, and build confidence in using English through informal learning.

Participants have worked with Devon Wildlife Trust Wilder Communities Lead Katie Wilkinson, along with Barnstaple Town Council Estates Apprentice Matt Simmons, to co-design and construct the tea garden. It has used plants – including chamomile, lemon balm and rosemary - which can be harvested and blended into tea.

The garden has been developed following nature-friendly principles. Its plants have been carefully selected to attract pollinating insects, while the beds have used peat-free compost, and avoided the application of herbicides and pesticides.

A Unitea participant with lived experience of resettlement, said:

“It was a unique and enjoyable project. Even though it was short and small, it was incredibly fun especially for growing herbs. This is a new project, and I hope it will be well received and welcomed by others.”

Nicola Jenner, Communications and Events Manager, Pickwell Foundation said:

“Project Unitea demonstrates the powerful role that nature can play in bringing people together. Through simple, shared activities such as planting, harvesting, and making tea, participants can build relationships, practise language skills, and support their wellbeing.

The project also plays an important role in broadening awareness and promoting community cohesion, helping people to learn from one another and build a stronger, more inclusive local community.”

Barnstaple Town Council Estates Manager, Wayne Palmer said: 

 “Barnstaple Town Councill are pleased to be involved in the Unitea project and to continue working in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust and Pickwell Foundation. Initiatives like this play an important role in supporting the Town Council’s ambition for cleaner and greener spaces. 

We encourage residents to make use of this resource responsibly, ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed by others”.   

Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Loki Dawson said: 

“Project ‘Unitea’ is a valuable addition to Barnstaple, providing a shared community resource. The tea garden offers something simple, an opportunity for people to utilise nature and enjoy a cup of tea. Launching during Refugee Week, this project highlights the importance of community and inclusive, shared spaces.” 

Katie Wilkinson, Devon Wildlife Trust said:

‘’This pilot project has been a wonderful collaboration between three organisations who are working for people and nature in Barnstaple. It’s been a real joy to work with volunteers from Pickwell Foundation to build this little tea garden. We’ve had so much support from the community of Barnstaple too and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people into the space with some creative events.  

We want the tea garden to act as a catalyst to bring people together over a freshly foraged cuppa tea. Sharing tea, sharing experiences and building stronger connections with one another.’’

Photo (left to right) Matt Simmons (Barnstaple Town Council), Unitea participant), Katie Wilkinson (Devon Wildlife Trust) and Wayne Palmer (Barnstaple Town Council)

People can find out more about project Unitea via its webpages at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/project-unitea

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National Lottery players raise over £32 million a week for good causes across the UK. Thanks to them, The National Lottery Community Fund distributes over £600 million a year through over 13,000 grants. The funder plans to invest over £4 billion of funding into communities by 2030. It supports projects across the whole of the UK to turn their truly life-changing ideas into reality.

To find out more visit The National Lottery Community Fund website.

The Pickwell Foundation

Barnstaple Town Council

Homepage | Devon Wildlife Trust

Summer Exhibition. Sir Alfred Munnings: Exmoor Through the Seasons at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

An exhibition of paintings by Sir Alfred Munnings, former President of the Royal Academy of Arts, capturing the evocative landscapes, people and ponies of Exmoor.

Sir Alfred Munnings and his wife, Violet, escaped the restrictions of their requisitioned Essex home, during the Second World War, by moving to a cottage in the Exmoor village of Withypool. During this period, Exmoor provided a joyful retreat. The oil paintings he produced while there capture the wild beauty of Exmoor through all four seasons. This exhibition showcases his love of Exmoor and its changing landscapes, its people and wild Exmoor ponies. The exhibition brings together art works and selections from Munnings’ published diaries and poetry written while living in Withypool. These offer a rare personal insight into his artistic process, the people he befriended while living there, and his relationship to the land.

 

Our summer exhibition is complemented by a series of events and activities for both adults and children, including En Plein Air sessions in Barnstaple and on Exmoor, and our regular Curious Creators programme of family-friendly artist-led sessions on Wednesdays throughout the school holidays.

Sir Alfred Munnings: Exmoor Through the Seasons

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

4th July – 26th September 2026

Website link - Sir Alfred Munnings: Exmoor Through the Seasons – Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

International Nurses Week: Care Rooted in Compassion

Nursing is often spoken about as one profession, but the day-to-day reality can look very different depending on where a nurse works, who they support and the kind of care being given. While some nurses work in fast-paced hospital environments focused mainly on treatment and recovery, nursing within social care can offer more opportunity to build long-term relationships and support people not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.

As part of International Nurses Week, we spoke to Lucy Hernaman, a social care nurse at Heanton Nursing Home in North Devon. Reflecting on her experiences supporting people living with dementia and complex needs, Lucy shared how working in social care changed her understanding of compassionate nursing and the importance of truly knowing the people you care for.

Lucy, who joined Heanton in 2021, spoke about how different the home felt compared to more traditional and institutional care settings she had previously experienced.

“Heanton is about as far from institutionalised as it could possibly be,” she said. “I wish more nurses had the opportunity to experience placements in homes like this during their training.”

Lucy explained that one of the biggest things she learned was the importance of understanding the emotional and social needs behind a person’s behaviour, rather than simply reacting to the behaviour itself.

“When I first started at Heanton I had very little dementia knowledge,” she said. “I soon found that people behaved a certain way for many different reasons and that it was important to identify those reasons, especially when someone may not have the capacity to tell us themselves.”

She also spoke about the home’s flexible approach to care and supporting people to continue living life in a way that feels natural to them.

“In some places I had worked before, people were expected to fit into the home’s schedule,” Lucy said. “At Heanton, family members are supported to live as they wish. There is no strict routine, and people aren’t made to fit into a mould.”

Lucy described the home’s approach to medication as another area that stood out to her, explaining that understanding distress and recognising early signs of discomfort could often help avoid situations escalating.

“I love Heanton’s stance towards medication and that it is always used as a last resort,” she said. “Far more work and skill goes into meeting a person’s needs than simply managing the after-effects of an incident.”

Speaking about what matters most to her as a nurse, Lucy said human connection remained at the heart of good care.

“The thing I most love about my job is that I am allowed to love the family members as if they were my own family,” she said. “Sometimes that human connection is what makes a person’s day. The people we look after are our equals and this is how we should care for them.”

To read the whole story:  International Nurses Week: Care Rooted in Compassion - Heanton Nursing Home

This Is Me: New photography exhibition celebrates the people of North Devon

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon’s annual Documentary Photography Open exhibition opens this April featuring works submitted by members of the public in response to the theme, ‘This Is Me’.

The exhibition provides a fascinating insight into who the people of North Devon are today. Alongside contemporary photographs, the museum will display a collection of historic portraits by acclaimed photographer and documenter of North Devon life, James Ravilious.

The museum’s long-standing annual Documentary Photography Open is open to both amateur and professional photographers. This year’s open introduced a dedicated category for 14-18 year olds for the first time, aiming to capture the voices and perspectives of younger people in North Devon.

The exhibition also features photographs taken by GCSE students from Pilton Community College. These images were created as part of a ‘Selfies to Self-Aware Portrait Project', facilitated by a local artist and funded by the Richard and Siobhan Coward Foundation Fund.

Alison Mills, Director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, said: “Our annual Documentary Photography Open is an exhibition truly shaped by local people and a highlight of our year! This year’s theme, This Is Me, asked people to explore their own identity and place in a fast-moving world – it asked them to share their own personal story through the medium of photography.

“Museums are storehouses for stories past and present, and part of our mission is to tell as many of those stories as possible. We also welcome the opportunity to share photographs by James Ravilious from our collection. They capture the spirit of our region from a not-so-distant past and never fail to move and delight.”

'This is Me'. Prom dresses are useless if you only ever go to muddy fields. Photo © Nell Savage (All Rights Reserved)

The Documentary Photography Open exhibition opened on the 25th April and runs until 20th June 2026.

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Entrance is free.

Website link - This is Me! Documentary Photography Open 2026 – Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

 

01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

Barnstaple Reflections. 'This is Me!' Documentary Photography Open 2026 Exhibition

The Documentary Photography Open 2026 is an exhibition of photographs sent in by the public in response to the theme, This Is Me.  The theme asked the public to explore who they are, as people living in North Devon today.  In a world that is constantly changing, where people are constantly moving, the public was invited to reflect on what makes them unique.

To complement the Open, a selection of historic portraits by photographer, James Ravilious, will also be on display. The warmth and affection that Ravilious felt for his subjects shines out, each bringing to life the unique character and personality of each individual.

 

In addition, the exhibition will include photographs taken by GCSE students from Pilton Community College as part of a portrait project run by local photographer, Carole Evans and funded by the Richard and Siobhan Coward Foundation Fund. The ‘Selfies’ to Self-Aware Portrait Project encouraged students to explore what makes a good portrait, how to use low key and natural lighting and consider the question ‘what one word captures what is it to be a young adult in 2025’ in their portraiture.

Bill Cooke in his kitchen, Colehouse, May 1988, James Ravilious © Beaford Arts (All Rights Reserved)

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This is Me! Documentary Photography Open 2026

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

25th April – 20th June 2026

 

Website link - This is Me! Documentary Photography Open 2026 – Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

 

01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

New exhibition opening at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

A new exhibition opening at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon on Saturday 21st March sheds light on the life and work of former Mayor of Barnstaple, Bruce William Oliver, who died 50 years ago this year.

The exhibition, Bruce Oliver: A Grand Old Man of Barnstaple, has been created in collaboration with North Devon Athenaeum and paints a portrait of an accomplished local man as of many talents. In his professional life Oliver was a well-known local architect, but he was also an accomplished artist, photographer, musician, actor, historian, and sportsman.

Bruce Oliver was elected Mayor of Barnstaple in 1931 on the strength of his services to community, charity, and entertainment. He joined the North Devon Athenaeum in 1932 as a board member, and he became Trustee and Chair in 1951. Following his death in 1976, Bruce Oliver left the bulk of his estate to the North Devon Athenaeum – which includes notes, drawings, watercolours, photographic slides and more, including his house, Homestead in South Park, Barnstaple. Some of the items from his estate will be shown as part of this exhibition.

Bruce Oliver: A Grand Old Man of Barnstaple. Photo copyright Bruce Oliver Exhibition (All Rights Reserved)

Bruce Oliver: A Grand Old Man of Barnstaple

21st March – 16th May 2026

All welcome | Admission FREE

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01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

 

Heanton Nursing Home: A Career in North Devon That Became a Place of Belonging

Sometimes the most important part of care is not what you say, but how well you can see the world through another person’s eyes. At Heanton Nursing Home in North Devon, that understanding shapes everyday life. For Pamela “Pam” Manning, working in dementia and complex care has taught her that distress often comes from fear, loss or confusion that feels completely real to the person experiencing it. Responding to that emotional reality, rather than correcting it, can be the gentlest form of care.

Pam did not begin her working life in social care. After many years working as a funeral arranger, she and her husband moved to North Devon, a place they had long loved from holidays in Croyde. “Retirement was meant to be the dream, but after a while we both realised, we needed a reason to get up, get out and meet people again,” she says.

Hearing about a nearby dementia care home, she applied for a part-time role despite having no previous experience. “I remember thinking, I’ve never done care before, how hard could it be?” she said with a smile. “I soon learned that care is one of the most skilled and meaningful roles you can do.”

Her motivation was deeply personal. Having seen how dementia had affected someone close to her, she carried with her determination. “My lovely uncle Bill had been in a Dementia Home the very year we moved and had sadly passed away, my cousin sent me photos of him, and he didn't look like Uncle, he was unshaven and unkempt with a blank expression. It broke my heart. He had been a proud smart man. After his funeral I vowed that somehow, I was going to make a difference and learn about Dementia in memory of my uncle. Hello Heanton.”

Pam remembers her first day as though it were yesterday. Among the first people she spent time with was Lillian, a resident whose anxiety and restlessness often led her to walk the hallways for long periods during the day. “We must have walked those hallways 15 or 20 times,” she recalls. “I remember thinking she must be as bored as I was, but there was something about Lily that kept me curious. That’s what made me come back.”

Then one moment changed everything. Lillian suddenly stopped and pointed towards the floor, admiring something Pam could not see. “Flowers,” she said, “beautiful blue flowers.” Instead of correcting her, Pam bent down, pretended to pick them up, and suggested they take them home to place in a vase before baking a cake for the children returning from school.

“The smile on her face and the warm twinkle in her sea-blue eyes melted my heart quicker than ice cream on a hot beach,” Pam recalls. “Then Lily reached out, grabbed my hand and said softly, ‘Come on, let’s go home.’ That was the moment I understood the word connection.”

That experience shaped the way Pam approaches dementia care. “I realised it was because I didn’t say, ‘There’s nothing there, Lily.’ I stepped into her reality. I lived those hours in her world, in her time, on her terms,” she explains. “That’s when everything changed between us. She trusted me. Over time, she became more relaxed, more confident and happier in herself. I would go home thinking about it, being in her reality was helping her feel calmer.””

It was through experiences like this that Pam began to understand what is often described in dementia care as the careful use of therapeutic lies.

The phrase can sound stark. But in practice, it is not about deception. It is about responding to the emotional reality someone is living in. Validation means acknowledging the feeling without correcting the belief, for example, allowing someone to talk about their mum without challenging whether she is still alive. A therapeutic lie goes further. It offers reassurance that may not be factually accurate, but prevents immediate distress, such as gently saying, “She’s safe, you don’t need to worry,” when someone is panicked or grieving.

The distinction matters. In dementia and complex care, repeatedly correcting someone who cannot retain new information can cause them to experience shock or loss again and again. In those moments, strict truth-telling can unintentionally cause harm. For Pam, therapeutic reassurance is never automatic. It is considered, proportionate and rooted in knowing the person. The question is always the same: what response will reduce distress and protect dignity right now?

Now, five years on from her first day at Heanton, Pam believes the most important lesson remains simple: meaningful care is built on connection. “This is not just a job,” she says. “Heanton to me is home. They don’t need me; I simply need them.”  

To read the full story : Heanton Nursing Home: A Career in North Devon That Became a Place of Belonging - Heanton Nursing Home

 

North Devon Care Home unite to send birthday cards after BBC story sparks heartfelt response

A story shared by the BBC this week struck a chord with the team at Heanton Nursing Home, a home in North Devon that supports people with complex needs, prompting an immediate and heartfelt response from everyone in the home.

The article told the story of a little girl called Amelia, who has spent much of her young life in and out of hospital, facing more challenges than any child should have to. The family shared with the BBC how receiving birthday cards would mean a great deal to Amelia, giving her hope and reminding her of the support around her, after she set herself the ambitious goal of receiving 8,000 cards for her 8th birthday in an attempt to break the UK record.

When the team at Heanton read the piece, they knew straight away they wanted to be involved.

One team member in particular, Noufal, helped spark the idea to get involved. He spoke with the home’s administrator, Sabrina, who quickly took it forward. Within hours, Sabrina was out at the shops, buying one of every birthday card on the shelf so that everyone could take part. As more people joined in, she even went back out again to buy additional cards, making sure no one was left out.

From there, the whole home got behind the idea. Every team member joined in, alongside the people who live at Heanton, fondly referred to as family members by the home.

For many family members, writing birthday cards was just as meaningful as it was enjoyable. For people living with a Dementia, activities like this feel deeply familiar. They draw on life experiences many people have carried with them for years, marking birthdays, choosing kind words and doing something thoughtful for someone else. These are routines many people have carried out throughout their lives, and returning to them can bring a sense of comfort and purpose.

Holding a card, writing a message and signing their name gave family members the chance to connect with a familiar role, that of being a friend, a neighbour, or someone who cares, it allowed them to take part as people with a lifetime of experiences to share, rather than being defined by a diagnosis. The atmosphere was calm, purposeful and full of conversation, with plenty of smiles along the way.

The cards are now all written, sealed and carefully packed, ready to arrive in time for Amelia’s birthday.

Home manager Abigail Denford said: “It was one of those moments where everyone just came together naturally. Our family members loved being involved, and the team didn’t hesitate for a second. It reminded us how powerful small, familiar acts of kindness can be, not just for the person receiving them, but for everyone taking part too.”

Moments like this reflect how important it is to Heanton to stay connected to the community. Whether that’s heading out for a coffee, welcoming neighbours into the home for a BBQ, or even coming together to help make a little girl’s birthday wish come true. These connections matter, because they remind everyone that life at Heanton is lived alongside the world around them, held close rather than set apart.

To read more about the events and people at Heanton –  News & Blogs – Heanton Nursing Home – Devon Nursing Home

Unique Exmoor project exhibition at the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon

High up on Exmoor’s dramatic sea cliffs sits Kipscombe, an 880 acre landscape with a rich history over thousands of years.  

 

As Kipscombe enters a new chapter, cared for by the National Trust, this exhibition looks at this special place and the people who have helped bring it back to life for nature and community. Featuring photos, artwork, stories and footage for a lively and truly personal take on this unique Exmoor project.

There will be a launch event to celebrate the opening on the exhibition on Friday 23rd January, 5-7pm. All are welcome to join us and special guests for nibbles and a glass of wine or two!

Matilda planting trees. Photo copyright Bob Walters (All Rights Reserved) 

National Trust - A Living Landscape: New Beginnings at Kipscombe

24th January – 14th March 2026

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Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN
01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk
Entrance is always free.

Lighting Up the Sky and the Community at a North Devon Nursing Home

By the time the first firework burst above the trees at Heanton Nursing Home, the grounds were filled with families, children in bright coats and people arriving with umbrellas. There was laughter, conversation and that unmistakable sense of community.

Residents (who they fondly refer to as family members) were wrapped in blankets and supported outside so they could be part of it all. Seeing them among the crowd, smiling as the fireworks lit up the sky, was one of the highlights of the evening. Many visitors commented on how special it was to see everyone, young and old, sharing the night side by side.

The BBQ ran non-stop, with people queueing for hot food made on-site using locally sourced meats from Reeds Butchers in Braunton, the same butcher that provides the meals enjoyed by family members every day. “You can taste when something’s local,” one visitor said.

Several people mentioned they hadn’t planned to do anything for Bonfire Night this year but decided to come along after seeing Heanton’s invitation. What might have been an ordinary evening at home instead became a night filled with laughter and conversation. Local councillor Graham Bell attended with his family and spoke with team members and visitors throughout the evening, sharing that sense of community that filled the grounds.

By the end of the night, £226 had been raised, which will go directly towards making Christmas special for the family members who call Heanton home. As people began to leave, almost everyone said the same thing, that they hoped this would happen again next year.

Although Heanton is known in the community as a complex nursing home, evenings like this show there’s so much more to it than that. It is a home full of life, laughter and connection, a place where family members are supported to take part, and where the community is always welcome to join in.

It’s a reminder that complex care doesn’t mean life has to be lived apart.

To read more about the events and people at Heanton-  News & Blogs - Heanton Nursing Home - Devon Nursing Home

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.

PULL UP A CHAIR TO CUNNY CORNER – THE PODCAST LIFTING THE SKIRTS OF VICTORIAN BARNSTAPLE

Forget prim bonnets and polite parlours – Cunny Corner is here to tell you what really went on in the back alleys, taverns, and courtrooms of Victorian Barnstaple. 

Hosted by local historian Sue Pengelly and writer Stef Fox, this brand-new podcast dives into the scandal, hardships, and gallows humour of the town’s 19th-century prostitutes. 

Not so much about genteel ladies ... more about gin, gossip and grit. 

Each episode revives the voices of individuals – such as Sarah Hammett, Eliza Boastfield, Mary Heard, and others – who faced poverty, prejudice and pompous magistrates with wit, resilience, and an unshakeable sisterhood. 

Sue has pieced together their stories using court records, newspaper clippings, historical documentation and the town’s oral history and, in conversation with Stef, reveals how these women made their own rules in a world that tried to break them. 

“They weren’t just names in police reports – they were mothers, rebels, and entrepreneurs, trying to feed themselves and their children,” says Sue. “As well as very real and incredibly brave … with, quite frankly, some cracking stories.” 

Packed with meticulous research, laugh-out-loud moments, and just enough filth to mean you’ll have to listen through headphones if kids are around, Cunny Corner is history with its corset unlaced. 

Expect: 

•  True tales from Barnstaple’s underbelly – raw, witty, and 100% real  

• Women who fought back, looked out for each other, and gave Victorian respectability the side eye 

•  A great mix of historical fact and bawdy banter 

•  Stories that will make you gasp, grin, and maybe Google a few old slang words! 

CUNNY CORNER – THE PODCAST LIFTING THE SKIRTS OF VICTORIAN BARNSTAPLE 

Barnstaple, North Devon, UK.

Cunny Corner is available now on all major podcast platforms including Apple, Amazon, Spotify 

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 Website: cunnycorner.co.uk 

 Instagram @cunnycorner 

 Facebook @cunnycorner 

 TikTok @cunnycorner

VE Day Tribute: Corporal Pete Shepherd’s Legacy Lives On

As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we remember former Corporal Pete Shepherd – a man whose life has been shaped by service, strength, and love.

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.

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

Heanton Nursing Home Hosts Vibrant Mocktail Party

Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple recently turned up the energy with a vibrant Hawaiian-themed mocktail party, celebrating the spirit of community with its residents, affectionately known as family members. What began as a fun conversation about favourite cocktails soon evolved into an exciting event, fuelled by the family members' enthusiastic responses: “Oh yes, please, I’d love a cocktail if they’re going!”

The idea quickly gained momentum as the team envisioned a tropical-inspired gathering, filled with colourful, fruit-infused drinks, festive decorations, and Hawaiian music. The North Devon home was transformed, complete with decorations - including mini umbrellas for each mocktail, giving everyone a full, festive experience. Safe, washable shakers were brought in so that family members could mix and shake their own creations, adding a fun and inclusive touch to the afternoon.

The kitchen team prepared vibrant fruit platters that were as beautiful as they were delicious whilst team members dressed up in Hawaiian attire, including some borrowed shirts from team member Robin’s own collection.

Sabrina Stell, Home Administrator of Heanton Nursing Home said, “even though there was no alcohol, everyone agreed that the atmosphere and creativity made the event a huge success!” The mocktail party saw team and family members alike getting involved and sharing laughter and dancing - along with a few spills and plenty of smiles.

Heanton Nursing Home’s Hawaiian mocktail party highlighted the power of community and connection, showing how a shared vision and a little creativity can bring people together and brighten spirits. This event is just one example of the home’s dedication to the continuation of life, whilst building friendships, and celebrating every moment together.

A HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE
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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit: https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

Unveiling the Heartbreak of a Dementia Diagnosis with David Shepherd

Alzheimer's is a heart-wrenching disease that inflicts relentless pain and sorrow on both you and your loved one. Witnessing the gradual decline of someone close to you can leave you feeling helpless and devastated. With each passing day, it feels as though you are not only losing a part of them but also a part of you. One of the most agonising parts is the beginning before their diagnosis, when you don’t know that there’s anything wrong and the weight of the unknown bears down on you. I had the privilege of speaking with David Shepherd whose wife lives with a Dementia at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple and he wanted to share his story with you today.

In the two or three years before my wife, Catriona’s, diagnosis it was challenging. Initially, I didn't think there was anything medically wrong and I still carry enormous guilt that I didn’t realise sooner. I found I often got angry and frustrated when Catriona forgot things, I just thought she wasn’t concentrating but needless did I know she was already struggling, and my reactions must have made things even scarier for her. One day she drove to the supermarket and couldn’t park the car, I really didn’t understand why, but it became more apparent that there was an underlying issue. The struggle was in getting her to admit it and accept that she needed to see the doctor. It took over 6 months of gentle persuasion to take Catriona to her first appointment. 

Catriona was finally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2014 after a long and tortuous process. When we received the diagnosis, I felt an overwhelming surge of emotions. I was filled with what felt like a torrential downpour of desperation mingled with a glimmer of relief. The desperation I felt within me came with floods of tears, as I knew that this cruel illness would relentlessly steal away the person I love and cherish. Catriona never really accepted that she had the illness and so life continued to be a struggle and I felt that I was walking on eggshells every time we came close to talking about it.

Everything changes when your partner has Alzheimer’s. Eventually, you become a full-time carer – and that really does mean 24 hours a day. It’s exhausting but I had no choice, Catriona wasn’t safe to be left on her own for a moment. By that point, you can’t go out because they can’t go out. My world became as small as hers – just our four walls.

We were fortunate that the diagnosis took place at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery in London, as they are the experts in dementia. After the diagnosis, we had some time with a nurse, who gave us guidance on what to expect, where to go for support and answered any questions we had, it was very comprehensive. We had twice-a-year appointments at the hospital, and visits from various people from the local Memory Clinic, to monitor the progress of the condition, and Catriona even got involved in some research projects. We were directed to a local charity that specialised in young people living with a Dementia, which provided a helpful support group along with activities for Catriona.

When we embarked on our journey to move to Devon in 2015, the level of support drastically changed. My heart sank as we walked into the office of our new GP, with hope filling our hearts for a similar level of help. We poured out our worries and concerns, seeking assistance, but the words that came from the GP struck us with devastation, leaving us shattered and disheartened. The GP said there was nothing he could do to help other than signpost us to the Alzheimer's Society. So, life continued on, taking each day as they came trying to live as normal life as we possibly could.

In the summer of 2020, I made the heartbreaking decision to move Catriona into a Care Home which was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. It came to a point, the place we had called home for many years, a place full of love and memories, our sanctuary, was no longer the safest place for her. Due to her increasing mobility and balance issues, I knew that I had to find a home to keep her safe, but this was at the height of the COVID-19 Lockdown. It meant that I couldn't visit the home beforehand to see what it was like, but, far worse, it meant that once she was led away from me, from the garden at Heanton Nursing Home, I would not be seeing her again for many, many weeks. That remains engraved in my memory as the saddest, toughest day of my life.

The team at Heanton arranged video calls that offered a glimpse into her world, but in truth, those virtual encounters could never replace the warmth of her presence, the touch of her hand and the comfort of being by her side. I would sometimes find myself by the river in Bideford, looking up and across in the direction of Heanton and thinking about her, wondering how she was and what she was doing.

Once visits were possible, that definitely helped me deal with the transition, as it started to lift some of the guilt that I was feeling about having sent her off to live in a care home. The recent relaxation on the rules about having to wear a mask has really helped - Catriona was able to see my face again for the first time in over 2 years, and that helped her recognise me, I hope, and certainly led to more of her warm smiles.

Navigating the journey of caring for a loved one living with a dementia is undeniably challenging. Despite the heart-wrenching moments and the profound changes that Alzheimer's brings, we cherish the memories and the unwavering strength human connection can bring to us.

Heanton Nursing Home, wholeheartedly understands the immense struggles that Alzheimer's disease brings to the lives of those affected and their loved ones. David visits Catriona most days, sometimes bringing his band to play music which brings solace and joy to her and other family members within the home. At Heanton, our commitment extends beyond our family members; we embrace the opportunity to be a guiding light for their loved ones, offering unwavering support as they navigate the complex and emotional journey Alzheimer’s brings.

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home 

visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home, Heanton, Barnstaple EX31 4DJ - Tel: 01271 813744

 Website - Facebook

HEANTON NURSING HOME IN BARNSTAPLE TAKE RESIDENT FOR A GAME OF BADMINTON

John Miles who is fondly referred to as Rex from Heanton Nursing Home, enjoyed a game of Badminton along with team members during a recent outing. The game began with Rex taking the first drop shot and he enjoyed some smashes with his opponent.

Noufal, one of the Team Members accompanying described the moment as being simply amazing “Rex didn't take his eyes off the game, and he even told me to be quiet as he was not able to focus! He was impressed by the quality of his fellow players.”

Being involved within the local community and encouraging the continuation of past interests is part of the ethos at the North Devon nursing home. Creating shared experiences that bring together companionship, laughter, and a deeper sense of connection for individuals living with a Dementia.

Occupational activities are not just pastimes they are pathways to joy, fulfilment, and bring a sense of purpose to family members, living at the nursing home to create a true sense of continuation of life. These activities encompass a wide range of interests, from arts and crafts to gardening, music, games, and so much more. They promote engagement, stimulate cognitive abilities, and foster social connections, creating an environment full of personalities and Individuality. 

To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home 

visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home, Heanton, Barnstaple EX31 4DJ - Tel: 01271 813744

 Website - Facebook