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 celebrates three Spectacular Days!

Heanton Nursing Home in Devon recently came alive with three unforgettable days of celebrations, bringing together residents (fondly referred to as family members), the vibrant local community and dedicated team members, both past and present. At the centre of the celebrations was the much-anticipated Spring Day of Happiness on 20th March —an exciting day that captured the warmth and the true spirit of life at Heanton.

Celebrations began on the 19th of March with the grand opening of the pod ‘Heanton Retreat’—a heartfelt transformation of a former PPE storage used during the pandemic. Now a beautifully designed retreat, the space offers bathroom and kitchen facilities, a cozy mock-up bedroom, and a peaceful meeting area. It provides relatives and visiting professionals a welcoming place to rest or connect, especially during the most sensitive moments.

‘Heanton Retreat’ stands as a symbol of resilience and care, embodying Heanton’s commitment to creating a comforting and welcoming environment for all.

Home Manager Abi Deniford led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with help from one of Heanton’s family members, and reflected on the meaning behind the space: “Some mentioned how our relatives would benefit from the peace and tranquillity, particularly during the loss of a loved one. It became clear that we all share the same purpose, and I couldn’t be prouder of the collective care and compassion that define our home.” As the sun set, the celebrations truly came alive with pizza, music, and plenty of dancing.

The following day, Heanton’s Spring Day of Happiness welcomed lots of visitors including relatives, past team members, local councillor Graham Bell, church representatives including Caroline Raby, and Devon County Council’s adult social care team, and many friends.

The warm weather made it a perfect day for the outdoor celebrations. Homemade food was available, with one of Heanton’s chefs serving Indian dishes that proved incredibly popular. The Head of Maintenance prepared Romanian kebabs and cabbage rolls on a tabletop grill, and the kitchen team put together a spread of delicious homemade cakes, smoothies, and sandwiches.

The day was packed with entertainment, including live music from local musician Roger Colome, Chair Zumba with Roberto, and a DJ set from Robin of RBM Entertainment. Creating a festive atmosphere that brought everyone together.

Adding a splash of colour—literally—were the lively Holi tents, where bursts of natural powders symbolized fresh beginnings and the next chapter for those who come to live at heanton. The afternoon was lively, with the activities tent and lawn games offering plenty of opportunities to get involved. It wasn’t long before the dance floor came alive, with family members joining in. The energy, laughter, and sense of community made it a day to remember.

After two lively days, 21st March offered a calmer change of pace, with a tea party held for family members and relatives. With soft background music, cakes, and sandwiches, the afternoon gave families more time to connect in a peaceful setting. For many, it was a lovely way to unwind and enjoy quiet time together. Families from different houses came together, exchanged stories, forming new friendships, bringing the three-day celebration to a heartwarming close.

Across all three days, the emphasis remained on community, celebration, and creating familiar, welcoming experiences. Whether through lively celebration or quiet reflection, these moments capture what matters most at Heanton, feeling at home and being part of something meaningful.

Exmoor Zoo Brings the Wild to Edenmore Nursing Home

Edenmore Nursing Home recently invited Exmoor Zoo into visit their residents (fondly referred to as family members), bringing an incredible array of animals in as part of their educational roadshow.

Portia, the zoo’s educational officer, introduced family members to a Royal Python, Meerkat, Stick Insect, Giant Snail, and Praying Mantis! Now, some may have been scared off by this visit, but not the Edenmore family, and for those who chose took part it was such an incredible social engagement opportunity. The visit encouraged conversation, curiosity, and reminiscence among family members, many of whom have a lifelong love of animals.

A Familiar Connection with Animals

For Alan, animals have always been an important part of life. Having previously owned foxes, the chance to hold and interact with some of the zoo’s creatures brought back fond memories. His daughter, Sue, shared how much these experiences mean to him, reflecting the value of continuing familiar interests and passions in later life.

Bringing Nature Indoors

The presence of animals in the home provides more than just entertainment, it offers comfort, sensory engagement, and opportunities for connection. For those living with a Dementia, engaging with animals can be particularly calming, helping to spark memories and meaningful moments.

Edenmore Nursing Home is committed to ensuring family members have access to inclusive and community focused activities that make everyday life feel familiar and purposeful. Partnering with community organisations like Exmoor Zoo allows family members to engage with the world around them in ways that feel natural, personal, and enjoyable.

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For more about Exmoor Zoo and their educational outreach, visit: Exmoor Zoo Facebook 

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For more about life at Edenmore Nursing Home, visit: www.edenmorenursinghome.com

The Great Sundial Bake Off

Sundial Care Home, which sits in the heart of Tipton St John, Devon, recently held their very own bake off. Team members at the home, tied on their aprons and whipped up a selection of delicious bakes for residents to taste and judge, who the home fondly refer to as “family members”.

Those who chose to participate had their voting slips and pens at the ready as they sampled a piece of each cake. Mikyla Tribble, the homes Administrator, prepared a perfectly glazed banana cake, Sue Smith, Care Assistant, crafted a rich chocolate sponge, decorated with roses and fondant icing, Tina Sutton, a part of the Kitchen Team baked a classic coffee and walnut cake, and finally, Liz Thompson, the home’s Manager, put together a rich chocolate cake decorated with chocolate buttons, which the family members chose to crown as first place winner.

Baking is a skill that many family members have enjoyed throughout their lives, and the bake off provided a fun and familiar experience for them to test the teams baking skills, whilst igniting fond memories through the power of taste and aroma.

The Care Home near Sidmouth, Devon, continues to offer meaningful activities that reflect daily life, provide opportunities that reflect daily life, ensuring those living there remain engaged and connected in ways that feel natural and fulfilling.

To find out more about Sundial Care Home, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/activities-in-care/

St David's Day with Hatherleigh Nursing Home

Hatherleigh Nursing Home near Okehampton, Devon, was filled with the colours, flavours, and sounds of Wales as family members (residents) and team members came together to celebrate St David’s Day. Administrator Tamsin, with the help of family member Alice, carefully arranged daffodil centrepieces for the tables, while hand-crafted napkins, folded into delicate floral shapes, added an extra touch of charm. The dining room was transformed with a vibrant display of red, green, and white, proudly reflecting the colours of the Welsh flag.

No celebration would be complete without traditional Welsh food, and Chef Faye prepared a delicious menu featuring a hearty lamb cawl, a classic Welsh stew, and a comforting bread and butter pudding for dessert. As family members gathered to enjoy their meal, the Welsh Male Voice Choir played on the homes Alexa in the background, adding to the nostalgic and celebratory atmosphere.

The Devon nursing home’s celebration of St David’s Day was not just about the food, but about embracing diversity, sharing traditions, and creating a true sense of community and inclusion within the home.

To find out more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/

Sundial Care Home welcomes Animals 2U

Sundial Care Home located near Sidmouth, welcomed some very small and unusual guests recently, as Animals 2U brought a selection of creatures for a hands on experience for those living there.

Among the visitors were tortoises, Tortellini and Timothy, bearded dragon, Rocky, and guinea pig, Ethel, each offering a unique interaction for residents, who the home fondly refer to as family members. The visit provided a chance to stroke, hold and observe each animal, sparking conversation and fond memories of pets from the past. For those unable to leave their beds, the experience was brought to them, ensuring everybody was included. These quiet, one-to-one moments provided a calming and engaging experience, particularly for those with a Dementia, who found comfort in the familiar textures and movements.

The visit encouraged connection and curiosity, with residents asking questions and sharing stories about their own animals. Sundial Care Home recognises the value of these interactions, supporting wellbeing and bringing a sense of warmth and companionship to daily life.

To find out more about Sundial Care Home, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/

Brewing Connections in Edenmore Nursing Home

Edenmore Nursing Home has brewed up a fresh idea to help their residents (who they refer to as family members) keep enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures - a coffee bar right in their home!

Thoughtfully named Coombe Coffee - a nod to the seaside town of Ilfracombe in North Devon, where the home is located - the coffee bar is the latest way Edenmore is fostering a continuation of life for those who live in the care home.

When the town centre’s Costa Coffee closed its doors, the team saw an opportunity. They wanted to make sure family members didn’t miss out on their beloved coffee moments, so they went all in—investing in a safe and easy-to-use machine that encourages independence, offers choice and engagement by enabling those to make and decorate their own coffees, just as they would at home.

Registered Manager Gayle Cooper shares “we regularly went into the Ilfracombe for a coffee and were sad when Costa closed, so we decided to bring that experience here! While we still regularly visit other cafes in town, having our own coffee bar means we can enjoy that experience anytime we like, in our own home. Supported by the care team, who guide residents through the different coffee options, syrups and fun decorations like chocolate dusting, residents are encouraged to make independent choices—though lattes seem to be the favourite!

Easily accessible to all in the main hallway of the home, Combe Coffee has become more than just a coffee bar; it’s a hub of daily social interactions for family members, their families and the team, further echoing the home’s vision of recognising the values, beliefs, and identity of each person who calls Edenmore Nursing Home their home.

To find out more about how Edenmore supports the continuation of life through activities, please visit: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/activities-in-care/

Ilfracombe Junior School Connects with Edenmore Nursing Home

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe recently welcomed Year 3 students from Ilfracombe Junior School, who delighted residents with a vibrant musical performance. The residents, affectionately referred to as family members, enjoyed the students’ talents and performance.

Many family members at Edenmore are on their own individual Dementia journey; making the visit especially meaningful due to the song choices which evoked feelings of familiarity and comfort, whilst reminding some family members of cherished memories from their past.

“It was truly heartwarming to see the smiles on our family members’ faces as they listened to the music,” said Gayle Cooper, Registered Manager at Edenmore Nursing Home. “We are so grateful to the students and staff of Ilfracombe Junior School for taking the time to spread such joy and positivity to our team and family members.”

This special event not only strengthened Edenmore’s connection with the Ilfracombe community but also demonstrated the power of music to bring joy and spark memories, whilst forming new intergenerational friendships.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

 

 

 

Edenmore Nursing Home Unites for Mental Health Awareness

According to Mind, 1 in 4 people will experience mental health challenges, and Edenmore Nursing Home is passionate about supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.

The North Devon care home invited the Ilfracombe community to join them in supporting mental health awareness. Residents, their families, and the Edenmore team came together to raise funds for Mind through a "Big Brunch." 

Big Brunch for Mental Health Awareness

Residents (known as family members), their families, the local community, and the team tucked into an array of food, from full English breakfast favourites – sausage, bacon, eggs, and all the trimmings – to croissants, pastries, and bagels, with plenty of coffee, tea, and juice. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, alongside a contribution from Edenmore Care Home, they are pleased to announce that together they raised over £150 to support Mind.

A Big Thank You

Gayle Cooper, Home Manager, at Edenmore Nursing Home, shared, "A big thank you to everyone who joined us, donated to support this cause. This event was a wonderful reminder of the power of coming together, and we’re so proud of what we achieved as a community. We can’t wait for more events in the future to keep making a difference!"

For more information please visit: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

Sustainability in Social Care: Evolve Care Group's Catering Training

Promoting Sustainability in the Care Sector: Evolve Care Group's Bristol Catering Training Day

Recently, Evolve Care Group hosted their second catering training day, emphasising their dedication to continuous improvement and striving for excellence in mealtime experiences across their care homes in the Southwest. Building on the momentum of their first session in June, 25 catering team members gathered once again at Nisbets, the National Catering Equipment Centre in Bristol, reflecting the crucial role ongoing training plays in achieving their commitment to being better every day.

This training day focused on sustainability in catering, encouraging teams to explore innovative methods for reducing waste, creatively repurposing surplus ingredients, and adapting simple recipes into popular favourites. Sustainability is essential in catering as it not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes efficient use of resources, ensuring future generations can enjoy the benefits of a healthy planet. The catering teams were taught how to prepare three basic soup recipes, with Chef Joe Oliver from Creed Foodservice demonstrating how to elevate each one with just a few additional ingredients. In addition to soups, the teams experimented with making bread in various shapes and flavours, showcasing how small, mindful changes can lead to significant positive outcomes in both flavour and sustainability.

The session also addressed the needs of residents, fondly referred to as family members, who require a pureed diet. Teams were shown how to present pureed food in a more visually appealing way, ensuring it closely resembles formed food; for instance, moulding pureed carrots into the shape of a carrot. Joe Oliver highlighted the importance of the mealtime experience by saying, "The meals prepared by these kitchen teams could be among the most meaningful moments for family members, which is why every meal should feel special."

Others noted how they were motivated by seeing their progress from the last session and felt proud of turning a simple dish like soup into something that could bring much pleasure.

The next catering training day will be held on the 28th of November and will have a Christmas theme. The catering teams will also be asked to demonstrate their soup-making adjustments, allowing them to transfer the skills they've gained since the last session.

EVOLVE CARE GROUP MEDIA RELEASE

For more information about catering roles within Evolve Care Group, please visit www.evolvecaregroup.com/contact-us.

Nisbets National Catering Equipment Centre Visit Nisbets 

Creed Foodservice Creed Foodservice

Apples, Broccoli, and the Impact of Touch in Care

Evolve Care Group has been delivering its own bespoke training programme for over 800 team members through their Evolve Care Academy since 2015. The academy recently continued its year-long training series, "The Alice Years," with its third course, focusing on "Touch" and manual handling. Drawing inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, this engaging and immersive programme aims to deepen understanding and practical skills while ensuring that the training feels meaningful and impactful. The previous course in the series, titled “Control,” has now been CPD accredited, further highlighting the group’s commitment to quality and continuous development. Evolve’s approach is centred on enhancing care through thoughtful and accessible training, built with the unique needs of its residents, who are referred to as family members, in mind.

The course which was repeated over 4-days to ensure all team members could attend started with Clinical Director, Eve Carder, highlighting the significance of touch in care settings, particularly for family members living with a Dementia. She posed thought-provoking questions: Is touch merely a task? Is it something we “do” to someone? Team members were reminded that every interaction could feel like the first time for individuals living with a Dementia, and it’s essential to approach them as though they've just stepped into their own "Wonderland", and to join them in their world.

The session delved deeply into the principles of manual handling, by highlighting the importance of maintaining a person’s mobility. Far from being a mechanical task, proper movement helps people keep their "world and wonderland as big as possible for as long as possible." Team members were asked to reflect on the profound impact that declining mobility has on an individual’s world, likening it to a bridge gradually shrinking, which in turn, affects mood and well-being.

The Science of Touch

The training also touched on the scientific research around the critical role of human touch. Beginning from infancy when skin-to-skin contact helps regulate a newborn’s vital functions and emotional state, the natural interaction lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels while triggering the release of oxytocin, nurturing emotional bonds (Ferber, Feldman, & Makhoul, 2008). In care environments, the right touch can provide similar benefits, helping family members feel grounded and connected.

Bruising, Broccoli and Apples

The delicate nature of supporting individuals living in a care home was crucial to the training day, particularly regarding bruising. MAYBO certified trainers for Evolve Care Group, Mark Reed (COO) and Jay Carder (Social Care Trainer), emphasised the importance of using flat hands rather than fingers when moving family members, comparing it to the difference between gently holding an apple versus bruising it by squeezing too hard. Never one to shy away from making training unique, 800 apples were purchased as a concept idea to emulate a person's body.

Broccoli was also used to represent capillaries under the skin during the training. This visual made it easier to explain how capillaries can be compressed and damaged, causing them to break and blood to pool, which then leads to a bruise. Mark and Jay both demonstrated this by gently running their hands over the top of the broccoli, making some of the florets break off and fall onto the table, showing exactly how a bruise forms.

Effective Touch

The team practiced touch and safe manual handling using beds, armchairs, and low-friction sliding sheets, focusing on techniques to prevent bruising while ensuring safety. The day ended with shared experiences and discussions, leaving team members with a stronger sense of responsibility and confidence in using touch effectively.

Mark Reed closed the day by asking, “When designing our training, we always ask ourselves how would we want our own parents to be treated if they were in this situation? This simple yet powerful question serves as the ultimate standard, guiding us to create training that emphasises dignity, compassion, and the highest quality of care.” With this approach, we are hoping to improve emotional well-being, physical health, and mobility, as well as developing awareness around how bruising can occur through touch and how taking time is not a cost but an essential investment in care.

 AN EVOLVE CARE GROUP MEDIA RELEASE

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 For information about Evolve Care Group’s career opportunities, please visit www.evolvecaregroup.com/contact-us.

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/

Ilfracombe Carnival Dazzles Edenmore Nursing Home Residents

Residents of Edenmore Nursing Home enjoyed a delightful evening filled with laughter and excitement during a special visit to the local Ilfracombe carnival.

Four residents, affectionately known as family members, along with five team members, made their way to the starting point of the procession. Joining the Ilfracombe Community, who wouldn’t let the weather dampen their spirits, they cheered on the carnival from the sidelines along the high street. Each family member was armed with their own bags of change to donate to local charities participating in the carnival. They admired the fabulous floats, lively dancing, music and vibrant costumes that were on display. With the support of the team, they were encouraged to independently choose which charities to donate to.

“Everyone in the carnival came over to us, and some even had photos with our family members!” said Registered Manager Gayle Cooper “the family members had so much fun, I’m sure a return visit is in order for next year!”

When asked if the family members enjoyed their evening out, one family member at Edenmore Nursing Home said, “This has been amazing,” and another added that he “loved every minute.”

The North Devon Nursing Home is committed to ensuring a continuation of life for the family members at Edenmore by providing them with fulfilling and active opportunities. This visit into the community to see the carnival is a perfect example of that commitment.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

When asked the family members what they thought post carnival-  

Peter - "loved every minute, can we do it again tomorrow?"  

Penny - "had so much fun, brings back memories."  

Kate - "I loved it". 

Gladys - "this has been amazing, I would pay money to watch this" 

Pam - "had a massive smile on her face" 

AN EDENMORE NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE

Heanton Nursing Home Wins Italian-Themed 'Armchair Day Out'

Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple was recently named 'Care Home of the Day' by Creed Food Services during an off-site training day at Nisbets in Bristol for their fantastic culinary skills.

Their reward was an Italian-themed celebration held at the care home featuring Italian cuisine, themed decorations, and the joyful company of residents (referred to as family members), their friends, and families.

Following a vibrant mocktail party the day before, the family members were in for another treat — this time with an Italian twist, filled with the colours red, white, and green! The team created an unforgettable day starting with transforming the lounge with vibrant honeycombed balls, flags, and table settings, before inviting families to join in the festivities. There was something for everyone, from dancing and postcard writing to playing a variety of instruments — all leading up to the main event of pizza and ice cream, giving the chefs a well-deserved break.

Tracy Grant, Group Catering Lead for Evolve Care Group whom Heanton are a part of, praised the team’s efforts; “Katie, John, Gerry and Danielle were brilliant at the catering training.  They are a credit to their home, and I hope they got as much out of the day as I did!”

Heanton Nursing Home, rated OUTSTANDING by the CQC, is committed to supporting its family members on their unique and complex journeys, honouring their individual values, beliefs, and identities. The Italian-themed 'Armchair Day Out' is a wonderful example of this commitment to enriching the lives of those in their care.

HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE

To read more about the Catering Day please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/evolve-care-group-catering-training-day/