The Story Behind the Nurse, Annapurna’s Journey at Hatherleigh Nursing Home

During International Nurses Week, there’s a common focus on recognising the role of nurses, the responsibility they carry, the decisions they make, and the impact they can have on people’s lives. Behind that are individual stories shaped over time by personal journeys, experiences, support, and the reasons someone chose to care in the first place. This is Registered Nurse Annapurna Thirmalreddy’s story at Hatherleigh Nursing Home.

From a young age, Annapurna was told by her mother “Be brave, stand on your own feet, and learn all types of work”. This advice stayed with her, and when the time came to choose a career, nursing felt like the right path, offering both stability and a sense of purpose.

Annapurna completed her General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) training in 2005 at St. Ann’s Nursing School in India. With a hospital on site, she gained experience across different departments, building the foundations of her practice early on. “They taught me to be diligent and hardworking” she shared, and this is something she has carried with her ever since.

This year for International Nurses Week, the theme is “Empowered Nurses Save Lives”, we asked Annapurna “What does feeling empowered in your role mean to you personally?”

She shared, “Feeling empowered has given me the responsibility to care for, and sometimes even save the lives of those in my care. It’s made me feel stronger and more confident in my professional life.”

This sense of confidence has been built over time, supported by the care community around her. Annapurna describes Hatherleigh Nursing Home as somewhere she has been able to grow, both personally and professionally. The Devon nursing home provides continuous training for team members, offering opportunities to develop and progress in their careers through their Evolve Care Academy.

“Hatherleigh Nursing Home feels like my own home,” she said. “The whole leadership team, including Tamsin, Ashley, Elena, and the QA team who are available day to day are supportive and approachable. I am especially happy and proud to have Ashley as our Home Manager. She is kind, compassionate, and understands everyone’s needs, always offering support.”

However when Annapurna first arrived in the UK, things felt uncertain. “I didn’t know anyone and was struggling to find a place to live and a job for my husband,” she explained. “There were days when I thought about going back to India, but Ashley supported us through that time. She helped my husband find work as a care assistant, and we were able to settle into a nice flat.”

Annapurna was supported to complete her Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and gained her Nursing and Midwifery Council registration (NMC pin), making her a registered nurse in the UK.

Reflecting on that period, she added, “Ashley has played a big part in helping me become the nurse I am today.”

Her experience shows how encouragement can shape not only a nurse’s confidence, but the care they give to others. With the right support around her, Annapurna and her husband were able to build a life in the UK, both now with their own careers and settled into their own home.

Through her role at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, she now supports family members (residents) each day through clinical care, reassurance and advocacy, often acting as a calm and trusted presence during difficult moments.

“Nurses are often the voices for the people we support. We should treat them as though they were our own family” she shared, “Kindness, compassion and empathy are at the heart of nursing.”

We asked Annapurna what advice she would give to somebody starting their nursing career today.

“Be ready to learn, learn from your mistakes and just be happy”.

During this International Nurses Week, Annapurna’s story is a reminder that when nurses feel supported and empowered, that confidence reaches far beyond the individual themselves. It shapes the care, reassurance and advocacy they provide to people and families every single day.

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, visit: https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/join-our-team/

Hatherleigh Nursing Home Marks 81st Anniversary of VE Day

Hatherleigh Nursing Home near Okehampton marked the 81st Anniversary of VE Day with their own street party, celebrated in the home’s large Belvedere Household dining area for friends, relatives and family members (residents).

Administrator Tamsin and Sandra, a relative of the home, decorated the space with Union Jack bunting and flags, while tables were set and laid in a red, white and blue colour scheme, topped with themed plates and fanned napkins. The bright colours, decorations and flags to hold and wave gave plenty to look at, touch and interact with as everyone immersed themselves in the celebration.

Kitchen team members Faye, Gurjeet and Sophie prepared a buffet-style spread with an array of party food and “nibbly bits” in true English fashion, which wouldn’t be complete without a selection of cream cakes and scones.

Family members and loved ones also enjoyed a live performance from the home’s regular musical entertainer, Ben Mackenzie, with many singing along to old favourite songs and joining in throughout the afternoon.

Hatherleigh Nursing Home’s VE Day celebration was also the final event held in the Belvedere Lounge before the space undergoes a refurbishment. Speaking about the decorations, the team joked: “We’re having a refurb now, so it meant we could cello tape as much to the walls and ceilings as possible before our new dining room!”

The event was held in recognition of both past and present veterans connected to Hatherleigh Nursing Home, while bringing people together to reflect, reminisce and enjoy British traditions associated with VE Day together.

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit: https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued-2/

Nursing Home Turns Reception Area into Sweet Shop and Café

Hatherleigh Nursing Home near Okehampton, Devon, has re-vamped what was once its reception area, turning it into a sweet shop and café. The space now features shelves of traditional sweet jars alongside a small coffee area where drinks can be made and enjoyed, creating another place to sit and make a hot drink beyond the kitchenettes within each household.

The idea grew from a family member (resident) who previously ran her own sweet shop. She now spends time in the space with others, surrounded by something that still feels recognisable. The team worked with The Puzzled Sweet Shop in Dawlish to bring the idea to life, sourcing jars and a selection of classic sweets from the local business.

Jars line the shelves filled with liquorice all sorts, jelly beans, chocolate mice, peppermint creams and other traditional favourites. A vintage-style scale is used as sweets are weighed out into white or classic pink striped paper bags.

The space has quickly become part of everyday life in the home, with people stopping by throughout the day. Some pause in front of the jars, taking their time to choose, while others sit nearby with a drink and watch as bags are filled and passed across the counter.

For some, it brings back the experience of stopping at the local shop, whether that was after school with friends or later taking their own children at the weekend, choosing sweets from behind the counter — something many remember as a familiar part of daily life. It has introduced a setting that feels recognisable, while also offering a place for relatives and visitors to pause when they arrive.

The change reflects a wider focus on the spaces people use each day and the routines that continue within them. By understanding each person’s history, preferences and habits, support is shaped around the individual, with family members continuing to live in a way that feels familiar to them.

 

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued-2/

Devon Nursing Home Brings Smiles Through Learning

A recent session at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, based in Okehampton, Devon, brought team members together with a local professional, as Nicole from Torrington Dental Surgery led an informal talk focused on the importance of oral care.

Eight team members from across the home were invited to take part, including Care Assistants, Care Practitioners, House Leads and Registered Nurses. The mix of roles meant the skills and knowledge could be shared back across the households within the home. Nicole, who has previously worked in social care shaped the session around everyday practice. Dentures and toothbrushes were shared around as she talked through practical approaches, alongside the importance of preventative care and recognising early signs of discomfort.

The discussion focused on the small things that affect someone’s comfort every day and taking time to really understand them, such as changes in eating, sensitivity or how someone responds during support. By exploring these moments together, the session offered time to revisit everyday approaches and build confidence in recognising and responding to changes early.

It also reflected the value of multi-disciplinary working within the home, bringing together the knowledge of a dental professional with the day-to-day understanding of team members to further strengthen how oral health supports overall wellbeing.

A spokesperson for Hatherleigh Nursing Home said: “We are incredibly thankful to Nicole for sharing her expertise and supporting our ongoing learning and development. Partnerships like these are so valuable in helping us continue to strengthen the care and support we provide every day.”

Nicole from Torrington Dental Surgery all smiles at Hatherleigh Nursing Home

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If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued-2/

Hedgehog Tales at Hatherleigh Nursing Home

Hatherleigh Nursing Home, near Okehampton in Devon, recently welcomed Greatfield Hedgehog Rescue into their home for an engaging presentation all about hedgehogs.

Although the hedgehogs themselves were unable to attend, the session offered plenty to spark interest. The talk covered fascinating facts about hedgehogs, including the different types of hogs and how our native species, the European hedgehog, lives and hibernates here in the UK.

The home's Belvedere Lounge was set up so family members (residents) could sit comfortably and watch the presentation on the projector, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Many of the family members are animal lovers, and the session offered a relaxed opportunity to take part if they wished, and learn a few interesting facts along the way.

With Devon ranked among the top five counties in the UK for hedgehog sightings, the presentation prompted conversations about seeing hedgehogs in gardens and on local walks, with many sharing their own memories of the countryside.

Sessions like this bring familiar topics into the home, encouraging natural conversation and reflection. At Hatherleigh Nursing Home, these simple, thoughtful activities help family members stay connected to their experiences and the community around them — all within the comfort of home.

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/live-with-us/activities-in-care/

Scottish Traditions Shared at Hatherleigh Nursing Home’s Burns Night Celebration,

Hatherleigh Nursing Home near Okehampton, Devon, recently turned their Belvedere Household lounge into a Scottish castle-inspired setting for a Burns Night celebration.

The team thoughtfully selected decorations to create an engaging experience for the home’s family members (residents). Tables were draped with tartan table runners and cloths, with each place setting finished with a matching napkin folded into a fan. Candlesticks sat at the centre of the tables and hung from the ceiling, creating soft mood lighting throughout the lounge. Faux furs were draped around the room, alongside decorative antlers and wooden logs kindly lent by a relative of the home. Table centrepieces of ferns and foliage, finished with tartan ribbons, added the final touches.

As with all cultural events at Hatherleigh, the Kitchen Team prepared a menu of traditional Scottish cuisine which included haggis, neeps and tatties, cock-a-leekie soup, a basket of bread rolls, Glamorgan cheese and leek sausages, followed by cranachan and shortbread. Relatives were also invited to join their loved ones and share the meal together. The North Devon Nursing Home focuses on providing warm, nourishing meals that support good nutrition, using locally sourced meats and fresh ingredients as part of their everyday menu.

Hatherleigh Nursing Home regularly plans culturally inclusive events that reflect individual interests and life experiences. These cultural celebrations encourage social interaction, positive mealtime experience and wellbeing, while supporting individuals maintain a strong sense of identity. Using familiar tastes, smells, sounds and textures allows family members to take part in ways that suit their needs, including those with complexities and those who may be on a cognitive journey.

 

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/live-with-us/activities-in-care/

Nursing Home Celebrates Diwali, The Festival of Lights

Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton, Devon, celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with a day dedicated to culture, cuisine, and community.

The home, which supports individuals on a cognitive journey, marked the occasion with traditional food, music, dancing, and colourful decorations. Team members from the Hindu community shared their culture with family members (residents) and colleagues, creating an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

Members of the kitchen team, Gurjeet and Jisho, prepared a delicious menu of traditional Indian dishes, including sweet and sour cauliflower, beef curry with vegetable rice, chickpea curry, and vermicelli pudding — all of which were enjoyed by everyone.

The team transformed the dining room and lounge with colourful decorations and lights, creating a welcoming and immersive space where family members, team members, and visitors could come together. Everyone enjoyed watching a traditional Hindu dance performance by a team member, while others came in on their day off and brought their children along, adding an intergenerational element to the celebration.

The Devon Nursing Home said “We’re proud to have such a diverse team and to share in the spirit of Diwali - a time of light, renewal and community. Wishing happiness and peace to all who mark the occasion.”

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/

Rain or Shine, Nursing Home’s Annual BBQ Welcomes Loved Ones

Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton, Devon, held its annual family BBQ for its relatives, friends and family members (residents). This event is usually held in the nursing homes modern outdoor living space, however despite the unpredictable Devon weather, the BBQ still went ahead in full force – this time indoors. Home Manager Ashley commented, “It takes more than a storm to dampen spirits at Hatherleigh!”.

The purpose built nursing home welcomed around 40 relatives into their indoor living spaces. Chef, Faye, cooked up a delicious indoor BBQ grill with burgers, sausages, and an array of salads for everyone to enjoy. “I’ve never seen it so packed here, the atmosphere was brilliant, everyone tucked into the BBQ and ice cream whilst it was chucking it down outside, everyone was laughing about it,” said Administrator, Tamsin.

Cold N Rolled was also welcomed back after last year’s success, a unique, family-run business offering a fun and interactive ice cream experience. Their setup in the doorway of the home’s cinema room allowed those to watch their desserts being freshly crafted with an array of different flavours and toppings to choose from.

Hatherleigh Nursing Homes annual family BBQ continues to be a success, rain or shine each year, bringing loved ones together and using that time to strengthen bonds within their care community. The event reflects the home’s commitment to delivering well-led, meaningful experiences as part of a responsive approach to family members needs and preferences.

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/

Nursing Home Celebrates Fish and Chip Day with Classic Chippy Experience

Hatherleigh Nursing Home, near Okehampton in Devon, marked National Fish and Chip Day with a themed celebration that brought the traditional British chippy experience straight to the home.

Family members (residents) were served freshly cooked fish, golden chips, and mushy peas, all presented in traditional takeaway boxes and wrapped in chip shop-style newspaper. For some individuals, the smells, textures, and familiar tastes evoked happy moments of sharing fish and chips with loved ones, or gathering at the local chip shop on a Friday evening as a child.

The homes dining room was decorated complete with picnic-style tablecloths, newspaper placemats, and classic café style bottles of ketchup and vinegar. Decorations such as fisherman’s nets and a flock of pesky seagulls hanging from the ceiling brought the seaside atmosphere to life. To complete the scene, sea shanties played in the background via the home’s Amazon Alexa, adding to the immersive mealtime experience.

“Thank you to the team once again for always decorating the dining room so beautifully, so our family members can enjoy an immersive experience.” – Current Team Member

National Fish and Chip Day at Hatherleigh was more than just a celebration of a much-loved British tradition, but a reminder of the power of food, music, and shared moments to bring people together. The day was part of the Devon Nursing Home’s ongoing commitment to offering well-led engaging, meaningful events and activities that promote wellbeing, identity, mealtime experience and a continuation life.

To find out more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/live-with-us/activities-in-care/

Celebrating Victory Day at Hatherleigh Nursing Home

Hatherleigh Nursing Home, in Okehampton, Devon, recently marked VE Day with a celebration that brought together family members (residents), relatives and the team to honour the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

The dining room was decorated with Union Jack flags, red, white, and blue napkins, and floral tablecloths, creating a bright and patriotic atmosphere. Each place setting featured neatly arranged crockery on red placemats, with colourful cups adding a finishing touch.

A generous buffet was served, offering a mix of savoury bites, fresh salads, and classic British desserts. From cold meats and pastries to BBQ chicken and colourful veggie options, there was something for everyone to enjoy. VE Day–themed buns, gateau, and strawberries and cream also rounded off the meal perfectly. As everyone tucked in, live music from guest performer Kelly added a nostalgic backdrop to the day.

Administrator Tamsin, shared her appreciation, saying: “Can I just say a massive thank you to everyone for making VE day such a great event. Everyone was full of joy, and it was amazing to see so many smiles and tears of joy. Such a wonderful day.”

Home Manager, Ashley shared, “Some beautiful smiles, reflective tears and dance moves that shaped the day...but special thanks has to go to Faye and team for preparing a fabulous buffet lunch and Tamsin for organising and decorating the event.”

The celebration was a chance to reflect, connect, and enjoy meaningful moments together, and a reminder of the strength of community at Hatherleigh Nursing Home.

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

Local Nursing Home Sponsors Girls Football Team

Hatherleigh Nursing Home is proud to support the next generation by sponsoring new kits for Hatherleigh Primary School’s all-girls football team. This collaboration reflects the strong community spirit that the home has, and a shared pride between local organisations.

Though at different stages of life, both the pupils and those living at the nursing home are part of the same community. This gesture is a simple but meaningful reminder of how generations remain connected, supporting one another in ways that reflect care, encouragement, and a shared sense of belonging.

Wearing their new kits, sponsored with the Hatherleigh Nursing Home logo, the team took to the pitch with confidence, knowing they have the support of those around them. The schools PE Coordinator, Calli shared after a recent match, “The girls won a trophy! They did very well and looked well presented in their lovely yellow kit, thank you.”

Hatherleigh Nursing Home values its role within the local community and recognises how these connections contribute to the wellbeing and sense of inclusion for those who live there. Staying involved in local life is part of everyday culture at the home, where community ties are nurtured and encouraged. Sponsoring the girls’ football team is just one way the nursing home continues to show that its care reaches beyond its four walls.

Tap here to find out more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home

A Calling to the Land, Faith and His Family: Leslie Gilbert, 99 Years Young

Today at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, we tell the story of Leslie Gilbert, a family member (resident) living here, who recently celebrated his 99th birthday. A lifelong farmer, devoted preacher and family man, here we share with you 99 years of a life full of love for the land he worked, the faith that guided him, and the people he holds dear.

Born on the 30th of March, 1926, in Lower Stowford, Halwill, West Devon, Leslie grew up with his mother, father, who was a WWI veteran, and two younger sisters. The Gilberts were a farming family and later moved to Petrockstowe in 1930, where they rented a mixed farm from the Clinton Estate. He left school at 14 to work on the family farm, and by 17, became a local preacher for the Methodist Church—a role that remained central throughout his life.

When Leslie turned 18, the Second World War was well underway. Initially called to work in the mines, he was later deemed essential to the war effort and continued farming. He raised prize-winning Large White pigs, joined the Young Farmers, and later became chairman of the local NFU branch.

In 1955, he married his first wife, Olive. They built up the farm after his parents retired and eventually purchased it from the Clinton Estate. The farmhouse has roots dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. They had four children, Geoffrey, Marilyn, Michael and Kenneth—all involved in farm life from an early age. Leslie loved sharing stories with them after work. In 1989, Olive sadly passed away. He was supported by his son Michael, and in 1991, the arrival of grandchildren brought joy back into his life.

Leslie served as an ambassador for the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and was honoured for 70 years of service. With a strong bass voice, he joined a local choir, where a friend introduced him to Lucy, his future second wife.

They married in 1995 and In his wedding speech humorously remarked that he had “always fancied her”. Leslie left the farm to move to Hatherleigh, adapted quickly to town life, and was delighted to welcome three stepchildren and six grandchildren into the ever growing family.

Together, Leslie and Lucy have enjoyed 30 years of marriage and travelled to Tasmania, Perth, and Bangkok to visit family. Leslie is now a great-grandfather to four, with another expected in the summer, and keeps in touch online with his grandchildren in Australia.

Now living at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, Leslie is recognised for shaping his community through the generations, by supporting the war effort, being a strong voice in the agricultural community and his presence in the church. He’s supported to live a continuation of life, one that reflects his family values and lifelong passions.

Lucy visits the home most days and often takes part in events and activities alongside Leslie. He enjoys participating in animal therapy visits, joining in the home’s regular church services and performances from the local choir, reading farming books and spending time in the garden. But most of all, Leslie treasures his time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his Lucy.

The team at the nursing home in Okehampton, Devon, organised an afternoon tea-style party to celebrate Leslie’s 99th birthday. The room was decorated with balloons and personalised banners, with a homemade spread prepared by the team to create a warm, welcoming space for Leslie and his loved ones. As part of the celebration, a member of his family gave a reading, reflecting Leslie’s faith and the importance it continues to hold in his life. As we celebrate this special day with him, he continues to be surrounded by care, companionship, and the people he holds dear, within a strong and supportive community.

We asked Leslie what his secret to a long life is. “Having a good woman”, he shared. Happy Birthday Leslie!

Tap here to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home,

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/