Showing posts with label Ilfracombe Focus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ilfracombe Focus. Show all posts

Thursday, 21 August 2025

Sun, Sea and Surfboards – Ilfracombe Nursing Home’s Summer Garden Party

Edenmore Nursing Home recently celebrated the warm weather with a summer garden party, complete with inflatable instruments, a colourful array of decorations and a hula skirt or 2! The North Devon nursing home, close to the seaside, involved the residents (known as family members) and their families, as well as inviting the community to join the festivities

The Ilfracombe Nursing Home hosted the beachboys themed garden party in the outdoor space in front of the home, with team members spending the morning decorating it with flags, balloons, wetsuits and surfboards (before adorning their best Hawaii outfits) for family members to be surprised when the party started in the afternoon! As well as being treated to mocktails under parasols, there was inflatable limbo that some family members chose to join in with, all while enjoying the music from DJ Ricky.

Home Manager Gayle shared ‘we had an absolutely amazing afternoon, the weather, BBQ, DJ Ricky were fab, thank you to everyone who helped set up and celebrate with us!’

Edenmore offers a variety of activities for family members to join in with at their own pace, including painting, flower arranging, and light exercise classes, the summer garden party is just one example of these activities!

Sun, Sea and Surfboards – Ilfracombe Nursing Home’s Summer Garden Party

To find out more, please read about Edenmore’s Activities in Care HERE

Tuesday, 5 August 2025

A Day in the Life - From Domestic to Care Assistant at Devon Care Home

At Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, care is more than a job – it’s a community, a purpose, and a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. Every act of kindness, every shared smile, and every moment of support adds up to something truly meaningful. Our team is united by the desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. Every member brings their own story, their own spark, and their own strengths, working together to create a place of dignity, compassion, and belonging. Being a care assistant at Edenmore means knowing that what you do each day matters – not just to those you care for, but to the whole community.

Daisy is one such person - this is the story of someone who began by keeping things clean and tidy in the background, playing a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming environment. Over time, she found her purpose on the frontline of care, growing into a different role where she continues to support others and make a meaningful impact. Her journey shows that at Edenmore, every role matters – and everyone has the opportunity to grow and find meaning in the work they do.

When someone starts at Edenmore, regardless of their position whether in care, domestic, maintenance or any other role, everyone takes part in the same training. This shared foundation means that everyone understands the core values of compassion, dignity, and person-centred care. It also opens up the possibility for growth and change. If someone, like Daisy, discovers a different passion or calling after joining, they already have the knowledge and support to explore that new path.

Daisy’s Journey in to Care

Having moved from Birmingham to North Devon in 2023, Daisy joined the Edenmore team at just 18 as a Domestic Assistant, keeping the home clean, safe and homely. As a Domestic Assistant, you naturally begin forming relationships with the people living in the home but without being directly involved in their personal care. Over time, Daisy felt drawn to becoming more involved; to support the family members she’d built connections with in a more meaningful and personal way. It was this connection that led her to explore a new career path in care.

Foundations of Care

Daisy first spoke with Gayle, Edenmore’s Home Manager, and shared that she felt she would find greater fulfilment working in a care role. Gayle encouraged her to explore this further, and she was soon put forward for shadow shifts, where she joined a new team - learning the role while working together towards the shared goal of maintaining dignity, encouraging independence and a continuation of life for family members.

A Typical Day at Edenmore

Mornings

‘A day to day at Edenmore begins at 7:30am when we take handover from the nurse in charge and find out everything that happened on their evening shift. I do enjoy working both night and day shifts so sometimes I'm hearing from the night or the day team. Handover is both a lovely way to check in with the team before the shift over a coffee or tea. This could include a new family member joining, an upcoming event that day, or that the needs have changed for a family member.

If I am on a day shift, we support all the family members with getting up when they are ready (there are no set times, we’re not an institute we’re a home). For some family members I provide personal care in the form of supporting to take a shower, a bath or a flannel wash. My goal around personal care is to make that family member feel as safe, dignified and comfortable as possible, as I can only imagine how daunting and embarrassing it must be. It is important to me that family members have the option to choose their own clothes to wear, whilst anticipating their needs and wants to the best of my ability. I will then assist that person getting dressed and to look and feel their best, which could involve a shave for the gents, or a new hairstyle for the ladies. Doing the ladies and gents hair is one of my favourite parts of personal care, I love being able to encourage family members to have a pamper, the ladies particularly like having their makeup and nails done.

For some of our family members, communication can be in different forms, so the importance of building trust is really important. Some of our family members are non-verbal, or have minimal communication abilities, which makes building this trust sometimes a bit delicate as everyone is different. A lot of supporting our non-verbal family members is about active listening and creating a safe, comfortable and supportive environment using mindful communication techniques such as paying close attention to body language, using eye contact to show I am engaged with them, and being aware of my posture as to not come across as imposing.

During breakfast we often sit all together and enjoy music and chats with meals, which is not only a great way to encourage family members to eat, but I’ve also had some of my most memorable laughs that way too! A lot of our family members require support with their food and drinks, this can vary from supporting them with eating their meal, to spoon-loading or nurturing. I have found that supporting someone with their meal is a great way to connect and start building trust too. Whilst some family members sit close together, hold hands and chat the whole way through, some of our more introverted family members prefer more space and time to connect. A particularly rewarding part of my role is when you can actually see that with every word over a meal, it becomes easier for family members to open up and form their own connections.

Another really important responsibility of mine is using Caredocs, a system to record daily notes to document the morning for each family member I support, if it wasn’t documented, it didn’t happen. I do this throughout the day, normally after breakfast, mid-afternoon and just before my shift ends - it takes about 2-3 hours out of my 12-hour shifts to complete. Not only is this part of our compliance, but it allows us to share what the family members get up to, as well as feeding back to the clinical team about any changes/concerns/thoughts that we noticed throughout the day.

Afternoon

Lunch is different every day, with alternatives served for those who may not like, or cannot eat the main options. For our family members on soft or pureed diets, we always have wonderfully decorated desserts and main meals. We serve snacks and drinks of family members' choice throughout the day, and we love helping them to eat a well-balanced diet and keep hydrated.

After lunch, some family members choose to rest, while others enjoy a quiet moment with the TV, a good book in the Edenmore library, or a creative activity – always with a cup of tea close by. The afternoons offer plenty of ways to stay engaged in ways that feel familiar and meaningful. Some of our gentlemen enjoy painting, building, or helping out with maintenance tasks – one even recently "interviewed" for a spot on the maintenance team and helped paint the hallways. Many of our ladies find comfort and purpose in folding laundry, tidying tables, or doing the dishes – continuing the everyday routines that feel like home. There are also themed music sessions, special visits (including some unforgettable ones from the local zoo), and even the occasional singalong led by Manager Gayle herself - depending on your taste in music, of course!

For family members with more complex needs or limited communication, we focus on sensory experiences which include music, lights, textures, or spending time in the garden. When the weather’s nice, we love going out into the Ilfracombe community using our car, and even in colder months, a trip to the park in a big coat can be a lovely change of scenery.

Evening

When it comes to a night shift it's all about making sure our family members feel safe and comfortable in their home, and helping them to get relaxed and unwind before bed. This looks different for every family member and sometimes midnight dancing and singing is what they want to do!

Night shifts involve supporting everyone to reposition in bed, help everyone use the toilet and stay hydrated overnight. This can also involve comforting some of our family members as the switch between day and night can be a little unsettling at times, so we keep things gentle and soothing.

Either way, night or day, there is always something to keep you busy, and always something to be done, at least at Edenmore we can have a laugh and a cuppa whilst doing it!

The Heart of Care

It's been a whale of a journey so far for me at Edenmore, understandably with lots of ups and downs which is something to be expected working in such a fast-paced environment with lots going on! The most challenging part of my role is the emotional demand, as seeing family members health decline as they move on in their journey is really hard. Being so involved in people’s lives, it is very easy to grow attached to them and their wonderful relatives who visit often, and it can be really upsetting to come in to work one day and hear they won’t be back. We’re often invited to funerals, and we receive the most thoughtful thank you cards which means the world to us because it reminds us just how important our job really is.

Although I think it is such an honour, and so beautiful to guide and support people on their final journeys, it really does take a toll sometimes. It is a blessing to feel things so deeply, and I have learnt it is never just me, there is always someone to wipe my tears when it gets too much and remind the team that we all have each other.

Care isn't for everyone, and it is definitely something you have to love doing, day in and day out. I admire each and every one of my team members who work so hard to support the home (and keep up with my drama of course!). My team's love for the family members and each other is uplifting and I couldn't think of a better group of people to work with. We have made friends for life and can be a challenging but rewarding job, it's so important that you work together and get on.

But honestly? Our family members are the ones who make every day that little bit brighter. We’re so lucky to spend time with such incredible people. To learn about their lives, their careers, their travels, their quirks. No two days are ever the same because no two people are. And that’s what makes this job so special.’

A Day in the Life - From Domestic to Care Assistant at Edenmore Care Home

To find out more  about Edenmore see here: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Respite by the Sea: A Devon Care Home’s Approach to Meaningful Short Breaks

A recent respite stay at Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe has shown how a change of scenery can offer a welcome break for individuals living in city-based care homes.

Edenmore recently welcomed Robert, a gentleman from a Bristol care home who was looking for a short break away from city home-life. He chose a care home in the North Devon town of Ilfracombe as a peaceful retreat, drawing on personal memories of holidays he had enjoyed there in the past.

During his stay, daily one-to-one support was in place, made possible by his choice to privately fund the additional care, giving him the opportunity to explore the local area and enjoy the fresh sea air. When he chose to spend time at the home rather than out in the community, he can often be found in the conservatory playing cards or sitting in the garden with his pipe, something he loves to do, whatever the weather, all while overlooking the sea. He has struck up a connection with Harry, another resident (known as family members to the team at the care home) and formed a friendship with Sarah, Edenmore’s Administrator, though he jokingly refers to her as his PA, since she’s always printing things out for him!

Gayle Cooper, Edenmore’s Home Manager shared “What started as a short two-week stay has now been extended to a month, a clear sign of how much Robert has enjoyed his time here. At Edenmore our ethos is centred on the continuation of life, recognising that everyone is on their own journey, and that care should support people to keep living in ways that feel meaningful to them."

If you’d like to have a glimpse in to life at Edenmore Nursing Home, please visit our Facebook page Edenmore Nursing Home - Facebook or if interested in short-term or long-term stay please Contact Us .

Respite by the Sea: A Devon Care Home’s Approach to Meaningful Short Breaks

Respite by the Sea: A Devon Care Home’s Approach to Meaningful Short Breaks
 

Thursday, 5 June 2025

Edenmore Nursing Home Steps Back to 1940s

Edenmore Nursing Home recently celebrated VE Day in style with a lively 1940s themed party at the Ilfracombe Home. Held in one of the home’s dining rooms, the event welcomed all residents (referred to as family members) and their loved ones to drop in and enjoy the celebrations.

The morning was busy as the care team decorated the home, creating an atmosphere that transported everyone back to the 1940s. Meanwhile, the kitchen team was preparing traditional food and desserts, including homemade bread, spam sandwiches, scones, and a delicious high tea. In the afternoon, the music was switched to fit the 1940s theme, and the team donned their best costumes. There were even prizes for the best dressed male and female, which added a bit of extra fun to the celebrations!

As the day went on, the team, family members, and their guests fully embraced the themed atmosphere. Some family members were inspired to share stories from the past, reflecting on the importance of VE Day. The party also featured a female vocalist (drum roll, please...) performed by none other than DJ Jude! The war time music had everyone singing, dancing, and enjoying the energy of the day.

The 1940s themed party not only celebrated history but also provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, have fun, and make new memories in a caring and safe environment. Gayle Cooper, Manager of Edenmore, said: ‘We had so much fun commemorating this day with our family members and their guests, thank you to all who celebrated with us!’

Although Edenmore is home to people living with various types of Dementia, the team believes this should never stop anyone from living life to the fullest. With regularly planned activities and events like VE Day, the team strive to provide a high quality of life for their family members. This approach promotes dignity, respect, and empowerment, creating a culture of compassionate care.

Edenmore Nursing Home Steps Back to 1940s

Edenmore Nursing Home Steps Back to 1940s

For more about life at Edenmore Nursing Home, 

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

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.

Exmoor Zoo Brings the Wild to Edenmore Nursing Home

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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

Sunday, 26 January 2025

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

Ilfracombe Junior School Connects with Edenmore Nursing Home

 

 

 

Thursday, 17 October 2024

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
Ilfracombe Carnival Dazzles Edenmore Nursing Home Residents, Photo copyright Edenmore Nursing Home (All Rights Reserved)

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

Monday, 16 September 2024

Watermouth Castle’s first-ever immersive scare attraction: ‘Descend into Darkness’

A haunted castle with a twisted maze of horrors … This October, be first to experience Watermouth Castle’s first-ever immersive scare attraction: ‘Descend into Darkness’

Get ready to be spooked! Watermouth Castle, located in North Devon, is hosting a hair-raising Halloween scare event, promising thrills and chills for all those who love a good fright.

With event dates set for October 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, and November 1 and 2, brace yourself for bone-chilling attractions, live scare actors, and heart-pounding themed areas. This event is not for the faint of heart! Join us if you dare for a night of spine-tingling fun, and unforgettable scares. 

Do you dare to come face-to-face with terror…?

The castle’s multiple different immersive scare zones include:

  • Cursed Forest: a bone-chilling woodland trail of howling wolves, clanking chains, and hanging trees
  • Carnival of Clowns: this twisted fairground is a freakshow of horrifying jokers, bloody face paint and maniacal laughter…
  • The Mad Maze: beware; a gang of the undead scarecrows have to come to life – and now they wander the twisted paths of the castle’s maze, looking for their next victim… you!
  • Voodoo Valley: journey down the river of restless spirits; just make sure you don’t become yet another one of the lost souls trapped on its waters…
  • The Haunted Castle: when the castle doors slam closed, you’ll find yourself trapped in a hellscape of cobwebs, cursed animatronics, and haunted robots. And only the bravest will dare to complete their journey with a descent into the bowels of the castle itself – the demented dungeon…

 Run by Catfish Productions, in partnership with Watermouth Castle.

The experience lasts approximately one hour
For ticket prices and early bird rates visit www.watermouthcastle.com
 
 Not suitable for under 12s or wheelchair users. Under 16s must have an accompanying adult.

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WATERMOUTH CASTLE MEDIA RELEASE

Watermouth Castle’s first-ever immersive scare attraction: ‘Descend into Darkness’

About Watermouth Castle 

Friday, 30 August 2024

Edenmore Nursing Home Opens Vintage Sweet Shop

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon, recently opened their take on a vintage themed sweet shop. This has brought together residents (fondly referred to as family members), and their families, as well as team members who have a sweet tooth!

The North Devon nursing home’s ethos, "A Journey Paved by the Past," is reflected in this new addition to the home; by offering a variety of timeless confections, the wish is that family members will experience a sense of familiarity and evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, as the sight, smell, and touch of the treats connect them to moments from their past.

“We created this as lots of our family members regularly ask to go to the sweet shop in town” explains Registered Manager, Gayle Cooper “and with the guidance of our care team, who not only explain the colours and flavours of the sweets, but also promote independence by encouraging family members to make their own choices.” There are further plans to add a retro cash register and scales, adding to the vintage theme.

Easily accessible to all in the main hallway of the home, the shop also has become a destination for social interactions, further echoing the home’s vision of recognising the values, beliefs, and identity of each person who calls Edenmore Nursing Home their home.

Edenmore Nursing Home Opens Vintage Sweet Shop

Edenmore Nursing Home Opens Vintage Sweet Shop

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

Wednesday, 24 July 2024

Bastille Day with Carole Mann at Edenmore Nursing Home

While everyone was caught up in the excitement of the football final on Sunday 14th July, Carole Placet Mann had her mind on a more special occasion: Bastille Day, the French celebration of independence and freedom. 
 
Bastille Day, on 14th July, marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a big event in the French Revolution. The day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, parties, and public gatherings, symbolising French unity and the values of liberty and equality.

Carole, originally from France, was born in the 1960s near Versailles, in the suburbs of Paris. For her, Bastille Day has always meant holidays, fireworks, marching bands, and the best French food you can imagine. She fondly recalls street banquets with neighbors, all celebrating the Republic.

This year, Carole spent Bastille Day at Edenmore Nursing Home, where she works. She joked with her colleagues, hinting at bringing out the guillotine if they made a mess in her kitchen. Carole's life up till now has been quite a journey. She studied languages in the 1980s and moved to England at twenty. After ten years as a personal assistant in Hammersmith, she switched gears to special needs education, working in places like California and Vietnam. Carole has been married to her husband, Mike, for thirty years. They have traveled a lot due to his job, raising two children, Eliza and Philip, along the way.

Joining the Edenmore team
Carole joined Edenmore in Ilfracombe over four years ago. She started as a carer and became a home-maker after a year. She considers everyone at Edenmore Nursing Home her second family. Known for her hospitality, Carole makes sure visitors always get a drink or something to eat. She also ensures her teammates never skip lunch, playfully warning to put their names on the food and fluid charts if they do.

Aprons
True to her home-maker past, Carole is easily recognisable in the hallway by her unique kitchen aprons with big pockets, a collection that is now at 27. Her daughter recently mentioned that another one is on the way. Carole’s apron collection started in her childhood in Normandy, where her parents were farmers. Her mum always wore an apron, and she bought Carole her first one, with polka dots, when Carol was just nine years old. Carole didn’t like getting her clothes dirty, and the habit of wearing an apron stuck with her.

Carole’s love for aprons is just one of the many ways she brings a piece of her heritage to Edenmore. Through her food, stories, and warm presence, Carole continues to share her culture with the residents, fondly referred to as family members, making Edenmore Nursing Home a place where diversity and tradition are celebrated.

We like to celebrate the lives of the people who live and work with us. One of the ways in which we do this is to write about and share their inspiring stories. 
Bastille Day with Carole Mann at Edenmore Nursing Home
 Edenmore Nursing Home Media Release

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

 

Saturday, 22 June 2024

Experience Watermouth Castle’s scare attraction: ‘Descend into Darkness'

A haunted castle with a twisted maze of horrors… This October, be first to experience Watermouth Castle’s first-ever immersive scare attraction:Descend into Darkness 

Watermouth Castle has a new owner. His desire: to create an amusement park for local people to come and enjoy and share his wonderful new home. Little is known about this mysterious benefactor. Some say he is eccentric. Some say he is mad. Some say he is… INSANE. 


Get ready to be spooked! Watermouth Castle, nestled in the heart of North Devon, is excited to announce its hair-raising Halloween scare event, promising thrills and chills for all horror lovers, fright fiends, and all those who love a good fright…

Do you dare to come face-to-face with terror...? With bone-chilling attractions, live scare actors, and heart-pounding themed areas, this event is not for the faint of heart. Join us if you dare for a night of spine-tingling fun, and unforgettable scares.

 

Do you dare to come face-to-face with terror…?

The castle’s multiple different immersive scare zones include:

• Cursed Forest: a bone-chilling woodland trail of howling wolves, clanking chains, and hanging trees
• Carnival of Clowns: this twisted fairground is a freakshow of horrifying jokers, bloody face paint and maniacal laughter
• The Mad Maze: beware; a gang of the undead scarecrows have to come to life– and now they wander the twisted paths of the castle’s maze, looking for their next victim… you!
• Voodoo Valley: journey down the river of restless spirits; just make sure you don’t become yet another one of the lost souls trapped on its waters…
• The Haunted Castle: when the castle doors slam closed, you’ll find yourself trapped in a hellscape of cobwebs, cursed animatronics, and haunted robotsAnd only the bravest will dare to complete their journey with a descent intothe bowels of the castle itself – the demented dungeon…

 

Run by Catfish Productions, in partnership with Watermouth Castle. 

Not suit able for under 12s or wheelchair users. Under 16s must have an accompanying adult.


The experience lasts approximately one hour, For tickets and early bird rates. Contact  www.watermouthcastle.com

 

Experience Watermouth Castle’s scare attraction:‘Descent into Darkness'


Water Mouth Castle Media Release


About Watermouth Castle


Watermouth Castle is a beloved attraction in Ilfracombe. The Castle offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides to enchanting play areas, Watermouth Castle is where memories are made and adventures begin.

Watermouth Castle is part of The Escapade Group which comprises indoor and outdoor play attractions including Hobbledown adventure park in Surrey, Hobbledown Heath in London, Gripped aerial adventure park in London, and indoor play centres Kidspace Adventures in Croydon and Romford.

 

Saturday, 15 June 2024

Edenmore Nursing Home Commemorates D-Day with 1940's Party

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon, recently hosted a heartwarming 1940's themed party to commemorate D-Day. This special event brought together residents (fondly referred to as family members), and team members in a nostalgic celebration that paid tribute to the fallen service men and women in Normandy.

The D-Day commemoration event was a collaborative effort, capturing the essence of the 1940s with authentic decorations, 1940’s music, and a little bit of dancing. Family members and team members dressed in polka-dots, headscarves, and khaki, with a prize awarded for the best-dressed. The home was decorated with patriotic bunting and Union Jack table cloths, evoking a feeling of life 80 years ago.

The home enjoyed for a traditional afternoon tea, within a vintage atmosphere. Edith Ozelton, a beloved family member, enjoyed a glass of Shloer, a non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink. The menu included homemade bread with jam and butter, Spam sandwiches, and of course, cake.

"Edenmore’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs, and identity of each person," added Home Manager Gayle Cooper. "By understanding a person’s life history and journey, we strive to support the continuation of life of our family members.” “This event was a beautiful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the spirit of patriotism. D-Day 1940's party is just one example of the many ways Edenmore Nursing Home nurtures a warm and inclusive community atmosphere.

Edenmore Nursing Home Commemorates D-Day with 1940's Party

Edenmore Nursing Home Media Release 14 June 2024

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

Thursday, 23 May 2024

Devon’s largest adventure play village - Hobbledown Bay – is now open!

The Hobblers have landed in Devon… and brought with them a whole world of fun!

Watermouth Castle is thrilled to announce the official opening of its brand new adventure play village, Hobbledown Bay.

Local schools were invited to be the first to experience the magic of the new attraction - the largest outdoor play village in Devon.

Nestled within the Castle grounds, Hobbledown Bay marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter for the family theme park.

The playground features role play towers, castles, huts, bridges, slides nets and anunique water pillow. Kids can immerse themselves in endless hours of exploration in the Pixie Roleplay Village and the interactive Mining Village.

Hobbledown and the Escapade Group
Watermouth Castle was acquired by the Escapade Group in early 2023, and Hobbledown Bay is just one part of a £1.2 million investment into the site.

The new area marks the arrival of the Hobbledown style of play village to Devon.

With two other existing sites located in Surrey and London, the Hobbledown family is defined by its groundbreaking style of innovative, explorative play where imagination comes to life.

A thrilling addition
Nick de Candole, founder of the Escapade Group, said: "We couldn't be more excited to unveil Hobbledown Bay. It's a thrilling addition that promises to spark wonder and adventure for all our visitors, young and old alike.

Inviting our affiliated schools to be the first to explore this magical realm is just the beginning of the unforgettable memories we hope to create here. Come and join us as we embark on this exciting journey together."

The Tides of Watermouth: A Children’s Fantasy Novel
Also new for 2024 is The Tides of Watermouth – a beautifully illustrated tie-in storybook telling the tale of how the Hobblers came to Devon.

Go back in time to 1912, and meet Edith Penderford: the only daughter of kooky Professor P. Penderford, a daydreamer, and friend to the fairies. When her smuggler friend Littlejohn arrives in Watermouth Harbour with a mysterious package, she’s about to be thrust into a world of magic and adventure. A tale of fairies, Hobblers, sailboats, smugglers, forest spirits, and so much more…

Other Improvements to the Castle
Other new additions to the site include the Fairy Museum, opened in March 2024, which invites guests to uncover the secret magical history of Watermouth Castle. This fictional museum is a wonderland of leaves, crystals, spyglasses, potions, mushrooms, mirrors, and much more. Step into a world where magic is real, pixies scurry among the shelves, and fairies flutter overhead.

Alongside the new play areas, visitors can also look forward to exploring the four newly-renovated castle apartments. The Big River ride has also been transformed with new animatronics and boats.

Wider landscaping works including the installation of bird and bat boxes and the planting of trees will further enhance the Castle's natural beauty and wildlife habitat.

Cutting the ribbon. Official opening at Hobbedown Bay, Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe
Jack & Adrinna cutting the ribbon at the official opening at Hobbedown Bay,
Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe
Pupils from Berrynarbor & West Down Primary Schools at the official opening of Hobbledown Bay on the 22nd May 2024
Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe

Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe

Media Release Watermouth Castle 23rd May 2024

Monday, 11 March 2024

Edenmore Nursing Home, Ilfracombe - Fulfilling a Meaningful Wish for Robert Hearn

Robert Hearn has lived at Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe since March 2023 and sadly lives with advanced cancer. In a conversation with one of Edenmore’s care assistants, Carol, Robert wistfully said that a wish before his next journey was a simple one, to have a pint of his favourite cider with his friends in his old local pub The Village Inn in Westward Ho!. 

So Carol and Gayle, Edenmore’s Home Manager, didn’t hesitate to make arrangements! Timing for the 45 minute journey was perfect as the home had recently bought a new car specifically for residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, so this was momentous also as Robert was first to have a run out in it! 

First step was for Gayle to contact Roberts’ closest friend, Peter Mills, who then arranged for other friends of Robert to meet in the pub. As Robert entered The Village Inn,” the sheer emotion was indescribable” says Gayle who went along with Robert and Carol, “literally all of the pub welcomed him, the love shown was just beautiful, the familiarity for Robert, sat at his usual table, with his favourite bird magazine ready to read, and the most important part a pint of cider! 

Carol and Gayle was there to support Robert and also to make memories, “this is why I work in social care, this is my purpose, some call this person-centred care but to me it’s simply about seeing a person and doing what’s in my heart which is simply being compassionate”. Part of the support in the home for Robert is for eating and drinking and Gayle said with a smile on her face “at one point I had to support the pint of cider whilst Robert was drinking, he joked that he thought I was taking it off him and asked if he could have another one, he chuckled for a long time when I said I can’t tell you how many to have, that’s your choice, so he continued with a couple more!”

After a pint (or two) Robert, Gayle and Carol headed down to the promenade for a stroll, again something Robert used to enjoy doing after a pint when living in the area. Gayle continued “I thought walking in to the pub was emotional but the car journey back was another level of emotion, Robert cried for most of the journey but happy emotions, he just kept repeating thank you, thank you, and how overwhelmed he was with his friends turning up to see him.”

The Team at Edenmore are there not only to support Robert to be comfortable and to show nothing but love and compassion during this time leading to his next journey, but to ensure Robert still lives with dignity, encourages independence and to ensure Robert is able to make choices, his choices, not confined to any society norms that may be perceived during this journey, he has lived life and still remains living life until he chooses not to.

The support on the Westward Ho! Community Facebook page has been explosive, just evidencing the love and support this truly remarkable gent is surrounded by.

Edenmore Nursing Home, Ilfracombe - Fulfilling a Meaningful Wish for Robert Hearn

 Robert and friends at the The Village Inn in Westward Ho!.

Robert Hearn holding a baby badger and a baby fox

Young Robert holding a baby badger and a baby fox

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