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

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

About Watermouth Castle 

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.

Media Release from Edenmore Nursing Home

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

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. 

 Edenmore Nursing Home Media Release

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

 

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 robots. And 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

 

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.

 

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 Media Release 14 June 2024

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

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.

Jack & Adrinna cutting the ribbon at the official opening at Hobbedown Bay,

Pupils from Berrynarbor & West Down Primary Schools at the official opening of Hobbledown Bay on the 22nd May 2024

Media Release Watermouth Castle 23rd May 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.

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

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

Haggis, Neeps & Tatties at Ilfracombe Care Home

Edenmore Nursing Home, a leading provider of compassionate elderly care in Ilfracombe recently hosted a vibrant and memorable Burns Night celebration for its team members and residents, who are fondly referred to as family members. The event, held on the 25^th of January brought the spirit of Scotland to the care home with traditional Scottish cuisine and day of togetherness.

Both family members and team members enthusiastically embraced the traditions of Burns Night, delighting in a thoughtfully selected menu showcasing iconic Scottish cuisine. The centerpiece of the festivities was the presentation of the timeless Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties, bought from local Ilfracombe Butcher Mike Turton, served on a dining table adorned with Scottish decorations, accompanied by music and poetry.

The objective of the day was to inspire positive sentiments and emotions while also commemorating the national day for individuals with Scottish ancestry.

Edenmore’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Edenmore create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home 

please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

EDENMORE NURSING HOME WELCOMES HOME LIBRARY SERVICE

Edenmore Nursing Home are delighted and honoured to partner with Ilfracombe Library to welcome the Home Library Service through their doors and open their residents to the wonderful world of literature.

The Home Library Service is a bespoke book delivery service that is fully funded and available for the residents, fondly referred to as family members by the home, who are no longer able to go to the library for their books of choice.

Volunteer led, books are picked based on the reader’s interests and hand delivered every 4 weeks, giving those who receive them enough time to read through what they have chosen and then exchange for new ones. As the weeks pass, volunteers can befriend family members and bond over the joy of reading.

Not only does the Home Library Service deliver books, but there are also audiobooks and tablets available to borrow, making the service accessible for those with sight loss and granting access to a wide range of books, newspapers, and magazines online.

North Devon MP, Selaine Saxby, commented “Ilfracombe is a wonderful community, and it is great to see their library working with a local care home to provide a fully funded home library service. I do hope that this is a model that can be used elsewhere across North Devon.”

It is widely known that reading can be a great brain exercise, as well as a relaxing outlet to relieve stress levels. Stimulating stories with captivating illustrations can ignite feelings of joy, curiosity, and nostalgia, especially if a person has been an avid reader in their lifetime. The service has exemplified the importance of such communal gatherings in promoting a sense of belonging and shared experiences. The team remain dedicated to crafting more heartwarming experiences that enrich the lives of its residents and bring the community closer together.

Edenmore Nursing Home is based in Ilfracombe, North Devon. It’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Edenmore Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home, visit: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe Enjoyed a Hawaiian Themed Party to Celebrate National BBQ Week

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe enjoyed a Hawaiian-themed party put on by the team to celebrate National BBQ Week. Residents, along with staff dressed up in Hawaiian outfits to get into the party spirit ready for the celebrations to begin.

Residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, spent the day partying away whilst tucking into their delicious food cooked on the BBQ by the chefs at the nursing home. There was an array of mocktails and vegetarian dishes for family members to also enjoy.

Home Manager, Gayle Cooper, joined in on the fun and said, “The family members had a lovely day with some of them wanting to dress in Hawaiian-style clothing and joining in with Hawaiian dancing.”

Edenmore Nursing Home is a Nursing Home based in Ilfracombe North Devon. Their approach to life recognises the importance of creating a home that represents a true continuation of life for each individual living within the home.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home 

visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Good Tidings. Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe hosted Christmas Nativity for residents to enjoy.

The festive season was in full swing and residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, at Edenmore Nursing Home got into the festive season watching a Christmas Nativity hosted by the team members in the home.

The team at Edenmore spent an evening building the nativity set from boxes and recyclables ready for all the family to enjoy. With mince pies in abundance and cups of hot chocolate, the family members sat and watched while the story began. Team members got involved by dressed up as Mary, Joseph and the three wise men to bring their performance to life. Family members sang along to Christmas carols during the performance and loved watching the story unfold.

Home Manager, Gayle Copper, said “When we asked some of the family members what show they would like the team to put on for them this year a few of them suggested a nativity. So, we all got out thinking heads on. The script was written by myself, and all costumes were made by one of our registered nurses, Teresa. The Nativity made me so immensely proud, and it was wonderful to see the family member’s join in with the Christmas carols, bringing them to laughter and tears of joy.

Edenmore Nursing Home is a nursing home based in Ilfracombe North Devon. It’s approach to life recognises the identity of the family members who live within the home. Creating an environment full of the things each family member connects with to create a true continuation of life for the people living there.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home 

visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

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Edenmore Nursing Home
7 Hostle Park, Ilfracombe, EX34 9HW
 
Tel: 0117 287 2566 

Email: support@edenmorenursinghome.com

 

Oyez, Oyez.Oyez. Heanton Nursing Home Celebrates OUTSTANDING rating

Over 100 local people including the Town Crier of Ilfracombe, Roy Goodwin, and his wife, Bea, joined the team at Heanton Nursing home to celebrate their success at being rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
 

Heanton Nursing Home, the 51-bed, specialist dementia nursing and care home near Barnstaple, received this highest rating following a rigorous two-day inspection by five inspectors. They concluded that “People received outstanding care and were supported to have the best quality of life possible.” Less than 2% of all the homes inspected in England achieve the Outstanding rating.
 

The guests who came to the party on Sunday 7th October, were treated to a hog roast and lots of home-made treats prepared by Heanton’s chefs. The event was a family affair and children were entertained with face painting, a bouncy castle and a bucking rodeo bull ride.
 

The manager of Heanton, Paula Mascall, said “We strive hard to make the lives of those living with us, the best possible. It is so important that people living in a home maintain their links to the community. Heanton prides itself on providing a bespoke service by familiarising ourselves with all the family members’ preferences which we obtain by taking individual life histories. I want to pass my thanks and congratulations onto the incredible care team who work so hard every day and night”.
 

Heanton nursing home is part of the Evolve Care Group, which operates 12 nursing and care homes across the South West. This is their second home to receive CQC’s outstanding rating in as many months. Their first was their Sundial Care Home, near Sidmouth. CEO, Preyen Dewani, a former National Care Entrepreneur of the Year winner, said “Our Evolve Model of care was developed by our team of specialists who researched practices in Australia and America, and we are delighted to be celebrating the results of it, here today.”
 

Evolve Care Group has developed its own bespoke training course that educates people living and working with dementia on the latest thinking and techniques. A number of free places on the course are available to people from the local community. Anyone interested should contact Rebecca on 0117 938 7747.

It is estimated that by 2030 the number of people living with dementia will increase by 61%. The independent charity, King’s Fund say that the cost of supporting those living with the condition is also set to rise to £24 billion by 2026. The Evolve Care Group has a number of subsidised care places for local residents. Further information can be obtained by calling the number above

Ilfracombe’s  Town Cryer, Roy Goodwin and his wife Bea Goodwin with Evolve Group CEO, Preyen Dewani

  Ilfracombe’s Town Cryer, Roy Goodwin, with his wife Bea Goodwin