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/

New Season for the Sundial Garden Club

Sundial Care Home, located near Sidmouth, is marking the start of spring in its gardening club, where family members (residents) are already seeing the fruits of their labour. Hydrangea cuttings taken last year have rooted well, sweet peas have germinated, and recently the group have begun sowing tomatoes, beans, and a selection of flowers using seeds collected from the Exeter Seed Swap.

Once the seedlings are strong enough, they’re transferred to the home’s greenhouse and garden areas, contributing to the wider space that’s enjoyed by both family members and local wildlife throughout the year.

The gardening club provides a calm, supportive space for family members to enjoy meaningful activity. It’s a familiar routine that supports mobility, encourages independence and decision-making, and brings a shared sense of purpose, mirroring life at home.

Sue and Terry, whose loved one once lived at Sundial, now volunteer regularly and continue to be part of the Sundial family. As part of their annual Boxing Day family raffle, they thoughtfully chose to make a contribution towards the Gardening Club—something that has been deeply appreciated by everyone involved. “We now volunteer, as the team were so fabulous to mum and us, when we come to the home, we are always greeted like family” .

As a new season begins, the gardening club continues to thrive, rooted in care, community, and a shared love of growing. The Care Home near Sidmouth look forward to what this season brings to its garden.

 

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

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