A Wimbledon Afternoon Tea with Sundial Care Home.

Sundial Care Home in Tipton St John, Devon, marked Wimbledon this year with a traditional afternoon tea for its family members (residents).

Family members gathered in the home’s bright and spacious lounge, which overlooks the home’s beautiful three acre grounds, to watch the Wimbledon doubles matches. The setting provided a homely and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the event together.

Home-baked scones, served with fresh cream and strawberry jam, were served with tea, whilst family members watched the matches and spoke about past tournaments. Many shared memories of following Wimbledon in earlier years, sparking discussions about favourite players and memorable moments from previous competitions.

The residential care home, near Sidmouth, regularly organises events and activities that reflect national traditions and the personal interests of those living there. These occasions are part of Sundial’s responsive approach to care, ensuring that individual histories, preferences, and social needs are recognised and supported through meaningful engagement and shared experiences.

It was a successful afternoon that brought family members and team together to enjoy good company, conversation, and a much-loved British tradition.

If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit https://www.sundialcare.com/lifes-journey-continued/

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 .

 

True stories from Devon’s past. Summer times with local author Liz Shakespeare

Well-known local author, Liz Shakespeare, is looking forward to a busy summer of book-signings. Liz specialises in researching true stories from Devon’s past and reviving them in engaging narratives. She will be attending a number of events this summer to sign copies of her books and to talk to members of the public.

‘The agricultural shows, festivals and markets I attend are wonderful showcases for Devon’s culture and community,’ Liz said. ‘I really enjoy the days out and the opportunities to meet readers.’

Liz, who lives in Littleham, has a long Devon ancestry which she feels has given her a good understanding of the county and its people. She has been writing for thirty-five years, and has written seven books set in Devon, bringing to life the stories she finds in old newspapers, on gravestones and in parish records.

‘I am working on my eighth book,’ Liz said, ‘but each book takes me three or four years to write because of the amount of research involved, so it will be a while before this one is ready for publication!’

Liz will be signing copies of her books at 

• Woolsery Food and Craft Market on 13th July
• Appledore Craft Fair on 19th July 
• Clovelly Maritime Festival on 20th July
• Mid Devon Show on 26th July 
• Launceston Show on 31st July
• Hartland Farmers’ Market on 3rd August
• North Devon Show on 6th August 
• Appledore Craft Fair on 9th August 
• Woolsery Food and Craft Market on 10th August 
• Okehampton Show on 14thAugust 
• Ashwater Show on 16th August 
• Chagford Show on 21st August
• Lustleigh Show on 25th August 
• Holsworthy Show on 28th August 
• Clovelly Crab and Lobster Festival on 31st August 
• Hatherleigh Summer Market on 6th September 
• Hartland Farmers’ Market on 7th September 
• Tedburn St Mary Fair on 13th September  
• Woolsery Food and Craft Market on 14th September

In addition, Liz will be signing books at the Westward Ho! Artisan Market on 22nd and 29th July, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and 30th August, and will be giving a talk at the Appledore Book Festival on 17th September.

Liz’s books are also available to order with free postage from www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

Books set in Devon by Liz Shakespeare