Looking on the Bright Side of Bideford.

Always a pleasure to visit the Burton Art Gallery & Museum and yesterday we checked out the ‘Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape’ exhibition with works by a host of well-known 20th century artists including Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, L.S. Lowry, Patrick Heron and Elisabeth Frink.

A fusion of vibrant and sombre modern art and landscapes including a change of location for the famous ‘Matchstick People’, Glasgow, not Salford, Manchester was the focus of the painting by L.S. Lowry.

The Summer might be over but the Summer Exhibition is running until the 14^th September so if you love art and the history do check it out.

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‘Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape’ runs until 14th September at The Burton at Bideford, Bideford, North Devon EX39 2QQ. Free entry.

See www.theburton.org for more details on the exhibition and upcoming exhibitions and  events.

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About: ‘Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape’ examines the intersection of abstraction and landscape in British art from the 1920s to the early 1970s. Organised in collaboration with The Hepworth Wakefield, ‘Into Abstraction’ draws on their extensive holdings of modern art to explore how artists used abstraction during periods of social upheaval to engage with the natural world and human experience. Tap here to read all about the exhibition and the Burton at Bideford >

Ilfracombe Soapbox Derby – Edenmore Wheels to Glory

Edenmore Nursing Home is no stranger to getting involved in an array of activities for their residents (fondly referred to as family members) to choose to be involved in, however not normally ones that involve four wheels and rolling through Ilfracombe! I am of course, talking about the recent Soapbox Derby, put on by Ilfracombe Round Table to support their own charity, as well as Children’s Hospice South West.

From the moment the idea was announced to take part (and sponsor the event too!), the nursing home was keen to include as many people as possible. The team, family members and their relatives got together to plan Edenmore’s soapbox kart. In true community style, everyone pitched in – from the hands-on builders of the kart with drills and saws (thanks Gayle Cooper, Home Manager’s husband and grandson!) to family members offering design ideas, colour schemes, and even a few cheeky suggestions for how to make it go faster! The result was a colourful, Edenmore shaped kart that looked right at home among the other imaginative entries.

Race day saw team members making the short walk down to the town and joining the buzzing streets of Ilfracombe. Families lined the route, the sun was shining, music was playing, and the atmosphere was one of pure community spirit. Edenmore was the first kart to attempt the course involving sharp corners, ramps and lots of hay bales (which Captain Jesu made friends with on the test run!).

Team member Jesu shared ‘manuvering down the course was quite challenging! The steering was all over the place as the kart was not designed to have a house built on it – but I had so much fun and the turnout was absolutely amazing – bring on next year!’

‘It was just brilliant to be part of the first-ever derby,’ shared Gayle. ‘The atmosphere was electric, and the community spirit made all the hard work worth it. We’ve already started talking about ideas for next year!’

As the day came to a close, it was clear the Soapbox Derby had sparked something special in the community. Edenmore was proud to help launch what is sure to become a new Ilfracombe tradition.

For more information about Edenmore Nursing Home, please visit: www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home: Where Barbara’s Story Continues

Barbara Vivien Walsh was born in 1947 in Winchester, Hampshire. A lifelong passion of books, languages, and theatre, she studied French literature in Switzerland, performed on stage in London, and later built a meaningful career as an occupational therapist. Her life has been rich with learning, compassion, and quiet strength.

Her mind was exceptional. By age three, she could read, write, and speak fluently. However aside from her academic talents and intelligence, Barbara is kind. A love for animals has always been part of who Barbara is. She cared for two horses, attended horse shows, rode in point-to-point races, and confidently jumped high fences. The horses adored her, and the bond between them was clear.

But dementia does not recognise such achievements. It arrives quietly, then takes boldly, not just memories, but confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate day-to-day life.

Barbara’s diagnosis came in 2020, though the signs had appeared earlier. At first, she tried to carry on as normal. But when her beloved dog Monty died in 2023, everything changed. She began hiding things she couldn’t manage anymore, her phone, her computer, as fear and confusion crept in. Her world, once full of knowledge and connection, began to shrink.

Barbara now lives at Heanton Nursing Home, a place where care is centred on the person, not just the condition. When she first arrived, it took time for her to settle. Like many people living with a Dementia, trust was not immediate. But the team at Heanton didn’t rush. They listened. They adapted. They showed her she was still in control of her life.

Now, Barbara’s independence is supported in small but meaningful ways. When she wants to talk, to laugh, or even have a good rant someone is there, simply listening. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed.

The bond between Barbara and the team has grown into something deeply personal. She even refers to one carer as her “adoptive daughter.” That kind of connection can’t be written into a care plan, it grows from compassion, consistency, and the belief that dementia does not erase identity.

At Heanton, we understand that dementia is a complex journey, one that takes courage and care to navigate. Our role is to walk alongside each person, never ahead of them, always with respect and love.

Barbara’s story continues here, not just with safety, but with meaning, dignity, and heart.

 

To read the full story please visit - Heanton Nursing Home: WhereBarbara’s Story Continues - Heanton Nursing Home