Making the most of the glorious weather!
Residents and staff at St Petroc’s in Bodmin, enjoying the sun on the new patio.
News
Owl visit to Westward Ho!
The residents at Bluebell House and Primrose House, our homes in Westward Ho! enjoyed a visit from a very lovely owl today. For most it was the first time they had actually held an owl. It was fantastic to see their faces and listen to them talking about her with her owner Nick.
Good luck England!
Stonehaven sponsored Ipplepen cricketers getting behind the England World Cup Cricket team against New Zealand today!
Celebrating a Half Century!
Mathilde, Stonehaven’s Purchasing Manager, celebrated turning 50 yesterday, with a lovely lunch, glass of fizz and a surprise visit from her Mum and Sister, all the way from Holland. Happy Birthday!
Chollacott Residents find their Creative Mojo
Residents at Chollacott House in Tavistock enjoyed an art class on Monday afternoon, delivered by ‘Creative Mojo’. Everyone painted an individual butterfly which were all put together at the end of the session, to create a beautiful work of art, now on display in the conservatory. 
Olive turns 103!
Olive, resident of Dove Tree House in Exeter, had a great day celebrating her 103rd Birthday! She didn’t want much fuss but enjoyed a few glasses of sherry ( her favourite tipple!) and wowed on the karaoke with her version of ‘My Way’. Four generations of her family joined her for tea Birthday cake. Happy Birthday Olive!
A day on the beach at Chollacott House!
Friday, saw Chollacott House in Tavistock transformed into a beach, complete with sand, buckets & spades, kites and crabs! Residents were able to feel that sand between their toes, and play beach games, many from the comfort of their deck chairs. Staff and residents enjoyed ice-cream and fish and chips. Such a wonderful idea!
Residents of The Manor go back to school!
West Exe School collaborated with the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance to enable five care homes (including The Manor in Exminster) and 16 residents to attend a morning event for Literacy Week at the school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust.
Claire Walker, Literacy Lead at West Exe School in Exeter said: “Oral literacy is important to develop, especially in today’s technology driven culture.
“The Y7 and Y9 students that were in involved in the morning gained such a lot from the experience. It was wonderful to see them develop their conversational skills with a much older generation, not just learning from them, but enjoying their company.
“Our students were genuinely interested in what their guests had to say and also enjoyed sharing their own stories about being a teen in 2019. It was a beautiful, heart-warming event and it will stay with me forever.”
“I really felt uplifted after talking to the older generation. I loved it.” – Callum, Y9.
“I have found how important it is to respect and listen to older people. They were just like us once.” – Lily, Y7.
“I was a little nervous about performing in front of the guests, but they were very appreciative and I actually really enjoyed playing my violin. I’d like to do it again as I now feel more confident.” – Filipe, Y9.
Gina Awad, Lead of the alliance said: “What a joy to be able to coordinate and participate in this wonderful community event enabling several care homes to come together and have meaningful conversations with the students.
“The atmosphere was superb and we were fortunate to be able to have a musical interlude by two students playing the violin and guitar respectively.
“The stand out moment for everyone was when two old friends discovered each other having lost touch over 40 years ago.
“Margaret from Alphington Lodge and Irene from Parklands House care homes lost touch with each other many years ago and recognised each other across the room. The chance meeting moved everyone to tears.”
Irene said “I’m on cloud nine I just can’t believe it and cannot wait to tell my family. We used to holiday together in Tenerife.”
“This is just the start of the community work we aspire to in Exeter with schools and care homes, we look forward to developing lasting meaningful relationships,” said Gina.
Care homes who attended included; Parklands House, Green Tree Court, Cadogan Court, The Manor and Alphingbrook House.
Hendra Farm visit Chollacott House
Hendra Farm brought an amazing selection of animals to visit staff and residents at Chollacott House in Tavistock. The residents absolutely loved the experience. I’m not sure I would have been quite so enthusiastic about having a snake on my lap!
Nursery Children visit Dove Tree House
Children from Discovery Nursery in Exeter visted the residents at Dove Tree House in their Christmas jumpers on Friday, for singing and festive fun. The nursery visits every year at Christmas time, and the residents love it!
