Community gathers for candles on the lake

The North Devon community gathered at Kenwith Castle care home for the annual Candles on the Lake event.

Kenwith Castle, which is operated by the not-for-profit charity Care South, hosted the commemorative event for members of the public and local carers who work in and around Bideford.

Residents and their families also congregated in memory of their loved ones.

The event was attended by residents of the Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows assisted living bungalows.

These bungalows are located overlooking the lake and grounds in the wider care village, set within the expansive Devon countryside.

Attendees were invited to sponsor a candle and write a message to their loved one on a heart.

The heart was then placed alongside the candle onto the lake.

All donations from the event were given to North Devon Hospice, which provides specialist care and support to people with life-limiting conditions.

Residents from Fremington Manor care home, a neighbouring care home also run by Care South, had a specially dedicated float at the event.

The float was filled with candles in memory of the residents’ relatives and friends.

It served as a poignant tribute, allowing residents to honour and reflect on those they have lost in a heartfelt and meaningful way.

Jo Passmore, home manager at Kenwith Castle care home, said: “It was incredibly moving to see the residents joined by so many members of the local community for a moment of reflection, as well as residents from the wider care village. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful lake within the grounds of the care village, and it was the perfect setting to host our annual Candles on the Lake event in partnership with North Devon Hospice, which supports people in the local community.”

Eileen, who lives at Kenwith Castle care home, said: “I dedicated a candle to my husband. I miss him deeply, but the event was a lovely way to remember him.”

Mary, who also lives at the care home, said: “I wrote on two hearts for my husband and my son. It was a very well-organised event and a lovely way to remember our loved ones.”

Reverend Jules Harris, Team Rector for Torridge Coastal Mission Community, gave a blessing before the candles were released onto the lake.

DJ Jude, the former Mayor of Bideford, played songs specially chosen by the residents in memory of their loved ones.
A shanty band also performed throughout the evening, including during the candle release.

Kenwith Castle care home offers residential, respite, and dementia care, with access to 30 acres of stunning countryside, including peaceful lakeside surroundings.

Residents enjoy communal spaces, including lounges, dining areas, a bar, and the onsite Kenwith Pavilion café within the wider care village.

Fremington Manor care home, near Barnstaple, offers residential, respite, and nursing care in a 19th-century manor house with extensive landscaped gardens.

These gardens play host to a range of garden parties and events.

Residents benefit from fully-furnished bedrooms with ensuite facilities and a range of communal lounges, dining rooms, a library, an onsite hair salon, and a conservatory area for socialising during daily activities.

For more information about the care services available at Kenwith Castle and Fremington Manor, visit care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712410.