Candles light up lake during special commemorative event at Kenwith Castle

Scores of people turned out for a special commemorative candlelit event at a care village in Abbotsham.

Kenwith Castle care home hosted its first Candles on the Lake event, which was open to the public, local carers who work in Bideford, as well as residents and their families from Kenwith Castle and Fremington Manor, also part of the not-for-profit charity Care South.

It was also attended by the residents of the Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows assisted living bungalows based in the care village.

Simon Bird, chief executive at Care South, said: “Kenwith Castle is set in beautiful countryside surroundings, so this was the perfect place to invite the residents in our care and their families, the public and local carers to get together for a moment of peaceful reflection.

“We are so pleased that so many people were able to attend and supported this inaugural event.”

Families were able to sponsor a candle in memory of a loved one, which then floated on the Kenwith Castle lake in front of the home.

A total of £511 was raised from the event, with money going to North Devon Hospice, which provides specialist care support to people with life-limiting conditions.

Georgia Bedgood, community fundraiser for North Devon Hospice added: “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who attended Candles on the Lake and sponsored a candle and donated in memory of their loved one.

“We’d also like to thank Kenwith Castle for inviting us to be part of this inaugural event. It was incredible to see the candles lighting up the lake at sunset.”

Reverend Jules Harris, Team Rector for Torridge Coastal Mission Community, gave a blessing before the candles were released onto the lake. Afterwards, she said: “I think it was a wonderful event. It was a real opportunity for people to come together and remember their loved ones because we never forget them.”

Above: Care South staff celebrate the first ever Candles on the Lake event at Kenwith Castle care home. Credit: Care South

DJ Jude, the former Mayor of Bideford, played songs during the event which had been specially chosen by the care home residents. She said: “It was an amazing, very humbling event in a beautiful setting. It’s such a great idea and I was glad I could be part of it.”

Pam, who lives in Kenwith Castle care home, said: “I really enjoyed it. It was a very nice event.” Her daughter, Chris, added: “I am really impressed, especially as this was the first event. We’re already looking forward to next year.”

Meanwhile, another resident, Bob, said: “I thought it was an incredible event with a lot of effort put in to make it special for everyone.”

Above: Visitors purchasing memorial candles for the Candles on the Lake event hosted by Kenwith Castle. Credit: Care South

Kenwith Castle in Bideford is a Care South care home providing specialist residential, respite, and dementia care.

It features a dedicated activities team who organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.

The care home features individual rooms for residents which several communal lounges overlooking a landscaped garden and lake offering peace and tranquillity.

For more information about the care services available, go to care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712463.