Showing posts with label Remembrance Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Remembrance Day. Show all posts

Friday 17 November 2023

Art Workshop at Heanton Nursing Home Inspires Creativity and Honors Remembrance Day

Residents at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple, who are fondly referred to as family members, engaged in a heartwarming art workshop, organised by the team, as they commemorated Remembrance Day by creating vibrant poppy-shaped paper paintings as part of a mosaic. The workshop, brought joy, creativity, and a sense of shared remembrance to the family members. The poppy-shaped paper paintings served as a unique way of self-expression, allowing family members to explore their creativity while honoring the heartfelt occasion of Remembrance Day.

Art therapy is not about creating masterpieces but rather about the process and the emotional journey it takes our family members on. Through painting, drawing or even sculpting our family members can unlock hidden memories and express their thoughts and feelings.

A team member at Heanton said, "The art workshop was a beautiful and uplifting experience for everyone involved. It provided an opportunity for family members to express themselves artistically"

Heanton Nursing Home is a nursing home based in Barnstaple, North Devon. It’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Heanton Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.

Art Workshop at Heanton Nursing Home Inspires Creativity and Honors Remembrance Day

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Friday 10 November 2023

Alan Edward William's Inspirational Journey Through Valor and Service

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Country falls silent. It is a day of reflection, a day where nations pause to remember the sacrifices of those who lost their lives. In the silent moments of remembrance, we come together to pay tribute to the heroes who have walked the path of duty and pay tribute to those who are no longer with us today. Their stories are a testament to the strength and courage our nation has and we are honoured to share with you Alan Edward William’s story, a man with such dedication to his service and who now lives at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple, North Devon.

Alan's journey through life had been a remarkable one, born on the 11th June 1928 in the bustling City of Cardiff, his name connected him to great aviators and royalty. On that very day, Alan Cobham a famous aviator and Edward Prince of Wales were visiting Cardiff hence why he was called Alan Edward by his parents. His early years was filled with so much love and joy, growing up with his older sister, Joan.

After leaving school, Alan found himself working at Cardiff Docks as a riveter and as he reached the age of 17, he made the decision to join the First Battalion Welsh Guards in 1946. Alan's military service spanned 22 years, and he cherished every moment of it. He participated in prestigious ceremonial duties, including Trooping the Colour, changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and even lining the route for Winston Churchill's Funeral. He had lived in various locations during his service, from Surrey to Cardiff, London to Malaysia, with a brief stop in Borneo while in Malaya.

Alan’s life took an unexpected turn when he met his wife, Gladys during a holiday in Appledore. They married in 1950 and went on to have four children: David, Teresa, Gwyn, and Ceinwin (known as Kim), each born in different corners of the world. Life abroad had been a rich tapestry of experiences for Alan and his wife Gladys. In Libya and Malaysia, Alan enjoyed swimming and exploring Roman cities, he especially loved savouring new cuisines. In Malaya, he developed a passion for collecting butterflies and mounting them in glass display cases.

After retiring from the army in the early 1990s, Alan took on a new role as a security guard at Llanwern steelworks in Newport, while residing in Chepstow. He remained closely connected to the royal world as a Yeoman of the Guards, participating in events like Charles and Diana's wedding and the opening of Parliament.

As Alan and his beloved wife Gladys embraced retirement, they embarked on numerous adventures together, creating cherished memories around the globe. Alan's pride shone through in his possession of a Royal Victoria Medal, a symbol of his dedication and service.

Alan and Gladys family continued to grow, as they welcomed six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren into their life. Though Alan had faced the loss of his beloved wife, Gladys in December 2020 and the sudden loss of his sight in 2021, his brave spirit remained unwavering.

Alan's life has been full of remarkable experiences and unwavering dedication, and although Alan now lives with Dementia at Heanton Nursing Home, his commitment to his services still shines through. With the support from the team, Alan is able to maintain his disciplined routine, including having a clean shave every day, a practice he has upheld throughout his life. This seemingly simple act of shaving holds great significance, as it was a vital part of his military routine. For someone with Dementia, the familiarity of this daily ritual is crucial, as it provides a sense of continuity and comfort. Each person at Heanton will have different support needs, different life story, and by understanding this life history, we are able to create a home that enables our family members to live a true continuation of life.

For Alan, Heanton is not just a place of residence, but a home where his commitment to his service is remembered and celebrated by everyone around him. Within these memories lies the essence of who Alan is, a testament to a life lived passionately through his years of service for his country.

To find out more about Heanton visit our website at www.heantonnursinghome.com

Alan Edward William's Inspirational Journey Through Valor and Service
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Thursday 10 November 2022

Ode to Remembrance. "For the Fallen"

LEST WE FORGET

Ode to Remembrance. "For the Fallen"

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.


They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

The Unknown Soldier. Photo copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus (All Rights Reserved)

The "Ode of Remembrance" is an ode taken from Laurence Binyon's poem "For the Fallen", which was first published in The Times in September 1914.

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The photo was taken in July 2018, a stunning commemorative display at RHS Garden Rosemoor celebrating the centenary of the end of the First World War. (Photo credit Pat Adams)

The "Unknown Soldier" (by Artist: George Hider) amidst one hundred ceramic Poppies (by Artist: Renee Kilburn)

The Great War started on the 28th July 1914 and ended on 11th November 1918

-"The Royal British Legion provide support for members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. By making a donation, you’re helping us to help those in need within the Armed Forces community." CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE POPPY APPEAL

Friday 8 November 2019

Ode to Remembrance. "For the Fallen"

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

The Nation will honour the fallen on Remembrance Sunday when wreaths of poppies are laid on local war memorials and a two minutes silence is held at 11 a.m. The "Ode of Remembrance" is an ode taken from Laurence Binyon's poem "For the Fallen", which was first published in The Times in September 1914. Wikipedia Stub: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ode_of_Remembrance

 "The Unknown Soldier"   - The stunning commemorative display at RHS Garden Rosemoor (2018) - Photo Pat Adams North Devon Focus
 "The Unknown Soldier"
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The stunning commemorative display at RHS Garden Rosemoor in July 2018, celebrating the centenary of the end of the First World War. The "Unknown Soldier" (by Artist: George Hider) amidst one hundred ceramic Poppies (by Artist: Renee Kilburn). The Great War started on the 28th July 1914 and ended on 11th November 1918



For Remembrance Sunday Events around the region visit the North Devon Gazette
In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is marked by ceremonies at local war memorials in most cities, towns and villages, attended by civic dignitaries, ex-servicemen and -women (principally members of the Royal British Legion), members of local armed forces regular and reserve units (Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines and Royal Marines Reserve, Army and Territorial Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Auxiliary Air Force), military cadet forces (Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps as well as the Combined Cadet Force) and youth organisations (e.g. Scouts and Guides). Wreaths of remembrance poppies are laid on the memorials and two minutes silence is held at 11 a.m. Church bells are usually rung "half-muffled", creating a sombre effect.
Wikipedia Stub: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Sunday

Friday 9 November 2018

Lest we forget

 In Remembrance

Remembrace. "The Unknown Soldier" in a field of poppies. Photo copyright Pat Adams
The stunning commemorative display at Rosemoor celebrating the centenary of the end of the First World War.
The "Unknown Soldier" (by Artist: George Hider) amidst one hundred ceramic Poppies (by Artist: Renee Kilburn)

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The Great War started on the 28th July 1914 and ended on 11th November 1918
Borough of Bideford Roll of Honour 1914-1918. Photo copyright Pat Adams
 For the Fallen
Extract of Poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)
published in The Times newspaper on 21 September 1914.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

About the Great War visit  - http://www.greatwar.co.uk

Wednesday 6 November 2013

North Devon Will Remember

The Royal British Legion is recognised as the national custodian of Remembrance. Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENTS AROUND THE REGION (Sunday 10th November) Please visit the North Devon Gazette for more Remembrance Week events

BARNSTAPLE - Remembrance Service at Rock Park War Memorial 10.50am, followed by parade to the Parish Church for a full service. The Guildhall will be open from 9.45am to 12 noon for those who wish to see the names of the fallen in World War II, and those from HMS Stevenstone, and pay their respects.
BRAUNTON - Civic Service of Remembrance, St Brannock’s Church, Braunton, 11am. Parade leaves Caen car park 10.20am.
BIDEFORD - Act of Remembrance Victoria Park 10.50am, followed by parade to St Mary’s Parish Church for Remembrance Day Civic Service 11.15am.
COMBE MARTIN - Parade leaves village coach park (Pack O’ Cards) 9.55am for Parish Church, Service of Remembrance 10.15am, Act of Remembrance at war memorial 10.50am, all welcome.
ILFRACOMBE - Remembrance Service at Holy Trinity Church and war memorial, 10.30am.

http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/bideford
    Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognised as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918.(Wikipedia)