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North Devon Community Gather To Reflect Together At 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 not-for-profit charity, Care South, hosted the commemorative event for members of the public and local carers who work in and around Bideford, as well as residents and their families to congregate in memory of their loved ones. It was also attended by residents of the Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows assisted living bungalows, which are based overlooking the lake and grounds in the wider care village in the expansive Devon countryside.

The event’s attendees were invited to sponsor a candle and write a message to their loved one on a heart before it was placed with the candle onto the lake. All donations from the event went to North Devon Hospice, which provides specialist care 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 filled with candles in memory of the residents’ relatives and friends. The float 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.”