Good News Stories

Hatherleigh Nursing Home Sponsors Girls Football Team

Hatherleigh Nursing Home is proud to support the next generation by sponsoring new kits for Hatherleigh Primary School’s all-girls football team.

The schools PE Coordinator, Calli shared after a recent match, “The girls won a trophy! They did very well and looked well presented in their lovely yellow kit, thank you.”

Hatherleigh Nursing Home values its role within the local community and recognises how these connections contribute to the wellbeing and sense of inclusion for those who live there. Staying involved in local life is part of everyday culture at the home, where community ties are nurtured and encouraged.

To find out more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued-2/

Sundial Care Home Garden Club

Sundial Care Home, located near Sidmouth, is marking the start of spring in its gardening club. Hydrangea cuttings taken last year have rooted well, sweet peas have germinated, and recently the group have begun sowing tomatoes, beans, and a selection of flowers using seeds collected from the Exeter Seed Swap. Once the seedlings are strong enough, they’re transferred to the home’s greenhouse and garden areas.

Sue and Terry, whose loved one once lived at Sundial, now volunteer regularly and continue to be part of the Sundial family. As part of their annual Boxing Day family raffle, they thoughtfully chose to make a contribution towards the Gardening Club—something that has been deeply appreciated by everyone involved. “We now volunteer, as the team were so fabulous to mum and us, when we come to the home, we are always greeted like family” .

To find out more about Sundial Care Home, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/activities-in-care/

Fiona Pickford, A Life of Grace, Adventure, and the Performing Arts at Sundial Care Home

Throughout the years, many have left their mark on the community through creativity, passion, and the ability to inspire those around them. Today, we share the story of Fiona Pickford—a devoted lover of the arts who spent her life nurturing young dancers, traveling the world as a flight attendant, and forming meaningful connections wherever she went. Now a resident at Sundial Care Home near Sidmouth, Fiona’s story is one of a woman’s creativity, exploration, and a life lived with passion and purpose.

On 12 August, 1948, Fiona Pickford was born in Yeovil, Somerset. Where she lived with her mother, father and younger sister. At just four years old, Fiona discovered her love for ballet, a passion that would remain a defining part of her life. She attended St Gilda’s Catholic School in Yeovil, and continued her education until she left at age 15.

In 1968, Fiona earned her certification to teach classical ballet, qualifying as an associate at the elementary syllabus level. Passionate about sharing her love for ballet, she devoted herself to teaching children in Yeovil, many of whom were stepping into the world of dance for the very first time.

Fiona's talents extended beyond ballet. At around 20 years old, she was crowned Yeovil’s Deputy Carnival Queen, a title that reflected her grace and strong presence within the community.

Following this and eager to broaden her horizons, Fiona moved to Bristol, with her first husband, Alan, who worked as a Police Officer. There, she found work as a fitness instructor - her uniform consisting of a leotard, fishnet tights, and a pair of heels!

On a new venture, Fiona trained to be an Air Hostess with British Caledonian and embraced the excitement of life in the skies. However, when Fiona later married her second husband, John, who was a Merchant Navy Captain, she unfortunately had to give up this career, as regulations at the time prohibited married women from working as air hostesses.

Though her career in the skies had come to an end, that didn’t stop Fiona from travelling, as she and John decided to see the world for themselves, especially Africa. She joked that every place she visited turned into a warzone afterward!

After their ventures, the couple settled in Yeovil, Somerset, and welcomed their daughter Tamsyn, in August of 1979. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she too pursued a love for dance at a young age. “I love dancing and did ballet, I achieved honours in Grade 5 that was awarded by Darcey Bussell.”

However, Tamsyn discovered she loved playing football more than dancing, so she began training with Yeovil Town Football Club instead. “I don’t think mum was too happy about this!” Tamsyn laughed.

Fiona later moved to Sidmouth, Devon, where she lived for 24 years in the town centre, and is fondly remembered within the community.

Now in her retirement, Fiona lives at Sundial Care Home, close to her old home in Sidmouth. Where she is supported to lead a continuation of life, surrounded by companionship and a strong sense of community. Fiona actively embraces the home's wide range of activities, always engaging with enthusiasm and enjoying the opportunity to socialise.

Fiona also chooses to have her hair dyed pink by the home’s mobile hairdresser, Carly, as she was known in Sidmouth as “the lady with pink hair,” the home supports her in keeping this part of her identity. Fiona also enjoys regular visits from her daughter Tamsyn, and her grand-pup Jeep, who live in Exeter.

Fiona’s story is one of passion, adventure, and resilience. From the ballet studios and being crowned Deputy Carnival Queen, to the skies and corners of the world, from supporting others in their careers to building a life in Sidmouth, she has left a lasting impact on the people and places she’s influenced.

To learn more about Sundial Care Home, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/sundial-life-captured/