Ringwood care home residents join reflective candlelit event in Wimborne

Ringwood care home residents attended a reflective candlelit event in Wimborne Minster to honour loved ones.

Residents from St Ives House care home, which is run by not-for-profit care provider, Care South, attended Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Candles on the Green event which took place in Wimborne Minster. Care South were proud to be the headline sponsors of the event in support of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, which provides support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across East Dorset.

St Ives House residents were also joined in VIP seating reserved at the front of the church by residents and the team from Elizabeth House care home in Poole, which is also run by Care South. Hundreds of people turned out for the event which aimed to bring the community together to reflect and celebrate the memory of their loved ones.

Candles were lit and placed on the minster green in candle bags displaying handwritten dedications in memory of family, friends and loved ones who have passed away. Inside the packed church, which was left with standing room only, guests listened to speeches from Jo Sharkey from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Family Support and Bereavement Team, and Simon Bird, CEO of Care South. Music on the day was provided by the Salvation Army Band, Cantilena Voices, and Rock Choir.

Betty, a resident at St Ives House, said: “It was a very nice service and it was nice to come out and be part of the local community.”

Ken, another resident at the home, added: “I enjoyed it. I thought the choirs were especially good and looked as though they were enjoying themselves.”

Emma Cotton, Home Manager at St Ives House, said: “It was a privilege to enable our residents to attend Candles on the Green to join other members of their local community. Our residents really appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful, thought-provoking occasion, particularly as we head towards the festive season, which can sometimes be an emotional time for many as they reflect on missed loved ones. At St Ives House, we are always keen to support local events like this that bring people together and strengthen community connections.”

Anna DuRose, Events Fundraiser for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “We were delighted to welcome the residents and team from St Ives House to Candles on the Green. It is a very special event for our community, giving people the opportunity to remember loved ones while supporting the hospice’s work.”

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