Claremont Manor rolls out the red carpet for first ‘Achievement Awards’

Claremont Manor care home in Dawlish enjoyed an evening of sparkle and celebration with its first black-tie Achievement Awards.

From a real red carpet and velvet rope entrance, to professional photography, and bubbles and canapes in the garden, the home pulled out all the stops to celebrate the personalities and caring spirit found throughout the home.

More than 100 nomination slips were returned ahead of the event, with staff, those living in the home and their relatives all keen to recognise the people who make life at Claremont Manor so special.

Categories covered both staff and those in their care, with awards celebrating everything from early risers to kind hearts, multitasking to the best one-liners.

The evening began with a welcome from Home Manager Carla Bowman, before local comedian Tom Glover took to the stage, keeping his audience laughing as he introduced 11 award categories and handed out certificates, trophies, flowers, and hampers to the worthy winners.

Carla Bowman, Home Manager at Claremont Manor, said:

“Our home is filled with wonderful people, each bringing their own stories, humour, kindness and personality to life at Claremont Manor.

“It was incredibly touching to read the nominations and see how much thought and love had gone into every one. There was a special feeling throughout the evening – we loved seeing everyone dressed up, walking the red carpet with their families.

“Every person nominated gives something unique to our home, and we hope the evening made them feel as loved and valued as they make those around them feel each day. It was a celebration we will remember for a very long time.”

The five awards for those living at Claremont included the ‘Early Bird’ award won by early riser Edgar Forth, and the Social Butterfly award for Pam Sims, who was described as “full of sparkle” and someone who has “spread love, friendship and care”.

Viv Whitehead received the Best Storyteller Award, Jenny Lawson was presented with the Kindest Heart Award and Keith Wallace received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Staff were recognised across six areas, with Holly MacGregor receiving the Biggest Heart Award, Sarah Lawson, named Master of Multitasking, and Amy Brookes taking home the Patience of a Saint Award. The Best One-Liner Award went to Lisa Wilkins, Sham Jayawardane was named the home’s Smile Maker, and the Above and Beyond Award was jointly presented to Cath Donnelly and Orsi Balla after the judging panel found it impossible to choose between them.

The winners were selected by Carla Bowman, Customer Relations Manager Katy Ullah, and Lifestyle Lead Lottie Corrick.

Claremont Manor opened in April 2024 and has continued to grow its programme of activities and community events. Its annual calendar now includes an Easter Fete, Christmas Fair, beach clean, charity car wash, community Halloween party and charity coffee mornings, with the Achievement Awards becoming its latest celebration.