THE team at The Croft Residential Home in Newton Abbot celebrated the life of a resident who passed away during the COVID pandemic by dedicating a garden to her memory.

The Dot Clay Memorial Garden was opened by BBC South West News Anchor, Victoria Graham, who delivered a touching and witty tribute to Dot in an intimate ceremony of family and friends.

Dorothy ‘Dot’ Clay, from Newton Abbot, was chosen for this recognition because she had been a dedicated care home worker herself for most of her career.

Dot’s son, Graham Clay, said: ‘The address from Victoria was spot-on and we know that Mum would have loved to know there is a garden in her name.

Dot was an easy choice for this tribute because, as well as being a carer, she was a larger-than-life character and part of the heart and soul of The Croft,’ said Croft co-owner, Simon Spiller.

With the help of donations totalling over £600 from friends of The Croft over the last three years, the team has been refreshing the front garden with new planting, decking and painting.

'It is now a lovely place of remembrance for families of former residents, as well as somewhere for current residents to enjoy nature and an outdoor environment.' Simon added.

Simon also said they were particularly grateful to Rob Easterbrook, from Bovey Tracey, for volunteering his gardening expertise over many days during the last year, and his help in bringing the garden back to life for residents.

The Croft Residential Home specialises in highly personalised residential care for Local Authority and Privately Funded residents from the Newton Abbot area who are living with Dementia.