‘We wanted to say goodbye’

They were residents at the Eastwood Lodge Care Home in Stanhope Road.

The service was conducted by the care home’s chef who is a Methodist preacher.

Home Manager Jessica Borrill explained the deaths were not all Covid-19 related.

She added: “Because of Covid 19, we were unable to attend the funerals to say our goodbyes - like we normally would.

“So, we organised a memorial service and it was conducted by our chef as he is a Methodist preacher.”

“We let off 20 balloons with written messages attached.

“We invited all relatives of our current residents - and the relatives of the residents who sadly passed away - to join via Zoom, which is the way of the world at the moment.”

Ms Borrill explained all 15 of the home’s residents received Covid-19 vaccination on January 14 and more than half of the staff have now received their first vaccinations.

She added: “It (the vaccinations) was a very emotional time for us all, including the residents as they - and we - are hoping it is a step that will lead to them seeing their family and friends.”