Leven Beach Care Home Stories That Still Matter

What started as a whisky label competition became something far more meaningful at Leven Beach Care Home.

Earlier this year, a limited edition whisky was created across Meallmore care homes to mark Father’s Day. Residents were invited to submit artwork for the label, with the winning design featured on bottles shared by residents and families throughout Scotland. It was intended as a creative project, something enjoyable and light-hearted. What followed was a moment that captured the very heart of person-centred care.

The winning artwork was created by Leven Beach resident John Picken. Inspired by a sunrise over the Leven promenade, his painting reflected not only artistic talent but a deep connection to place, memory and identity. When John was announced as the winner, he responded with typical humour, saying, “I may not be great at a lot of things, but I knew I was a genius at art.”

That whisky bottle became more than a Father’s Day gesture. It became a symbol of recognition, pride and legacy.

Why the Whisky Story Mattered So Much

For John, the whisky label was about being seen. About having his talent recognised and shared. About contributing something meaningful to life within the home and beyond it.

For residents at Leven Beach Care Home, the project sparked conversation, creativity and confidence. People spoke about their own memories of art, work, family traditions and favourite places. The whisky bottle became a talking point, a shared experience that connected residents, colleagues and families.

In a care setting, moments like this matter deeply. They reinforce identity, especially for older people and those living with dementia. They show that creativity and purpose do not fade with age. They simply take new forms.

At Leven Beach Care Home, that understanding sits at the core of how care is delivered.

From Label to Legacy

Just weeks after his artwork was crowned the winner, John sadly passed away in July. His loss was deeply felt throughout the home and wider Meallmore community. Having lived at Leven Beach Care Home for eight years, he was a much-loved resident known for his warmth, humour and artistic flair.

Rather than allowing his story to quietly fade, the team at Leven Beach Care Home knew his contribution deserved to be honoured in a lasting way.

John’s whisky label artwork had already travelled far, appearing on bottles shared across Scotland. Now, it was time for it to take a permanent place at the home where it all began.

A Painting Unveiled in Pride of Place

Residents and colleagues at Leven Beach Care Home were joined by Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, and John’s daughter, Hazel, to officially unveil John’s painting within the home.

The artwork has now been placed in pride of place in the foyer of Leven Beach Care Home, ensuring that everyone who enters the building is greeted by John’s sunrise over the promenade.

The unveiling ceremony was a moment of reflection and celebration. It recognised John’s life, his creativity and the impact he had on those around him. It also reinforced the belief that residents’ stories deserve to be remembered and shared.

John’s presence at Leven Beach Care Home extended far beyond his artwork. He was known for his quick wit, confidence, and ability to lift a room's mood. His creativity often sparked conversation, encouraging others to share their own talents and interests.

Colleagues remember him as someone who brought personality into everyday moments. His pride in winning the whisky label competition was shared by everyone around him, creating a sense of collective joy within the home.

Displaying his painting permanently ensures his personality and spirit remain part of daily life at Leven Beach.

The unveiling event was organised by John’s daughter, Hazel Mitchell, who has worked tirelessly to honour her father’s memory in a way that reflects his values.

John was a huge dog lover and, following his whisky label win, he had planned to raise funds for Guide Dogs by producing prints of his sunrise painting. That plan is now being carried forward by Hazel and her family.

Hazel has also been raising funds for Puppy Picken, a puppy sponsored in John’s memory. Through this effort, John’s creativity continues to change lives, transforming a piece of artwork into a lasting act of generosity.

Community Recognition and Shared Pride

During her visit, Wendy Chamberlain spoke about the importance of recognising residents’ achievements and the positive impact of John’s work.

She described it as wonderful to officially unveil John Picken’s beautiful painting and spoke of how heart-warming it was to see his artwork continue to have such a meaningful influence. She also praised Hazel’s fundraising efforts, describing the support for Puppy Picken as an inspiring legacy of creativity and generosity.

The visit highlighted the strong connection between Leven Beach Care Home and the wider community, showing how care homes can be places of culture, creativity and shared pride.

Leadership That Understands What Matters

Leven Beach Care Home Manager Karen Radford reflected on why it was so important to celebrate John’s life in this way.

She described John as a big part of the Meallmore family who has been greatly missed. Displaying his painting permanently felt like the right way to celebrate his life and ensure his presence continues to be felt throughout the home.

Karen also spoke about the joy the home experienced when John won the whisky label competition and how proud he was of his achievement. Seeing his artwork each day serves as a reminder of his cheeky personality and a prompt to keep encouraging residents to pursue what they love.

The Role of Creativity in Person Centred Care

The whisky label story highlights a fundamental aspect of care at Leven Beach Care Home. Person-centred care is not just about meeting physical needs. It is about recognising identity, nurturing confidence and creating opportunities for self-expression.

Creative projects like the whisky label competition give residents a platform to share their talents and feel valued. They foster connection, spark conversation and strengthen emotional well-being.

For residents living with dementia, familiar images and meaningful achievements can offer comfort and continuity. For families, seeing their loved one celebrated brings reassurance and pride.

A Home Where Stories Continue

John Picken’s whisky label artwork began as a creative entry and became a symbol of everything Leven Beach Care Home stands for. Recognition. Connection. Legacy.

From the limited edition whisky shared on Father’s Day to the painting now displayed in the foyer, John’s story continues to shape life within the home.

Leven Beach Care Home remains committed to celebrating the people who live there, not just for who they are today, but for the lives they have lived and the stories they continue to tell.

In Leven, and within the home itself, those stories still matter.

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