"She would have been over the moon" says grieving dad after unveiling ice cream parlour named after daughter
“Jody was such a loud and bubbly character and we all miss her greatly”
The father of a much loved care home worker who sadly passed away said “she would have been over the moon” after seeing her dream come true with the opening of ‘Jody’s Scoops of Love’ ice cream parlour at Belle Vue House care home on Gray Road.
Activities coordinator Jody Redman was just 54 when she passed away in December (2025). A “larger than life” character, Jody had already overseen the installation of a residents’ café and bar in the care home’s garden and next on her list was to see the creation of an ice cream parlour for residents and families to enjoy.
Today (June 11) Jody’s family, friends, colleagues and former residents came together to celebrate her life and officially open the ice cream parlour named in her honour and memory.
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Performing the ribbon cutting was Jody’s dad, Edward Redman.
Edward, 78, said: “Jody was such a loud and bubbly character and we all miss her greatly. She always wanted to see an ice cream parlour at the home and she would be over the moon to see this.”
To help make Jody’s dream come true, Edward donated money to to convert the Myra’s Retreat Garden Room - named after a former resident - into the ice cream parlour.
Edward added: “They’ve done a really good jo and I’m sure my grandchildren will enjoy an ice cream from here.”
Despite the unseasonable weather, Jody’s former colleagues hosted a tea party for residents to celebrate her life and the opening of the parlour.
Care home manager Alison Oliver said: “Jody was such an inspirational person and she had a real vision to enhance the lives of the residents at the home. The residents came up with a list of possible names and decided on Jody’s Scoops of Love.
“Jody was full of life and it was always her dream to see an ice cream parlour at the home, and so if she’s looking down on us today, she would be absolutely delighted.
“I can’t put into words how much Jody is missed and today and the ice cream parlour is about keeping Jody’s legacy alive.”
Residents were able to enjoy entertainment from local singers who performed an array of classic tunes from the 40s, 50s and 60s.
Alison added: “All the singers are giving their time free of charge. They all wanted to be part of today, which just shows what high regard Jody was held in.”
One resident who wanted to pay tribute to Jody was 81-year-old Ian Mason.
Ian said: “I used to enjoy playing dominoes with Jody and we were all so sad to hear about her death. She was such a lovely person. Jody always talked about creating an ice cream parlour and so hopefully she is looking down on this today.
“I’m looking forward to trying one of the ice creams.”
The full name of the ice cream parlour is ‘Jody’s Scoops of Love at Myra’s Retreat’. The money for the original garden room was raised by former resident Myra’s grandson Jonny Moore.
The bar, café, and ice cream parlour are run by residents and volunteers, with all funds raised supporting Leon FC Under 11s whose players regularly visit the home as part of an intergenerational project.