There was a wonderful turnout with a combined total of 286 attending, including 16 homes from Gloucestershire and 17 from Wiltshire. Residents, employees, volunteers and family members all helped to make the two events a huge success.

Our residents participate in various creative projects throughout the year with the help and support of our dedicated activity coordinators and volunteers. At this year’s craft show the categories on display were:

• Art & pottery
• Cakes
• Flowers, vegetables & fruit
• Jams & pickles
• Woollen & needlework

Those judging the exhibits included the local mayor, Companions of The Order of Malta, Trustees and Directors. Sampling the cakes, jams and pickles was a big hit!

Both Karen Johnson and Sian Dewhurst who are the Volunteer & Events Managers for Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, respectively, agreed that the annual Harvest and Craft Shows are very much looked forward to by the residents and how heartening it is to see everyone having a lovely afternoon. They noted that it was a fabulous opportunity for all to showcase their creativity as well as an opportunity to interact socially on a larger scale between the homes.

Jo Blackburn, Care Quality Director commented: “I thoroughly enjoy our Resident Harvest and Craft Shows. It is a wonderful way for us all to come together to celebrate harvest time and reminisce on times gone by. The fabulous crafts, cakes, vegetables and fruit on display were produced by our residents as part of our creative activities programme which has such a positive impact on the lives of our residents. We are also indebted to our volunteers who play a vital role in our Care Homes and without their support occasions like this would not be possible.”