The Royal Bath and West Show is one of Britain’s biggest and most beloved agricultural events, drawing over 100,000 visitors each year. This year, the Mumby’s Live-In Care team had the incredible opportunity to participate, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget. Amidst the lively atmosphere, rich with the scent of blooming orchards and the sound of jubilant crowds, we connected with countless individuals, shared our mission, and embraced the spirit of the show.

 

 

Setting Up and Connecting

Our adventure began on Wednesday afternoon when Mel and Nancy set up our stand, ensuring everything was ready for the crowds. Thursday saw Isabelle, Mel, and Nancy manning the stand, engaging with visitors, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The highlight of Thursday evening was undoubtedly the performance by The Wurzels on the Pilton Tent stage, adding a musical touch to the festivities!

Monika, Mel, and Nancy continued to represent Mumby’s on Friday and Saturday. Monika found the experience eye-opening:
“I had never talked about care with complete strangers before; typically, people who use our service are already somewhat aware of what we do. Therefore, it surprised me that nearly everyone I spoke with had a loved one that they were worried about or knew of another family that was struggling to make care decisions. We even had some people tell us, ‘I wish I had known about you a few months ago.’ It seems like everyone is concerned about this issue to some degree; I think this past weekend has shown me that people from all walks of life can contribute to the discussion regarding options to provide care,” she shared.

Highlights of Our Participation

Our time at the show was filled with memorable moments and interactions. Here are some of the highlights:

• Meeting Sweet Dogs: We had the pleasure of meeting many sweet dogs and handing out treats, which delighted both the pets and their owners – and filled our day with pawsitive experiences! Did you know that with live in care your beloved pets stay with you and carers help look after them? 
• Engaging with the Ambulance Crew: Connecting with the dedicated ambulance crew was such a highlight, as we shared insights and stories about care and emergency services.
• Blood Pressure Checks: We offered free blood pressure checks to visitors, which was well-received and sparked meaningful conversations about the importance of health and wellbeing.
• Discussing Live-In Care Options: We spoke with numerous individuals about live-in care options, particularly respite care, providing valuable information and support to those in need. Live-in respite care allows you as a family carer to take a much-needed break from your caring duties by arranging a short-term carer to live-in with and look after your loved one, whilst you are not there. Find out more about respite live-in care here.

The Fortnum & Mason Hamper Raffle

To add an extra layer of excitement, we ran a raffle for a luxurious Fortnum & Mason hamper. It was a delightful way to engage with visitors and offer a special prize to one lucky winner. We drew the winner’s name for the hamper earlier in the week and contacted them. The lady was very happy and said that we’d made her weekend, she had never won anything before! You can watch the video of Ann drawing the winner by clicking here.

A Weekend to Remember

Our time at the Royal Bath and West Show was more than just an opportunity to help us promote Mumby’s Live-In Care; it was a chance to connect with the community, raise awareness about care options, and listen to the stories and concerns of those we met. The experience reinforced the importance of our work and the profound impact it has on individuals and families navigating the complexities of care.

We left the showground near Shepton Mallet with hearts full of gratitude and minds buzzing with new ideas and connections. The Royal Bath and West Show reminded us that at the core of everything we do is a deep commitment to improving lives and providing compassionate, dedicated care. We look forward to returning next year and continuing to be part of this incredible celebration of community and tradition.