The New Forest Show makes a comeback

9 August 2022

The New Forest show makes a comeback

The New Forest Show was back with a bang this year and we were over the moon to be part of it.

Due to Covid the show had been cancelled for the past two years, so it was wonderful to be involved once again.

Some of the people we support had been hard at work in the lead up to the show creating beautiful craft items to sell, from felt fairies and mushrooms to hedgehog houses and ceramic dishes.

The team at Furzey Gardens had a range of stunning plants that they had grown and tended from seed which greatly enhanced our stand.

Georgie Goldstraw, one of our Day Operations Senior Instructors said:

‘We are so grateful to be given the opportunity to represent Minstead Trust and people with learning disabilities at the New Forest Show.

‘It creates such excitement amongst our day opportunities, from the initial site visit to the days themselves. Leading up to the event, the people we support are involved with creating the displays and the products we take to sell.

‘They help come up with ideas and themes which we help support them to bring to life.’

One of the great things about the show is that people can be involved in many different ways. Some of the people we support helped to set up the stall, piling up plants from Furzey Gardens, setting up the gazebo and helping to create the beautiful displays.

During the show days, the people we support stepped into the role of ambassadors of the Trust and spoke to visitors about how they are supported by Minstead Trust and the activities they are involved in.

Ed, who is supported by Minstead Trust said:

‘I like setting it all up to show people what we do and going for a burger (before the show starts).

‘I liked the garden area this year with the hedgehog houses because they are made in the workshop where I work. I like bringing it back to see what we have sold.

‘I can’t wait for next year, I hope we are in a busier area.’

We are looking forward to next year already!