Every August bank holiday weekend the Oakham Food, Drink and Craft Fair arrives in Rutland. The showground comes alive with people selling their wares. The smells are amazing and make you salivate regardless of how hungry you may be. There is live music that creates a real buzz and so many things to see.

I make a point of visiting annually, it’s become a bank holiday tradition. There’s no need to pack a lunch, the choice of snacks and meals is vast. There is something to suit all tastes. I was a little concerned that I would have to forego my regular outings when I moved into West Hill Park. I suppose I had assumed that I would be tied to their schedule of events, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Every month we are asked to put forward suggestions for activities and events, we are also asked for our opinions on the schedule. I am usually more than happy with all suggested events; I like being able to try new things and I love to see how creative the team can be. This month however was different. I mentioned the fair to the team, and they were very happy to oblige.

On bank holiday Monday we set off in our minibus to the fair, the weather was typical for a bank holiday to begin with, but it really brightened up later in the day. We were like a bunch of school children on the bus, laughing and enjoying the sights, we stopped short of yelling “are we there yet?” but we were tempted.

The fair did not disappoint, there were some wonderful craft stalls, I was in awe of their talents. We all bought ourselves a little something. We wandered around the stalls, tasting anything on offer and marvelling at the eclectic array. The music was playing, and we watched people swinging their hips and singing along. It was a pure joy to watch the children dancing away seemingly unaware of the onlookers.

We stopped for lunch and was treated to some wonderful food, artisan cheeses and home cured meats, delicious.

I struggled to stay awake on the bus on the way home, it had been such a busy day but the joyful singing from the team and the other residents kept me going.

On returning to my room, I unpacked my purchases and put them away carefully, they made me smile. What a perfect day.