A Somerset Tradition Shared: Catherine House at the Shepton Mallet Carnival

Every year, Shepton Mallet comes alive for its much-loved carnival. The lights, the music and the months of craft behind each float create an atmosphere the Somerset town knows well, and it could be felt long before the first float appeared.

Residents, fondly referred to as family members, from Catherine House Care Home set off from nearby Frome together in the home’s minibus, arriving in plenty of time to settle in before the 7.30pm start. As there were a couple free seats in the minibus, Peter from neighbouring Frome Nursing Home was invited to come along, and happily chose to watch from the minibus with a good view of the floats.

Wrapped up against the November chill, with something warm to eat and plenty of conversation around them, they felt part of a community moment that only a Somerset carnival can bring. As the first floats came into view, the glow of the lights, the music and the sheer scale of the designs created a real sense of the tradition.

Sadly, there was a significant pause in the procession due to an accident, and everyone at Catherine House’s thoughts remain with the person who was taken unwell.

Catherine House residents at the Shepton Mallet Carnival, enjoying the lights and watching the floats go by.

Once things moved on, family member Paul Graham shared how much he was enjoying his first carnival with Catherine House, immediately asking when the next one might be. Ruby, meanwhile, spent much of the evening looking out for “a nice young man!”

Debbie, Catherine House’s chef of more than twenty years, wasn’t there this time, though she often speaks fondly of carnival nights in years gone by. Malcolm, now a family member at Catherine House and once Debbie’s neighbour ‘back-in-the-day’, also recalled how regularly he used to go. With this being the 60th anniversary, the night felt especially meaningful.

There was a quiet sense of pride among the team too. Sharon, the home’s Activity Co-ordinator, was delighted to spot her granddaughter performing with the Enigma Majorette Group. Watching the group go by, batons twirling, younger children following behind with their pom poms, brought a gentle reminder of the connections between generations.

Catherine House, based in Frome, Somerset, continues to support family members to stay involved in the local traditions that matter to them. The Shepton Mallet Carnival is one of those moments, and the connection will continue next month when the Enigma Majorette Group visit Catherine House on 14 December.

For further information, visit www.catherinehousecarehome.com or contact support@catherinehousecarehome.com .