In the words of W. Somerset Maugham “There are few things so pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort”
No cucumber unsliced, no camp chair unfolded, no pop bottle uncorked at the first Kirkby on Bain village picnic last summer (August 18). At 1.45, the school field looked just like any other day, except for some bunting, a table and a couple of chairs, but within an hour or so about thirty villagers, undaunted by the KoB wasp brigade, were happily tucking in to traditional English picnic grub and chatting to friends and neighbours.
The idea, suggested by Margaret Dewrance, was inspired by a similar event in a French village a few years ago. It had a lot going for it – no complicated arrangements or red tape, just bring your own picnic and spend a pleasant afternoon in good company. We were lucky though – the sun came out just on time after an overcast morning.
Since we packed up our empty picnic baskets, we have had some really good feedback on this initiative, and even a welcome offer of an alternative venue for next year, so it looks like the event is set to become a local tradition.
Apart from Margaret D, thanks go to school caretaker Ron who made the field safe for us, the Parish Council who gave us their full support, the Brocklesby Trust, and those who distributed the flyers, designed by Penny Stones and printed by John Dudley.
Let’s do it all again next year!
Click on the photo montage to view full size in a new window.
Peter Dewrance 