For our Lee Green WI summer picnic this year, on Sunday 26th July, the forecast broke the trend as we didn’t have to worry about the possibility of it being rained off! We enjoyed glorious sunshine, with fizz and cakes provided by the committee, and members sharing their delightful array of picnic snacks.
We even had to set up camp in the shade under the neighbouring trees as our lovely oak tree couldn’t provide enough respite shade for all of our throng. (We look forward to its leaf canopy expanding to accommodate our annual gathering!)
We all had lots of chats, laughter and refreshment sharing, which evidently looked enough fun for a lady walking past to stop and watch us with a big smile on her face! When I explained we were the Lee Green WI, she said she was from out of town, but was so delighted by the unusual sight of seeing so many ladies ‘of a certain age’ out having fun together that it had made her day! She left feeling inspired to check out her local WI branch!
We were also lucky to have a youthful guest join us! Nathalie Holloway (formerly of this parish as she used to go to Brindishe school!) is now doing her PhD research at Hull University on community drought awareness / preparedness (very appropriate for the summer we’ve had this year). This has included looking at National WI archives & oral histories about the droughts of 1934 and 1976. She was very grateful to have the chance to chat to members at our picnic about any current adaptations this Summer, as well as past memories and experiences of water saving, and thoughts as to what could make a difference.
Hopefully she’ll be able to come and visit us at a meeting at Brindishe when she’s Dr Nathalie, and tell us more about her PhD findings and conclusions.
“Thanks for a cheerful summer event with shade options available… I much enjoyed it so thanks to all the organisers and bakers!”
“What a blast! Thank you for organising. Amazing afternoon!”
“Thank you for the fizz, cake and company! A lovely afternoon.”
“Many thanks for a great social event and exceptional company.”
“Thanks for a splendid afternoon.”
“Thank you all so much for a really gorgeous afternoon, fantastic company, lovely food and good weather. Perfection.”