Every year the Summer Picnic in the Triangle is different, but having enjoyed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee theme last year, we thought the Queen’s Coronation might lend itself equally well as a theme for the children’s games this year. Having gathered together shiny toffee wrappers (the toffees were gallantly consumed solely for this occasion), kitchen foil, and other shiny gold and silver things a couple of evenings in advance, we made a sceptre, six crowns, and six diamond ‘eggs’ to balance on spoons, as well as putting together six sets of smart gear for visiting the Palace. On the day, the children were more than happy to jump over ropes wearing crowns and to act as ladies or pages in waiting, bringing much needed water to a very authentic looking freshly crowned Queen sitting on her throne holding her sceptre. There was also a ‘Pin the crown, or handbag, (or moustache!) on the Queen’ game, with the option of pinning crowns on the corgis for the smaller children. Finally, having already run the ‘Dress for the Palace’ race, the children were ready, sparkling and smart, for a royal procession which was led through the Triangle and cheered on by the adults.

Of course, our Summer Picnics are not usually this regal, and I think that next year’s theme is likely to turn to football, with the World Cup being played out in July 2014 in Brazil. Any suggestions of football related activities for the children, and possibly even the adults, would be gratefully received!
Suzanne Jessel

Note
The Summer Picnic is organised every year by the Association. It is an ideal opportunity for members to meet up with friends and neighbours, and get to know new residents. The fenced Triangle at the junction of Horniman Drive and Liphook Crescent (usually a restricted public space) is an ideal place for the children to play while the adults enjoy a glass or two of Pimms and a leisurely lunch, choosing from the mouth-watering array of savoury and sweet dishes people have brought along to share. This year, with temperatures soaring, the Triangle proved to be the perfect place to be, the leafy canopy from the mature trees providing a veritable oasis of cool!¬

It was not a promising start. The day of the Association’s firework party dawned anything but bright and clear – it was pouring with rain, and looked set to stay that way. But the fireworks, food and wine were bought, so there really was no alternative but to go ahead. There is a large covered area under the School for spectators, but this is small consolation if you happen to be one of the team of pyrotechnics! A start on setting up the display was made, but, as the rain continued to fall steadily, it was decided to reconvene later that day in the hope that the weather would improve.

We need not have feared. Eventually the rain eased off and, although somewhat later than planned, Association members were able to enjoy the mulled wine and traditional bonfire night fare: sausages, chicken in barbecue sauce, chilli con carne, homemade pizzas, spare-ribs, and mini-hamburgers as well as baked potatoes and salad. Vegetarians were not forgotten with an even more varied range of really delicious dishes this year. Then the pyrotechnic team took over and worked their magic. Despite the appalling weather conditions earlier in the day, their efforts resulted in a magnificent display of fireworks that was really appreciated by the 200 or so members who attended.

This annual event could not happen without the team responsible for both the lighting and fireworks display. However, there are many other people who make the event the success it has become, including the army of cooks willing to help provide that important hot food and warm mulled wine. Most importantly, we owe a huge vote of thanks to Julia Clark, Head Teacher of Horniman Primary School, for once again allowing us to hold the event in the school grounds.