The picnic event started when our children were small and we wanted to have a party, but they couldn't stay up late and we couldn't afford it - so we invited all our friends to a picnic instead.  That was over thirty five years ago and it has snowballed. 2009 was the twenty-eighth year since we officially started inviting "anybody".  each year we send out invites to our Christmas Card List and anyone foolish enough to leave their address in the Picnic Guest Book - and then wait to see who arrives.    The basic RULES OF THE PICNIC are set out that the bottom of this page. Immediately below is a bit about the event and then a listing of who attended the last one - and some pictures.

THE ANNUAL PICNIC 2010

Was held at
 RUNNYMEDE
SUNDAY 6th JUNE 2010

2010 REPORT......
Fantastic weather - a little cloud cover to keep us cool, but loads of blue sky and sunshine too.  Eighty-two of us plus an Alsatian dog named "Oakley" and The Radio London toy moose named "Moosie", met for another Grand Annual Picnic at Runnymede. .

The Radio London pirate crew were out in force again - with a decorated pirate gazebo - which they tried to claim a prize for, but we hadn't actually set up a competition so they didn't get one. Perhaps next year?  They were Chris, Mary, Dave, Pauline, Penny, George and Alan - with skull and cross bone flags, pirate T-Shirts, and plastic skull and cross bones' hanging all over the place.

There were several charabanc loads from Hitchin; Dave & Lesley brought Matthew and Emma ; Suj brought Maree and Lloyd ; and Emma Victoria brought Scarlett and Dexter; while Shirley came on her own.  The Letchworth/Baldock representation was scarcer this year.  Eric, Chris and Alan arrived together and we were pleased to see Richard & Stephanie for the first time at a picnic. Heather and Sue - inseparable as ever - were there too.

Rich, Liz, James, Matthew and Baby David arrived quite early and were joined by Rich's cousin Ben who had cycled all the way from Putney.   Sally & Jono got there early too - just beating June & Peter.  David & Anne-Marie brought Liz & Deano, Debbie & Darrel and Lee & Lisa.  Ray & Mel came with Vanessa & Steve; Chloe & Will with Kaira and Lewis (5 weeks old) and Emma, her boyfriend and baby Max..   Gordon & Apu brought a huge entourage comprising Anjana & Jas with Aman & Anyah, plus Jas's Mum & Dad - Inderjit and Sarab.  They also brought Irish Annie along - great to see her after a gap of several years. They also brought along Noriko and her daughter Aya, and Sachiko and her daughter Sofia.

Jane & Mark brought Rose and new baby Amber (7 weeks old) ; they also brought Ruth and Jacque & Olivia.  Chrissie brought her son Paul and two brothers Peter and Paul.  Lesley & John brought themselves and if you also add in Roger & Fran you should get to eighty-two picnickers.

ABOUT THE PICNIC.......

THE ANNUAL PICNIC RULES

This is a summer gathering - so be prepared for the British weather!  The venue used to change each year, but we now seem to have settled on Runnymede because it is easy to access, has parking (Pay & Display about £6) , toilets (free) , a little shop, nice scenery and a long wet bit called The River Thames.  We choose a date; tell people; and then wait to see who turns up.    The rules are very simple:

1.    Anybody can come - and they can bring anyone else they like.  Dogs, Grannies, and babies. We even had someone bring their dentist once !  To find us LOOK FOR THE PINK PIG (see below)

2.    Bring a picnic.  The selection is up to you. Some people are happy with a cheese sandwich, some like smoked salmon and champagne with a white tablecloth.  Recent years have seen a proliferation of gazebos and one year we even had one group who brought flowers in a vase to put on their table.  A word of warning - barbecues are not allowed at Runnymede.

3.    Be prepared for participating or watching - some people bring toys and games. Among the more unusual things people have brought in the past are a boat, a unicycle and flaming torches to juggle with !.  Inevitably someone brings a ball, but if you're not the sporty type, then there is always a bunch of people who "go for a walk"; and if you're like me then you'll want to stay with the gang who just lay on the grass and slowly get alcohol poisoning.

4.    Be sociable.  We don't mean friendly - although that's a useful behaviour too.  We mean have respect for other peoples space.  Runnymede Park has local byelaws which constrain - among other things - the playing of loud music and the lighting of fires.  Sadly this means a ban on barbecues - so your picnic will probably have to be cold.  Finally a word about poo. Although the Royal Park doesn't seem to mind the geese dumping huge poo's everywhere, they prefer not to allow dogs to do it - so if you bring a canine buddy, please clear up after it.

5.    Floating.  This site is right beside the River Thames and sometimes people bring their boats (ranging from floating gin palaces to inflatable canoes). This can be marvellous fun for the kids and most boats carry life jackets, but if in any doubt about whether your babies float,  bring some inflatable armbands or similar insurance !

6.    Sign the guestbook not mandatory, but it will ensure that you'll get invited again next year - and its helps the body count !