GGLC members have several opportunities each year to picnic together. These are at a variety of locations as follows :- the NSPCCs charity musical evening at Highnam Court is in parkland, on the Oxford punting day it is by the river, for the Rounders Match it is on Mitchinhampton Common, whereas the August Picnic is usually in the Forest of Dean. However, this years August Picnic was held in a garden. The reason for the change of venue was that Gay West had invited us to their own picnic, which, for the second year running, was in the fine garden of an old house in the County of South Gloucestershire. As the dates of Gay West's and the GGLC were the same, it was decided not to hold a separate one this year.
The change of venue was most fortunate, as it had adequate shelter from the rain and drizzle which could have blighted our day, and might have meant that a kindly member of our Group had to invite us to feast in his home, had we still been in the Forest.
The shelter, a lean-to-roofed patio, kept us dry and stopped our food from getting soggy. Our hosts had already set out sturdy tables and seating which saved our portable seating from getting wet!
The venue was well (and brightly) signed to on the roadway, and Gay West members kindly directed us to the numerous free parking places in the grounds.
It was amazing that so many people from both groups attended, despite the wet weather. There were some members who, when confronted with the closure of the A46 south of Painswick were undeterred and sought alternative routes.
We were helped to warm up by the copious, free, freshly made tea and coffee which Gay West members waitered to our tables, as well as extra food. To add to the fun, there was a raffle.
To persuade us to actively explore the enormous garden, Gay West had devised a "treasure hunt" like quiz. We were issued with sheets of paper that asked us to find several sculptural pieces, according to given clues, scattered around. However, we had to keep the quiz sheets covered to stop them getting damp and falling apart! The sculptural items included statues, figurines in tableaux and even a 'pond' made out of coloured glass, plus artistically decorative pieces.
The garden has several sections set out like rooms on the sloping site, looking out onto the Severn Vale. The walls are formed by hedges and fences. It had very well thought out plantings of different shrubs, trees and flowers.
As a contrast to all the cheery hustle and bustle of the shelter, near by was an enclosed traditional Japanese Garden that was an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Each of it's features had a spiritual meaning or purpose.
Ambling (or trolling, as Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick might have put it) around the garden encouraged extra social intercourse amongst the picnickers of the two groups. It also helped to burn off some of the calories from the sumptuous picnic food! If we had been in the Forest, energy would have been expended playing ball games and in trying to fish the balls out of the lake with a stick!
GGLC members Melvin and John came out eventually as winners of the quiz.
The wet weather and poor light probably prevented the taking of any photos of that magnificent garden to show those who could not attend. It is a pity as they could have been part of the display boards at that other great eating together, the Annual Dinner.
I would be happy to return to the garden, even on an open visiting day, as it must look even more spectacular in the sunshine, and change with the seasons. Nevertheless, there was plenty of sunny spiritedness on that day with good humour and cheer, despite the weather.
I have forgotten to say that there were proper, flushing toilets, so no need to hide behind a bush to relieve oneself!
Thanks to Gay West for all that they did to make the Picnic a great experience. Thanks also, to the owners of the garden for letting us visit and use it's facilities.
Everyone enjoy the autumn whenever, however, and wherever you can, to get ready for the winter.
Best wishes from Uncle Dave