The Big Lunch and more.
Sunday 12th June 2016
A really good day had today. An early start down to the Olive to collect plants before onto The Charteris Centre for The Big lunch.
As we prepared our handouts and set up our table cohesion grew. Lange (Club73) saw an opportunity to help and 3 car loads later(yes, 3!) our plant offerings resembled something rather decadent given the array of choice on offer. Veggies, flowers, we had it all! Thanks for everything you contributed Lange.
John set up inside with the system for background music, an open plan tent went up with community food offerings and we were in business. A crafting table was set up in the foyer, which due to timing was dominating with our kids creating amazing father`s day cards, and Dom got to work in the kitchen making delicious flat-breads that were freshly cooked on a rocket by Louise for all to enjoy. Thanks to John, Dom and Louise.
As is the way of these events the crowd was as broad as it was long. Diverse, inclusive and overwhelmingly community spirited. Every arrival met with the enthusiasm of a long lost friend and every moment witnessed a community strengthen in its togetherness. We even had the coolest nuns in Peterborough show up, although they did form a tag team to commandeer the newest friend of the Olive, Bodhi. Thankfully Bodhi`s calm and collected so he took it all in stride. Catherine and Monica, you are amazing and we love you.
Sandra adopted photography duties with fantastic enthusiasm, so moments were caught to be treasured forever. Klayr buzzed around everything being the Klayr we know and love, caring for everyone and committed as we`ve learned to expect. Thanks to Sandra and Klayr.
I could go on and on, but to conclude I have to pay homage to Tessa. It`s personal, kind of, but if you know Tessa you know what I mean. There are people in life the sun positively shines out of. Thank you for shining on me.
Thought this day was over? Think again!
Back to the Olive for a wonderful girl`s birthday party. Car park packed I knew off the bat something good was brewing.
Peter and Linda were throwing an incredibly fun party for the youngest of their special girls. You have to know this couple to process what they`re capable of....anything! This party even had ducklings and baby chickens... This is the Olive Garden after all.
We bbq`d through the late day rain, had the best tug of war I`ve seen in 47 years and watched a helium filled balloon take flight at a rate to take your breath away (sorry birthday girl, we`ll get you another).
To finish we all packed up our wet, mucky, smiling children and went off in our separate directions, knowing we cannot wait to get back.
That was my June 12th 2016.
What are you doing tomorrow?
