The event, at Charles Kernan Reserve on the corner of Abercrombie and Shepherd streets, was attended by 50 volunteers and their families, each of whom received a hand-painted gift bag (thanks to the talented artists at the Orchard Gallery) with a lucky gate ticket, SSH quiz, a limited edition SSH pencil, a notebook (for story ideas) and a copy of the May issue.
Quiz questions highlighted the history of the neighbourhood, and striking features of the park and community food garden (Charlie’s Garden). We learned there are 74 round stepping stones leading to the children’s play area, and two citrus trees, lemon and cumquat.
Aunty Norma Ingram gave a warm Welcome to Country, sharing the Wiradjuri greeting, “Yaama”, which expresses deep respect. Lunch was provided by Barn Doors Cafe, Redfern – delicious Turkish bread sandwiches and muffins. Julie and Damien Patterson set up the cold drinks station.
Merry activities included three-legged races, egg-and-spoon races, backwards running, sack races and quoits. A frantic balloon-bursting competition saw volunteer contributors, distributors and publishers (members of the South Sydney Uniting Church) running, hopping, squealing and laughing in circles.
Thanks to Gary Fishburn for bringing essential props for the races. Pat Clarke and Gabrielle Brine embodied hospitality and helped with the presentation of prizes donated by our sponsors Hum On King, Omafiets Dutch Bicycles and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
A picnic in a local park seems ideal for future SSH events. It was wonderful to see so many children enjoying the day, as well as volunteers meeting and mixing in a relaxed setting. The close proximity of the memorial bench for our founding editor Trevor Davies was certainly apt.
To all our fabulous volunteers, thank you so much!
