THE BIG PICNIC 2024

We all held our breath, but the weather didn’t let us down – it was warm, but cloud cover ensured the sun was not unbearably hot. The back garden gradually filled up and our best garden party yet, started. 

The result of nearly a year’s planning, the co-ordination of GEGRA Committee members with our Building Manager Matthew and his terrific team of helpers, who volunteered on the day, ensured everything went to plan.

The garden quickly filled with people ranging in ages from a three-week-old baby to Residents in their nineties. Many of our young professionals joined us, so this was a brilliant opportunity for everyone to meet their neighbours in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Families with children were again catered for with a variety of games to keep their children amused and the services of Dave the balloon artist from Symply Balloons, who with a few twists and turns, effortlessly produced a variety of crowns, lovable animals and duelling swords for the children to choose from and enjoy throughout the afternoon.

Committee member Marcelle arranged a delightful musical programme starting with the renowned Ted Emmett Jazz Musician and vocalist who got everyone tapping their feet; then later in the afternoon the London International Orchestra Quartet performed a soothing programme of popular classical pieces which made relaxing listening. Later in the afternoon Ted Emmett returned crooning some popular classics.

A running food and drinks buffet ensured that nobody went hungry and for those with more sophisticated taste – the amazing Soul Stirrer Bar – back by popular demand, were there again to bring us “cocktails that shake your spirit”

The Rt Worshipful, The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Robert Rigby, turned up at 2pm as promised looking very regal with his chain of office and went round speaking to most of those present.  In honour of his visit we will be supporting his chosen charity The Cardinal Hume Centre, supporting local young people and families escape homelessness in Westminster. The Lord Mayor was very impressed with the gardens and wonderful community at GEG, seeing so many people of different ages and backgrounds together in the garden.

The afternoon came to an end with the Big Raffle! An ‘humendous’, amount of great raffle prizes had been donated with the top prize of an Antique Patchwork Quilt from the Antique Textiles Company again being won by Laure. Last year it was a winter weight – this year a summer weight – so Laure now has a complete set! We do thank all those for their wonderful support in giving such worthwhile prizes;

• Antique Textiles Company • C&T Electrical • Elan Lifts • Go Travel • 

• Hart Dixon Building & Project Management • Hummingbird Bakery • Luke Ormsbey Hair• 

• Martin Property Maintenance •  Rendall & Rittner Residents Club • Welbeck Plumbing • Winkworth Lettings •

Some 180 people attended representing 80 flats. We more than covered our costs and in fact made a profit of £500 – part of which will go towards the mayor’s charity. This terrific result is due in no small way to Kelly who did sterling work with raffle ticket sales! 

Everyone grabbed their re-cycling bag and cleared away their own rubbish leaving the garden in a pristine condition so you wouldn’t know what fun had taken place. Once again, I would like to thank the staff who volunteered their time to help on the day and in the build up and our sponsors GEHL and Aspire Homes.

To sum up I would like to share with you a letter Matthew received from Miss Symons, a resident of the block since 1961, the day after the party. The GEGRA Picnic on Sunday was Miss Symons first outing out of her flat in 5 years. It was wonderful to see her in the garden with friends again, and meeting so many new residents on the day.

Dear Matthew

Many thanks to you and your colleagues for organising the Grove End Gardens, Garden Party. It was a great event – lovely food, and the Prosecco was the icing on the cake! It was so nice to see so many residents, including children getting together and enjoying themselves – a wonderful afternoon. Last, but not least, the garden looked beautiful.

Thanks again,

April Symons.

Sadley April passed peacefully away two days later. To remember Miss Symons, members of the GEGRA Committee will be donating and planting her favourite flower – Tulips – in the garden at the next Daffodil Challenge in October.

Any GEGRA member wishing to become involved in helping to organise future events, do please let me know.

Linda Diamond – Hon Sec

web.gegra@gmail.com