Connecting the community

Mother-of-three Anna Theron, who was on the organising committee, said: “We had a lovely time and everyone soldiered on, in spite of the rain.

“It was super to see people surfacing with tarpaulins and all sort of things to create make-shift shelters.”

Anna, a full-time mum and part-time accountant – added: “We had the real deal picnic-wise – everyone brought something. We had cucumber sandwiches and salmon and dill sandwiches as well as pork pies and scotch eggs.

“We had lots of finger food and someone made some beautiful fairy cakes.

“There was a big drinks bucket for the kids and jugs of Pimms for the adults.

“It was a really, really festive atmosphere.”

The children took part in various races including egg-and-spoon, three-legged and balloon-popping.

They played hopscotch, football and skipped rope.

When the drizzle started, everyone gathered under the gazebos for a quiz about the Queen, hat competition and raffle.

Anna said: “It was lovely to meet new neighbours we don’t usually see. It really brought us together as a community and we’re starting to build up a network of people’s skills and organise play dates with children who go to different schools.

“The kids made birthday cards for the Queen and we’ll send them off next week.”