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The Big Picnic

 

August 24th was Olympic Handover day, when the Olympic baton was handed over to

the UK from China. To celebrate this West Sussex County Council set up an Arts partnership between themselves, local communities and their district councils. Seven picnics were organised around the County, and live performances were given to each of the picnics. Angmering was fortunate in being selected to host the event for Arun.

 

Ragroof Theatre gave us a wonderful dance theatre performance using the music from the 1940s – 1960s. They arrived in the pouring rain at 8.30.am and began to set up the bandstand and the dance floor.  By 1.30.pm the sun had come out and the picnickers had arrived. It was such a wonderful afternoon, ending with the audience joining the performers and doing their own Strictly Come Dancing routine. The children joined in as well, and it was a lovely sight seeing the children dancing in the middle whilst the adults danced in a circle around them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ragroof brought with them a Reminiscence booth with photos, films, sound archive material based on the memories of people who lived through the 1940s – 60s which was an additional attraction.

 

There is a plan to create a four year programme of arts activities throughout West Sussex, and to follow-up the energy which was created around the County on that one day.

 

But the day would not have happened if it had not been for the energies of the Angmering Community Association Team which organised the event, along with help from St. Margarets Church, Angmering Parish Council, individuals like Gill Scott and Pam Grist, and a member of the Arun Youth Council. It is a wonder that we managed such a big event with such success, including picking up dog’s mess from the field before the event, and gathering all the rubbish bags for collection afterwards. Is there no end to our talents! Many thanks to Pat Storey, Neil Austine, Mark Woods, Val Jerram for their outstandingly practical help and to you all for being there. It wouldn’t have happened without you!   Carole Mason. Co-ordinator.ACA

 

Thanks to Lorna Brown,  Paul Ackerley, Karen Howard and all the team from West Sussex CC. Deborah Urqhuart and the Events and Cultural Events team from Arun District Council. St. Margarets Church for the electricity and keys to the bollards, Angmering Parish Council for support and a grant towards the costs.