The Lord Mayor’s Picnic in the Park

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Jackie Drayton) invited Sheffield to come along to join her in a “Picnic in the Park” Sunday, 13th May 2007, 1.00pm-3.00pm Abbeyfield Park, to celebrate her year in office.

At the Lord Mayor’s request the picnic created a gentle old-fashioned village fete atmosphere with deckchairs, strawberries and cream, tea tent, brass band, traditional music and dance and some activities for children. Unfortunately the sun refused to comply and drizzle at noon gradually developed into a down pour.

Spirits weren’t dampened however; deckchairs were brought under cover and the brass band and singers were enthusiastically received by about 100 people who braved the elements to attend. Betty’s tea tent proved as popular as ever and the strawberries and cream sold out.

Students from the Events Management Practical module of the Leisure Management foundation degree course, worked with the Lord Mayor in the planning, marketing and organisation of the event

The Lord Mayor said before the event:

“I have met such wonderful people from all over Sheffield; I thought how nice it would be for them to meet each other. My “Picnic in the Park” is an opportunity for this to happen; for me to say thank you for all the help and support I’ve had during my year of office and for me to say goodbye. I do hope people will come along with family and friends and bring food – perhaps with a little to share – meet new people and have a good time!”

A collection was taken in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund which is supporting a local domestic violence/abuse project that helps children; the Cavendish Cancer Care Centre which is an alternative treatment centre for cancer patients and their families; and the Kashmir Education Trust which is raising money to rebuild a girls’ residential regional school in Bagh, Kashmir, to be renamed “The Sheffield Girls’ School”. £123.98 was donated on the day.