Way back the the nineteen fifties my extended family had a lot of family picnics. We used to go to Laughton Forest, a beauty spot about ten miles from home. Back seats of cars were a bit squashed as everyone heaped into two or three cars and off we would all go. Each mum packed a picnic for her own brood but everyone just helped themselves from each others' sandwiches and cakes and very little food was taken home uneaten.
Move forward sixty years and the children who pigged out on sandwiches now form the oldest generation of the family. We seem to meet up very rarely. Back in 2011 my cousins came to my sister's funeral as we meet at all family funerals but I took a decision - funerals are not the best place to catch up.
And so in 2012 I organised our first family picnic for over fifty years. Of twenty cousins only thirteen remain. Some live some considerable distance away, even overseas. Sadly there have been arguments and although I am in the happy position of being in some sort of communication with all my cousins not everyone is still on speaking terms with everyone else. In 2012 six cousins and twelve other relations met up. Since then death and divorce have taken their toll and some people just couldn't come but yesterday four cousins and four others met up at Clumber Park.
I'm glad we don't just meet up for funerals now.
Move forward sixty years and the children who pigged out on sandwiches now form the oldest generation of the family. We seem to meet up very rarely. Back in 2011 my cousins came to my sister's funeral as we meet at all family funerals but I took a decision - funerals are not the best place to catch up.
 |
| Four cousins |
I'm glad we don't just meet up for funerals now.
You took me back, remembering lots of family gatherings from my childhood. Looks like a great family gathering.
ReplyDeletewe used to have a huge family picnic at my great-grandmother's birthday in July. Of course, G-Grandma went on to glory and left us all her to picnic without her which went on for a while. Same thing -- death, divorce and unfortunate grudges divided the group and while I think some still gather, most don't. Sad. But you look like you had a wonderful time -- four is better than none -- and yes, much better than at a funeral!
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely photo, Mary. Such a shame that the group is down to 4 now, but as has been said, 4 is better than none and it was a great idea to organise a family get-together while it was still possible.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely photo, Mary. Such a shame that the group is down to 4 now, but as has been said, 4 is better than none and it was a great idea to organise a family get-together while it was still possible.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for inviting family to gather together again. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for inviting family to gather together again. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDelete