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When meeting up take sensible precautions. Meet in a public place and let others know where you are going.

Original poster

Central London children's picnic - Sat Sept 11th

151 replies

binkie · 12/07/2004 18:09

As discussed at today's Cityslickers lunch, we thought it might be nice to organise an all-mners-welcome picnic, with partners & especially with kids, somewhere central, to start off the new school year. Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens was our first idea (Diana Memorial Playground being the obvious draw), but could also consider Regent's Park perhaps?

So, who's interested? Imagine we'd all bring picnic for our own, plus something to share - say enough for another 6 people.

If it's a goer, any ideas about how to deal with risk of rain? I think, though not sure, that the Diana park doesn't have a function room. Anyone know different, or of somewhere parky & central that does? Paddington Rec?

OP posts:
Kayleigh · 05/09/2004 19:21

lydialemon, my dh is coming. He came to the mumsnet summer party and now there's no stopping him

twick · 05/09/2004 20:31

Dp won't come, just me and dd.

Do we have any clear idea of numbers? I just wondered which room is booked at Coram's as one is quite a bit smaller than the other ...

melsy · 05/09/2004 21:14

Lookee likee Ill miss another lovely meet up , am not destined too may be .Im crappola with dates (in my 1st year motherhood senility)and I have a Vedding in newcastle and will be taking a long drive home from there on sat. Have a lovely time everyone , post LOTS of piccies and save me some cake. xx

lydialemon · 05/09/2004 21:21

Kayleigh - That's good! DH has been given no choice in the matter, but I think he's a bit apprehensive about being with lots of strange women.... I've told him he's in charge of the kids anyway, so I can 'circulate'!

Original poster
binkie · 05/09/2004 21:25

Twick, it's the Band Room, which is the big one. But no, no clear idea of numbers, just that 27 MNers have said they like the idea & haven't subsequently posted to say can't come. Actually I think 25+ family groups feels like an ideal number for the room.

The idea was to have a fairly spontaneous & run-itself kind of event - no pressure to turn up, or that last-minuters wouldn't be welcome.

OP posts:
Original poster
binkie · 05/09/2004 21:27

Maybe this is the right moment to say I would really love a few helping hands between about 12 and 12.30 for setting up tables. Anyone?

OP posts:
lydialemon · 05/09/2004 21:45

I'll try binkie, but I've never been to Coram's Fields before, so I'm not sure how long it's going to take me to get there, especially on public transport. But I will try!

Batters · 06/09/2004 08:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

biketastic · 06/09/2004 09:00

CAn we come?
I'd love to help- but it is kindof lunchtime in the biketastic house at 12noon precisley. DS gets his nappy in a twist if we put it off.
Maybe Dh could do lunch and I could come and help then he could come down later...
will let you know. Just seen this thread and am not busy nest saturday.
How exciting!
DS is one, and I've never met anyone from MN befpre. Does everyone wear a carnation and have a funny phrase to identify themselves??

lydialemon · 06/09/2004 09:47

Thanks Batters!

Good point biketastic. Has anyone any ideas on MN identification? In the past I've used balloons, I think red ribbon has been mentioned too. Although if we all head to the Band Room first any late arrivals would just have to look for the huge crowd of parents and kids!

twick · 06/09/2004 10:10

Really sorry but I don't think I'll be able to get there for 12-12.30pm, maybe closer to 1 or 1.30 and will be more than willing to hump tables as soon as I arrive!

lydialemon · 06/09/2004 15:12

just bumping this up!

Original poster
binkie · 06/09/2004 15:12

No problem Twick - was just a general plea!

As to identification, anytime up to 12, look for a mum in a corner near the Band Room trying not to look eccentric blowing up balloons while a very bouncy ds (5) and dd (3) caper about. Thereafter, just make for the Band Room - on past experience, it is completely obvious when you've found the group.

There was a suggestion of having badges available (so that you could identify MNers once out in the playgrounds), but I haven't heard further from Carrie/Justine so don't know if there will be. I suspect they mightn't have got used anyway.

OP posts:
memum · 06/09/2004 15:14

Thanks for bumbping this one to the top! Got the info. Will try to make it!

memum · 06/09/2004 15:15

sorry can't spell!

frogs · 07/09/2004 18:44

Another shameless bump.

Binkie -- what time are you planning to be there? I'll try and come early, but ds is starting cricket (!) that morning, and by the time he's home, changed and we're all on the road again, it probably won't be that early.

Anything else particular you'd like us to bring?

Kayleigh · 07/09/2004 19:00

frogs, if you need a hand with your little one I'll be there. Think we bonded very well today

IlanaK · 07/09/2004 19:08

I am definately coming (posted to say this previously so don't count me twice!) with my dh and 2 sons. HOwever, I am in desperate need of a hair cut and the only time I could get an appointment is sat morning. So we may be a bit late.

A couple of questions:

What type of food would you like us to bring as the "extra"?

I have never been there before so if we are late, should we head straight to the band room to leave food, or should we find people in the playground?

Are there toilets? (I have a newly potty trained ds!)

Metrobaby · 07/09/2004 19:29

I'm coming too Binkie and I'll try and get there at 12 to help set up. If I am unable too (may be bf ds) - I'll order DH to do help

swanny · 07/09/2004 20:40

I haven't been on any MN meet ups before but am going to take the plunge with dd (4). Will there be any other kids her age?

Original poster
binkie · 07/09/2004 22:27

Lots of questions! Here goes:

  • frogs, I think I'll be there from about 11.30. I can't really think of anything special we need - I'll bring some balloons for party atmosphere, stickers in case people want to use them as badges, binbags for clearing up ...

  • ilanak: food as the "extra" - could be anything really - a quiche, some fruit, iced gems, I was thinking maybe some jelly. Ds/dd's school does this: the fun is in the lucky dip. If you're late I am sure there will be people in & out of the Band Room throughout the afternoon (it's ours till 6) so I would start there. Toilets: yes, lots - baby-changing; special set of loos (near Band Room) for under-5s; and then more usual gents & ladies (not quite so salubrious) over the other side;

  • swanny: my dd is a pretty grown-up nearly-4 (next month) and hugely friendly.

Metrobaby, can't wait to see the little one again (and meet your dh!)

OP posts:
Lasvegas · 08/09/2004 13:43

I am still coming with DD 21 months old. First time mumsnett meeting so V excited!

Lasvegas · 08/09/2004 13:43

I am still coming with DD 21 months old. First time mumsnett meeting so V excited!

aelita · 08/09/2004 15:25

Hoping to bring self, DH and 8-month DS - looking forward ro it!

IlanaK · 08/09/2004 19:31

Anyone seen the weather forecast? Its not looking good for the weekend. Is there much undercover there?

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