FRIENDS SCHEME
30/09/11 12:25
BIG PICNIC
11/09/11 12:33
An unexpectedly beautiful September day greeted us for the 2011 Big Picnic. The tractor rides were back this year, welcomed by all those carrying their picnics out to the Downs. On the foraging walk, we found out about the many delicious foods we can enjoy making from the bushes we walk past - often alcoholic! Nigel's sample of the elderberry wine was a great hit, along with the apple press, giving us fresh apple juice. Craft abounded with pencil making, corn dolly making, and whistle making - and even the chance to learn how to make fire by friction. Our pond experts filled us in on the wonders of eels and caddis, and there was plenty of chance to run around with the parachute and the baleball. The really wild quiz got our heads scratching over what actually does live here, and Andy's antiquarium proved a wonderful little world to ponder over. And we were sustained by the lovely bacon butties and tea and cakes provided by many willing volunteers. So many local people played a part to make a relaxed enjoyable afternoon out on the Steyning Downland Scheme - it always leaves me smiling.
