Residents At Dell Field Court Return To The 1950s To Celebrate National Picnic Month

Residents from Dell Field Court residential home in Finchley, run by local charity The Fremantle Trust, joined children from Smile and Shine Nursery at Victoria Park for a special feast this week to mark National Picnic Month.

The Trust’s leisure and lifestyle manager, Fiona Swynnerton, came up with an intergenerational culinary theme to take residents on a nostalgic journey, while the children brought their favourite food and told the residents all about it.

The residents’ 1950s themed picnic included boiled eggs, pork pies, custard tarts and tea in flasks, while the children tucked into a more contemporary spread of sandwiches, and fresh fruit as well as pizza. The authentic setting for a classic picnic was recreated with a wicker basket, crochet blankets and finely decorated crockery.

The afternoon was not only a chance to celebrate the Great British Summertime and our nation’s love of picnics, but an opportunity to bring people from the local community together to enjoy time sharing stories and learning about each other’s lives.

The picnic was rounded off with a fun-filled game of cricket and residents watched the children play on the swings.

Commenting on the event, Fiona Swynnerton said: “What better way to mark National Picnic Month than by bringing generations together to enjoy their favourite treats? We always have a lovely time with the children from Smile and Shine who bring so much joy and help residents to reconnect with happy memories.”

Mani Spratt, manager of Smile and Shine, added: “This was a brilliant day for the children and made coming to the park extra fun because they could interact with the older people.”