A Picnic in the Park
During the school holidays there was always a planned trip to Heaton Park. The park just appeared as if from nowhere as on the other side of the road opposite the entrance were a row of shops including a hairdresser, a bakery and a TV Rental and sales shop. This park is still there to this day, but whether or not it would be the same as in the memory, is doubtful. This park, in a Manchester suburb has two main entrances. The gates were always wide open and going into the park the rhododendron bushes which were always covered in bright purple flowers greeted everyone.
The green painted benches were on both sides of the road which wound its way as far as the car park. The Hall complete with its orangery always looked a little sad, as if it realised it was a little shabby and could do with a little painting to spruce it up. The peacocks with their wonderful plumage displayed for all to see wandered around within their allotted area.
Past these and down to the lake where both rowing boats and skiffs could be hired, and for those wanting a less strenuous activity small motor boats were also available. Most people went in a motor boat and chugged around the island in the middle of the lake until a voice with a mega-horn shouted “come in No. 3 – your time is up” when reluctantly they drove back to the shore.
There was always a picnic and tartan rugs were spread on the grass and everything was pulled out of the wicker hamper. There was always far too much food, and a flask full of hot coffee which was always the best part. Why, when going on a picnic is it assumed that everyone will eat twice as much as normal? Perhaps it is something to do with being in the open air and thinking that everyone will be hungry. Whatever the reasoning, there was always a huge amount taken home and then eaten as toasted sandwiches for supper.
Gradually once everyone had finished eating everything was packed away again, and then there was the debate as to whether to play “crazy golf”. It seemed like a good idea at the time but then everyone became irritated when granddad kept missing completely and insisted that everyone had to wait for him. Eventually when finished they would wander back out of the park, and past the same shops again. The hairdressers, bakery and TV Rental shop were still open and while mother went into the bakers for some cream cakes the children stood outside the TV Rental shop watching the different programmes which were being shown. Once everyone was ready they then made their way home after another happy day out.