Our first Teddy Bear's Picnic started 21 years ago. In those days there were not many things done for the children. We camped at East Stoke, a nice quiet site, just as well! We had the usual jelly, ice cream and an abundance of Teddy Bears. Afterwards plenty of games - rounders, the wet tarpaulin and tug of war (before the Health and Safety rules applied). A great shame as it was a lot of fun. We also played team games, passing various objects, balloons, soap, coal with only our feet.  In the evening a communal BBQ and disco, some adults dressed in Teddy Bear suits. All was going well until the sight of flashing blue lights coming up the field oh dear! A neighbour had thought we were gypsies having a party, mind some people did look a sorry sight, yours truly tied up in a sleeping bag on the floor! The Police had stopped off on the way home and were relieved to find we were harmless (a few were legless!). They stopped for a coffee and chat. Hence the first Teddy Bears Picnic plaque has a teddy bear and Police car on it. We had many years at East Stoke then changed site to Woodgreen near Fordingbridge on the edge of the river. After a trip abroad Ray had seen a festival of lights origami style floats with night lights sailing down a stream so we copied the idea.
. In the daytime we would have swimming races in the river, dingy boats and surf boards came into use as well. The usual games and jellies afterwards. We camped there for several years with good memories of jelly fights and scaffolding falling down, unfortunately the site was sold. In 1999 we went to Carringtons site where we incorporated crab racing and see who could catch the most. It was back breaking job for me to count the hundreds of crabs and then set them free. They all lived to be caught another day. Wigbeth was another site we used, it wasnt ideal as the lake had too much wildlife. We then found Witherington Farm, a perfect site, a large net at the bridge to stop any floats and also for duck racing. Things progressed to Diane and helpers doing workshops in the morning with the children painting, glueing and making their floats with much trial and error in and out of the water to test them out.  I must admit the men are far worse, we had all sorts of craft, some worthy of Sunseeker, others just blocks of wood or beer plastic bottles tied together. The competitive nature amongst them was rife. One year Jayne made a fantastic swan, it looked regal floating down the stream that is until the night lights set it on fire. Mind you it did cause a nice glow! We have camped ever since at Witherington and it has certainly progressed from the first one. I think I've only missed one of these meets where do the years go? We now have to make it a booked meet as it is so popular It was hard work for the stewards and helpers but worth every second. I've some great memories of the comical things that have happened over the years, long may it continue.

Sandra Cripps (26.11.1950 - 13.03.2011) Will always be in our thoughts.