An account of the Twinning picnic held at the home of Chris and Pete Marshall in September 2006. Written by Joyce Needs.

“On Sunday, 17th September, 2006 at 3pm a picnic was held for Ballon Twinning members, in Billinghay, at Pete and Chris Marshall’s, on one of their fields by a small lake.

"A competition was held for the best decorated picnic table – this didn’t include the food. It was judged by the next-door neighbour of the Marshalls and was won by Terry and Marjorie Richards along with David and Joyce Needs with a French theme.

"The picnic food, then eaten, was provided by the people attending.

"We were then entertained by a group with John and Mary Pycock and Neil and Jan French singing country style songs and guitar playing. The picnickers joined them in some of the songs.

"During the course of the event, a canoe on the lake was upturned by John and Mary’s nephew, Matthew Thompson, whilst messing about along with a few more people on the lake, causing some amusement.

"The picnic finished in the early evening. We were lucky with the weather and it was enjoyed by all who attended.”