Well over 200 children and parents came for a sociable and fun-filled picnic on Kingswood Park in Basildon yesterday.

Kids Inspire, along with Kerry – a Kids Inspire community volunteer – hosted its first summer picnic with the aim of attendees having the opportunity to:

• Meet new people

• Enjoy picnic refreshments 

• Take part in games & chats

• Find out more about the work of Kids Inspire in Basildon

The picnic was open to all ages and there was no need to pre-book.

Elizabeth Bayliss, Community Engagement Officer for Kids Inspire, said: “We had a bouncy castle and a racing ring, thanks to TNT Castles and face painting, thanks to Dee from Crazy Faces – Dee had a line up of super-patient kids ‎waiting from the moment she arrived until the very last moment of clearing up!

Elizabeth went on to thank Kerry, who worked tirelessly promoting and organising the picnic in Basildon: “The biggest thanks must go to Kerry – Kids Inspire’s July Volunteer of the Month – organiser extraordinaire, who put the entire event together and topped off her achievement by leading the kids in some healthy games. which went down a storm!”

‎Attendees went away happy and content, and they commented: “It’s been a brilliant day – when’s the next one going to be” (Mum of 4)

“My kids have been ready since 8 o’clock this morning” (‎Mum of 3)

“We know about Kids Inspire now – what a great organisation” (Dad of 2)

The success of the event has encouraged the Community Engagement team into planning mode for the next picnic, which is hoped to be up and running before summer is out.