CALLINGTON Town Forum CIC is excited to be bringing the community together for a Picnic in the Park tomorrow (Sunday August 8).

The Forum is now under new directorship and the event at the Saltash Road Recreation Ground will be the first community event it’s staged for six years!

Together with fantastic support from Callington Town Council, the volunteer committee say they can’t wait to bring live music, circus skills, family entertainment and much more to give everyone a fun day out at the park.

The event is set to be opened at 12.30pm by portreeve Mike Tagg and town crier Tony Stentiford.

Around 30 classic cars will be in attendance and the newly formed Callington Carriage Driving Club will also be showcasing some of their carriages.

While Billy Whizz will be providing a magic show for youngsters, look (and listen) out for Miss Merlynda and her amazing puppets who’ll be doing a walkabout in the park!

Musical entertainment will come from Callington’s Gospel Choir and the Town Band are also proud to be performing at the event.

As well as this, there’ll be Messy Church craft activities to take part in, a performance from ‘Open the Book’, a lucky dip and the chance to have a go at learning some circus skills.

Organisers of the picnic in the park say that many local craftspeople have also made bookings and will be attending with their own gazebos.

One of the organising team, and part of Callington Town Forum, is Hannah Ewing.

She explained that planning had begun in June out of a determination to put on an event where people in the town could relax and have some free fun.

“It’s had a really positive reception so far, I think everyone’s really looking forward to just be able to be a little bit more normal,” she said.

“We carefully watched the guidelines and pushed the date into August. We were planning it with the two metre distance in mind. The idea of having a picnic is that people can be in their family group or bubble but they can still talk to people and get to know people without having to be too close together if they don’t want to be.”

People are invited to bring their own picnic, picnic blanket and suitable games to enjoy on Sunday – but as the rules now allow it, the Lions and the Rotary Club will also be providing food to purchase.

“Callington Town Council have been integral in making sure this event can happen and have funded some of the elements, and we thank Ginsters as well for their support,” said Hannah.

“We wanted to bring our community together after the hardships of the last 20 months. Callington has got a lot of new houses as well – we are constantly getting messages on our Facebook page from people who are new to the area. We’re hoping that any new residents will be able to come along and meet others and feel part of the community.”

Hannah, who has two children, says she’s also really looking forward to seeing youngsters laughing, playing and having some fun on Sunday.

She says that all of the Town Forum members have played a part in the preparations for the Picnic in the Park.

Forum colleague Aileen Moore said: “We have seen our normal way of life completely disrupted and have had to adapt to very changing circumstances. Our local heroes have stepped up and made life much safer and more bearable for us, medical staff, delivery drivers, shop workers, voluntary organisations and let’s not forget good neighbours, have all gone that extra mile for our community.

“We have so much to be thankful for here in Callington, we live in a beautiful area with a wonderful community spirit.

“This pandemic has had a very serious effect on families and in particular, children. With that in mind, Callington Town Forum CIC, with support from Callington Town Council, has decided that our wonderful community deserves a day out!”