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Jazz Picnic and Folk Dance, September 5th 2004

This was Woodside Park’s best Jazz Picnic yet!  Like last year, the cool summer sounds of jazz alternated with the fiddles and accordion of Chris Turner and his merry band of dancers.  In the hollow behind the Mushroom House, families and friends sat with their picnics under the shelter of the spreading Chestnut trees to enjoy one of the last truly glorious days of summer.  With the temperature approaching 30, many used the opportunity to sunbathe on the grass banks, listening to the Woodside Park All-Stars led by Max Wynter through their repertoire of jazz favourites and the soulful songs of local duo ‘Wildcard’.  Besides the excellent music, local residents could either sit back and enjoy the spectacle, or join in with the thirty or so dancers, professionals, beginners and children alike, being put through their paces by the masterly calling of Chris on the accordion.  A highlight of the afternoon was the planting of a white-flowering hawthorn tree, serenaded by a song and ritual tree-planting dance!

This wonderful low budget event organised by and for local residents under the aegis of the Friends of Woodside Park, and with help from the council, is now in its third year, and is proving ever popular with the local community and beyond.

Friends of Woodside Park spokesperson, Michael Cordwell James said: ‘We’re already talking about doing another picnic next year: it’s wonderful to see and hear so much local talent, and to see so many people enjoying their park.  It’s especially nice to see the children getting up and joining in with the country dancing!’

 As one local resident remarked: ‘I’ve lived here for ten years and never knew such a cultural event existed.  I certainly hope there will be more in the future!’