Odu Picnic 21 August 2021

Odu Picnic 21 August 2021

POST-EVENT REPORT

Background: In response to growing request from members for a face-to-face meeting preferably before restrictions come back into effect in the winter, the members agreed to have an outdoor event in the form of a summer picnic.

A planning committee made up of Atim Abrams, Nkoyo Edeke, Tina Bassey, Asuquo Okon and Kate Edeke was set up during the July general meeting to handle the outing.

The picnic was held on the 21st of August 2021 at the amazing Alexandra Palace Park, London to give members the opportunity to meet, mingle and celebrate one another.

The picnic was a great success with over 20 ODU regular members and another 28 guests, made up of families and friends including children, in attendance.

The gathering was charged with positivity, each person fully loaded with the spirit of togetherness and appreciation for one another and with thanksgiving for God’s goodness in watching over us during the precarious months of the covid pandemic.

The overall feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive, with 100 percent of participants commenting favourably about the experience.

This event involved the members in a spirit of love and giving, with each person contributing food, drinks and snacks for the event. The picnic was spectacular; well-organised, ultra-friendly and the children were entertained all day. We all had the most wonderful time.

 

REFLECTIONS

What worked well?

1. Great venue, large open space, accessible and with free parking
2. Good attendance
3. Friendly family atmosphere
4. Great variety of food including traditional delicacies like Afang, Iwe-ekpang and Iwuk-akam
5. Enough food and drinks with extras to take away
6. Kids were engaged with a treasure hunt

Challenges

1. The bad weather delayed the event because the floor was too wet for picnic mat
2. Bad weather meant that some of the iconic features of the venue were closed
3. Members contributing some of the main dishes arrived late and therefore the food had to be packed as take away rather than be enjoyed at the venue.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE EVENTS (What didn’t work well?)

1. Key food items should be given to caterers to avoid delay

1. Arrange for rental company to deliver tables and chairs
2. Organise more activities for the children such as face-painting, arts and crafts,
3. The event was the first of its kind and should become a standard going forward
4. Members should endeavour to always attend events on time. Being on time matters

Members of the planning committee would like to thank everyone who attended the picnic and made it a success and we extend our appreciation to those who helped to make it an unforgettable day through their contributions.