Many Central locals have been taking advantage of the great weather to enjoy a picnic with friends from around the region, and Cromwell’s Ripponburn Rest Home did just that yesterday (Tuesday January 24). 

Rippon activities coordinator Ali Gordon organised the multi-rest home get-together, and said getting everyone together and enjoying the summer sun was a great idea. 

“We’ve invited rest homes all around the region, so we were fortunate to have Queenstown join us along with Ranfurly and Alexandra today.”

Residents enjoy the entertainment. 

There’s been a long break between picnics: this was the first one since Covid-19 appeared back in 2020. 

“We’ve missed out on a lot, as everybody has in the last few years, so this is the first time we’ve had other rest homes join us. So it’s just been amazing,” Ali said.

There’s no picnic without food, and there was no shortfall on the culinary side, including ice cream to top the afternoon off. 

“We had sort of traditional picnic food or finger food. We had bacon and egg pie, sandwiches and savouries, quiche and muffins, and Mr Whippy was our dessert,” Ali said.