Picnic passion for the past

The former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman and the late Tim Sebastian, Chosen Chief of the Secular Order of Druids, from Bath, once mooted the idea of an antiquarian picnic society – a convivial affiliation of al fresco diners with a passion for the historical, and boasting the motto: "Come rain or shine, together we'll dine."

As a young poet, Tim, who died two years ago, had been encouraged by Betjeman, and their friendship lasted for many years. But the picnic idea never really got off the ground.

Now, however, Mark Lindsey Earley, Grand Bard of Exeter, has revived it with a ceremonial re-inauguration at the Iron Age hillfort and ruined Norman castle at Blackdown Rings in South Devon.

"This was appropriately greeted by both rain and shine, not to mention a rainbow, which all present took to be a good omen for future outdoor culinary adventures," Mark told me. "Perhaps Sir John and Tim were smiling down on us.

"It is hoped this will inspire folks throughout the land to inaugurate their own local branches of this most worthy – and very British – organisation."

A Druid group at Stoke Gabriel, Devon, has already mooted an event at Wistmans Wood, an ancient woodland on Dartmoor. Mark, meanwhile, is planning an Exeter Gorsedd – an informal group sharing in the expression of poetry and other arts and supporting the election of bards – for the spring, together with an antiquarian picnic.

If you're interested, contact Mark by email at marklindsey earley@yahoo.co.uk