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  • Theo Chatzakis

Take Time to Smile

If asked the best way to keep 300 people entertained for an afternoon, but it has to be something that everyone can join in with, and just for extra fun, they are spread out all over the country, most people would say “You want to do what?”

However, in the true style of ubu, we did exactly that, not asking the question, but providing the solution.

After months of planning by a small and dedicated team, many ups and downs and quite a lot of uncertainty we held our event. Ububury Party in the Park became Picnic in the Park, and ended up as Picnic in the Pub (or wherever you are).

Sunday 19th September 2021 was filled with joy, happiness, laughter, teamwork, togetherness, community and amazement, bringing together the most wonderful bunch of people I have the pleasure of knowing. Staff, local businesses, singers, songwriters, technical wizards and People We Serve joined virtual hands to make it a day to remember for a long time.

Hearing John sing, accompanied by his son Tom on the guitar, proves that in adversity, families are strong, the outpouring of local talent and other acts in support of our cause and the visions of the People We Serve singing and dancing on the receiving end of the event streaming shows that we stand as one. I smiled so much my face hurt.

It may not have been the big event we first planned, but as a backup, personally I think it was better, which proves you don’t have to go big to do something well.

So, what did I learn?

  • community is the key

  • do what you say you’ll do

  • accept help

  • communicate

  • the internet can be broken

  • getting together is great for the soul and doesn’t always have to be in person

  • people will do things for free because they enjoy it

  • there is so much unknown talent passing us by every day

  • we don’t always realise, although we’re all individual, we have more commonalities than differences.

  • always have a backup plan

The small things in life may be insignificant or mundane to you, but can be huge for others, so use what you’ve got, to do what you can and help the world smile.


By Chris Furminger



A big thank you to all the artist

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Why not, sit back and read more about some of our great successes.

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