Tom and the Freeman's Council held an annual picnic on the Decoy for many years. Tom always organised the picnic: 4 bottles of Claret, 2 bottles of Hock and various other beverages headed the list, whilst duck was always top of the food list. Those present thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the business always seemed to be concluded satisfactorily! 

Unveiling the plaque    CAC

The hide was officially opened when his two sons unveiled a plaque. The new hide overlooks Hale Marsh and there is a view towards Pickerings Pasture and across to Within Way, Hale. It was designed by Gary Broad (FoPP) and the design was realised by Mark Argent (Widnes Timber). With Marks voluntary help and guidance it was put together on site by Gary and Lynda Broad ( FoPP and Decoy Steering Group), Maurice Wileman (FoPP and Decoy Steering Group) and Rob Smith(Ranger). The Halton Borough Council Parks and Playgrounds Service gave invaluable assistance carrying the very heavy panels and materials on site, as did local farmer Philip Lunt, who stored materials and transported them across the fields, to the perimeter of the site.

After a guided tour of the Decoy, everyone retired to The Wellington Hotel, in Hale Village, for a breakfast of "bacon butties".