Last Friday Team Jacksons and family members gathered for our third annual beach BBQ. As it was the school holidays the set-up team, Sharon and Carm, assisted by Colleen and Hayley, headed down early to try and find a good spot. Last year’s location seemed to have suffered a small rock fall (a topic of much conversation!) so they were forced to look elsewhere. Nearby, windbreaks were secured, blankets were laid out, BBQs were carried down the many steps, buckets were filled with ice, and the drinks were cooled.
There was time before everyone arrived for a quick dip in the sea, even though the tide was out and the walk to the sea felt endless. The water was warm (honest) and there felt like no better place to be than a Cornish beach in the sunshine!
As Sharon’s chilled beach playlist was fired up people began arriving, bringing their family members, games, drinks and an array of sides dishes. We were treated to a yummy pasta salad from Carrie, a delicious tzatziki from the newest (for now) employee Zoe and creamy stuffed mushrooms from Colleen. There were whispers of a mango and passionfruit cheesecake slaved over that only made it to Claire’s kitchen floor after a little mishap earlier that morning. Husband Joe was firmly in the doghouse, but Claire quickly whipped up a Mexican layered dip topped with a tomato Jemoji – an excellent replacement!
This year we had a strong turn out with only two of Team Jacksons unable to make it, but they sure were missed! We have had a few new team members join us since the 2024 BBQ and three new babies born to existing Team Jacksons members, so the average age of the group was much reduced on last year. Our two team members on maternity leave also came along, bringing their babies. There were lots of cuddles and the children were entertained with a paddling pool filled with water from the sea (and carried back by the strongest members of the team), toys, bubble swords and, sweetest of all, each other.
We were enjoying ourselves so much we made a rookie error, and nobody checked the tide times. By 4:30pm the tide was threatening to make itself a problem to our well-picked out spot and we scrambled up the steps to the cliff top above. Luckily many hands make light work, and we avoided getting wet feet and carried on with the festivities on dry land. By then it was time for the dessert course and rum soaked pineapple slices grilled on the BBQ made their very welcome return alongside gooey chocolate brownies.
Everyone was sent home with leftover packs of burger buns and hot dog rolls, skin glowing from the sun and cheeks hurting from smiling. The beach BBQ 2025 was a success, roll on 2026, and someone please remember to check the tide times!
by Hayley Capps
