Although strictly in the past this event lives on in the memories of the 40+ people who attended.
At my mother's 90th birthday party in August 1997 the idea had been mooted of having a family gathering to celebrate the Millennium. As her maiden name was Shakepeare the obvious venue, ideally, would be Stratford upon Avon. Because of his experience as a conference organiser my brother Tim was 'invited' to organise the event, and all promptly went quiet!
In the fullness of time a weekend in June (2000!) was decided upon and out went the invites to my generation of the family. Tee shirts were printed, a hotel selected and booked, and the acceptances started rolling in.
It became clear fairly soon that the idea was receiving widespread support. Of the 17 grandchildren in my generation 14 confirmed their attendance, including two from Canada and one from Germany! It is in the nature of families that cousins 50 yards and 80 miles away declined - a bit disappointing. What was particularly encouraging was the number of the 'next' generation who were 'up for it'.
By the time we arrived in Stratford a second cousin and his family had joined in as well as five senior members. The ages ranged from 92 years to 13 months with my mother presiding for part of the time as the eldest surviving member of the family.
A 'ladder' photograph, The White Swan, Stratford upon Avon, June 2000
It's hardly necessary but, for the record:
We are all wearing 'Shakespeare 2000' tee shirts, bearing a 1904 wedding photo of our common grandparents: William George Shakespeare and Kate Spargo. No doubt in the years to come these will command very high prices on the antiques market!!
There are other ladder photographs in existence.