Historical information

Gathering of seafarers and LHLG members carrying the Mission flag, at Graylings, property of Frederic Race Godfrey, in St Kilda, on 13 November 1905. Sixty-three men and boys were invited to the picnic.
Miss Ethel Godfrey is kneeling on the right hand side, wearing a dark dress and hat.
The man holding the ball in the center is thought to be Hugh H. Reid.
In an article published in the Church and the Sailor in July 1930 after she resigned from her position of Honorary Secretary, she described this occasion as the first picnic organised by her after Reverend Gurney Goldsmith pleaded for women's help during a sermon at All Saints church in St Kilda the same month.

See also item 1643

Significance

This was the official first picnic of the Amalgamated Victorian Seamen's Mission and the first picnic organised by Miss Ethel Godfrey.
A year later she was nominated Honorary Secretary of the newly Ladies Harbour Light Guild.
The Melbourne Guild was the first one of its kind and was so successful that the scheme was spread around the world.

Physical description

Small sepia tone photograph with thin white border, slightly blurred, depicting a group of men and women; some standing, sitting, kneeling and lying on the grass. At the back the Flying Angel flag. In front the English flag. One man (Hugh Reid) is holding a footy ball.
The photograph was previously in a photographic album.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten in pencil on verso: 82
Handwritten in white ink on the album page: First picnic of the Mission, Graylings, St Kilda, King's Birthday 1905