Among the Pic Nic Society anecdotes is its sponsorship of a balloon launch. In London. In July 1802, the Pic Nics called an ad hoc meeting to watch and cheer Jacques Garnerin’s successful launch of a hot air balloon from Ranelagh Gardens.
See: Universal Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure: Containing News, Letters, Debates, Poetry, Music, Biography, History, Geography and Other Arts and Sciences; which May Render it Instructive and Entertaining to Gentry, Merchants, Farmers, and Tradesmen. To which Occasionally Will be Added, an Impartial Account of Books in Several Languages, and of the State of Learning in Europe; Also of the Stage, New Operas, Plays, and Oratorio’s, Volumes 110-111 1802
Air Balloon. A Full and Accurate Account of the Two Aerial Voyages made by Monsr. Garnerin, on Monday, June 28, and Monday, July 5, 1802; including the Interesting Particulars Communicated by Captain Sowden and Mr. Locker, who Accompanied M. Garnerin. As Written by Themselves. To which is Prefixed, The Origin of Balloons; the Method of constructing, filling, and directing them through the Atmosphere; And an Account of the several aerial Adventurers, to the present Period; together with a Sketch of the Life of M. Garnerin. Sommers-Town: Printed and published by A. Neil, 1802