St Andrews Methodist Church, Sheringham
Climate Change & Sustainability
A Climate Change &
Sustainability Fair was held at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Sheringham on
Saturday 20th April 2024. The event was organised by representatives
from the Churches, Sheringham Town Council and interested members of the
public. The aim was to encourage people
to learn more about how we can live more simply and sustainably to help save
our planet. Every visitor was offered a
free low energy lightbulb.
The event was officially
opened by the Mayor of Sheringham, Cllr Peter Ratcliffe who said it was a
privilege to open such an event. During
his short speech, he highlighted the work of the Council’s Climate & Community
Committee, chaired by Martin Langsdon who was present and seeking consultation
and conversation with those living in the town as to how we could work together
to improve climate change locally.
There were various ‘stalls’
staffed by groups such as CAFOD, Sheringham Community Fridge, Edwina Textiles,
North Norfolk District Council, Sheringham Town Council, Fairtrade, The All
Natural Company. Other exhibitors
invited the visitors to take part in quizzes and demonstrated how to recycle
clothing and greetings cards. One
exhibitor said ‘It was good to be among people of like-mind and to have a
meaningful conversation’
‘Is plastic fantastic or
drastic? was the theme of one quiz
with some shocking answers. Those taking part were challenged, among other
things, to join a local group – eg Sheringham Plastic Aware or Surfers against
Sewage and to consider being part of the monthly Beach Clean in Sheringham –
the next being on Sunday 12th May 10am outside the Tidal Wave café
with Bob Smith who has been involved in this clean for 23 years!
Another quiz invited participants to list in order of priority the top 10 individual actions which can be taken to reduce the impact on climate change.
Pupils from the Sheringham
Community Primary School produced some excellent sculptures, paintings and
poems with the School choir entertaining everyone with some very enthusiastic
singing. One adult remarked ‘I learned a
lot from the young people I spoke with.
They know more about climate change than I do.’
During the day, soundbite
presentations took place ably led by Alison Webster. Speakers spoke on various topics followed by
questions and discussion –
· Cllr. Adam Varley - Cabinet member for Net Zero and Climate Change – North Norfolk District Council
Carole Thomas – 'Reducing the global footprint of your wardrobe
· Paul Newman – ‘The Renewable way’ & composting
· Alicia Hull – ‘Citizen Network’ & her book ‘It’s All Up to Us Now’
· Martin Langsdon – Chair of Climate & Community Committee – Sheringham Town Council
Jane Crone who
represents CAFOD for the region commented on ‘the sense of community and sense
of purpose I experienced in Sheringham’ with Deputy Mayor of Sheringham Town
Council, Cllr Sue Brisbane noting ‘there was a buzz about the place’.
The day was much enhanced by delicious cakes and soup provided by friends and Marina Baker, ably supported by her son Charlie.
It is hoped the day will
inspire those who attended to support the Sustainable Saturday held on the 2nd
Saturday of the month at the Friends Meeting House, Cremer Street, Sheringham,
NR26 8DL commencing with coffee and cake at 10.30am followed by a talk and
discussion at 11am. The morning is
rounded off by home-made soup being on offer.