Columns (June 2010)
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Green Links
by Janis Irvine
Well, Britain has her first Green Party MP! The Green Party was formed 25 years ago and its following has steadily grown, albeit in particular areas of the country where many in the local population follow less of an ‘Establishment’ way of life. Just as there are particular areas of Britain where you will find artists’ colonies, so it is has often been with those who follow a more self-sufficient and environmentally aware type of life. Like types understandably come together to support one another, and those with a ‘green’ bias have done so in places such as Totnes in Devon, Lewes in Sussex, Findhorn, near Elgin in the North-East of Scotland and, of course, Brighton where Caroline Lucas stood for the Green Party. Here the Brighton Pavilion vote for the Greens was 31%, up from 22% in 2005. This surely is a sign that green issues are beginning to take centre stage.
I have noticed a variety of positive ‘green’ initiatives taking place recently. One was a talk I attended in Hexham that was addressed by Terena Plowright of the Greening Campaign. Terena’s aim is to engage communities with the issues associated with climate change. She started the movement in her home town of Petersfield in Hampshire and it has now been taken up by over 130 communities throughout the country. Working on the principle of people supporting one another, householders are given a card with five simple energy efficient actions with which they can engage. When they do so, they put the card in a front window which indicates to their neighbours that they are taking part in the campaign. She also works with local councils assisting them in their thrust to encourage environmental best practice amongst the people they serve.
www.greening-campaign.co.uk.
The Greening Campaign talk had been organized by Transition Tynedale, a Hexham movement started just about three years ago but which now has a number of ‘ground up’ groups who are engaging in various aspects of a less energy-dependent way of living. The Transition Towns movement has, as its focus, the twin concerns of climate change and depleted oil reserves. In May Transition Tynedale organized their third Green Energy Fair in which they showcased domestic renewable energy generators, gave professional installation and energy conservation advice, showed film screenings and introduced people who live “off the grid”. For more information visit
www.transitiontynedale.org.uk.
Visiting the Scottish Borders I came across an event being promoted by the Transition Town movement of Hawick. This was Cittaslow — also known as the ‘Slow Town’ movement, of which ‘Slow Food’ is a part — which originated in Italy in 1999 and has grown to embrace 100 towns throughout the world. A Cittaslow town aims to maintain and develop its distinctiveness and the quality of life enjoyed by its residents. Berwick- upon-Tweed is the 6th of 9 towns in the UK to obtain Cittaslow status.
www.cittaslow.org.uk.
And finally, as a member of Corbridge Deanery Synod and as part of the Diocesan ‘Developing Deaneries’ initiative, yours truly organized a ‘Greening Our Deanery’ event which had as its key-note speaker, Ian Christie who, as a member of the public theology think tank Theos, acted as a consultant for the “Church of England’s 7 Year Plan on Climate Change and the Environment”. Ian spoke eloquently and in a very accessible manner about the Plan and the issues contained within it. Also at the event was Lya Vollering, a lay member of Minsteracres Retreat Centre, who spoke about her engagement with refugees and Aids victims at the Centre and of their work to create a Peace Garden and plant a new 75-tree orchard. There were talks on the Transition Town movement and renewable energy resources plus environmental displays and reports from secular green groups within Corbridge Deanery.
Three C. of E. First Schools mounted displays of their work, showing just how much their youngsters were engaged in environmental issues. There was also an opportunity for discussion and socializing over a fantastic lunch, managed by a parish member, which was almost totally grown, reared or made in the deanery — a hog roast and bread made from locally-grown grain followed by ice cream produced from the milk of a Jersey herd just a couple of miles from our venue. Definitely delicious! For more on the C. of E.’s 7 Year Plan, plus lots of helpful advice on greening your church, visit
www.shrinkingthefootprint.org
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Rural Affairs
with Dagmar Winter
Northumberland Young Farmers
Kirkley Hall College near Ponteland began its life as the Northumberland College of Agriculture. Now one of the campuses of Northumberland College, it was a natural venue for my meeting with Daniel Nixon, the current Chairman of Northumberland Young Farmers (NYF).
Dan, tell us about Young Farmers, its membership, and your role.
Young Farmers is for young people aged 10 –26. We have 425 members in 11 clubs across Northumberland, and 22,000 members nationally. I live and work on a farm near Whitley Chapel, and have been part of Whitley Chapel Young Farmers since I’ve been 15 years old. In November 2009 I became County Chairman, this is a role lasting a year before we hand it on. I am supported by a Vice-Chair and Junior Chair, who in due course are likely to become County Chairs. Advice is also available from older ex-Young Farmers who are President, Vice-President and Junior President. So generally there is a good mix of ages, with the older generation and parents supporting the young adults among Young Farmers, and older members looking out for the young ones. Our age range of 10 – 26 is unusual and demands a great deal of responsibility from the adult Young Farmers.
Why did you and other young people join Young Farmers, what do you do?
It’s a break from the farm and it’s a great opportunity to mix with others from similar walks of life. So you can become part of close knit club, with connections to other clubs not only across the county but across the whole of the UK. And there are loads of opportunities for taking part in new and exciting activities.
Do you have to be in farming to join?
No, no, while most of our members have a rural background, that’s not a condition of membership at all. We enjoy a good social life, meeting once a week or fortnightly, and we spend our time in many different ways – from doing a spot of stock judging practice to the annual county rally (on 5th June this year) to rehearsing for the Pantomime!
Yes, I remember Whitley Chapel Young Farmers gained national success a few years ago with their panto …
The Pantomime is a good example for the kind of thing YF are about: encouraging learning and participation, having a go regardless of perception of one’s ability. One of the most important things about YF is how it brings out the best in members and they discover hidden talents. And of course you make helpful connections with others and gain friends for life.
Do you contribute to the wider community?
Oh yes, we do lots of fundraising, especially for the Great North Air Ambulance – we’re all very aware of its importance -, but also for other charities: for instance skydiving in aid of the Meningitis Trust, or a log chop in aid of Whitley Chapel Church. And of course it’s not just all about money: we have provided extra pairs of hands at the Alnwick Food Fair or done stewarding for the County Show.
What about difficulties and obstacles to your activities?
The grassroots members do struggle with the amount of regulations and responsibilities for the younger members. My dream would be that we could have fun without the huge burden of paperwork and regulations because it would be simplified.
So what else do you envisage in an ideal world – what’s your dream for Young Farmers?
Well, we’d have more members attending meetings and all getting on with each other, all would be joining in and not holding back. We’d enjoy a big sense of achievement by competing and winning together as a county. And we’d continue to enjoy the national support from Young Farmers for farm business start ups.
What about Young Farmers’ concerns for rural community life today?
Top of the list of concerns is without question the issue of affordable rural housing. The way house prices are going, we just can’t get a foot on the ladder.
So there’s clearly something for the new government to address and for the rest of us to support! Now what would you as Young Farmers like to ask of the wider community?
Please, see young people more positively! Give us a chance before you judge. Young Farmers will do a lot for you if they are asked. We can be contacted on 01661 – 872562, call us to find out more, how to become a member or tell us of new ideas or of help you might need. We’ve also got a website: www.northumberlandyfc.co.uk
Many thanks, Dan, and all good wishes for your work as Chairman.
What’s on in the Countryside? - A small selection...
May Bank Holiday Weekend
Sunday, 30th May, 10.30am – 4.000pm – Bamburgh Fair, with local produce, crafts etc. Free admission, raising funds for restoration of church windows
Sunday, 30th May, 3.00pm – Free hour-long Concert with Plura Videte Baroque in Kirkharle Church, donations in aid of Kirkharle Church
(www.kirkwhelpingtoncambo.org)
Monday, 31st May – Northumberland County Show, Corbridge
www.northcountyshow.co.uk
May 15 - June 6 The ‘Wannie’ Line (Railway), exhibition of photographs and artefacts at The Heritage Centre at Bellingham. For booking and more information: (01434) 220 616 on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 10am to 3pm.
Or email: info@bellingham-heritage.org.uk
Weekends 29 May - 25 July Kielder Osprey Watch: High powered telescopes and volunteer experts on hand at Mounces car park. Free
Saturday, 5th June - Hexham Regatta, the UK's largest one day Rowing Regatta held at Tyne Green, Hexham. Free
Saturday, 12th June- Roman Wall Show: This is the biggest sheep show in England, and a very important venue for the breeders of Blackface Sheep. All will be more than welcome to join the farmers and locals at this traditional shepherds show. Near Twice Brewed Inn, Bardon Mill.
Saturday, 19th June, 9am – 4.00pm 61st Kirkheaton Show Horse & pony - jumping, showing and games; dog show – open; Industrial Show; Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling; trade stands; and don't miss the special WI Tea! Free parking, Adults £4, Children £1. Profits to local charities.
19th – 26th June- The second Rothbury and Coquetdale midsummer Walking Festival. With 15 walks over the eight days there is something for everybody. For full walking programme see
www.rothburywalking.co.uk
Sunday, 20th June, 11.00am Meadow Magic, Memories and Management: Easy Guided Walk in Allendale Booking essential, call 01388 528801.
June 21-26, 10.00am – 6.00pm Playweek with Mud Pies and Potions at Alnwick Garden, a fun-filled programme for the very youngest visitors. Free after paying admission. To book a place for your group, ring Laura Brydon 01665 511184
Weekend 26th/27th June Alnmouth 6th Annual Arts Festival Follow the art trail around the village and visit venues hosting art exhibitions, photographic displays, demonstrations, craft stalls, live music and children's fun art and craft events. Free
Sunday 27th June 10.30 – 5.30pm
Experience the beauty of four exclusive Northumberland Gardens (at Bolam, Whalton, Meldon and Stanton Fence), proceeds in aid of the local churches, see www.northumberland-garden-day.co.uk for advance tickets.
Saturday, 3rd July, 1.00 – 4.00pm
Cambo Fete: Lots of stalls and attractions, children’s races, WI teas, raffle, tombola, cake stall etc! Free admission.
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View from the Lantern
by Canon Sydney Connolly
Blooms and Bands
In 1885 Colonel Sir James Gildea, serving in the Royal Worcester Regiment, founded what was then called “The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association”. Its aim was to provide help and support for the families left behind when the armed forces went to war.
It was a charity that captured the imagination of the public, and by the end of its first year 231 women and 466 children had received much-needed and appreciated grants to the amount of £515 and ten shillings. (How did we used to write those figures down? Was it £515/10/- ? I wonder how much that sum would be in today’s decimalised money?)
The extent of the charity’s growth and popularity can be seen in the fact that by the year 1899, Colonel Gildea was able to raise over a million pounds to support more than 200,000 widows and children.
When the Royal Air Force came into being in 1918 the charity’s name was changed to “The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association” (SSAFA) and it is still going strong – and still very much needed today. No matter what you think about the military operations in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, there is no doubt whatsoever that the women and men who come back, often badly injured, need immense care and support. SSAFA provides exactly that via its “SSAFA Forces Help” project.
The scale of SSAFA’s work is astonishing. For example, during the Second World War, its clothing branch distributed more than four million articles of clothing and 175,000 pairs of shoes.
Because of the devastating air raids in Britain, SSAFA opened 16 children’s homes throughout the country. Its work goes on, adapting to the changing needs of a rapidly changing society. SSAFA, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, depends on its local branches to carry out its work, and to raise the necessary funds. To this end, the North-east branch is holding a major Flower and Music Festival in the Cathedral in July. It is to be called “Heroes Past and Present” and promises to be spectacular. It is an opportunity for individuals, groups, businesses and churches to express their gratitude and recognition to the men and women of our armed forces. Several well-known local business and charities have already given financial help with the planning of the Festival. Profits from the Festival will go to the SSAFA Tyne and Wear branch.
There will be 60 displays of flowers from many different groups across the region. The Cathedral team has been working closely and enthusiastically with the organisers over many months to ensure that everything runs smoothly during the Festival. In addition to the flower displays, there will be concerts on four evenings, by bands such as the Bands of the Royal Air Force Regiment and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Of course, admission charges will apply for both the Flower displays and the Concerts, but I’m sure you will agree that it’s all for a very good cause. Why not arrange a visit from your church or group? Leaflets and posters are available from the Cathedral, giving details and entrance charges, and there is a website:
www.heroesflowerfestival.org.uk
Heroes Past and Present is at St Nicholas’ Cathedral 13- 18th July
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Christian Aid
During last month’s Christian Aid Week many of you will have joined the 300,000 Christian Aid volunteers throughout the UK who gave up their time to help with house-to-house collections or to organise fundraising events. This month Christian Aid would like to thank everyone who has collected, organised or donated to help get a step closer to Christian Aid’s aim of ending poverty.
This year’s Christian Aid Week donations are still being counted but it is hoped that the amount raised will rival last year’s total of just under £13million. Given that £8000 could pay for the construction of a ten-stall sanitation block with showers, toilets and a water kiosk for the whole community of Soweto East Village (a district of Kibera slum in Nairobi), the money raised during this year’s Christian Aid Week will go a long way towards helping millions of people living in poverty around the world.
However, Christian Aid doesn’t only raise money during Christian Aid Week. The devastating earthquake which hit Haiti in January 2010 has resulted in donations of £4.3 million so far with contributions still being received. Christian Aid’s Haiti appeal has ensured that food, cash and hygiene kits have been distributed to more than 150,000 people most in need at urban and rural locations in Haiti. The appeal has also enabled Christian Aid’s longstanding partners APROSIFA and GARR to begin psychological counselling for children and young people. Christian Aid are committed to helping Haitians building a better future for themselves and are therefore also currently working with partners on reforestation and tree-planting to help shelter towns from future natural disasters and are helping to set up new businesses so that Haitians can rebuild their lives and plan for the future.
Those whose lives are improved by the donations of people in the North-east of England are truly grateful. When Christian Aid supporters recently went to visit Kenya, slum resident Catherine Nyaata said: “Going door to door so that someone in a slum in Kenya can change their life is amazing to me.”
In recognition of the gratitude felt by partners and individuals around the world who benefit from Christian Aid, a celebratory thank-you event is being held in Bishop Auckland on July 25 which will feature a presentation by Christian Aid’s new director, Loretta Minghella. Loretta, a committed Christian who recognises the special relationships that Christian Aid has with its sponsoring churches, began her post in April this year and recently said that “having previously only witnessed Christian Aid Week from the outside, I could only guess at the work involved. Now I’m actually here, I can see it’s so much more of a challenge than I realised.”
Loretta’s presentation will take place at the Bishop’s palace at 6.00pm but guests are invited to arrive at the event, named Jazz and Jam, from 3.30pm to explore the extensive grounds and deer park and to enjoy a picnic while being entertained by a local jazz band. Following Loretta’s presentation Tom Wright, the Bishop of Durham, will take part in a short celebratory service in the palace’s chapel. The event is open to anyone who has supported Christian Aid in the North-east in any way and all guests are welcome to bring families. If you would like to attend please contact the Newcastle office on 0191 228 0115 or email Newcastle@christian-aid.org.
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