Green events inspire voices
A family day of workshops, craft activities, films and talks highlighting the global climate crisis took place at Comrie Croft last month.
Organised by Climate Action Strathearn ( CAS) the ‘ Find Your Voice’ event was a chance to explore questions about the climate crisis and be inspired by the voices of the area’s local young people ahead of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which is due to take place in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.
And leading up to Saturday’s showcase, youngsters from Comrie Parish Church Youth Club showed their support for the event with a march along Drummond Street.
Helen McCrorie of Climate Action Strathearn said Find Your Voice had been well received.
She said: “It was a fabulous event and very well attended.
“We had 350 people through the door and it was nicely distanced and outdoors.
“Tomnaha held a raffle for a hamper full of lovely fresh and local foodie produce and a guess the weight of the marrow competition and donated proceeds of flower sales from the day.
“This raised over £600 to pay for climate activists from the Global South to attend COP 26 in November.
“The hands-on children’s activities included flag and banner-making, art with recycled materials, flower pictures and making natural clay-slip spheres.
“There was a colourful walkthrough installation showcasing climate banners made by local school and nursery groups.”
Helen said the day also showcased messages from local people of all ages, calling for action on climate change.
And Climate Action Strathearn is hoping its voice will be heard by world leaders.
She continued: “There will be many ripples from this event including further engagement from local schools and groups using the Climate Action Strathearn COP26 school resource and activity pack.
“The short climate films made by local pupils will be submitted to Film Access Scotland and we hope they will be screened at COP26 in November.
“The banners will be used by Fridays For Future.
“Collectively, we are determined to make a big noise to call for action on climate change and we hope politicians and COP26 delegates will sit up and listen.”
Helen went on to thank everyone who made the event such a success.
She said: “Thanks from Climate Action Strathearn to Comrie Croft for generously gifting us the use of the barn and courtyard as venue and providing us with this amazing space.
“Also thanks to Remake for supplying materials from the scrapstore for the children’s craft activities.
“Remake also showcased its tool library at the event.
“A big thanks to all the CAS members and volunteers for their hard work.
“And big thanks to Comrie Cinema Club for the loan of its screening equipment and for funding the film screening of Living Proof.
“Thank you to all the children and young people who have contributed to the exhibition and film screening, and to Wellfired Pizza and the Bonnie Mountain Cafe.
“And thank you especially to all the visitors for coming along and making it all worthwhile and such a great day.”
Following the success of the day, organisers hope that it will be the first of many such events pushing for changes that are vital for a healthy planet and a healthy future.
For more information on Climate Action Strathearn and to find out how to get involved with the group and its activities, see the website at www. climateactionstrathearn.com