Since our first event back in 2019, a new IPCC report has dished out an unsavoury warning and all eyes have been on Glasgow and COP26's outcomes, so there's a lot to catch up on. The conversation has also changed with so much more joined up information in the public domain and that means more knowledge about what we can do to make a positive difference.
GreenFest is a day of joining together to learn more about the environmental issues we face and how we can, as individuals and communities, find a more sustainable path. We focus on what we can do and with so many can-doers in one place, spanning all generations, it's impossible to ignore that together, we can and do make a difference.
So what can we tell you about GreenFest 2022 so far?
GreenFest is a day of joining together to learn more about the environmental issues we face and how we can, as individuals and communities, find a more sustainable path. We focus on what we can do and with so many can-doers in one place, spanning all generations, it's impossible to ignore that together, we can and do make a difference.
So what can we tell you about GreenFest 2022 so far?
- It will be in September.
- It will be big.
- Plan to be there for the day if you can. There'll be so much going on you'll be sad to leave.
- Expect sustainable goods stalls, eco-businesses and suppliers (energy, transport, charities.....), activities, workshops, talks and much more.
GREENFEST 2019
In late Spring 2019 the shop was approached by a person from a neighbouring village to see if we would consider hosting a sustainable living event, helping people to think about how we can all tread more lightly on our planet. From those humble beginnings GREENFEST was born and on Saturday 7th September, after only four months of planning, Hampstead Norreys was host to an amazing free event held in multi-locations across the village.
In late Spring 2019 the shop was approached by a person from a neighbouring village to see if we would consider hosting a sustainable living event, helping people to think about how we can all tread more lightly on our planet. From those humble beginnings GREENFEST was born and on Saturday 7th September, after only four months of planning, Hampstead Norreys was host to an amazing free event held in multi-locations across the village.
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About 2500 people came for the day to find out how to live more sustainably. We had eminent speakers such as Lawrence Woodward OBE and Professor Sir Brian Hoskins; we had a panel discussion including our MP Richard Benyon; we had speakers helping us to eat locally, seasonally and sustainably; we had advice on building a sustainable wardrobe, and we even had a 10 year old talking about climate change. So many speakers offered their services that we needed two venues!
We had workshops (e.g. building bird boxes, planting fruit and veg) and there were even circus workshops and performances with a sustainability theme. We had an electrical repair café and a free bike check for cyclists (who got a free drink and cookie to reward their green transportation). We had all sorts of specialists giving us advice on such things as electric bikes, solar panels, ground and water source heat pumps and environmentally-conscious building methods. The school playground was open so we could unveil 'Sammy' the eco-bench (for more information see 'ecobricking') and we had a 'pledge tree' where people of all ages committed to change. The shop courtyard was full of stalls from local small businesses showcasing green products and services. We provided over 25 free activities for children and/or adults, thanks to generous sponsorship from NFU. The activities included making your own body scrub and eco-glitter, no sellotape bags, CD owls, button necklaces . . . there was so much to do that people who thought they were coming for an hour or two mostly stayed all day. One of the many highlights of GreenFest was the artwork display from 14 different schools. The only brief we gave was to focus on 'our planet'. The resulting creativity and originality was awe-inspiring and a real credit to the children who took part (and of course their teachers). Just look at this magnificent papier-mache giraffe with used scrubbing brushes for its mane and empty tins for its feet! It was a fantastic day, bringing together over 14 different villages and towns. We are proud that our community shop played such a pivotal role (three of the four main organisers were from the shop's sustainability group) - it was hard work but it was definitely worth it! Huge thanks to the many, many people who helped make this event so very special. |
So many people asked us to run it again next year that we agreed. Little did we know there would be a pandemic!
But did we let that put us off?
No, we just moved online . . .
But did we let that put us off?
No, we just moved online . . .
GREENFEST 2020
We were sad that GreenFest 2020 was cancelled, but, unbeaten, we put together a line up delivered by local eco businesses, groups and individuals, that introduced new ideas and, we hope, inspired next green steps.
We were delighted that Matthew Shribman - Scientist, Environmentalist and Orator - agreed to deliver a Facebook Live key note talk for us on what has arguably become the environmentalist term of 2020 - A Green Recovery.
The full programme is below and most of the videos are still available to watch.
We were delighted that Matthew Shribman - Scientist, Environmentalist and Orator - agreed to deliver a Facebook Live key note talk for us on what has arguably become the environmentalist term of 2020 - A Green Recovery.
The full programme is below and most of the videos are still available to watch.
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But we didn't forget our younger audience. GreenFest ran a nature photography competition this year for children up to and including 16 years of age, where we asked children to head out into the great outdoors armed with a camera and snap what interested, engaged and inspired you / your little ones.
Our top prize was a 12 month subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine plus we had 10 wildflower seed packs to give away. The overall winner was 9 year old Charlie for his beautiful bug picture, see below. Well done Charlie! To see the other nine winners, visit nature photography competition. |
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The programme
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What does a green recovery look like? In his engaging and content-rich talk for GreenFest, Matthew considers what it will take to ensure a green recovery, covering areas such as soil/farming, fossil fuels and new technologies. MATTHEW SHRIBMAN - AWARD-WINNING COMMUNICATOR & SCIENTIST WATCH NOW What we can all do to help bees (includes how to make your own bee house). BEN'S BERKSHIRE BEES WATCH NOW Hampstead Norreys Community Shop is Planting an Orchard. Find out about HNCS' exciting plans for a shop orchard and the benefits it will bring to the local environment, its customers and the community. HAMPSTEAD NORREYS COMMUNITY SHOP WATCH NOW Sustainable Style Studio - Organise your Wardrobe Personal Stylist Victoria Lochead shared the first 2 sessions of her 12 week Sustainable Style Studio Programme with GreenFest-ers for free. Available to watch until end of September 2020. FRANKIE AND RUBY WATCH NOW Sustainable Style Studio - Identifying your Style Personal Stylist Victoria Lochead shared the first 2 sessions of her 12 week Sustainable Style Studio Programme with GreenFest-ers for free. Available to watch until end of September 2020. FRANKIE AND RUBY WATCH NOW Easy and Tasty Vegan Recipes Colline demonstrates her recipes for a mushroom stroganoff and vegan American pancakes. COLLINE'S KITCHEN WATCH NOW Make your own Beeswax Wraps LITTLE B WATCH NOW Make your own Bathroom Toilet Cleaner and Bathroom Scrub GOING GREEN WATCH NOW The How, What and Why of Recycling in West Berkshire WEST BERKSHIRE COUNCIL WATCH NOW Investing in a Greener West Berkshire ABUNDANCE INVESTMENT & WEST BERKSHIRE COUNCIL WATCH NOW Green Priorities for the Ridgeway Area. CLLR CAROLYNE CULVER, RIDGEWAY WARD WATCH NOW SESI and the Circular Economy THATCHAM REFILLABLE WATCH NOW |
Keynote speaker: What does a Green Recovery look like?
Matthew Shribman is a scientist, environmentalist and award-winning communicator. In his key note talk for GreenFest, he looks at some of the biggest pressures on our environment and what it will take to reset the course of the crisis we face, sharing plenty of fascinating facts and perspectives along the way. Who knew that the sperm whale would be extinct by now were it not for the fossil fuel industry?? Matthew has appeared on TV, radio and is prevalent on social media He founded This Is Planet A, to turn respected scientific knowledge into urgently needed action. He is now pouring his passion for education into his online school AimHi. He is of course Head Teacher. WATCH NOW Hermitage to Hampstead Norreys Cycle Path/Bridleway The story behind this sections and more information about what sections are coming next. WEST BERKSHIRE SPOKES WATCH NOW How to Build an Ecobrick Pond LESLEY RAVENSCROFT & VICKY TRENTHAM WATCH NOW How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden FLORAL DESIGNS WATCH NOW Students in Southampton take on Food Waste A food waste collection thought up, set up and run by university students. BIOCYCLE WATCH NOW What is a Community Fridge and How to Set One Up? RIKI THERIVEL, BOTLEY COMMUNITY FRIDGE WATCH NOW What can I do About Climate Change? WEST BERKS CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK (WBCAN) WATCH NOW Defending Jones Hill Wood (which inspired Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox) from HS2 CLLR STEVE MASTERS, NEWBURY SPEEN WARD WATCH NOW A Lockdown Wood for West Berkshire SUSAN MILLINGTON, FoE NEWBURY WATCH NOW |