What will Aylsham look like in 2030? It’s only seven years away but global “boiling” will change much of how we do things here.
Heatwaves in Europe and the US, as well as the hottest day ever globally in July, have sparked fresh warnings about climate change.
And the 10-year period from 2013 to 2022 is the warmest decade on record.
ACE art.
In an attempt at explaining how we can reduce our contribution to the crisis, Aylsham Climate Emergency group (ACE) will be holding its second annual Green Day event in the Market Place and the Town Hall on Sunday 24 September from 10am to 2pm.
This year, as well as our ACE stalls sharing information about nature, food, energy, transport and waste, there will be food sellers and eco-friendly craft stalls. Music will be provided by Aylsham folk singer Paul Howson, and Norfolk trio Threescore.
It’s not just about reducing carbon emissions on a local scale, but also raising awareness of global climate change.
“We’re also hoping to offer lots of fun activities for children, so that our message about climate change reaches future generations as well as adults,” says Grizelda Tyler, chair of ACE.
Organisers are asking that anyone who would like to have a stall on the day contact Donna, the event’s organiser, either by popping in to the Town Hall, calling on 01263 733354 or by email on Info@aylsham-tc.gov.uk
ACE was launched last year after Aylsham Town Council declared a climate emergency in 2021 with ambitions to achieving net zero carbon emissions in the town by 2030.
And, as Aylsham is a Cittaslow town, Green Day is arranged to coincide with Cittaslow Sunday – an international event to promote respect and love for the Earth.
The issues facing ACE are the same as those for Cittaslow: environmental policies; commitment to biodiversity and local food production; sustainable tourism and the wellbeing of its citizens.
Keep the date in your diary and come and join us for a busy, fun-packed day.
ACTIVITIES
Each sub-group of ACE will organise stalls, activities or demonstrations on the day.
Waste group
Will run an Aylsham local recycling point information stall, collecting donations in a greatly expanded range of items. And Blickling Hall will provide an interactive stall for children while Norfolk County Council Waste will run a Refill.org.uk stall explaining who is offering refills for water, coffee, food containers and plastic-free shopping.
Nature
The Nature and Biodiversity stall will cover six main areas: trees, water, birds boxes, verges and wild plants, insects, and hedgehogs. Advice, ideas, posters and other promotional materials will also be available.
And gardeners, watch out for the group’s extensive composting stand – it promises some pretty (and possibly not so pretty) down-to-earth solutions.Food group
Children are invited to help build a mosaic depicting an environmental issue and Eves Hill Veg have offered to do a guided tour of their community market garden.
Find out what they do there and how you can be involved.Energy
The Energy Group aims to help Aylsham residents substantially reduce their oil, gas, coal and electricity consumption. Members will be on hand to help you check your household heat loss by using an infra-red imaging camera and will provide leaflets with energy/cost saving tips.
Transport
The Transport team will be there to explain why ACE objects to the Norwich Road development plan which will add another 345 dwellings, and how the Council’s traffic strategy for the town would affect residents. And talk to the team about car sharing and how you can cut your carbon footprint for travel without spending anything.
