Leigh-on-Sea’s First Eco-Fair opened with a rallying call from Sir David Amess MP

Sir David Amess MP Opens Leigh-on-Sea Eco Fair

The first-ever Eco-fair in Leigh-on-Sea took place on Saturday 19 October 2019 at the home of Leigh Road Baptist Church (LRBC), Marguerite Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1NN. The Leigh-on-Sea Eco-Fair was a joint collaboration between Leigh Road Baptist Church and Eco Essex and saw nearly a thousand people come through the doors over the day.

The Eco Fair was opened by Sir David Amess MP where he made this rallying call to us all as he cut the recycled paper chain to open the fair, “Well done to each and everyone of you, there are some incredible things here at the eco fair…I think the environment should be at the heart of everything we do. We can and we will save the planet.”

The fair brought together local Eco-traders, artisan craft stalls, eco-groups, local service providers, local government and national groups to provide a one stop shop for all things eco.

Lauren Tinning, LRBC member and one of the organising team said, “We had a fantastic day at the first Eco Fair in Leigh-on-Sea. We were delighted with the variety of stall holders who shared  the event with us and were encouraged by the hundreds of local people who came along to buy and learn about all things eco!”

Young and older browsed the latest eco-products, took part in family activities and kids crafts, discussed with experts on information stalls, listened to short TED style talks about eco issues and found out how ways to reduce their plastic waste and carbon footprint.

Sam Pitman of partner organisers of the fair, Eco Essex added, “The Eco Fair showed that the people of Southend-on-Sea do care and want to make changes in their lives to save our planet. It was a day we were proud to be part of!”

We were delighted that Southend-on-Sea Borough Council attended the fair to tell people about the new PlastiCity project and the Borough’s plans to make Southend Carbon Neutral by 2030. We also heard from Veolia about how best ways to recycle our waste, from The Women’s Institute about their climate activism and Make Do and Mend. Other groups attending included New Life Wood a local charity that recycles unused wood from construction sites and provides opportunities for people to learn woodworking skills and restore their lives. There was also information from The Cloth Nappy Library, South East Essex Organic Gardeners and Eco Essex among meant other stands.

The day saw the church building buzzing with children and their families having lots of fun in our special eco-craft room with face painting, storytelling and eco-crafts. The corridors came alive with those on the eco scavenger hunt with prizes donated by Veolia. After all this inspiration and activity visitors were able to rest awhile and enjoy a Fairtrade tea, coffee and homemade cake in the pop-up eco café.

For more information on future events and activities of LRBC and the upcoming Christmas Fayre Fantastic on Saturday 16th November, 10 am-3 pm please visit www.LRBC.org.uk follow the churches social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube).

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