‘The air we breathe’ sustainability festival comes to Cheltenham church

On 3 February, Pip and Jim’s Church in Leckhampton hosted the annual From the Ground Up sustainability festival. Participants and speakers focused on the theme, ‘The air we breathe’, with discussion around air pollution, carbon sequestration and what we can do within our communities and further afield.

Jenny Youde and other members of Pip and Jim’s Eco Church team had a table at the festival. The church has a Silver Eco Church Award and is working towards Gold.

Jenny says, “Our eco table was in a good position, just inside the main door, where our welcome table is usually situated. This meant that many people passed us as they came in, and we were able to engage with them. Six of us took it in turns to be at the table, enabling us to go round other stands, as well as attend some of the talks.

“As well has offering our own stall with information about our Eco Church work and wider information from the diocese and A Rocha, we were able to spend time listening to the talks and networking with other stall holders and visitors.”

The festival offered a variety of stands, 22 talks throughout the day, with sponsors and partners available inside and outside for people to engage with.

Jenny says, “I went to a talk on clean air for Cheltenham children, about making our roads safer for schoolchildren, which I found really interesting as I have young grandchildren who walk to school. I also enjoyed a talk on houseplants and fresh air and wellness, given by Gloucestershire Wildlife, who explained different plants for extra oxygen or to absorb water vapour in bathrooms.

“We were very glad to be there. The team who organised the festival did a really good job putting it together. Through our own stall we also made some useful connections with people – one of whom was a local British flower grower who is going to come along to a plant giveaway event, giving away plants which are good for pollinating insects, we are holding on 5 May. Networking proved to be a real highlight as lots of people were there with similar interests and a passion for caring for creation.”

The church offers its space to outside events.

“The food options were fantastic. Pip and Jim’s catering team did a splendid job, and there were lots of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as cakes and refreshments. It was such a good day, we were all quite tired by the end but had really enjoyed it and learned so much that we can use going forwards.”