A Greener Bradford on Avon

Holy Trinity, Bradford on Avon, played host to an event aimed at bringing the town together in the cause of protecting the environment last weekend.

The ‘A Greener Bradford’ event was attended by churches, schools and community groups, local MP Michelle Donelan, the Bishop of Salisbury and even the Primate of South Sudan. 

The interactive event gave people the chance to learn more about climate change and how to lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Rector Canon Joanna Abecassis warmly welcomed attendees before the event was officially opened by Cllr Alex Kay, Mayor of Bradford On Avon.  

Michelle Donelan MP and Bishop Nicholas were the speakers, followed by a lively question and answer session open to the all. 

Jane Jones, a parishioner of Holy Trinity, who organised the event and has led the church’s path to an EcoChurch Silver award, said, “We were extremely privileged to welcome Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, the new Archbishop and Primate of South Sudan and his wife Mama Joyce, who were guests of Bishop Nicholas. 

“Everyone present agreed that Archbishop Justin’s speech on the environmental situation in South Sudan and the potential impact of climate change was truly enlightening. 

“Climate Friendly Bradford On Avon were present with lots of advice, as were Climate Stewards who could calculate your online Carbon Footprint. We had a varied array of sustainable lifestyle exhibitors covering energy, food, travel, health and leisure, along with lots of displays. 

“This was all followed by a community lunch, a relaxed time to discuss and swap ideas over a delicious menu whose ingredients were all organically grown and locally sourced. 

“Post-event, the feedback has been both appreciative and encouraging. The idea of this event was entirely as a direct result of our recent Eco Church Silver Award so start your Eco Church journey today. 

Working together with the whole community, Christians and churches can make a difference.” 

Bishop Nicholas said, “It was heartening to see such a range of people gathered together to tackle issues that affect everyone, in this country and around the world. The presence of the Primate of South Sudan helped emphasize the international dimension.

“Faced with a problem on the global scale of climate change, it can be tempting to think we can do nothing, but in fact we will only move to a sustainable future through many millions of people making different choices.

“In this Season of Creation, I urge people to work and make choices that will result in a better environment, but also to pray and fast for change.”