Parish Climate Emergency Shaugh Prior Parish is joining the growing movement across the country in declaring a climate emergency. National government, county and district councils, businesses, universities and the NHS have recognised the need for a climate emergency - now it’s the turn for the villages in Shaugh Prior Parish to join in. Having acknowledged the climate emergency the strategy should not be just about reducing carbon emissions on a local scale, but also raising awareness about climate change, and giving local biodiversity a helping hand. What can we do? Solving a global problem like climate change is too big
Panto appeals for new recruits A village panto with a history spanning more than four decades is facing the final curtain unless it can recruit new members. Shaugh Players, based in Shaugh Prior, was founded in the early 1970s, staging an annual pantomime involving volunteers from the local community. Despite attracting full houses and praise from audiences, the group is on the verge of folding due to dwindling numbers. The group is now launching an appeal for new members, particularly for those interested in performing or directing the show. Richard Vincent, chair of Shaugh Players who has played the lead Dame in many performances, said: ‘It would be such a shame for this group to fizzle out. Like many rural villages, our community is changing, and it has become increasingly difficult to recruit from within the parish.’ It takes a cast and crew of about 50 to stage the pantomime, which usually takes place over three nights with a Saturday matinée in mid-January. This year is the first time since 2006 that the group has been unable to stage a performance. 6
for an individual, a parish or even a country to address alone, but together we can make small steps that lead to big changes. A small step at parish level not only adds up to big carbon emission reductions, it gives a forum for us and our children to make a small contribution that will leave a lasting legacy. A parish group has been formed involving people interested in helping plan local activities to help address the climate emergency. Several ideas for community projects have been discussed, including tree planting, wild flower meadows, community energy projects, improving public transport links, working with planners to ensure the climate emergency gets factored into decisions and reducing waste and plastic use. We need people with fun ideas, knowledge and understanding to make change happen. We are now looking for more people of all ages to join from all three parish villages and outlying farms. For more information contact Sean Leake at Sean_Leake@yahoo.com
Richard said: ‘There are so many talented people in the area and we’d like to invite them to join us. You might be studying drama; you might want to have a go at performing for the first time; or you could simply be looking for a new hobby or challenge. We have roles suitable for all ages and abilities, and I can guarantee a warm welcome, fun and memories that will last you a lifetime.’ One of the key roles available is that of director, following the death last year of Barry Sanigar MBE, the driving force behind the Players. And contributing to the community is an important focus for group, which has made donations to the local primary school and helped fund improvements to Shaugh Prior and Lee Moor village halls. Shaugh Players is hoping to recruit enough new members to start rehearsals this summer, to stage a pantomime at Lee Moor Hall in January 2021. For more information, please email shaughpanto@gmail.com
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