Community House Events Page

MERIDIAN CENTRE, PEACEHAVEN, BN10 8BB - Tel: 01273 585493 - www.peacehaventowncouncil.gov.uk

On Saturday 9�� April, many residents, businesses, visitors and members of the local community came along to Community House and Centenary Park (The Big Park) to experience Peacehaven Town Council’s first ‘Towards Zero Carbon Peacehaven’ event. The day, which was sponsored by Rampion Offshore Wind and supported by The Big Lemon Bus Company, was an interactive, fun and informative showcase demonstrating how we can all do our bit, no matter how small, to move the town towards zero carbon.

INAUGURAL ‘TOWARDS ZERO CARBON PEACEHAVEN’ EVENT - A SUCCESS FOR THE TOWN

Peacehaven Town Council, Rampion Offshore Wind, The Big Lemon Bus Company, Councillor Christine Brett and Peacehaven Community School And Many More Join Together To Work Towards A Zero Carbon Peacehaven

Opening the event, Councillor Christine Brett, Chair of Lewes District Council said: “Today, we will raise awareness of climate change and provide practical help to those who are keen to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, you will have the chance to think about your attitude to clothing and fashion, learn about the changes being made in our public spaces to return them to nature, get involved in volunteering and get a ride on a Big Lemon bus.”

Councillor Brett, then handed over to Peacehaven Community School President, Thomas Hayden saying: “Now, let’s hear from someone whose future will be changed by the changes we make in our lives today.” Peacehaven Town Council Councillor, David Seabrook who is the Chair of the Climate Change Working Party that organised the event, said: “We hope everyone who came along enjoyed our first Towards Zero Carbon Peacehaven event and I’d like to thank all our participants for making it such a special day.

Thomas added to Councillor Brett’s welcome and eloquently spoke about the future of the planet and how he and his fellow pupils were passionate about seeing change. Later, Thomas was joined on stage by five of his school friends who spoke to the audience about a range of environmental issues and climate change where Thomas stressed that we need to stop killing our planet.

He said: “Perhaps, the next time you get in the car, think about whether you could in fact walk or cycle instead. We now live in a world that every time you want to go out, the easiest and most obvious means of transportation is driving a car – which is killing the younger generation’s future. “Start thinking wiser for the future of the world. Did you know that based on 2019 data, there were 38.1 million cars licensed in the UK. 31.1 were petrol and diesel run. 602,500 were fully electric or hybrids. If we flip that around, the world would be in a completely different place and the world would have masses of time left for the future. So please, when you buy your next car, make it electric. So you can save my generations’ future.” With its core values of community, sustainability and innovation, The Big Lemon Bus Company ran a free electric bus service, supporting its mission to enable everyone to get around their community in an affordable, enjoyable and environmentally-sustainable way.

The event also had many exhibitors, demonstrations and stalls. Dr Bike, in partnership with Cycle Seahaven, gave free bike checks at Peacehaven Cycle Hub in The Big Park, Cycling without Age gave visitors free trishaw cycle rides and The Enterprise Car Club demonstrated one of its self-charging hybrid cars. Promoting reuse, Freegle collected and exchanged unwanted items, Peacehaven Community School screened its new film on Sustainable Fashion and Seahaven FM entertained everyone with great music. But that wasn’t all. Peacehaven ‘Net Zero’ led a gentle two-mile community walk and Dr Mark Earthy gave presentations on Energy Bills.

Other stalls in the Zero Carbon Marketplace included Greenhavens Network, who work in partnership to enhance our parks and opens spaces for people and wildlife, The Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA), Louvain Organic Nursery who produce locally grown shrubs, hedging, herbaceous perennials, herbs, alpines, climbers plus seasonal and annual vegetable plants; Havens Food Cooperative, Peacehaven Community Orchard, Peacehaven Community Garden, Circular Brighton, Water Blade, Ovesco and their Energy Champions, the LDC Recycling Team, The Vegan Society, Seaford Environmental Alliance, Plastic Free Peacehaven and Peacehaven Community School.

“I’ve said it before, but each one of our exhibitors, demonstrations, presentations and stall holders showed how by making small, inexpensive changes today, will help us towards moving Peacehaven towards Zero Carbon tomorrow. Our planet really does need us, there is no Planet B.”

In closing, Cllr Brett added: “May I thank those who have made this event possible. Your very dedicated Councillor, David Seabrook, the Council Team, volunteers, supporters and sponsors, Rampion Offshore Wind.”

Picture above: Cllr Brett & The PCS Team Picture above: Trishaw Bike

Picture above: Greenhavens Network & Cllr Brett

Picture above: Thomas Hayden PCS