A show of love for our planet

A little rain was not enough to dampen anyone’s spirits, as the WI displayed over 310 Green Hearts to Show The Love at the Methodist Church Hall instead of the Village Green as originally planned.

Cheddington Combined School children attended looking resplendent in their school uniforms, and were magnificent representatives of their great eco school. They were joined by eco teachers Mrs Williams and Mrs Laidlaw and eco teaching assistants Mrs Webber, Mrs Miles and Mrs Brimmel.

The school contributed over 200 hearts, which they will be displaying throughout the school, after the half term holidays.

Cheddington WI president Irene Johnson and joint secretaries Lorraine Firmin and Kirstine Oastler said: “We would like to say a hug thank you to the school, staff and children for giving so much support, thought and hard work with this campaign. Their efforts have been greatly appreciated and we are all so grateful.

“Thank you also to residents of Cheddington and beyond, for not letting a little rain stop you from showing your love too.

“Thanks also to everyone who baked, helped and made a great difference on the day, to all the tweets, the Facebook Likes and the support of our great community.”

The day was a great success with a great attendance by the community, and the WI has announced that they raised over £147 through refreshment and cake sales. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the MS Centre in Halton, who are their chosen charity this year.

County Councillor Avril Davies also attended to add two Green Hearts, One for the Love of her Grandchild and the next Generation, and a second for the awareness of climate change.

Councillor Davies stated: “I have always been a big supporter of reducing the impact and the effects of climate change. I would also like to add that I am the person who introduced recycling to AVDC, which was rolled out across Aylesbury.

“I would like to see more solar farms and I am interested in the benefits of solar energy. The WI and its campaigns are always of great importance and interest, they offer so much inspiration for change.”

Cheddington WI are looking to make Show the Love and the Green Heart Campaign an annual event, after the success of this year they plan to upsize next year and make it a grander affair.

The group says it has also received great support from the WI Federation and the Climate Coalition.