Lichens and Flowers at Giggleswick Churchyard.

14 June 2009:

Judith Allinson writes:

Lots of good things happened today:

1. I went to Giggleswick church early 9am to set up a CEL stall and a stall selling handlenses and fold out lichen leaflets, and met Mark Seaward the lichen expert who had come early to check out the churchyard.

2. Next stop was Ingleton 10 miles away, where the Parish Church there (St Mary's) was holding a special environment service. We heard from Genesis about Man naming the animals, then sang a song led by guitarist about a man naming the animals - with overhead picures of cow ,sheep, bull etc. "I think I'll call it a sheep" We sang... There were other good sketches etc.

Clare Hyde, had driven about 30miles (former Diocesan Officer for the Bradford Diocese). She gave a short talk - urging that 1- we appreciate nature; 2 - we change our lifestyles and 3 - we campaign to save the environment. She said she was happy to come and give talks to churches starting to enter EcoCongregation.

3. Back at Giggleswick for lunch I met some of the organisers/leaders of the lichens day for lunch at the Inn next door. I made the effort to ask if the beef was local.

4. Then it was in to the church to staff the stands, listen to the talks and outside to see the lichens and flowers and grasses. People had come from a wide area: including:-

5. A member of Meston Methodist Church (near Otley) came - and told me how the church had gained its SECOND Ecocongregation Award. He is an expert in Mites.

6. Nicki Smith had come from Huddersfield was pleased to see the CEL leaflets on display- She is running a Green Fair at the Methodist Church at Huddersfield on 20 June.

Over 80 people came during the afternoon

More to come...