Inside Salisbury: Decarbonise, Adapt and Thrive Outcomes
Fayre on the Square news and Free Family Music Day
By Annette J Beveridge
The Wiltshire Climate and Environment Summit, themed "Decarbonise, Adapt and Thrive," recently brought together hundreds of businesses, residents, environmental experts and community leaders for a more resilient Wiltshire.
The event was organised via a partnership between Wiltshire Climate Alliance and Wiltshire and Swindon Councils, and featured a comprehensive programme including presentations, workshops, panel discussions and displays.
Tackling carbon emissions across the country is an integral part of climate change adaptation, and for Wiltshire Council, it is a significant undertaking, considering Wiltshire's annual CO2e emissions exceed 4,000 kilotonnes.
Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, Councillor Paul Sample JP, said: “We worked closely with Wiltshire Climate Alliance to put on an ambitious, packed programme across the two days of the summit, and I’m delighted with the success of it.
“Each workshop, session and talk was awash with passion and ideas, and we hope that people left inspired and ready to do even more in the face of the climate emergency that impacts us all. A huge thanks to all the organisers, speakers and the business and community stall holders – it simply would not have been the success it was without their support.”
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The founder of Good Energy, Juliet Davenport, who helped to sponsor the event, raised the issue, ‘Can we make green business good business?’
Businesses, including Wincanton, Nationwide, and Apetito, showcased their innovative approaches to this challenge. Workshops then delved into carbon reduction strategies through renewable energy, sustainable transport, building efficiency, and business adaptation.
Communities Day (June 21) focused on "Community Engagement", exploring topics such as transport, active travel, community energy generation, nature, and resilience.
Keynote speakers Jen Gale (Sustainable(ish)) and Rachel Berger (Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon) inspired delegates, prompting discussions on how to broaden community action through collaboration while providing a positive, hopeful message.
Cllr Sample added: “We’ve always maintained that as a council we can’t change things on our own – and that’s why it was reassuring to see so many businesses and groups in attendance that are joining us on this urgent journey – doing such innovative work in this area.
“My thanks to the Climate Alliance for their hard work to deliver this event with us, and for the support from Swindon Borough Council. The hard work doesn’t stop now though; there’s more for us all to do, and we’ll continue to do everything we can as a council to lead from the front, building on the success of the progress we’re making.”
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Wiltshire Climate Alliance Co-founder, Bill Jarvis, said: “The energy and commitment displayed at the Wiltshire Climate and Environment Summit was truly inspiring,
"It is clear that our businesses and communities are already tackling the climate crisis. Although there is still much to do, this summit marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards a net-zero, sustainable and thriving Wiltshire for generations to come.”
Momentum generated is expected to translate into lasting change, with follow-up meetings already planned by attendees. Furthermore, the summit has provided new direction for Wiltshire Climate Alliance and the councils of Wiltshire and Swindon in their ongoing carbon reduction and environmental efforts.
Fayre on the Square
Fayre on the Square is to return next month, providing a range of fun activities.
The pop-up Fayre in the Square will be located on the Guildhall Square from July 19 to August 31 and will include prehistoric-themed croquet, live music evenings, food and drink, table tennis and table football.
The bar area, operated by Columbia Events, will be open daily from 11am until 11pm, with live music and, new this year, remote-controlled cars and boats.
Free Music Day
Edward Heath’s former home and gardens in the Cathedral Close will be open this weekend for an entertaining music day.
The event at Arundells will take place on Sunday, June 29 and includes an energetic Family Ceilidh Dance, Fun Under Fives Music Sessions, Drop-in Music-Themed Craft Tent for children, and a rousing Sea Shanty Sing-Along Workshop and Performance. There will also be a chance to play Sir Edward Heath’s Steinway Piano.
The full programme and timings are listed on the Arundells website.