‘Earthing heaven’

FIFTY delegates were keen to discuss and learn more about how to make their patch of the world a cleaner, greener and friendlier place, at a special event at Frome Town Council’s committee room recently.

‘Earthing Heaven’ was an evening event aimed for local church members to take practical steps to care for our local environment. Participants came from many of the local churches in Frome of all denominations, along with churches in Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon.

Revd Andy Bowerman, co-director of the Anglican Alliance, invited people to find a new narrative – one of grief, of forgiveness and of restoration – rather than condemnation and division – and to become activists (change agents) and artists as we help create beauty and be good news for the earth.

“This evening,” Andy said, “we hope that you will find ideas that will stimulate both the activist and the artist within you. These ideas may seem small but will, in themselves, allow you to draw what Seamus Heaney calls ‘scribbles in the sand’.”

After this, participants moved between nine ‘table talk’ workshops led by experts in topics including  how to green your village, advice on new technology to help cut fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions, working with our neighbours to create ‘green streets’, and working with the town council on new environmental initiatives.

The next event is ‘What a Wonderful World – a celebration of creation’ on Sunday 29th October, 6.30pm at the Cheese and Grain, Frome. This inspiring service will include live worship and two excellent speakers – Mary Colwell, BBC Natural History producer and feature writer for The Tablet, and Peter Harris, founder of A Rocha (Christians in conservation). Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to chat to the speakers and browse the stands of local environmental and Christian organisations. No booking required.

Caroline Pomeroy