A pupil from Christ Church C of E First School sang songs about recycling, harvest and flooding to MP David Warburton as part of a national week of action against climate change.
Pupils at Christ Church, spent the half-term practising songs about harvest and the environment which celebrate the world and stress the importance of taking care of it, including a song with actions about flooding and the consequences of not heeding advice: The wise man built his house upon the rock.
Yolanda-Paige Welsh sang some of the songs with headteacher Rupert Kaye to David Warburton in Christ Church before presenting him with a songbook designed by pupils. The event was part of the Speak Up week of action organised by the Climate Coalition – a group of over 100 organisations including Christian Aid, Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, WWF, CAFOD, WI, as well as local groups.
The Climate Coalition aims to persuade the UK Government to make a commitment to shift to 100% clean energy within a generation to protect people, places and livelihoods from climate change.
The Christ Church event was organised by Frome Christian Aid supporter Ann Burgess, who said, “We’ve seen how climate change can affect us directly when we had the terrible floods in Somerset. We need to tackle climate change now and we need our MP to lead the way.
“I first heard about the week of action in the summer when I knew I’d be going into Christ Church First School to play the piano for some singing sessions. The idea grew from there – sometimes children can make a point so much more powerfully than us adults! “The children have practised with great gusto and Yolanda should be very proud of her performance.”
Rupert Kaye said, “Speak Up was a fantastic, fun way for young children to engage with issues that will impact on the world they grow up in. Many thanks to the children and of course Mrs Burgess for making sure our school could be part of a national effort calling for wise government and courageous leadership – for the sake of our planet and future generations of children to come.
“Speak Up is about raising awareness of the current and ongoing impact that climate change is having on many of the world’s poorest communities and on its most fragile ecosystems. The time has come for us to work together to act decisively, compassionately and with a due sense of urgency!
“At last week’s harvest festival I spoke about what we can all learn from Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish builders. Here in Frome, and across the UK, we hope and pray that politicians, policymakers, educators and business people will have the humility and good sense to listen to what Christian Aid and their Climate Coalition partners have to say.
“For the sake of our children and children around the world, let us be wise.”
Frome Town Council launched its Fossil Fuel Free plan at the Cheese and Grain with local wildlife photographer Simon King and David Warburton MP, following the concert.
