Next Generation Group

Proposal

In March 2023 Next Generation Group, an organisation that aims to educate younger generations on ways to achieve sustainable lives for the future, requested a grant of £400 for the hire of a stage and PA system at it’s second Annual Fair to be held at Craven Arms.

The primary aim of the Fair was to provide ideas of small, practical steps that families can take to protect their local environment and reduce their carbon footprint. Several charities focused on environmental sustainability were being invited. Various forms of stage entertainment were also to be included, including a performance by Shropshire Academy of Peforming Arts’ young dancers based in Church Stretton.

Having established from the applicant that families and school children from the Strettons would be well represented at the Fair, the Grant Committee were happy to support the application with the understanding that the Group would able to raise the additional funding necessary to hold the event. This article was printed on page 42 of July 2023 Stretton Focus (article below).

The Next Generation Group Annual Fair

The Next Generation Group held its second annual fair on 20th May, in Craven Arms. This is a project born from a passion and keen interest to bring the knowledge and awareness of sustainable living to younger generations. Its mission is to bring the community and local groups together, to close generational gaps and exchange information, educate and spread awareness on topics such as our impact on the environment and small or practical steps that each individual or young family can take to protect their local environment and reduce their carbon footprint, thus contributing to the climate care.

“We don’t want to preach to the converted”, Hilary Luff, vice chair of the committee said. “…we want to reach out to younger people, busy young families, new homeowners. If one or two people come and take away something that they can then apply and make a small change to the way they operate in their daily lives, then it is all worth it.”

The event was attended by charities and not-for-profit groups such as Stretton Climate Care, Save our Shropshire, Zero Carbon Shropshire, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, South Shropshire Climate Action, Marches Energy Agency, Shropshire Master Composters and Grow, Cook Learn. Everyone enjoyed lovely sunshine throughout the day. Opportunities to discuss environmentally friendly alternatives to transport and trial riding on electric bikes were provided by Dave Mellor Cycles.

There was a good number of visitors who, as well as learning about sustainability, were entertained by Shrewsbury Morris Dancers who produced a fantastic show, belly dancing by Eastern Mystique, children’s songs by the Mini Glasshouse local drama group from the Mad Hatters Play Group and spectacular dances performed by the SAPA group. There were tears in the eyes of the spectators when the young SAPA performers made a raw and emotional speech on climate change, our mission to save it and the urgency to act on it now:

“... the first thing that comes to mind when we say about climate change is our future families and children won’t be able to enjoy the world like we are enjoying it now. Are we all going to step in and do something about it… or are we gonna ignore it like we’ve done for so long? […] but to be honest it can feel like people are going on and on about it and we never end up listening. […] and realised that the only reason why people were going on and on about this is because people aren’t listening. […]The reason why we are here today is because of how we want our families to have an amazing life and what if they can’t enjoy it? […] I’m terrified of bringing a child into this world. […] instead of working against nature by dropping litter and chopping trees we can work with nature and reduce, reuse and recycle all that we can! We can plant new trees and educate younger generations about how restoring the wild will recapture carbon and help us bring back balance to our world. Teaming up with nature can benefit everyone hugely… we just need to work together.” (Written by Year 8 and Year 10 Senior Theatre group performers.)

Many thanks also to the Craven Arms Fire Crew who brought in the engine for everyone to see and to find out more about fire safety and possibly a future career with the service. There was even something for the pampered pooches of the family with many four-legged friends walking off with first-prize red rosettes.

The youngest visitors to the event had the opportunity to enter an art competition on specific natural and environmental themes. The competition was hugely successful with nearly 50 entries and some very spectacular displays. Paul Harding, chair of Stretton Focus and his wife Anne-Helen had the pleasure and the difficulty in choosing the winners in each age category, ranging from as young as 2 years old to age 12. The winners received packs of seeds as prizes which were donated by Dobbies Garden Centre.

There was something for everyone. The event was a success in achieving its mission and bringing people together, and the positive feedback received from exhibitors and visitors alike keeps the group committed to continue in this direction. The event wouldn’t have been made possible without the generosity of our sponsors such as Craven Arms Town Council, Euro Quality Lambs, Stretton Focus, Cyril Bason and Hilary’s Childminders. The team at the Next Generation Fair intend to repeat the event and to reach an even bigger audience next year. If you wish to get involved why not contact us at nextgenerationfair@gmail.com.

Catalina Alexandroaie, Secretary of Next Generation Group