Report on the Green Weekend 2024

A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who came down to the events over the Green Weekend of 6th/7th July 2024.

The Green Jamboree on Saturday 6th July was well attended by locals and visitors, and everyone seemed to have a quality time in spite of the strong wind. The three activity-based stalls were the most popular on the day. Helen, Sue and Simone wowed everyone with their display of eco crafts, producing eco prints and demonstrating spinning techniques using local wool. Sheryl and Gail were overrun with kids wanting to make wildflower seed bombs and bug hotels, while The Willow Man had a great time showing visitors how to sculpt with willow.

The "Create the Future Roadshow" had a steady stream of interest, with youngsters kept entertained while their parents/carers had quality conversations with OVESCO volunteers about how to reduce their energy bills. The team from Sow Wild also did well selling seeds and offering advice about creating wildflower meadows.

The event was also a chance to Meet the Muddles Green Makers, who operate small businesses from the workshop units in Farley's Yard. Seven Sister's Spice, in particular, did a roaring trade in spicy chips, the staff in the Village Shop & Cafe were run off their feet, and there was plenty of interest in Burnand & Simpson Upholstery.

The Sunday Market at the Gun Brewery Taproom on Sunday 7th July was a little quieter, most likely due to the very wet weather. Nonetheless, we had some great conversations with visitors about Greening Chiddingly activities, and a lot of interest in the various projects to Restore Nature around the village.

There was a steady stream of interest in the eco craft stall run by Helen, Sue and Simone (image credit: David Nash).

Simone demonstrating how to spin natural wool (image credit: David Nash).

Sheryl having a go at spinning (image credit: David Nash).

Who wins the prize for the best bug hotel? (image credit: David Nash).

The Willow Man giving a hands-on demonstration of how to sculpt with willow (image credit: David Nash).

Children's entertainment was provided by the "Create the Future" Roadshow (image credit: David Nash).

Wealden wild flower seeds were on sale at the Sow Wild stall (image credit: David Nash).

The Greening Chiddingly display at the Sunday Market hosted by the Gun Brewery (image credit: David Nash).

Plenty of interest in our "Restoring Nature" projects at the Sunday Market (image credit: Mark Valleley).