Articles - Miscellaneous

Christian Aid's Cut the Carbon march comes to Leeds - August 11&12

Several families in Roundhay were hosts to the Christian Aid Cut the Carbon marchers over the weekend of August 11and 12th. Jill Vogler and Astrid Fielden give their impressions.

They arrived, having walked from Castleford, to an enthusiastic welcome from a small band of supporters which included the hosts who were going to put them up over the next two days. They left us, hopefully refreshed, on the Monday on a day that threatened rain, to continue their march on to Bradford. The talk, as rainwear replaced summer hats, was of 400 miles having been accomplished and only 600 now to go before Christian Aid's extra ordinary and imaginative project came to a climax in London on October 2. The march is to draw attention to the global dangers arising from climate change and to call upon the Government to increase its goal of a 60% cut in carbon usage to 80% by the middle of the century. Being Christian Aid an essential part of the message is that while we in the West were historically responsible for the changes to our climate, it was people in the developing world that were already beginning to pay the price in increased flooding and rising sea levels: the price being in loss of livelihoods and even in loss of lives.

In order to emphasise this Christian Aid had arranged for 10 of the marchers to come from parts of the world already affected by climate change which included Brazil, El Salvador, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Philippines and Bangladesh who were in a position either through their work or as Christian Aid workers to speak authoratively on the what their countries were experiencing. The other 10 marchers came from the UK.

For the marchers, we the Roundhay hosts were yet another set of new faces to encounter at the end of yet another day. Thanks to the generous hospitality of Jill and Nigel (Jones) and Richard and Christine (Brett) we did have the opportunity of mingling with everyone and hearing the individual stories which, tho' oft' told, were powerful explanations about why such a diverse group of people from all over the world felt so strongly about the threat to the survival of our planet that they were giving their time and enduring blisters to get the message across to as many people as possible during the 1,000 miles from Belfast to London. Please God their message will be finally heard and heeded.

Jill Vogler

The week-end of the 11th August saw Church people from Roundhay playing host to 20 or so dedicated marchers. Most were youngsters and one was a young 68 year old. They came from various countries in Africa and South America, from India and the Philippines, as well as the UK. All were united by one deep conviction: they must do their bit to arrest climate change. That is why they accepted Christian Aid's challenge to help raise awareness of the devastating effects of carbon emissions on the climate, especially in developing countries.

Before reaching Leeds the intrepid 20 had walked well over 300 miles. They travelled through Scotland and the North East sleeping in Church halls or with hosts like us in Roundhay. They held rallies and explained to all and sundry on their way why they were undertaking such a challenge.

Needless to say the visitors were weary and hungry by the time they reached us. However they were soon revived, both by the al fresco Jacob's Join meal generously provided by their hosts and by the prospect of their rest day on Sunday. Indeed some were tempted to sample Roundhay's nightlife (!) while others were simply grateful for a refreshing shower, a chance to do their laundry and a good night's sleep.

You may have met a couple of these heroes in St. Edmund's on Sunday morning where they were very willing to share their stories. There was a chance for everyone to meet together again for another faith meal on Sunday evening and then Monday morning arrived with final farewells.

We wish them God-speed on their continuing journey and our thoughts will be with them on October 2nd at the London Stock Exchange, and their final service at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Astrid Fielden

© St Edmund's Church, Roundhay