Eco-friendly feel to Mendip Housing's annual fun day

Published by Jon Land for Flourish Homes in Housing

Somerset-based Mendip Housing’s annual community day had an eco-friendly feel when its Shared Planet Day helped to kick off Frome Festival, rated as one of the top five arts festivals by The Times last year.

Visitors to the free fun day, held at the Key Centre, were able to try out lots of different activities, from pottery to tai chi and circus skills, and there was lots of information to help them make a difference and maybe help save the planet!

Gardening workshops encouraged people to grow their own veg, local voluntary organisations were on hand to help people find out more about the small things they can change that can make a big difference to the planet.

A fair-trade café and food from around the world kept energy levels high which was needed when the day drew to a close with an African dancing extravaganza, led by Louis Roger Eboa.

“We had some windy conditions on the day and if we’d been able to harness some of the gusts that blew through we’d probably have been able to power the day! But the rain held off and we had a great day,” said Mendip Housing’s Community Involvement Manager Beverley Breeds.

“Being part of Frome Festival really made for a successful day as well and helped us achieve our goal of celebrating the diversity of our communities.

"We hope the event helped people discover some new things about themselves and each other and maybe helped them to discover a few ways to be a bit more ‘green’ to help the planet as well.”

Mendip Housing is a non-profit making housing association that owns and manages more than 4,000 properties in Frome, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street and took over the housing stock of Mendip District Council in 2001.

It is a member of the Aster Group which also supported the event by donating lots of alternatively powered gadgets which were given out as Big Green Giveaway prizes on the day, hidden in goodie bags stuffed with eco-friendly delights!

Nick Truman from the Growing Space in Wincanton is pictured explaining what it takes to grow veg in small plots during Mendip Housing’s Shared Planet Day.