What a weekend! Children and adults engaging in nature, saving things from landfill, learning new repair skills, finding tiddlers on the Millennium Green, building community, having fun.
The weekend of 10/11 May saw a weekend of activities co-ordinated by Halesworth ASH, working with other Halesworth-based community groups to celebrate the amazing natural world that we are so fortunate to be surrounded by.
Kicking off on Saturday morning was the first ever Kids Repair Cafe at The Cut, organised by the Halesworth Repair Cafe team. Children came along with much loved toys and dolls for repair (gluing, darning, sewing, electrical), had fun making cut-out Totoro models and also enjoyed trying out the “hand-cranked” sewing machines brought along by amazing Helen Howes and using real tools (under adult supervision) which all tied in well with the “make-do-and-mend” theme of the VE Day commemorations taking place in The Thoroughfare.
Families enjoyed an afternoon screening of the popular Japanese animation “My Neighbour Totoro” and the wonderful introductions from Mini-Mouth Theatre Company with their interpretation of the themes of the film, and Halesworth Harmony Choir with 3 nature songs from talented singers, including a fun song in Japanese about fireflies.
On Sunday morning, courtesy of St Mary’s Church, children had the chance to make hedgehogs, bird-feeders, hunt for mini-critters in the churchyard and more
In the afternoon, over a dozen children and their families discovered more about the Millennium Green – the country’s largest – thanks to the really knowledgeable team who work with families and schools throughout the year. Enjoying the lovely sunshine there was a chance to sail in the “willow wherry”, take part in some crafting and willow weaving, do some pond-dipping, find a sit spot to simply contemplate nature, and more.
The weekend saw Halesworth at its best, with a remarkable range of assets and enthusiastic volunteers all working to look after and celebrate our natural environment. We should all be proud to be part of this wonderful town, with community at its heart.
