The Annual Summer Environmental Fayre
2012 Dates TBA
The 2011 event was the best so far even though the weather was awful, we had more stalls and more people than ever. We were honoured to have the event formally opened by Caroline Lucas MP who spoke passionately about the need for more events like this. Plans are now coming together for this year's event which is set to be something a little different.
It all started back in 2003 when we successfully applied to Barclays for a New Futures Award. The fund was for the construction of an educational pond, the development of environmental education with local junior schools and a celebration event at the end of the two year programme. So in July 2005 we held our first Summer Environmental Fayre which also coincided with the 50th anniversary of Dorothy Stringer School. The idea was to take the traditional school fair and give it an environmental theme. We opened it up to the wider community and made the event a celebration of the excellent environmental work that is happening on a local and national scale. We used the word 'Fayre' as we had a number of local produce stalls and we also saw this word giving the event a more earthy feel. Although the event has changed somewhat over the years we have decided to keep this spelling for the event.
Dorothy Stringer is big on bio-diversity and this is a time you have the option to explore the Butterfly Haven, go pond dipping or see the bees in the observational hives. We have had talks from leading specialists in the field of Butterflies and Bees.
There are a range of workshops for all ages: these include making seed bombs, felt making, circus skills, carrot whistles, wood turning and fire making.
The Year 8 students give an excellent performance of some 'Shakespeare in the Woods' of the nature reserve - we have had Midsummers Night Dream, Romeo & Juliet and Taming of the shrew to name but a few.
The textiles students have held a 'Recycled Fashion Show' where they have showcased clothes made from rubbish and other recycled items.
The fayre is attended by a number of voluntary and charitable organisations these include: Friends of Bursted and Hollingbury Woods, National Trust, Badger Trust, and WaterAid.
The farmers' market allows local producers to sell a range of locally produced foods and crafts.
A number of students are keen to raise money for specific charities. They do this by running their own stalls which over the years have included; a tombola, guess the weight of the cake and match the teacher and the baby photo.
The Smoothie Bike is always a hit - an old bike has been hooked up to a blender. To make your drink you need to get on the bike and pedal!
In 2011 we saw the arrival of the a pedal powered sound system which meant someone had to keep pedalling if we wanted to hear the music of the talented artists from the Access to Music organisation.
The Energy Expo 2011: With the arrival of the Feed-in-Tariffs we wanted to promote the world of renewable energy so we invited solar companies and other 'green' companies to advertise their wares at the event. This proved a great addition and we had environmentally friendly architects, a dozen solar companies and other related stalls.
This year promises to be even better and highlight not only what we do environmentally as a school but also to encourage the wider community to develop an broader understanding of how we can all work towards a more eco-friendly world.
If you would like to have a stall at the event, donate a prize or want to volunteer then please contact Rob Sandercock by email >>>
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