- Ampthill Baptist Church
- Dunstable Street
- Ampthill
- Bedfordshire
- MK45 2JS
01525 841682
Email Us
ECO FESTIVAL 2011
SATURDAY 25TH JUNE
2.00-5.00PM
Download the EcoFestival brochure
"Informative, with lots to do, and fun."
If you weren't able to come last weekend that's what you missed, acording to one visitor who filled in our feedback sheet. The live bat was another hit, as were the cream teas, recycled plastic bags, live music, poster competition and lots else besides. Over 170 people came, with many having no previous connection to church. There were at least two visitors from other churches planning eco festivals who wanted to see how it was done. A number of people commented on what a great community spirit we showed, and particularly on how committed and enthusiastic our young people are. So well done to all who took part. This was a big effort to organise and operate on the day, so many thanks to all those who helped. There will be photographs on the website very soon.
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Consuming less and recycling more saves money and scarce resources. So being thrifty makes sense for both our home environment and for the world at large. The Festival is an opportunity to have some fun and learn together some practical ways to “waste not and want less”.
Why would I come to an event like this?
- To have fun: Last year’s visitors loved the “welcoming and lively atmosphere”. We have things to do for all the family, cream teas and live music in the garden.
- Save money: tips for make do and mend, recycling advice, energy saving.
- Learn: new habits which help protect the environment: Last year “the rubbish talk was excellent” We have expert advice from Central Beds Council, Anglian Water and others.
- Get involved: local groups such as the Greensand Trust, Beds Natural History Society, Ampthill Good Neighbours, will be sharing what they do and offering opportunities to volunteer. National bodies such as Fairtrade will also be present.
- Bring all the family. The live music, recycled fashion show, treasure hunt and poster competition mean there is something for all ages. Last year’s comment: "Very interesting, everyone friendly and helpful, it was something nice to take the kids to."
- It’s free. We’ll just make a small charge for food, which we’ll donate to charity (last year to A Rocha and the Greensand Trust). There’s nothing for sale either, so no risk of family clamour for extra pocket money….
- To find out why the church is bothered about the environment. See Why is a church running an Eco festival? below.
Where is it?
- The map here shows where we are.
- It’s easiest to get to us on foot as there is no parking on site at church.
- But you can park in the Aragon Housing Association car park in Katharine’s Gardens which is off Chandos Rd 100 yards towards the town centre from the church.
What is happening on the day?
- Food- cream teas will be available all afternoon for a small charge.
- Live Music
- Recycled Instruments: Have a go at making your own instrument at home, or materials and expert advice will be available on the day to make an instrument out of junk material. Then the opportunity to star in the world premiere of the Recycled Instrument Band.
- Fashion show: Anyone can take part in our fashion show provided their outfit is 2nd hand. Prizes will be awarded.
- Poster competition: paper and materials will be made available of the day. Prizes will be given for the best poster with a theme “Waste Not and Want Less”.
- Children’s activities- treasure hunt, face painting etc.
- Speakers / presentations.
- Stalls and stands
- A detailed programme is available for you to download.
Why is a church running an Eco Festival?
- The Festival is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a churchgoer, believer, or religious to come. It’s an event for the whole community.
- The most famous verse in the Bible says that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life”
- God loves the world still. Christians do not feel hopeless about the environment, but hopeful, because of the message above. But we do believe God wants us to look after his Creation justly and wisely. We need to learn how best to do that, and that’s what the Eco Festival is all about.
- The Festival isn’t a one off event.
- If you want to go into this more deeply, have a look at this and come along to the Festival and talk to us!
Would you like to know more?
- Click here if you want to find out more about the Eco Festival or would be interested in taking a stall / stand at it.
- Click here if you want to find more about
Feedback from the 2010 event...
"The “rubbish” talk was excellent!"
"Super bacon rolls and welcoming lively atmosphere…"
"Very interesting, everyone friendly and helpful, was something nice to take the kids to."
"I just wanted to say what a great afternoon I had at ABC today. You guys did an inspiring and very important thing today, I have believed for some time that the Church really does have something "authentic" (to use an ABC word!) to say about Climate Change and Creation Care, and your hard work will have made a difference!"
"We would like to thank you for a most delightful day on Sunday, and we hope that the message of caring for the planet has really been reinforced for all those present. There was plenty to do – for us stallholders as well – and there was a great deal of imagination and good use of the building with the presentations during the day. These were all very thoughtful and helpful."