Thanks to all the stallholders and visitors who made our first ever Diocese of Leeds Laudato Si’ Advent Eco-Fair such a successful event!
As well as selling beautiful arts and crafts, and providing advice to visitors about living simply and sustainably, stall-holders had the opportunity to make contacts and network.
Our Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, the SPARK Social Justice group for young adults, our local charity Catholic Care and our regional representatives from CAFOD provided advice and information on how we can all help to bring about fairer, safer and more sustainable and caring communities both at home and overseas.
Stallholders were an ecumenical group of all faiths and none! There was a variety of ‘eco-wares’ on offer: crafts, art, biscuits, books and plants. Parishioners from Bradford, Leeds, and Sherburn in Elmet, were selling for charities including Mary’s Meals, and a school eco-project.
The photographs show the variety of eco-businesses and charities represented …
Ammani’s eco-business creates beautiful artistic items from things which would otherwise be thrown away. She has an Etsy store called Min Ramim which means ‘From the Ruins’ in Arabic: Instagram: @min.ramimm
Parishioners Dave and Eddie sold sustainable plants and plastics-free plant pots for Eddie’s business ‘Ash Blooms’, started with just £5 as a project set by Barkston Ash Primary School!
Angela and Rachel from CAFOD prominently displayed the Pastoral Letter which Bishop Marcus had written for the 2024 Season of Creation …
Sue and Helen represented Catholic Care-Caritas Leeds with unique ‘Living Gifts’ which can be given at Christmas and anytime in support of Catholic Care’s Gianna Baby Bank, Older People’s Groups, and Community Markets.
Anne Lise and Sally (and Yoda!) brought together several local climate activist and advice initiatives for Climate Action Leeds …
Parishioners Joe, Keith and Paul were on hand to tell the success stories of their sustainable ‘LiveSimply’ parishes and churches in Garforth, Burley in Wharfedale and Settle and staffed a stall for our own Diocese of Leeds Justice & Peace Commission …
Chair of the Justice and Peace Commission Sir John Battle also attended the event, which included a prayerful reflection led by Angela Powell of CAFOD.
Parishioners visited the Advent Eco-Fair from at least as far afield as Grassington. One of our LiveSimply parishes, St Benedict’s in Garforth, was particularly well-represented by parishioners accompanied by Parish Priest Fr Henry Longbottom, who had hosted our Laudato Si’ Mini-Pilgrimage in October: a Blessing of Animals on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi for the Autumn Season of Creation.
Rosa and Bex – and Rosa’s Dad, Leeds University Quaker Chaplain, Robin – sold Rosa’s exquisite seasonal biscuits, macarons and gingerbread houses. The sustainable eco-business also takes orders via fuzzybeebakery@gmail.com – and can be found on Instagram @fuzzybeebakery…
Bronagh from Leeds Church Institute exhibited works by a local artist showing the beauty of nature in Chapeltown throughout the seasons…
Bradford parishioner Bob’s bookstall sold some of his late mother’s delightful children’s books about ‘Granny Porage’, as well as other items in support of Mary’s Meals …
Kathy is Project Manager for SPARK Social Justice – our Justice and Peace Commission’s faith-informed social justice group for young adults aged 18 to 30 across our region, who are concerned with today’s important issues such as climate change, UK poverty and racial justice…
A bright selection of Tee’s Crafty Designs may be ordered via Facebook – and Tracey’s also on Instagram: @Tees_Crafty_Designs …
Visitors were able to enjoy Hinsley Hall’s tea, coffee, mulled wine and cake whilst they browsed the stalls, chatted to activists and advisors, and discovered how our Catholic charities support Care for ALL of God’s Creation – especially people at home and overseas who are the most vulnerable and therefore most likely to be affected by climate change and the lost livelihoods and higher cost of living that it causes.
As we approach the end of this Holy Year and Jubilee of Hope, the undimmed enthusiasm and commitment of local people of all ages and backgrounds is truly a reason to continue to have hope in the future sustainability of our communities across the Diocese!
Grateful thanks go to Hinsley Hall’s cheerful staff – and to receptionist Sarah whose idea it was to hold a Winter Fair!
Please consider signing the petition to bring the climate discussion to the widest possible audience!
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