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If you ask a climate scientist what’s the most important thing we can all do,they are likely to say ‘talk about it’. But many of us find having a conversation about climate change with friends, colleagues or acquaintances really difficult
So we are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity:
Thursday 7 November, 19:30 to 21:00, Clarke Foley Centre
Learning how to have better Climate Conversations
with Alex Evans
Alex Evans is Founder and Exec Director of Larger Us which works to inspire and support change-makers to use psychology to bridge divides, build broader coalitions and bring people together. He has previously worked as an adviser to UK Secretaries of State and the UN Secretary-General’s office, Campaign Director at Avaaz and is Visiting Professor at Newcastle University. We are fortunate that he lives in Wharfedale and is keen to lead this live workshop for us:
The Big Idea – this session will demonstrate why conversations matter so much to the climate movement and how this training can help members to overcome the barriers they have to talking about it in their community.
For those that wish to take it further there are more detailed sessions available.
This is a free event, coffee/ tea and maybe cake will be available. You can sign up on Eventbrite here.
Alex Evans
Car Free Festival, Sunday 22 September 2024
The Car-Free Festival in Ilkley is a community event now in its 4th year, in which we will join in a global event. Every year on 22 September, people from around the world get together in the streets to remind us that we don't have to accept the total domination of towns by cars. Between 11am and 4pm we will hold a festival on the Grove, the central thoroughfare in Ilkley, for games, arts and crafts, music, cycling, demonstrations of alternative mobility options such as E-bikes, information about low-carbon energy (e.g. solar panels and heat pumps); and other activities.
But we don't want just one day of celebration and then a return to "normal" life. The Festival attempts to persuade people to think about how they might reduce their reliance on cars. And the temporary pedestrianisation of our premier shopping street will help remind us what it is that the car takes away from our public spaces.
As the climate heats up, World Car-free Day is the perfect time to take the heat off the planet and put it on town planners and politicians to give priority to cycling, walking and public transport.
In addition this year we are partnering with the Ilkley Clean River Group who will hold a public meeting entitled 'Cleaning Up our Rivers Lakes and Seas - The Answers' in Christchurch on The Grove, 12.30 - 16.30.
Speakers include Prof Jamie Woodward, Prof Rick Battarbee FRS and lead campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage, Wild Fish, Save Windermere, Windrush Against Sewage as well as national journalists.
Heat Pump Open Day
Are you interested in seeing how heat pumps and solar panels work?
What do they look like?
How much energy do they save?
How efficient are they in providing heating, hot water and electricity for a house?
Visit some of our members’ homes in Ilkley this Saturday 4th May, 10am to 12pm. Full details below. Please go to the address. No need to book, or email energy@climateactionilkley.org.uk for more information.
Grove Road LS29 9QE, Detached: EV charger & heat pump
6 Craigmore Drive, LS29 8PG, Semi: Solar panels & heat pump
25 Wharfe View Road, LS29 8DY, Terrace: Solar panels & heat pump
Your World, Your Vote
2024 is a General Election year and the climate and ecological emergencies should be major election issues. We are planning a series of live events in the Clarke Foley Centre under the theme of "Your World, Your Vote" aimed at raising awareness of current and potential future policies.
Wednesday 21 February, 19:30: What Future for Waste?, Martin Hyde, sustainability specialist. Martin's presentation (PDF).
Wednesday 20 March, 19:30: Your Lives in Their Hands, Doctor Noel Cass, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds. Noel's presentation (PDF).
Tuesday 16 April, 19:30: Renewables - Can They Keep Our Lights On?, Professor Peter Taylor, Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Leeds. Peter's presentation (PDF).
Thursday 9 May, 18:30: You ARE the Climate Majority - how together we can make ourselves SAFER even as climate breakdown unfolds. Rupert Read. Recording of Rupert's talk (YouTube - audio only).
For more details see Events and Meetings tab.
Community Orchard Maintenance Days
2nd & 3rd March 2024 there will be winter pruning & maintenance days at the two community orchard sites:
Saturday, 2nd March: Ben Rhydding Community Orchard, Wheatley Lane Recreation field (Behind Tesco garage)
Sunday, 3rd March: Ilkley Community Orchard, East Holmes Field (next to the skate park)
10:00 - 13:00
Please come to help prune, weed, mulch and retie the fruit trees.
Bring gloves, a spade, trowel, bucket, wheelbarrow if you are able to.
All are welcome. No experience required.
For more information, please contact: orchard@climateactionilkley.org.uk
The River Wharfe
The River Wharfe is one of our town’s greatest assets. Most of us are deeply saddened about its condition, which is not what it could and should be. The good news is that there are numerous simple actions we can all take that will help to improve water quality in the river. This leaflet describes a few of them. Take a look.
Ilkley Thingery
Ilkley's "Library of Things" is open!
This not-for-profit community project will allow people to borrow items such as power tools, ladders and pressure washers for a short period of time rather than buy them with aim of promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
For more details and to browse the available items have a look at www.ilkleythingery.org.
Ilkley Active Travel Hub
Climate Action Ilkley has been successful in securing grant funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to set up a Community Active Travel Hub.
What the Active Travel Hub project will do?
The Ilkley Active Travel Hub will provide support, advice and assistance for people wanting to take up walking, cycling and wheeling.
We will provide information and advice on appropriate opportunities to suit different people’s needs and preferences, including walking and cycling routes, social rides and walks, e-bike loans, training and equipment loans.
Further information about the project is available on activeilkley.org.uk.