By Nora Parminter

MEMBERS of Sustainable Crediton organised a Crediton Climate Challenge event at the Town Square in support of the Paris global climate change conference.

As there was not to be a climate rally in Paris itself, Sustainable Crediton asked as many people as possible to take part and make their own personal pledges for cutting greenhouse gas emissions written on green heart pledge forms.

Pledges included reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, driving less, flying less and eating more local food to reduce food miles.

While pledges were being made there was entertainment by Crediton performance poet Ian Beech, the Woodmen, a band comprised of Sustainable Crediton members and the Town Crier, Kevin Payne, was making announcements around the town and in the Square.

The speakers were Laura Conyngham (Sustainable Crediton), Town Mayor Cllr Frank Letch MBE and Martin Binks, who read a letter from Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon.

Locally produced cider and apple juice were available, and a free heart-shaped cake was given to people making pledges.

There was an exhibition about what local businesses, organisations and schools are doing to cut their carbon footprints.

The event culminated in pledges being handed to Frank Letch, Crediton’s Mayor for forwarding to the government to show what Crediton is doing to help meet the cut in emissions.

A giant heart-shaped photo was sent, digitally, to Paris for display by the campaigning organisation, Avaaz.