Planet Havering event attracts 10,000 visitors

Approximately ten thousand people attended Planet Havering 2006, including 2,300 school children from 28 schools on Friday 16 June and members of the public on Saturday 17 June. The borough's major green fair, held at Harrow Lodge Park in Hornchurch, is now in its seventh year and the attractions included the Groovy Movie Solar Cinema, Global Action Plan's Energy Bike, Stubber's Climbing Wall, the giant can car, and the ever popular Green Roadshow and Croissant Neuf Circus.

The free of charge annual family entertainment is very popular with visitors and has an environmental theme.

Healthy food and drink from the Veggie Caterers and the 100% juice company was provided for an entire well-being experience. Extra healthy visitors had the opportunity to blend their own fruit drinks using pedal power with Blenda Venda.

Other attractions included interactive fun displays and shows from local environmental and community organisations such as Second Chance Community Arts Group with a new production called 'Back and Beyond' and the Essex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB provided wildlife-related activities.

The activities showed visitors how we can all work together to secure a sustainable future in Havering, and examined both global issues such as climate change and local issues including waste and recycling.

The Havering Cycling Campaign members attended as 'Doctor Bike' and provided free bicycle checks to those who take their bikes to the event on Saturday.

Other exhibitors included the Essex Beekeepers Association, Havering Fairtrade Campaign, Havering and East London Ramblers Association and a number of local heritage and historical societies.

Planet Havering has six main themes: Waste and Recycling, Wildlife, Healthy Living, Heritage, Transport and Energy.

Planet Havering is part of London Sustainability Weeks, hosting environmental events across London.

Planet Havering is sponsored by the Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust and Transport for London via the Good Going Campaign which promotes travel awareness in London.

Councillor Michael Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities - Housing and Regeneration, said: "The Planet Havering event was once again a well attended and popular event, which featured innovative displays on how we can all live in a more environmentally friendly way. This in turn contributes to a better planet and a better Havering.

"The annual event is a fun and exciting way to get the whole family interested in the environment and help make the borough cleaner and greener."

The photograph: Pupils from Pinewood Primary School, Councillor Roger Evans, Councillor Michael Armstrong and The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Wendy Brice-Thompson test the solar powered fountain at Planet Havering 2006.

For further information on Planet Havering call 01708 432590 or email environmental.strategy@havering.gov.uk