The Big Green Bus's Maiden Voyage

Bradford Green Fair - October 3rd and 4th 2008

The Big Green Bus has made its debut at the Bradford Green Fair in Bradford-on-Avon, held at Fitzmaurice Primary School. The two days were a huge success, enjoyed both by the helpers and organisers, and the visitors.

Friday was Primary School Day. Brigit, along with her son James, Andy the project manager, and volunteers Mike and Duncan, ran workshops, talks and hands-on information sessions for the children which proved exceptionally popular. Amongst the many things to see and do were talks on the top deck, hands-on composting and planting, the pedal-powered smoothie maker and the BGI-tree-shaped electronic buzz game beautifully crafted by Andy.

On Saturday the fair was open to the public. Despite the weather which, in fairness, wasn't as bad as predicted, many people turned up. The success of Brigit and the BGI volunteers passing on the green message to the schoolchildren was shown by how many of them enthusiastically brought their parents back on the Saturday to show them exactly what they had been learning the day before. In addition to the displays and activities centred on the bus, there were also many stalls selling green products or providing green information. People were also able to handle a delightful array of different chickens and bantams and learn about caring for these wonderful ‘pets with eggstra benefits'.

The bus is stunning. Outside, the green paint and creeping ivy, painted by the very talented Celia, is just beautiful. Inside, the bus is quite, quite wonderful. It has been transformed from the ‘Work in Progress' seen four months ago to something quite magical.

Downstairs, the rear hemp-covered seating area provides space for small group talks, activities and workshops. The cupboards and drawers are made out of hand-crafted English wood. A reclaimed surfboard provides an appropriate base for surfing the net on the large-screen computer and BGI Idea Sheets (available on this website under ‘Resources') cover the rest of the surface. Displays of energy-saving light bulbs, including the elusive dimmer-light energy-saving bulb, are along the opposite side. The Green Parenting section in between the two doors has examples of eco-friendly baby products such as washable nappies, organic cotton baby clothes, gentle baby skincare products, and so much more...

The multi-coloured marmoleum stairs (marmoleum being a wonderful natural and environmentally friendly material) lead to the solar-powered cinema area which was filled for every talk: Val on eco-friendly clothing, James and Duncan on wormeries and composting, Brigit on skincare, Steve Pritchard from Edible Landscapes on permaculture, Andy and Dave Hamilton's Self-Sufficientish talk and a talk on the Big Green Bus's progress by Brigit, James, Andy and Mike. 

Under the awning, inspirational eco-books, second-hand books, eco-friendly skincare products and free samples braved the elements along with the stalwart BGI volunteers. The pedal-powered smoothie maker drew many fascinated children as did the electronic buzz game. There was hands-on composting and a working (only too well thanks to the weather!) wind turbine. It was easy to forget the inclement weather when talking to people who were so keen to find out more about what products were available and the benefits they could offer, for the individual and the environment. Although some products were available to buy, it was actually encouraging that most people were there to be educated - this was not, and was never intended to be, an event where people are encouraged to go home with lighter wallets and heavy bags full of ‘stuff'.

Everyone who helped make Brigit's dream finally a reality should take a while to rejoice in what has been achieved. Then it will be time to consider what went well, what could be improved on for the next event, what new ideas we would like to develop... and, of course, work on raising awareness of and funding for the BGI. If you have been inspired by Brigit's Big Green Idea, and would like to help us to reach out to more people around the country, please do consider making a donation, large or small.

By Judy