 Press Release - 9 July 2007 |
POLAR BEARS PICNIC AT THE GARDENS OF EASTON LODGE
Tickets are now on sale for the Polar Bears Picnic which will be held at the Gardens of Easton Lodge (Little Easton, nr Great Dunmow) on Sunday 12 August, to which children are invited to bring teddies of all kinds – not just Polar bears.
The event, which is being organised by Stop Stansted Expansion, is a variation on the teddy bears picnic which it has held at the Gardens since 2005. The change in emphasis reflects the growing awareness that the impacts of an expanded Stansted Airport would have on not only the local community but internationally because of climate change. The impacts of global warming are already being observed in Greenland, for example, the natural habitat of Polar bears.
The gardens open at 12 noon and the picnic starts with fun and games, entertainment from Astra Magic and face painting from 1.30pm. Judging of the best dressed teddy and Polar bears begins at 2.30pm, with prizes awarded shortly after. The categories will be best campaigning teddy, best loved teddy, best dressed teddy, most cuddly teddy, biggest teddy, smallest teddy, best drawing of a teddy.
As with all events organised by Stop Stansted Expansion, the message underlying the fun is deadly serious. Like many other historic sites in the Uttlesford area, the Grade II listed Gardens of Easton Lodge are under significant threat from BAA’s expansion plans for Stansted Airport. The noise and pollution impacts of an additional runway and related road links for an enlarged airport whose scale is envisaged to be larger than Heathrow today would devastate not only an historic and tranquil site of national significance but also a long-established haven for local wildlife.
Admission to the event on a family ticket (for four people) is £15. Single tickets (adults and children) are £4.20 (£3.80 concessions). Bookings through Stop Stansted Expansion 01279 870558 or see Coming Events for a booking form. Tickets will also available on the day. Marquee cover in case of rain. Bring a picnic or visit the Gardens Café.
The Gardens of Easton Lodge are in Little Easton, nr Great Dummow, signposted from the B184 - follow the brown heritage signs. The Gardens of Easton Lodge can be contacted on 01371 873305.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION
Carol Barbone, SSE Campaign Director, M 0777 552 3091 and cbarbone@mxc.co.uk
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