 Press Release - 6 August 2007 |
TEDDY BEARS GET TOGETHER AT GARDENS OF EASTON LODGE
The gates at the Gardens of Easton Lodge will be opened at midday this Sunday 12 August for the annual teddy bears picnic – this time with a twist.
While teddies of all shapes and sizes and the children who care for them will be made very welcome, their cousins from the frozen North will be guests of honour at this year’s Polar Bears and Friends Picnic.
The change in emphasis of the picnic, organised by Stop Stansted Expansion, reflects growing awareness of the impacts that an expanded Stansted Airport would have on both the local community as well as very much further afield because of climate change.
The historic Grade II listed Gardens of Easton Lodge are threatened by the proposed expansion of airport since a massive increase in aircraft movements would shatter their tranquility and disturb a long-established haven for wildlife. Meanwhile, the polar bear's natural Arctic habitat is in jeopardy because of thinning sea ice and receding coastlines resulting from climate change to which global warming emissions from aircraft are the fastest growing contributor.
At Sunday's picnic, bears and their families will be treated to magic shows and balloon modeling, face painting and fun and games in the historic setting of the Grade II listed gardens from 1.30pm, where marquee cover will be provided in case of rain.
Judging of the best dressed 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 brought to the event.
Admission to the picnic on a family ticket (for four people) is £15. Single tickets (adults and children) are £4.20 (£3.80 concessions). For those who don't wish to bring a picnic, refreshments will be available from 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 and Stop Stansted Expansion on 01279 870558.
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS
Photographers and journalists are welcome to attend to cover the event.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, SSE: M 0777 552 3091, cbarbone@mxc.co.uk
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