Earth Hour: lights off, climate action on
Saturday 23 March saw the first marking of Earth Hour in Reepham.
This annual event started in 2007 in Australia, when 2.2 million people switched off non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour, to show a climate-sceptic government they were concerned about climate change.
Since then, it has spread around the world, and is marked on the fourth Saturday in March, between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm, in over 190 countries.
In Reepham, more than 20 people switched off their lights and walked to St Michael’s to light a candle and leave a pledge to do something positive for the planet.
There was also a food chain challenge and an outdoor trail to find the creatures named in the challenge, which was difficult, even with torches – some people had to go round twice to find them all.
The cloudy sky cleared in time for everyone to see the beautiful full moon through binoculars, which at times had a circular rainbow around it, as thin cloud drifted across.
Also seen were many constellations, including Orion and The Plough, just visible directly above St Michael’s tower.
It is hoped Earth Hour will become an annual event in Reepham.
Rachel Richmond