PEOPLE turned up in their droves to support a fun filled day hosted by Sustainable Sidmouth at the weekend. The Funday, which took place in St John s Hall on Saturday, was designed to encourage sustainability and to highlight the importance of the environ

PEOPLE turned up in their droves to support a fun filled day hosted by Sustainable Sidmouth at the weekend.

The Funday, which took place in St John's Hall on Saturday, was designed to encourage sustainability and to highlight the importance of the environment in a relaxed and friendly manner.

Different Sustainable Sidmouth groups set up stalls and activities for families to take part in such as bag and bunting making and driftwood art/recycling beachwaste workshops.

Members of the Food Group handed out soup and bread, manned the home made cake stall and six new members signed up to the Garden Share Project, run by the group.

People of all ages had the chance to ride on a bike powered generator, made by Sid Valley Energy Action Group, which produced enough energy to power a radio and a fan.

A Silver Birch Wish Tree was the focal point of the hall and people's ideas on what changes they would like to see within the town were strung up.

The tree has now been donated to the 'Little Rotters' group of All Saints Infant School which has set up a nature garden in the grounds.

Popular folk band Roots Union entertained the crowd and got everyone into the spirit of the day by playing an acoustic set.

The wafting aroma of a locally sourced barbecue drew in the crowds and Trumps of Sidmouth organised tasting sessions where cheese samples and home made scones were handed out.

Karen Arnett, East Devon District Council's Waste Management Officer, gave a talk about recycling and Youth Futures displayed three sustainable proposals, drawn up for the renewal of the Ham play area.

Louise Woolley, co-ordinator of Youth Futures and Sustainable Sidmouth, hailed the day a success.

"It was an absolutely fantastic day and we had great feedback. It would have been nice to have had some more kids there but a lot of families did attend."

Members of Exeter Seed Swap and Sustainable Seaton also came to the event, which Louise said, was a massive boost to the day.

She added: "We also had great feedback from the groups. We want to combine our efforts to get across the positive things that are happening.

"We raised �250 which was a great amount considering we didn't charge for entry. It wasn't a fundraising event so we were very happy with the donations received."

* The next Vision Group for Sidmouth event will be apple tree planting in Harcombe Wood on Sunday, April 26 at 2pm. People are asked to meet in the woods at Bridleway 80 on Harcombe Hill. Trees will be supplied by Kaieteur. For more information ring Jeremy Woodward on (01395) 512419.