FOLLOWING the success of Fenland’s annual Greener Living Fair in March a fortnight ago, the residents of Parson Drove are hosting their own similar event next week.

It is the latest move in the villagers’ efforts to make their home the first “Green Community” in Fenland.

The three-hour event is being held at the village hall on Saturday, September 11, from 11am-2pm and is aimed at people of all ages.

Visitors will be able to learn how to save money on their energy bills, make their own compost and buy fresh local food. They will also get the chance to try out a novel way of producing delicious, healthy smoothies by using pedal power and to buy a selection of ethical and fair trade products.

With support from Fenland District Council, Parson Drove residents have signed up to “Green Communities”, a national programme from the Energy Saving Trust that aims to support, facilitate and promote community action on a range of environmental issues. It helps local people take the particular steps they feel would make the most difference to their area.

Next Saturday’s fair will be along similar lines to the Greener Living Fair which attracted more than 400 people to West End Park, March, on August 21. Organised by the Fenland Environment Partnership, it brought together more than 30 organisations to offer advice and practical help to encourage people to live in a more environmentally friendly way.

The event also included a range of free family activities and entertainment, such as birds of prey demonstrations and circus skills workshops. More than 30 children entered a drawing competition organised by Fenland District Council’s Food and Safety team where they were asked to draw their thoughts on the potential dangers of playing near water. The winners were Jazmin Mascall in the under-9s category and David Emery in the one for 10-15-year-olds. Both are from March.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s portfolio holder with responsibility for the environment, said: “The fair was a great, fun event with a serious message. The weather held off and everyone obviously enjoyed all the free activities.”

• Anyone who would like to take a stall at Parson Drove’s Fair or wants more information about it should call Isabel Edgington, FDC’s climate change officer, on 01354 654321 or e-mail iedgington@fenland.gov.uk