West Berkshire environmentalists come together for COP26 'vigil'

As the landmark COP26 summit in Glasgow got underway, local people - including activists from Extinction Rebellion, the West Berks Climate Action Network (WBCAN) and Friends of the Earth's Newbury branch - came together for a climate vigil in St John's Church, Newbury.

The event took place on the evening of November 1, with St John's vicar, the Reverend Gray Collins, setting out to create a space for discussion and reflection on the state of the local and global environment.

WBCAN spokesperson Claire Willsher said of the event: "On the eve of COP26, our last best chance to save humanity, it felt so poignant to be able to sit quietly and reflect on the enormity of this moment.

"It also gave me hope to be amongst people from all different walks of life who have come together to support the same cause."

In the run-up to COP26, churches across the UK rang their bells, and Newbury places of worship joined with this expression, intended as a warning over the consequences of climate inaction.

Friends of the Earth member Susan Millington - who was also in attendance at the vigil - said: "It was a powerful event, I found it very moving.

"Many thanks to Rev Collins for creating such a welcoming and nourishing space for us to reflect.

"I was particularly affected by the juxtaposition of beautiful, quiet music within the church together with the discordant tone of the bells ringing out across Newbury.

"I felt linked with people throughout the country by those bells."