WaterCAN

Hythe's Mistletoe Fayre took place on one of the coldest days of the year so far. With temperatures hovering just above freezing, we filled our flasks with hot tea and took to the streets to talk about the WaterCAN network group.

We were very pleased to invite the Surfers Against Sewage representatives to have a stall next to us too. This stall was manned by Lee Attrill and Mark Hassard-Short (South Coast rep, West Wittering). By the end of the day we all knew a lot more about nurdles (hunts run occasionally at Lepe Beach), sewage practices and Southern Water than we had done at the start! Lee has also built up a family business selling his branded SeaRanger clothing, with images designed by his family. Lee will also be doing a talk for our local community about his Surfers Against Sewage steward's role in the new year. Watch this space!

Our stall attracted a large number of visitors, many of whom braved the cold to jot down their suggestions for better environmental protections. A wide range of ideas were put forward including the need for solar panels to be installed on all new builds, greater use of water butts and the banning of disposable vapes.

Children were particularly keen to decorate sustainable hazel wood Christmas tree decorations which they proudly took away as a memory of the fayre. They were also very engaged by our competition which asked for more environmentally friendly Christmas presents. We felt that the two winning suggestions, bulbs to plant and a bug hotel kit, were both practical and nurturing of our environment.  Congratulations Hana and Albie -we will be in touch to give you each a £10 gift voucher to be spent at Sam Long's fruit and veg pop up stall in Dibden Purlieu!

Thanks to everyone who took part. Many of the ideas have helped to form the word cloud in our cover picture. Can you spot your idea?