So far this year we’ve been from the minute and detailed, to the bold and monolithic: Nicholas Hilliard’s portraits to Anthony Gormley’s Angel of the North. From the cruel and oppressive, to the fun and cohesive: the Transatlantic Slave Trade to Scottish Country Dance. And from sequestration to freedom: schoolgirls at war to rewilded landscapes.
Every lecture was expertly and generously delivered by people passionate about their subject, leaving us richer in return – richer in knowledge, understanding, friendships, health and cake. Whether you come for cake and a chat, or a talk with tea, Second Wednesday always hits the spot. And did I mention there’s cake…
This month, everyone’s calendar will be highlighted with events. Summer weddings and parties, either as guests or organisers, at the many local venues. My current favourite is Tillingham Winery in Peasmarsh. Nationally, Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix, the Open Championship or Goodwood might be what you look forward to. The Edinburgh Jazz festival or the BBC Proms for music lovers, RHS Hampton Court and Tatton Park for nature lovers or Pride London, for lovers of life, joy and liberty. Talking of which, July 4 and 14 will be celebrated across the World and also in cosmopolitan Winchelsea by a couple of households. And if you have nothing planned, then sitting in the sunshine listening to James Stewart’s lovely, warm voice on Ryecast, will remind you of how lucky we are to live where we do.
For our final event before the summer break, can I ask you to keep Wednesday July 13 free? The weather so far has been unpredictable, but Michael Howard, Winchelsea’s National Trust ranger, will take us to the guaranteed heat of Costa Rica’s tropical forests. From the vast array of wildlife concentrated in this small country, he will talk to us mainly about the wide variety of birds to be found between her Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.
Costa Rica, possibly the most successful democracy of the Americas. It is supposed to have been named the Rich Coast by Christopher Columbus in 1502. In 1948, a short and bloody civil war, altered her fate forever. The new president abolished the army, enshrining this decision into the constitution. Money was instead poured into education and health. Deforestation was halted by giving financial incentives to landowners. This has now been expanded to include conservation of biodiversity, protection of clean water and carbon storage. In 1989, the country’s foreign dept was renegotiated so that the money could be reinvested into environmental conservation. In 1994, the constitution was amended again, to include the right of every person to live in a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. In 2007 they announced their aim to become carbon neutral by 2021. Not just a list of dates, but a “How to” blueprint. Today Costa Rica is a world leader in ecotourism.
Michael will share his deep knowledge with us, proving that ecology and environmentalism aren’t just theories on a wishlist, but necessary and do-able for a successful future. See you all on the 13th.
Image Credits: Micheal Howard .