I’ve recently started work on an exciting and new PECT project ‘Faith in the Environment’.
 

This 3 year project is working with people from different faith backgrounds to promote environmental awareness. The project also aims to raise the profile of these groups and highlight the great environmental work they are doing in Peterborough to help create the UK’s Environment capital.

The four groups that I am working with are from the Drolma Buddhist centre on Dogsthorpe road, the Hindu temple on Rock road, Peterborough’s Sikh community and the Muslim women’s group who meet at Thorpe school in Netherton. Through the project I have already met so many interesting people and have been impressed by the scope and level of faith work that is already going on in the city.

In just one week I attended a meeting of the Interfaith Cohesion network at the Cathedral, where I met, among others, Father David who is going to kick start the Faith Lunch’n’learns which are going to take place at the PECT office. Next I attended the Muslin Community Reference Group’s (MCRG) Community Leadership Conference. Here not only did I meet some inspirational people and get fed delicious food I found out about the tremendous community spirit that exists in our Asian community and how welcoming it is of new ideas. The third and final event I attended was the Interfaith Councils AGM at the Town Hall. The theme was ‘religious symbols’ and I learnt so much about the great significance of symbols to religion from the speakers who represented each of the faiths. And, more importantly I think, I learnt about what a fantastic community we have in Peterborough, where else would you find such a diverse mix who were prepared to give up there Sunday to promote multifaith understanding and cohesion? Only in Peterborough I think!  

Tomorrow I’m going on a temple tour arranged by Assistant Cohesion Manager Sue Rampal of the GPP. We’ll be visiting a Mosque, the Hindu Temple, a Sikh Gurdwara, the Buddhist centre and the Cathedral. I really do feel privileged to be working on this project it’s a great opportunity for me to learn so much about the different fibres that are woven into Peterborough’s multi faith tapestry.

For more information about the Faith Lunch’n’Learn sessions contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01733 866441

To book a place on the Temple Tour which is happening on the 12th August contact
Sue Rampal at the GPP This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or 01733 207337   

Tags: Partnership working | Climate change | Creating the UK Environment Capital | Karen Lawrence

I’m so excited! I’m making plans for this years PECT Christmas dinner, and we’re having it at The Green Backyard!

We feel it’s important to support other charities and local organisations whenever possible. Last year our Christmas party was at Flag Fen in an Iron Age Roundhouse with mulled wine, food and entertainment (be sure to ask Nyree for an example of the entertainment!).

The Green Backyard is a community growing project located in central Peterborough run by volunteers and the local social enterprise Seeding Futures. They are working to promote sustainable lifestyles and raise awareness of environmental issues through practical demonstration and community involvement.

The allotment will shortly house a shelter complete with rainwater plumbing, electricity, and meeting space. We plan to cook a meal of allotment veg and market meats, enjoy mulled cider, and have a sing-along with an acoustic guitar player

So, instead of spending hard earned money on fancy venues with the typical fare, try something new. It promises to be a great time and supports our environment, local charities and local food.

 

Tags: Groovy and green | Partnership working