Extinction Rebellion group set up in Mid Sussex: "I want to make a difference"

Two local women were inspired to form XR Mid Sussex after going to a Extinction Rebellion talk.

Cilla de Lande Long, a 67 year old retired counsellor and one of the group coordinators, said: “People can get nervous when Extinction Rebellion is mentioned, but we want to highlight peaceful and creative ways of taking part.

“My heart is in Mid Sussex and I want to make a difference.”

Members’ concerns include fracking in Balcombe and housing development guidance not having enough eco-friendly requirements.

Jemima Edell, a 48 year old teacher and the other group coordinator, said: “XR is for ordinary people who want to find out about what is really happening to our planet, to share their concerns and join with others to bring about the changes we need.

“It’s not just how we live as individuals, but the system we are living in which is causing climate catastrophe.

“There’s a role for everyone, whether in the arts or performance side, planning and carrying out awareness-raising events, or actions to pressure government and institutions to act like the crisis is as real as the scientists say it is.

“Two important principles are ‘we welcome everyone and every part of everyone’ and ‘we are a non-violent network’, based on autonomy and decentralisation.

“It’s a fantastic way to build community and have fun, while working for a safe and healthy future for people and planet - anyone can contact us by Facebook or email to get involved, or just find out what is going on.”

The group have taken part in awareness-raising events at Gatwick Airport and petitioning against fracking.

Mrs Edell said: “We will meet in the New Year to plan new directions and events together - it’s about creating local events that people think are important and want to contribute to.

“Our experience of XR groups is they have been very friendly and there is room for anyone’s skills.

“For every person who gets arrested there are twenty people doing other things.

“It’s about raising the profile of the crisis we’re in so everyone can see it and to do that we need as many people to come together and to pressure the government to make changes.”

To get involved, email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page.