SI Derby

Schools Environment Initiative

This club's attention was caught by the amount of litter at the junction of the A38 and the MI in Derbyshire. They took some photos as evidence and decided to write to all the local authorities responsible for keeping the verges of the A38 clear of litter in Derbyshire. They drafted a standard letter asking for some information and, when replies were received, followed up with requests for more details on certain aspects depending on the replies. When councils had an interesting initiative this was passed on to the other authorities. They are expecting some more replies, but have decided to move on from this part of the project.

They have considered arranging, or taking part, in a litter pick, but as the evidence indicates that the effect is very short-lived, they have decided to take a different direction; organising a 'SI Derby Schools' Environment Initiative', based on SI Kenilworth's project.

Letters were sent to all primary schools in Derby City, asking them if they would like to produce a piece of work on the subject. They suggested they link it to work they may already be covering in the curriculum. Prizes of £100 each for the best work from Key stage 1 and Key stage 2 were offered; seeking sponsorship for these prizes from local organisations. They organised exhibition space in Derby's Eagle Market for the work for a display for a week in the Easter holidays. The Mayor of Derby presented the prizes and certificates to the winners in June and they invited the press along.

Five schools wished to take part.

Pyramid of shoes

A personal view by the President

Inspired by Scunthorpe, we planned a Pyramid of Shoes to draw attention to the plight of people who lose limbs or their lives because of cluster bombs and landmines. A sub-committee was formed to attend to the details and we liased with Handicap International. They were very helpful, producing a lot of guidance, leaflets, balloons, collecting boxes etc. They wanted the event to be during Landmine Action week and we decided on Saturday 4th November 2006. We committed to a Memorandum of Understanding with them. Derby Market Place was chosen as a central and very public position. The City Council was very helpful. We had to produce a copy of the Public Liability Insurance from SIGBI and because of the link with Handicap International and their charitable status we were able to hire the area for £20 from 8.30 a.m. to 4p.m. Concern about the weather in November caused much discussion about shelter, the use of gazebos and umbrellas but in the event it was very dry although very cold. A room in the Guildhall just a few yards away was hired for £65 for an exhibition of information from Handicap International, children’s activities on a small scale and as a possible refuge if the weather turned nasty.

Posters and information, approved by Handicap International, was sent to all the secondary schools, the university, councillors, churches, sports clubs etc but with very little response. The local MPs wished us luck and just one of them appeared on the day. We realised that we should have contacted them early in the year if we wanted to get into their diaries. Press releases, telephone calls and emails resulted in the Derby Evening Telegraph joining us for the “official” opening at 10 a.m. by the Mayor who stayed, with the photographer, for forty minutes. The result was a good photograph of the pyramid plus Mayor and members on Monday night’s edition with a headline “Shoe pile for bomb protest”. More photos were published in the picture edition of the paper on the next Saturday and another one in a free newspaper.

A local builder helped with pallets delivered on the morning and with the purchase of strong cable ties and many helping hands the pyramid was secured. Members, far surpassing the committee’s projections as we had contacted a recycling company for 300 shoes to start us off, had collected an enormous number of shoes. The firm were extremely helpful on the day and took away all the shoes for recycling. It appears that they can use everything except the glue. A member working in human resources at Sainsburys borrowed some bollards and tape so we could surround the pyramid on three sides to protect it from any mischief, (fireworks perhaps) and we hung balloons from the tapes.

Most of the time we spent approaching members of the public with the petition against cluster bombs, often about six of us with clipboards hovered to explain what was going on and collect signatures. The response was sometimes very positive, interested and knowledgeable, and sometimes sceptical. We collected 624 signatures on the day and 76 were sent in later. We only raised just over £50 in cash (Street collection permit needed) but we did not try very hard, concentrating efforts on the petition and raising awareness. One member had persuaded two clowns to come for a couple of hours, for nothing, and they we very useful in stopping children and their families. A huge number of young people in the City Centre particularly in the afternoon caused us some concern but no real problems.

My outstanding memory is of a real joint effort from the club, more than half our membership took an active part in the event, helping to make it an extraordinary day.
Christine Blythe

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