There were lots of certificates of thanks being handed out at the Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Awards on Friday 21st November – to those who have played a part in this year’s Eco Hub Sidmouth.
Set up to highlight what different local groups are doing to address climate change and the changing environment, the Eco Hub has managed to engage with people across the Sid Valley over the last year.
The sessions of the Hub have included the key areas of retrofitting and fuel poverty, local food and food waste, recycling, active travel, plastic pollution, drawing from nature and nature identification challenges – with more to come.
The various groups which staffed the fortnightly sessions have been crucial to making the Eco Hub happen – and to making it a success.
As Bernie Davis, the Hub’s founder, says: “The Eco Hub brought together people with specific expertise and enthusiasm, and provided a place for sharing experiences and information.”
And Bernie talks about what motivates us: “People seem to like to take part in interesting fun activities rather than attend a talk by an expert… to find ways to connect with nature, but also with each other.”
[Do see Bernie’s piece: Reflections on Engagement, from the Eco Hub Sidmouth – Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth]
The Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Awards, set up by the Vision Group for Sidmouth and the Plastic Warriors back in 2021, are “are all about recognising the amazing people, organisations and businesses who are making a real difference to the Sid Valley”.
And the 2025 Awards this November went to many such people and organisations – including:
The Energy Cooperative Exeter and Chris Lockyear carrying out household surveys with the Sidmouth Town Council’s infrared camera.
The Save Food Hub, the In My Back Yard veg box scheme and Stefan Drew and Tess Bisson of the Sidmouth Community Food Forest.
The EDDC Recycling team and Dave Barlow with his knife-sharpening equipment from the Sidmouth Repair Café.
Roy Russell from the Sidmouth Cycling Campaign and Kevin Walker from the Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival.
Rebecca Honey of the plastic-free online shop Naked Larder and Denise Bickley of the Sidmouth Plastic Warriors.
Local nature artists Katherine Gray and Rebecca Lockyear.
Friends of the Byes, Penny Ball of the Sidmouth Arboretum, Tess Bisson of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group, and Coco Hutchinson and Louise Cole of the Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub.
Emma Pilgrim, who put together the events when the environmental films Six Inches of Soil and Wilding were shown at the Radway, together with panel discussions, both very popular and drawing more than 150 to each film.
The climate change game FRESK from Peter Bunyan of Teignmouth.
Dave Bramley and Brian Golding of the Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth (CAPS) – which is the umbrella group for the Eco Hub project.
Zoey Cooper, the Climate Officer from Exmouth, who has been really helpful and inspiring for the Eco Hub Sidmouth.
Sue Nicholson, Sharon Howe and John Nicholson who were involved at the Eco Hub pop-up in November 2024.
Simon and Tracey West who contributed to the Climate Café in the summer.
Graphic designer Josh Beadon who, together with artist Katherine Gray, has contributed to the branding of the Eco Hub.
Tim Shardlow and Joy Carlyle of the Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre who hosted the Eco Hub Sidmouth during the first six months.
Hannah Loxton and her team, including Sarah Richards and volunteers, from Sidmouth Library who have hosted the Eco Hub Sidmouth.
To round off the evening of certificates of thanks, the surprise Champions Award 2025 for being part of the Eco Hub Sidmouth went to… its founder Bernie Davis.
As Kevin Walker, giving the Award to Bernie, said: “If there’s one person who really deserves an award, it’s Bernie, for all the inspiration she gave and the hard work she has put into this fantastic project. Thank you Bernie!”
And to round off the year of Eco Hubs, there will be what should be a lively one for all the family at Sidmouth Library, between 11am and 1pm on Saturday 6th December.
It will be in the form of an interactive workshop led by Chris Lockyear, who will be helping us to learn how small daily decisions impact on our individual and collective carbon footprints.
“Should be interesting and engaging!” says Bernie. “Just sign up at the Library for a free place.”
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