Two key dates for your diary - 17th and 25th July   As we come to the end of another record breaking heatwave, it seems timely to be announcing two very important Sustainable Hayfield events coming up in July, both in memory of Laurie James, whom we lost as a long standing Trustee last year, in what is his birthday month. We hope that as many of you as possible are able to join us for both events, as we celebrate Laurie's life and legacy to the village and wider environment, and seek to carry on his work particularly with regard to the climate and nature crises.   First up, we are holding our Inaugural Laurie James Lecture - Climate Change: Global Crisis to Local Action by Kevin Anderson, International Climate Scientist and local Hayfield Resident on Friday 17th July, 7.30pm at Hayfield Primary School. Click here for poster   This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the world's leading experts on Climate Change and recent participant in the National Emergency Briefing, and to be part of a serious conversation as to how, as individuals and a community, we can respond and be a constructive part of the solution to the Climate Crisis.   Looking forward to the lecture, Kevin says " The greatest barrier to tackling climate change is no longer a lack of scientific understanding, but a lack of honesty about what that science demands. For too long, politicians, business leaders, much of the media and even parts of academia have offered comforting narratives of future technologies and painless transitions, while the gap between promises and reality has continued to grow. Professor Kevin Anderson argues that the era of easy answers is over. The choices ahead are difficult, but pretending otherwise only makes them harder. Real leadership will not come from governments alone. It will come when informed citizens create the political will for meaningful action. This event is an opportunity to hear the evidence, ask difficult questions, and explore how our community can help drive the change that is urgently needed."   Later in the month, we will be taking an active role with other community groups and Laurie's family in Laurie James Memorial Day, on 25th July, 10.30 to 4.30pm with a range of events during the day as we remember Laurie and celebrate his life and legacy to the village and wider environment. Schedule for the day: 11.00am – Bluebell wood walk, departing from St Matthews church, to include an informative talk on the restorative work being undertaken in the wood and the "blessing" of a memorial plaque. (note the walk to the wood is circa 10 minutes each way and easy flat walking). 12.30pm - Memorial service, at St Matthews Church, in celebration of Laurie’s life. Followed by Bring and Share community picnic in Hayfield Village Hall and Garden, an opportunity to chat and share memories together. Bring something to "eat, drink, share" and leave in the Village Hall Kitchen - anytime from 10.30am - and a rug to sit on! And be dressed for the weather of the day! We hope to see you there, Best wishes, The Sustainable Hayfield team