Following a workshop day on the environment and climate change organised by Marple Churches Together Justice & Peace Group in October 2009 MESS (Marple, Mellor and Marple Bridge  Energy Saving Strategy)  was formed and is now open to people of all faiths and none.  It held a successful launch in June 2010.

Before Covid-19 we met monthly to discuss issues and plan events. These have included Film Nights on ecological issues and taking an ‘Information Table’ into Marple Precinct and to other community events such as the regular Autumn Festival at Roman Lakes. We gave out leaflets and discussed issues with the people passing by.

By making  successful applications for  a variety of grants, MESS bought a ‘Thermal Imaging Camera’ which allowed MESS Members on invitation to  go into homes of the public to discover heat loss and help suggest  solutions. 

School Boxes were  also purchased and made up containing items to educate the children. These are borrowed on a rota basis by local schools.

With Stockport Council’s encouragement MESS planted the Community Orchard on the Recreation Ground, Marple.

An ‘Incredible Edible’ group was formed to construct and  look after the planters containing small vegetables, fruit and herbs on Marple Precinct.  The produce is free for passersby to pick. 

Over the years MESS has held many information days and in September 2019 had a very successful ‘CLIMATE CRISIS IN MARPLE’ day  ( see Articles page) As the keynote speaker Dr Chris Jones from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research suggested ” We are living in a warming world and this is a human problem. We need to tackle this globally and locally”.

We are now having monthly zoom meetings to try to continue our work in these limited times. If you have a passion about the environment and would like to join a group who want to make our  local area, our country and our world a better place you would  very welcome.          [email protected]