Green Grows The Grammar School

Published on: 4 Mar, 2019
Updated on: 3 Mar, 2019

Richard, Carla and Trewin with RGS student James Millar

Guildford’s Royal Grammar School has gone green with the King’s Lecture. The series was re-introduced as part of the school’s 500-year celebrations in 2009 and the philosophy focuses on engaging, inspiring and challenging.

With today’s students facing the repercussions of previous generations and to be responsible for coming up with innovative, sustainable solutions to environmental issues, our three speakers showcased genuine creativity and ingenuity.

Trewin Restorick, the founder and CEO of award-winning charity Hubbub UK, gave an insight into how to tap into the public’s mind set to encourage them to recycle, using truly original techniques and strong, modern and compelling design, from burping, bubble-blowing bins to football-poll-voting recycling units.

Professor Richard Murphy, director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability from Surrey University, spoke passionately about climate change, providing practical insight into the best levers for action, with changes to dietary habits being central to making a difference.

Carla Fraser talking passionately about wildlife preservation

Finally, actress Carla Fraser discussed the motivation behind her globally-screened short film entitled Grey Future which powerfully portrays the reality of a future without elephants and rhinos.

An extended question-and-answer session underlined how passionate the desire is for change and action and also highlighted that with the required desire and proactivity there are potential solutions. As senior master Jimmy Pressley concluded: “If our students can in an innovative way embrace the fact that small things matter, everything counts and it’s everyone responsibility, then the next generation can face the future with greater confidence.”

As the applause of the packed audience continued, a thoroughly inspiring evening had not only raised awareness but also served to raise well over £400 for one of the school’s nominated charities, the World Wide Fund for nature.