A Leamington-based environmental charity has celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Action21 celebrated three decades of charity work last week (24 March) in the Assembly Room at the Pump Rooms in the town.

Action21 began as Agenda21 thirty years ago in the Assembly Room, with a meeting of about 100 people with Warwick District Council.

This was held in response to the Rio International Earth Summit.

Thirty years later, the charity is still going strong.

Emma Knights, Chair of Action21's trustees, remarked: "We wanted to say an enormous thank-you to all who have been involved in Action 21 past and present, of course those who volunteered with the charity and also the wider community and partner agencies.

"We also wanted to use Action21's story to showcase environmental action across Warwick District – there are so many active citizens contributing in so many different ways. We were thrilled by the number of people who joined us and by the positivity of everyone who contributed. The overwhelming message was 'get involved: you can make a difference'. The future of the planet can feel very daunting: there are many challenges, but acting together locally is up-lifting."

Emma Knights, Chair of Action21 trustees (image supplied)

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Cllr Ian Davison, Leader of Warwick District Council, opened the evening by highlighting some of examples of Action 21's important work in the community over the years.

He reflected on its running of the Recycle Warehouse at 'the tip'; its time in Ramsey Road; being forced to move again; and the extreme challenges caused by COVID.

"I's shown amazing resilience and ability to adapt. Of course, a key mission is to divert useful items from landfill. But I'm also struck how good it is with volunteers from varied walks of life and the extra help given to those in need: Action 21 is a power for social wellbeing as well as environmental benefit." said Cllr Davison.

Cllr Ian Davison, Leader of Warwick District Council (image supplied)

The High Sheriff of Warwickshire Karen Lynch then presented Action21 with an award for community service.

She shared: "Action 21 is a special enterprise in Leamington that collects one person's waste and works incredibly hard to turn it into another person's treasure, supporting a truly circular economy and fuelling real impact.

"When I saw the many volunteers in action, I couldn't resist the opportunity to present The High Sheriff of Warwickshire's Team Award. This team is adding huge value to Warwickshire's green agenda and supporting so many people facing hardship too."

The High Sheriff of Warwickshire Karen Lynch presented Action21 with an award for community service (image supplied)

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