“Rave on for the Avon,” directed by Charlotte Sawyer and co-produced by Aggie Nyagari, isn’t just a film; it’s a catalyst for change. Lindsey Cole’s incredible 6.5-hour swim in a mermaid’s tail from Penarth to Clevedon was awe-inspiring, but the powerful stories of local activism showcased in this film will truly ignite your passion for change. Here’s your chance to turn that inspiration into action right here in our community.
Photo credit: Felicity Flashman
This Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., Surfers Against Sewage have organised a paddle-out protest at Clevedon Marine Lake. This is your chance to join a national movement demanding an end to sewage pollution in our waterways.
What is a Paddle Out?
A paddle-out is a peaceful demonstration where people gather on the shore with signs and banners, then paddle out into the water to form a symbolic shape, often a circle. It’s a visually striking way to raise awareness and put pressure on authorities to address the issue.
How to Participate
You can join the paddle-out on a raft, boat, board, float or even by swimming! Even if you don’t want to get in the water, you can still show your support from the shore. How you choose to get in the water or whether you prefer to stay on dry land is up to you!
Why 2024 is Crucial
This year is a turning point in the fight against sewage pollution. With a general election on the horizon and water companies setting their investment plans for the next five years, we have a unique opportunity to make our voices heard and demand change.
Your Voice Matters
Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer, a concerned citizen, or simply someone who was moved by “Rave on for the Avon,” your participation in this paddle-out can make a difference. Come along this Saturday and let’s show the polluters that we won’t stand for sewage pollution in our rivers and seas!
“Rave on for the Avon” is an uplifting experience that leaves you with a renewed appreciation for the power of community and a deep commitment to protecting our natural world.
The film chronicles the heartwarming and inspiring journey of a group of Bristol bathers who are “fighting the Bristol way” to preserve their beloved river haven.
The bathers in question are the Conham Bathing Group, a dedicated trio of women—Becca Blease, Em Nicol, and Eva Perrin—who are taking action to address water quality concerns at a cherished stretch of the Avon. Leveraging their expertise in environmental policy and communications, they have been testing the water and sharing the results with fellow swimmers, empowering the community to make informed decisions about their safety and enjoyment of the river.
From fellow swimmers to riverside residents, each person shares their unique connection to the Avon, highlighting the importance of rivers in our lives. The film expertly weaves together these personal stories with the broader issue of water pollution, creating a powerful narrative that is both informative and emotionally resonant.
The two stand-out scenes in the film for me were the interview with Frank and the marriage ceremony between Megan Ruth-Trump, the self-proclaimed River Goddess and the River Avon.
Frank, a man grappling with depression, anxiety, and perhaps the lingering shadows of PTSD, finds solace and renewal in the river Avon. He describes his daily ritual of swimming in the river, regardless of the weather, as essential for maintaining his mental health.
As he cycles towards the river, the anticipation builds within him. The moment he releases the brakes, a wave of exhilaration washes over him, lighting up his entire being. The silence of nature envelops him, nourishing his soul and replenishing his spirit. The profound connection he feels to the water and the natural world resonates throughout his life, bringing peace and serenity.
“You’re fed, you’re replenished, you’re pacified, you’re drenched in a kind of holy silence,” he remarks, capturing the essence of the river’s transformative power for him.
The symbolic “marriage” between activist Ruth-Trump and the River Avon in a scene from “Rave on the Avon” takes environmental activism to a whole new level. By playfully yet powerfully granting the river “legal personhood,” this act challenges us to reconsider nature’s rights.
This vibrant performance art piece serves as a splash of colour against the backdrop of environmental apathy. Beyond the whimsy, however, lies a profound question: shouldn’t rivers, these life-giving arteries of our planet, be afforded the same legal protections as human beings?
Ruth-Trump’s symbolic act compels us to view the river not merely as a resource to be exploited, but as a living entity deserving of respect and care. It’s a call to action disguised as a playful ritual, a way to tap into our emotions and inspire us to protect the rivers that sustain us.
Set to a vibrant Bristol soundtrack, “Rave on for the Avon” is an infectious celebration of wild swimming, resilient communities, and the power of collective action. The film perfectly embodies the values of this progressive city, symbolizing hope, unity, and joy. A must-see for anyone who cares about our rivers and the environment, it leaves viewers inspired and ready to make a difference.
See you Saturday!