Who We Are

Stella Genever

Treasurer – finance@sustainabledevizes.org.uk

My concern for the environment was first awakened by my father 50 years ago when the implications of extracting and burning fossil fuels and the consequent damage to the climate were starting to be realised. In the years that followed I have tried to live in a way that minimises my effect on the environment. I have watched as events have unfolded as predicted, and with increasing horror at the speed that they have happened. To the list of concerns has been added plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and dwindling resources. The list is endless. The arrival of two wonderful grandchildren has added to the urgency of my mission.

Retirement and the loss of my husband a few years ago have freed up time for me to become more actively involved on a local level and my involvement with Sustainable Devizes over the past 6 years has been a source of much needed support. “Think global, act local” is an excellent sentiment to live by.

I am passionate about bringing people together. I believe that only by working together can we hope to create a world that is peaceful, fair, and just, and where the needs of all are met. A world that is fit to pass on to the young people of today. We are currently experiencing so many problems and the task ahead is enormous, but with the growing membership and talent pool of Sustainable Devizes I believe that we can really make a difference in our community. I am privileged to be part of that.

Catherine Weston

Membership Co-ordinator – membership@sustainabledevizes.org.uk

I joined Sustainable Devizes in 2020 whilst on furlough and looking for something meaningful to do with my time. I have always been passionate about the environment and wildlife. I know first-hand the benefits that getting outdoors and noticing nature can have on our health and wellbeing, and it must be protected.

We can’t escape the evidence of the impact our way of life is having on the world around us. The climate and nature crises can feel overwhelming. I find hope and inspiration in community action. The little things really do add up and they add up even quicker when you do them as part of a team and have fun along the way. If you’re interested in finding a place to make your little (or big) bit of difference, do get in touch.

Samantha Drury Shore

Zero Waste Devizes Co-ordinator – plasticfree@sustainabledevizes.org.uk

I joined Sustainable Devizes in 2021 after moving here from Hertfordshire. We were hoping to find somewhere greener and more friendly to bring up our daughter and I’m delighted to say we picked the right town. I find volunteering with Sustainable Devizes to be a great way of channelling my climate anxiety into something that feels productive and it’s been fab to meet like-minded people in the community.

I’m interested in all sorts of climate solutions, but my particular passions are around the circular economy, reducing waste, and ditching single-use plastic. I’m proud of all the projects we’ve worked on, but I especially enjoy our Book & Toy Swaps. It’s such a delight to see children browsing the collection and excited to take home something “new”, whilst having gentle conversations with families about the benefits of sharing and swapping rather than shopping. One day, I would love to open a Library of Things in Devizes, but that’s a bit of a pipe dream at the moment!

Catherine Read

Cycle Friendly Devizes Co-ordinator – cyclefriendly@sustainabledevizes.org.uk

It was in Australia during the Black Summer 2019-2020 bush fires, that I became aware of how destructive our current path of burning fossil fuels will be for humanity. On return to UK, I was introduced to Sustainable Devizes by a friend when he learnt about how I wanted to channel my energies into something positive to calm my climate anxiety.

As a cyclist, I gravitated towards active travel because it was an area where I could see the biggest drop in carbon emissions if more people cycled. I also wanted to have safer cycle infrastructure and equality with drivers and cars. After a couple of meetings, I volunteered to write the notes. This then progressed to chairing monthly meetings of Cycle Friendly Devizes. I attend meetings of the Town Council & Sustainable Transport/Air Quality Area Board, representing CFD to advocate for safer cycling.

The CFD team promote ‘make Devizes Cycle Friendly’ by participating in local events such as Devizes Carnival to raise our profile across Devizes and neighbouring villages. CFD are an important stakeholder in developing Devizes Local Cycling, Walking &Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), with Wiltshire Council. We have been successful in getting additional cycle parking in the Market Place by working with the Town Council and Area Board.

Lorna Dixon

Energy Co-ordinator – energy@sustainabledevizes.org.uk

I joined Sustainable Devizes after reading how planned projects by the big fuel companies will sabotage Britain’s efforts to meet net zero targets. I wanted to direct my efforts at the grass roots, believing the tide of public opinion eventually forces those in positions of power to act.

As use of fossil fuels is such a major contributor to global warming, I wanted to focus on this. I agreed to coordinate a new Energy group. We’re in the early planning stages of hosting a community event, and we want to team up with others in and around Devizes who are working towards tackling fuel poverty.

It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by all the issues out there but, actually, there’s a lot to look forward to as the changes we make start to take shape: cleaner, quieter streets and healthier air …..and pessimism is not an option either!

Martin Elliott

Community Fridge Co-ordinator – martin.elliott@sustainabledevizes.org.uk

I was inspired to join Sustainable Devizes by reading Rob Hopkins’s book: “From What is? to What If?”. This really made me think about the importance of richly connected local networks and how developing these depends on the community’s capacity to imagine a better future. 

My role is to help build a strong and inclusive network of Devizes people working together to bring a Community Fridge to Devizes.

The project aims to stop food going to landfill and producing harmful greenhouse emissions whilst also benefitting those who are in food poverty. What interests me most, though, is how it can help build a resilient community in Devizes through the sharing of skills, the joy of working together and the realisation that there may be better alternatives than “business as usual” if we value giving our children and grandchildren hope for a better future.

Luke Cantellow

Website Co-ordinator – web@sustainabledevizes.org.uk

Being a new co-ordinator for Sustainable Devizes and in the day job an Energy Officer I am enjoying meeting like minded people. Sustainability though is more than just a job for me its a way of life as we all face the consequences of human actions on the planet. But fixing the current sustainability issues of today is not lost. If everyone contributes to a little sustainability change now it will make all the difference in the future.