Author: Louise Hunter

We were very grateful to Jean from the Bat Sanctuary who came along to talk to us about all things bat! It was very interesting to hear about the work she does in rescuing and caring for injured and sick bats. We watched videos about different species and learned about their habitat, feeding, communication and hunting skills. We were able to look at some dead bats and ask some questions. Many thanks to Jean and to everyone who came along to listen and learn and to enjoy some bat themed snacks! 🙂 The most important thing we learned is that if we see a bat during the day it must be in some kind of trouble but we should never try to touch it incase we injure or frighten it. Now we know who to call! 🙂

We were delighted to be presented with our Eco Gold Award by Bishop Andrew at last weekend’s Masses and, for most of us, to meet the Bishop for the first time. We enjoyed a cup of tea and a slice of celebration cake afterwards! As always, we are grateful to everyone in St Ninian’s and St Clement’s for their efforts in helping to achieve this fantastic award and for the great community spirit that we share.

Sustainable eating is not only healthier for us but it also helps the planet. This month could you consider choosing more plant based food and less meat? Choose days when you drop the chop and do tofu?? Eating meat and dairy products generates a lot of the world’s total gas emissions. Ultra processed foods such as pizza, crisps, cakes and ready meals are packed in plastics and often use palm oils which we know is a huge cause of deforestation and endangering animals.  Perhaps we can consider swapping lentils for your regular beef mince bolognese?  It’s just as tasty and every small change we make will make a world of difference 🌎

Today spring is in the air as the daffodils and spring bulbs that we planted last year are really making an appearance!  We tried out some healthy snacks like pea hummus with chopped veg and mixed veggie crisps! The crisps were definitely a hit! It seems pea hummus is not for everyone….😄 Then it was down to work as we started seed planting, the first of 2025 🙂 Everyone was up for the challenge of growing peas, beans, chillies and sunflowers!  Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 The children made some lovely spring themed bookmarks and crazy animals. All in all it was another lovely afternoon with our junior garden gang 🥕

Many thanks to the children of the Rights Respecting Team at St Ninians Primary for their lovely posters supporting our eco challenge this month, which is to reduce our use of plastics. We can never have enough reminders of how we can make a small change within the bigger picture.  The children can teach us a thing or two and their bright posters really get the message across.

With thanks once again to Allison, the community champion at Tesco Riverside, for her kind donation of toys for the Giving Tree and lots of gingerbread men for the children singing at the Family Carol Service on 17th December. We are very grateful.