NEWS
News in pictures
PLASTIC-FREE TRING!
We’ve all seen the state of the oceans, with millions of pieces of discarded plastic floating around in them, choking the wildlife. But what can we do about it? Reducing the use of single-use plastic is one thing we can all do easily – and Tring in Transition are leading the way with their Plastic-free Tring campaign, in conjunction with Plastic Free Berko and Transition in Kings Langley. Spokesman for Tring in Transition Nigel Crawley said: ‘The main aim is to get local independent coffee shops to switch to 100% compostable takeaway cups and food packaging. Non-recyclable coffee cups are made from paper mixed with fossil-based plastics that are impossible to recycle. In comparison, the compostable cups quickly biodegrade to an environmentally benign substance (compost) at the end of use.’ Since starting the campaign just under a year ago a number of local independent coffee shops have switched to compostable cups and have been awarded #cups2compost badges. Well done Tring in Transition – keep up the good work! For more information go to: www.tringintransition.org.uk
PARKS ARE THE WINNERS!
We’ve always known we have some lovely parks – and now it’s official! Dacorum Borough Council was recently awarded five Green Flag awards for its parks and open spaces, including Berkhamsted’s Canal Fields, which has held the award since 2008, and Tring’s Memorial Garden. Hemel’s Water Gardens also received the award for the very first time. Janice Marshall, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: ‘We know how important our green spaces are to residents and visitors and that is why we are absolutely committed to making sure that they are safe, welcoming and well maintained. ‘Achieving these Green Flag awards mean that the hard work and commitment of everyone involved is recognised, and I would like to thank the community and volunteer groups, together with council staff, for their hard work and dedication in making this happen.’ To be awarded a Green Flag, a park or open space must meet certain standards. These include being a welcoming place, healthy, safe and secure, well maintained and clean, and having the support and involvement of the local community. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
PORTRAITS OF A TOWN
An exciting new project took place in Tring over the summer when local photographer Adam Hollier captured the portraits of hundreds of residents to feature in a new book, due out soon. To mark the fifth anniversary of his photography business, Adam decided he wanted to give something back to the community in which he works. ‘Tring is a very special town,’ he said. ‘A project like this wouldn’t work in many other places, but we have a unique sense of community here.’ Everyone was invited for the shoot, which took place in different locations across the town from June to August, and profits from the sale will go in part to The Hospice of St Francis. 12 | Tring Living
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