Raring To Go – Earth Day – The Big One

Tomorrow is Earth Day. Many of my friends in Extinction Rebellion (XR) have set off by coach today, heading for London. I am going there tomorrow, my journey beginning at 6am meaning an early night tonight. We are NOT intending to disrupt the people on the street, but we are gathering around the Houses of Parliament to try to get the urgent message to our politicians, regarding the climate emergency, as recognised by eminent scientists and, of course, the famous and very knowledgeable David Attenborough.

This will be a peaceful gathering with over 30,000 protesters, including over 200 other climate-concerned groups. XR have NO plans to disrupt the London Marathon tomorrow or the Mini Marathon today. We can’t speak for climate protesters from other prominent organisations, such as Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil etc., as when things go wrong, it is always XR who, unfairly, get the blame. We can’t control the actions of other groups, but I hope they will have the same responsible attitude as us.

I am one of the many drummers from XR, and fortunately, I got my drum secondhand. It was just plain brown wood when I got it, so I decorated it using paints, stencils and stickers. It took me four days to complete it (see photo.) The image of the turtle and the bees represent our dying wildlife. The fish in the ocean are there because our oceans worldwide are polluted by sewage, plastics and vast, abandoned fishing nets.

Being a wheelchair user, as I am, is going to make my participation very challenging. I will have to find places to recharge my wheelchair, as there is a family-friendly nature march tomorrow, and I will, in general, be covering a good few miles. I will travel with my large drum on my lap on the train to London. I’ve never attempted this before. Today, I am preparing to pack everything up ready for my early start in the morning. We are all taking mugs, bowls and reusable cutlery, plus bags to take home our rubbish, as we have no intention of leaving our litter behind. Sometimes, the Hare Krishna people are there with hot food to offer. We are grateful to them.

I will stop here, as I have sooo much to get ready, as you can imagine. I am so excited. I appreciate people have differing views about Extinction Rebellion, but we see no other option, other than to target the government because we are desperately frightened for the future of our children, grandchildren and subsequent generations, who will be affected far more than we already are.

Thank you for reading. Wish me luck (if you wish).

Once again, I do apologise for not being able to read your blogs at this time. Please, be assured that I will get back into the swing of WordPress after the event. My love to you all. Ellie Xx 🌎🌹💚

Author: Ellie Thompson

Writing my memoirs, musings, a little fiction and a lot of poetry as a way of exploring and making the most of my life ... ... Having had a break from writing my blog for more than three years, I decided to return to write my memoirs, some day-to-day observations, views and feelings. My passion is non-fiction poetry. I have a disability and use an electric powerchair called Alfie and let nothing get in the way of living life to the full. I believe that you can never do a kindness too soon and should give credit where credit is due. A smile or a kind word could make the difference between a good or bad day for a person - we never know what's going on for another soul. Those little things, perhaps, practised daily like a mantra, could mean so much to someone else. Thank you for visiting my blog and reading a little more about me. Please, make yourself at home here. You are very welcome. Ellie x 😊

46 thoughts on “Raring To Go – Earth Day – The Big One”

    1. Thanks so much, Mick. I’m very glad you like my drum. It took me four days to paint, stencil and varnish it. I’ve been flat out with all the preparations this week. Hopefully, I’ll get back to regular blog reading after the event 😊.

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    1. Thanks so much, Carol anne. I’m hoping for a sunny day, although the forecast for London isn’t very good. I’m taking a waterproof jacket with me. I’m sure it will be enjoyable, though. Xx 😊.

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    1. Thanks very much, Bruce. I’m glad you like my drum. Yes, we definitely feel we have a vital message to bring to those in power. There are over 30,000 people involved most days for four days running.

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    1. Thanks very much, Brian. I am travelling with eight other rebels, so I’m sure the journey will go smoothly (famous last words!). As long as the lifts aren’t out of order at the train and underground stations, I’ll be okay. We have been preparing for this for months now. I’m very excited 😁.

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    1. Thanks, Jeff. I’m really looking forward to being there with 30,000 other people! Thanks for your good luck with my wheelchair wishes – it’s the only thing that’s worrying me. I’m taking my powerful charging pack, and Alfie has been on charge for two days now, so I hope he won’t run out of steam too often 😁.

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    1. Thank you so much, Thomas. That’s such a kind thing to say. I am also fighting for the futures of my children, my grandchildren and all the children here on the planet and those to come. I value your support. I will write more about my day there sometime tomorrow.

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  13. I wish you to best of luck. Your drum is success. Hope it’s goes well, Be safe. Go with my blessing, Ellie ❤️🤠!
    If possible you share some. Tack care!

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    1. Thank you, Rajkkhoja, for your kind words and your blessing. It’s much appreciated. I got back very late last night but had a wonderful time. I will write a post about it later or tomorrow, when I’ve recovered from all the excitement and tiredness. Xx 😊💚

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    1. Thank you, Stacey. I’m glad you like my drum – it took me a long time to get it finished and ready for this event. We got back very late last night. I will write a post about it all either later to tomorrow. Xx 😊💕

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  18. Your drum looks so bright and beautiful, Ellie – you’ve done an amazing job on it. How did your frist day go? Were you able to recharge your wheelchair when needed? I hope everyone was kind and that the other groups follow your example of a peaceful protest and not getting in the way of other events going on. I like most that you guys brought rubbish bags with you and didn’t add to the overflow of rubbish and plastic we already have discarded around. You guys are awesome!

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    1. Thank you, Janet. I really enjoyed painting, decorating and varnishing it. It was wonderful to play it at The Big One in London. I’m only a beginner with no real experience, so I was rather thrown in at the deep end with that. Nevertheless, I managed to keep up with the rest of the bands there – there were dozens of different bands from different areas of the UK and even some from Europe.

      The day went amazingly well, as you will know from my most recent posts. It was such a hugely uplifting and inspiring event.

      Alfie (my wheelchair) needed charging twice, once for half an hour and once for an hour. That was frustrating, as I could have spent that time drumming. Still, I was very grateful to be there at all. Without Alfie, it wouldn’t have even been possible to go at all.

      There was no litter left behind at all, which is more than can be said for the trains! One of my XR friends pulled a bag out of her rucksack and proceeded to collect the rubbish off the floor of the train – now, there’s dedication for you! Xx 💚

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      1. So proud of you for being part of something so critical – and doing it with your beautiful drum AND wheelchair. I know I couldn’t manage both. You’re an inspiration.

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        1. Ah, I found your comment after all, Janet. I’m so pleased as I thought I’d lost it somehow. Thank you for appreciating my efforts to take part in something so vital with my wheelchair and drum. It was a lot to manage and not easy at times, but very well worth the effort. Thank you for your kindness. Xx 🤍

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