VOLUNTEER litter-picking group Keynsham Wombles have said a fond farewell to their inspirational founder and leader Erica Davies.
Erica has gone to live in Cornwall, having handed over the reins to a new team of six co-ordinators.
They said: “Erica has been at the heart of Keynsham Wombles from the very beginning, setting everything up and leading the group through countless litter picks and community projects.
“Thanks to Erica’s dedication, and energy, we’ve all been part of a positive, supportive group that’s made a real difference to our town.”
Chief Womble Erica said she had mixed emotions about moving with her husband Iain away from their home town.
She said: “We were both born in Keynsham Hospital so leaving the area is a huge wrench, but we are also excited at building a new life and joining in with new activities.
“One of the things I will miss the most is, of course, all of you who make up Keynsham Wombles – together we make a fantastic team! I will be leaving you in very capable hands and I know Wombles will continue to thrive with new ideas and skills.”
Erica started Keynsham Wombles in 2012 after hearing a talk by the Indian British activist and speaker Satish Kumar about the importance of contributing to community as well as work and family.
She recalled: “That was the push I needed to finally start the group up, along with others in Transition Keynsham.
“At the time, litter was a real problem in the Keynsham area. Hard to remember now, but I used to come back from a walk along our local footpaths with so many bags of rubbish I could hardly hold the dog lead.
“I’m really proud of all the people who stepped up and joined Wombles. Because of them, Keynsham is now a place where, yes, you may see pieces of litter, but not the quantity there was. And that really shows how change can happen when a community works together and shifts what’s acceptable.
“Keynsham Wombles also became a place where friendships are made. There’s nothing like working together with a shared aim to get to know your neighbours. I’ll be popping back to Keynsham regularly so will see how you are all getting on – keep up the good work!”
Upcoming events for the Wombles include picking litter at Keynsham Winter Festival on Saturday November 29 from 12pm to 6pm, and a clean-up around the Lock Keeper pub on Saturday January 3, 9.30am to 11.30am. Anyone interested in joining the Wombles can email enquiries@keynshamwombles.org
Pictured above, Erica Davies, left, with volunteer Anne at this year’s Keynsham Music Festival, one of the local events that Keynsham Wombles helps to keep tidy
Keynsham Wombles bid fond farewell to Erica
