Wiltshire town takes part in national relay calling for climate change action

Bradford on Avon has hosted the national The Running Out Of Time relay in the name of climate action for the second time – but this year’s event had a fashion twist.

The historic market town is an important stop on the baton’s extraordinary 2,436km route from Ben Nevis to Big Ben in London, arriving on Polling Day Thursday, July 4.

After last year's inspiring baton pass in Bradford on Avon, involving many forms of non-motorised ways of transporting it, from coracles to Morris Dancers, the town was once again chosen to witness an exchange with a difference.

Former Bradford on Avon mayor Alex Kay and Rowena Quantrill with the Running Out of Time banner. (Image: Trevor Porter)

This year, the town focussed on sustainable fashion with the tagline: Relay-Re-use-Re-wear-The Race for Sustainable Fashion.

The baton bearers arrived from Bath about 12.30pm and, after visiting Christchurch Primary School, ran through the town to the ancient Tithe Barn for a recycled fashion catwalk show.

Bradford on Avon mayor Jack Vittles with his specially-made outfit at the event with those who took part in a fashion show at Tithe Barn in garments made or adapted from Charity shops highlighting the amount of clothing going to waste. (Image: Trevor Porter)

The baton was passed between models, all dressed by local charity shops, and spectators were able to join in a clothes swap and get advice on mending clothes.

Also taking part in the event was Bradford on Avon’s newly-elected mayor, Jack Vittles, showcasing recycled clothing and a recycled chain.

Bradford on Avon mayor Jack Vittles with his specially-made outfit at the Tithe Barn event. (Image: Trevor Porter)

After its journey along the catwalk, the baton was handed over in a special dance by the local Morris men and women, before continuing on its way to Trowbridge.

Rowena Quantrill, from Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon, one of the organisers of the event along with the Town Council, said: “It was very successful and we had a good turnout, including two of our General Election candidates, Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat) and Kerry Postlewhite (Labour).

"We chose sustainable fashion as our theme for the baton exchange this year, as few people realise how much fast fashion affects our environment.

“It uses vast amounts of water and the micro-plastics produced from synthetic fibres take hundreds of years to degrade.

“The World Economic Forum reckons that the fashion industry produces 10 per cent of all humanity’s carbon emissions.

“We are so pleased Race Against Time has chosen to come through Bradford on Avon again and it has a particular significance this year due to the General Election.

“We urged people to come along, both to learn how to dress more sustainably and to show our politicians that they really care about the environment and reducing carbon emissions.”