Trashion at Roots & Shoots Awards 2023
By Isobelle, Year 9
We gathered our outfits and made our way down to Preston on Thursday 2nd of March. We were given numbers to shout whenever we needed to make sure we had all of us and we boarded the train. After navigating 30 pupils through the London underground, we arrived at Pax Lodge.
Everyone went off to their rooms and unpacked before exploring. Each room was a different region, such as Hong Kong, Australia and England, reflecting Girl Guiding around the world. There was a dining room, a shop and a common room on the first floor. We didn’t get much time though, as we set off to our meal at Leon.
“Thank you for being part of the Roots & Shoots Awards 2023. You helped make the day really special, and impressed and inspired our guests.”
Jasmina Georgovska
Head of Education UK, Roots and Shoots
Once everyone sat down, the food was given out. It was so tasty, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We finished up our food and set off again on an evening tour of London, taking in Piccadilly Circus and the Ritz, before we passed Buckingham palace, it looked amazing at night, and we stopped to take photos. When we arrived at the theatre, to watch ‘Back to the Future’ we took our seats and prepared to see the musical; some of us even rented binoculars. Everyone loved it, however the walk back didn’t look too appealing to us, as we were now very tired. We all went straight to bed.
In the morning, we all got into our school uniforms and set off to the main event Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots national Awards. We went through the underground and around London until we arrived at the Barbican Theatre, within the City of London. Putting our suitcases away and heading upstairs, we entered the conference room where there were many tables set up from schools all over the UK. Goat Lees, Ravenscote and Walhampton were just a few of the schools attending. My favourite stall, however, belonged to Ysgol Clywedog. At their school, they Created a vegetable allotment, transformed a flooded field into a healthy, thriving one full of life and have a bee-keeping program. One of the pupils from that school, Lily Blackwell, very deservingly won the Outstanding Individual award. After we looked through all the stalls, The buffet was set out and we dined on fine vegan food (Jane Goodall is vegan). The meal was amazing. People were going back for seconds and thirds and overall, it was one of the best hot buffets I have ever been to.
“We would like to congratulate Charlotte Mack as the winner of the Jane Goodall’s Roots&Shoots Uk Annual Awards Trashion Show at the Barbican London. You are seriously talented, we loved your message and your style. We are proud to stand along side you. We hope you enjoy your prize of two tickets to see Abba Voyage concert, fairs included. Definitely our number one.”
Duke Ingram
Singer and co-founder of the One Fight
Finally, it was time for the Trashion catwalk. Everyone was hurrying to get ready and perfect in time and the effort put in was 100% worth it. We all looked incredible in our outfits as we lined up and waited patiently for our turn to model the project, we had worked so hard on. Each outfit had upwards of 20 hours individual work, Mrs. Morrison’s patience fortunately is as high as her textile skills. The atmosphere of the whole experience was not something you could replicate. Hushed voices, dulcet and exhilarating, and the excitement in the air was so strong you could feel it rattled in your brain, and all you could do was take it in. Walking down the stairs on to the catwalk in front of everyone was so dizzying. Eventually, all the models were out, and IT was time for the winners. In third place was Charlie Gerrard with her Funky Jacket. In second place was Bramble Riding-Throup with her gorgeous, rolled magazine dress and Charlotte Mac who had made a stunning Denim Jumpsuit with inspirational quotes and famous media on it.
"The Trashion Show project allows pupils to be truly creative as well as teaching them to carefully look after our planet. The London trip is a fantastic opportunity for them to show off their designs and I know they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have three more local events planned to showcase their work so exciting times ahead!"
Mrs A Morrison
Head of Textiles
The Trashion may have ended, however it was not Over yet. Jane Goodall herself gave a speech after presenting the awards to all the winning schools. Her speech was moving and thoughtful and finished the Trip with a Bang. Schools were given a monkey that was make in the likeness of Mr. H, Jane’s teddy monkey who she was given by a blind man who thought it was a chimp until she pointed out its tail.
Before we knew it, the trip was over, and we had made it home. The experience was so incredible and I, for one, can say that we will never forget the all too short time we had in London.
Photographs kindly supplied by Rubin Besureis