Essay by Eric Worrall
The climate zealots at the Sunderland council have axed their annual airshow, a major event which attracts two million visitors every year, because they don’t want anything to distract from their keep fit message.
Council refreshes its approach to events
Sunderland City Council is refreshing its approach to events as it looks to grow and evolve the city’s annual programme in response to resident feedback.
Sunderland’s events plan will focus on key areas to grow the city’s offer for residents and visitors:
Source: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/25597/Council-refreshes-its-approach-to-events
– Attracting new events such as the World Triathlon Championship Series next summer and others from outside the city
– Developing innovative new events as part of Sunderland’s Smart City initiative, bringing technology to life and creating an offer that is unique to Sunderland
– Supporting established events organised by local communities such as the Boxing Day Dip, the Waves Music Festival and Summer Streets
– Maximising the potential of concerts and other major events by animating the city and creating a programme of activity around those dates
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Our residents have told us that they want to see new and different events, and ones that they themselves can get involved in. That’s why this last year we have attracted new and exciting events to the city, including the Tour Series, British Triathlon Super Series Grand Final and the Tour of Britain this summer which we hope will inspire more people to become physically active and enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits this brings with it.”
In light of the new approach to events and the council’s ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2030 and the city’s to be carbon neutral by 2040, the council has confirmed it has no plans to run the Sunderland Airshow in the future.
Cllr Miller said: “No-one who has witnessed the extreme weather events of recent years, from wildfires and droughts across Europe to the storms and heatwaves we’ve experienced here this last year, can be in any doubt about the devastating impact that climate change is having on our planet. Residents have identified the environment as one of their top concerns and both the council and the city have committed to tackling the global climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions. This makes it all the harder to justify events such as the airshow, which generate large amounts of carbon, going ahead in the future.
“But residents can rest assured that we remain wholeheartedly committed to delivering events for families at our wonderful seafront. For next summer we have secured the World Triathlon Championship Series which will bring some of the world’s best athletes to Roker seafront in a thrilling action-packed weekend for residents and visitors alike as well as attracting national and international coverage for our fabulous city. We are also looking to hold an Armed Forces event at the seafront next summer, so that we can continue our longstanding and valued relationship with our partners and veterans across the Armed Forces community.
“It’s vital that we continue to grow and evolve our events programme with a mix that appeals to residents and visitors alike, which is why we’re working hard to bring new and exciting events to our city alongside firmly established family favourites.”
How many jobs did Sunderland town council just wipe out, to score a cheap political point? How much local business and employee income has been lost because those two million air show fans may no longer have a reason to visit?
It takes a tremendous amount of effort to put an event like Sunderland Airshow together, to nurture it for years, to grow it into a community icon which attracts visitors from far and wide. An event where kids can learn about and even meet the heroes who put their lives on the line to defend British territory against foreign aggression.
Now, thanks to Sunderland Council, all that time and effort building something wonderful for the community has been cancelled, all that effort has been for nothing, all that hard won achievement has been wiped out by the stroke of a climate zealot’s pen.
In my opinion this is just a taste of the wanton economic destruction greens want to inflict on society. Unless we convince our politicians to change course, we are inviting a green economic wrecking ball into our lives.
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Eric, this is very sad. I love air shows. My first one was in Myrtle Beach in about 1971. Out of sight! We used to have one here in Saskatoon, with most of the cool planes coming up from the US (since we have a threadbare air force, but never mind). What a treat to talk to pilots of a C-130 about my experience with that aircraft in the Antarctic. Unfortunately, housing development has encroached on the airport area, so the air show was deemed a danger. Besides that, this story proves how pathologically lame city and town councils are everywhere. What is it about this role that attracts only stupid and idealogical candidates? A rhetorical question. But let’s ban plastic bags.
It’s along the lines of the Groucho quote that he wouldn’t want to be a member of a club that accepted him as a member: anyone who wants to be a politician should be automatically be disbarred from being a politician.
The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy says, “It is unfortunate that those who most wish to be leaders of men are generally those least suited to the job.” (or something not far off that). Thank you, the late Douglas Adams for crystallizing this universal truth.
Is it known whether Liz Truss has read that quote?
Auto, just asking for a friend. Honestly.
Ironically, plastic bags were invented to save the trees cut down to make paper grocery bags.
Which could also be delivered in 1 truck as opposed to 7 for paper bags. A bit like Milk & More not selling any drinks in plastic bottles, only glass. And even worse, most of their yoghurts and cream come in jars which are not as easy to use as a plastic pot. Can’t freeze them either.
Sure, everyone can get involved in a triathlon, just give up your day job, lose 20% of your weight, then there’s that tricky part about spending 6 grand for a decent road bike. Yeah, it’s the most inclusive activity on the planet
Ban carbon fiber bikes.
But think of all the extra exhalation of CO2 increased exercise brings about.
Ouch!
Lot’s of extra CO2 produced by the production of the additional food they need to ingest to have the calories necessary for a triathlon
You don’t know about the mutual hostility between drivers and cyclists in the UK.
As I do both activities I’m amazed how few accidents there are caused by people who should have left plenty of time for their journey. I spend most of the time on my bike with my hands on one or both brake levers just in case
More folks need to see cancelations like this. Soon, everything will be cancelled and the only joy left will be the morning tea or coffee. Oh wait, there won’t be those either…
Oh the humanity!
The dumb climate zealots are just like cold and lonely stones… Just lifeless dead weights on society…
IMHO… They should go to school about real-climate and get a solid science degree from WATTSUPWITHTHAT…
But… They are clueless… Too bad…
We’ve been through this before in the UK when the puritans banned Christmas, music and dancing.
We sent most of them to America, sorry about that!
It’s a double whammy for members of the city council against the people in the area and the military. Too bad.
Anytime I read or hear the words “grow and evolve” my bullshit detector goes on alert.
Yea, I’ve just won a three card accumulator of “Bu****it Bingo”!
Heaven protect us from politicians.
If CO2 really mattered, they’d cancel the international gathering of large jets at the Sharm el Sheik Airport in November!
They should cancel all COP meetings which are 100% private jet airshows.
Someone please tell me what will be saved by this knowing the amount of fuel burned by deligates attending COP 27
The Sunderland City Council are beyond saving that’s for sure, this is one of their latest tweets:
“Recycling is one of the simplest ways we can all do our bit to help prevent climate change”
LOL! okay.
They are also one of the UK’s most highly paid council staff….mmmm…
C b.;
“They are also one of the UK’s most highly paid council staff”
Any nice jobs going?
Tho, probably, you need to live there and also be related to the Mayor or someone.
Perhaps not, then!
Auto.
i love watching people run. away.
Another step forward in the progressive rise of social misery.
Didn’t Obama just the other night ask them not to be (expletive) buzz-kill’s?
Will John Kerry still be allowed to fly in on his private jet?
hypocrites (read climate zealots) don’t have to follow the rules – they’re speshul!
Going woke in Oz at present-
We’re THE BUREAU not the BOM if you please with our weather and climate predictions-
Bureau of Meteorology change sparks storm (msn.com)
They fly interstate in metal aircraft to play nationally-
High-profile Fremantle Dockers members call on club to end Woodside sponsorship deal (msn.com)
and internationally-
Pressure building for Diamonds, Netball Australia and mining magnate Gina Rinehart – ABC News
A gaggle of hypocritical ingrate Gretaheads with the schoolgirl vapours.
Mind you they could make a serious moral and ethical stand and think globally play locally-
Wooden bicycle – Wikipedia
What about it girls?
Observa,
Think of BOM as a backward MOB.
Geoff S
observa: “We’re THE BUREAU […]”
–
The bureau? I have one in the bedroom. That’s where I keep my socks and underwear.
I wonder what’s in their bureau?
Organise and FBI raid. They may have some ‘delicates’ there
“I wonder what’s in their bureau?”
Dirty socks and underwear.
Ecological responsibility –
“Air a week, wear a week”
“High-profile Fremantle Dockers demand pay cut.”
There. That’s more like it.
Luckily they will have a range of new and inclusive events sure to draw large crowds like Cheese Rolling, Shin Kicking (yes, I spelled it right), Ferret Legging, Real Ale Wobble, Worm Charming, and Conker Smashing. Sadly, though Camel Wresting was considered, it was rejected due to the high carbon methane exhaust of the competitors. They are staying true to their carbon neutral aspirations. In late spring there will be a Larch Lament similar to the Rowan Regret to be held in autumn. Everyone is invited to join in a group wail over the human curse on the natural world. You can adopt an emotional support tree for the day to hug and console.
Santos ends sponsorship of popular Darwin Festival after lengthy campaign by environmentalists opposing fossil fuels (msn.com)
Warning: some taxpayers may be distressed by the following-
Fossil Free Arts NT – Home | Facebook
A truly sick display by a delusional and mentally deranged organisation. Brainwashed idiots.
I am disappointed to tell you that cheese rolling nowadays doesn’t use actual cheeses, due to health and safety concerns.
It’s not a place of employment so the Health & Safety Executive has no jurisdiction.
The cheese, which can reach 70mph, was replaced with a foam replica (an inappropriate term as it hardly replicates it if you can’t eat it) for safety reasons.
Participants are stopped at the bottom of the hill by members of the local Brockworth Rugby Club members tackling them.
A fine British sporting tradition.
If you think we Brits are barmy, you’d be right – but we do love our traditions…
From Wikipedia:
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is an annual event held on the Spring Bank Holiday at Cooper’s Hill, near Gloucester in England. Participants race down the 200-yard (180 m) long hill after a round of Double Gloucester cheese is sent rolling down it.
The cheese currently used in the event is 7–9-pound (3–4-kilogram) Double Gloucester, a hard cheese traditionally made in a circular shape. Each is protected for the rolling by a wooden casing round the side, and is decorated with ribbons at the start of the race.
I think that with the price of cheese these days it’s very likely a competitor or spectator would steal the cheese.
Net Zero = Zero heating or Zero Food the choice is yours
I thought it meant “zero common sense”.
The council says this is in response to the wishes of local residents which may very well be the case. The questions that should be being asked of the council are many.
How was this survey of opinion carried out?
Was the process well advertised?
What percentage of residents took part?
What percentage requested the ending of the air show?
It is possible that this was a very democratic process but until the details are revealed, it can only be seen as the council hiding behind a veneer of pretend democracy whilst imposing its own ideological views on the residents and on potential visitors.
It’s a known fact that middle class busybodies form the overwhelming number of people who respond to surveys and make up focus groups. I live nearby anddid a quick poll of several working class acquaintances I know who live there. Every one was aghast that the air show wasn’t happening and not a one was aware of any surveys made by the council on the matter.
So… three people complained then?
You missed the important bit:
IOW: What level of threat/fear was attached to giving ‘The Wrong Answer‘?
What, you mean like Russian referendums in illegally occupied territory?
I bet the triathlon competitors love the chilly North Sea at Sunderland, an area which I don’t believe has much if any real sewage treatment.
The councillor makes it sound like a tropical paradise. Howlow has this great city sunk since the days of shipbuilding,marine engine manufacturing etc. On the phone Iver Wear.
The sea is fine in that neck of the woods. But airshow fans would be entirely uk based, but they want to attract internationally travelling, invariably muddle class triathlon competitors. Great
‘attract internationally travelling’ ? Is that CO2 neutral ? CO2 neutral would be NO travelling at all (for the common people).
Easily fixed by voting out these councilors with pro-air show ones at the next election.
My local council elections are on soon and the current mayoress states that only 30% of eligible voters actually bother to cast a vote.
Of course when they talk about residents, they aren’t talking about the working classes. They’re talking about the gormless middle class pricks, who told them what sort of events they would like.
great word “gormless”
“prick is also a classic”
Like most on this site, I do not think this is the right decision.
But at least this is (an incorrect) decison with integrity.
How often do you hear politicians demanding sacrifices while living the high life themselves? Sunderland City Council are sacrificing one of their own events because to to otherwise would be hypocritical.
It’s not wise but it is honest.
M.,
I appreciate your approach.
I am not sure, though, that the ‘Councillors’ might not get – ah – wined and dined by the replacement events’ organisers, whether World Triathlon; Grand European Guess the Pronoun Festival 2024; Jubilee Eevil White Brits Dunnit Exposition & Fair, and Symbolic Lynching, 2025; or others.
Councillors seem pretty similar all over, after all, when they seek to be [rightly/richly] rewarded . . . .
Auto
Labour of course!
This is the modus operandi of Chronic Depressives
i.e. If anything ‘nice’ goes on, anywhere, and if they have it in their power to spoil it, they will.
Either e.g. here via direct cancellation or as in the live music scene in the UK, via hideous and ever increasing regulations & taxes.
In a way it’s perfectly explainable and reasonable – they are trying to escape their own personal depression and by torturing others, they obtain pleasure (Dopamine)
They instinctively/intrinsically can not help or stop themselves from doing it.
And that is the well recognised (positive feedback) spiral of depression, of any sort.
Either personal sadness/grief or whether it’s chemically induced.
It is the 2nd largest significant manifestation of sugar poisoning.
(Primary being= fatness/obesity)
So next time anyone wants to celebrate how “Things have never been better” because of burgeoning yields of wheat, corn, rice, potatoes…
Remember this story.
It is a direct consequence of that ‘never betterness‘
Robert Heinlein, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
I’m sure councillor Miller won’t be flying off to any local government conferences in far flung places with pleasant climates this winter 🙂
You can always tell when someone makes statements on “Climate Change” doesn’t have a clue what they’re talking about when they go on about ‘carbon emissions’. Apparently huge amounts of graphite and diamonds are being pumped into the atmosphere by an airshow!
Obviously “carbon dioxide’ is too long, or too sciency, or too confusing for ordinary folk.
I suspect they’ve long wanted to stop the airshow because aircraft, or military or not inclusive or something, and have finally managed to do it because carbon. Imbeciles.
actually I’m well in favour of some “dancing diamonds” but I guess it tends to make the poor snowflakes a tad deaf!
They say “Our residents have told us that they want to see new and different events”, so let’s see the evidence for that. Let’s see the responses, and how many responded out of the total surveyed population, and how they surveyed them. Let the Council ask the direct question “Do you want the airshow to continue?”. I suspect they’ve been up to come ‘creativity’ in their workings.
The real problem is that people actually enjoyed Sunderland Airshow. The Council can’t have that! They want to see people watching gaunt, Lycra-clad freaks running round a park instead. Miserable, self-regarding tossers.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the country, Cornwall Council has decided not to renew the lease of the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre in Newquay, probably for the same reasons. Many beautiful historic airframes including an English Electric Lightning and an Avro Shackleton are going to be scrapped.
My home town is run by Idiots.
I heard they would replace it with a fly past of all the delegates going to COP27.
On a more serious note I’ve never been asked my opinion about it and don’t know anyone who has so I’m not sure where they get the claim that residents want this.
Some years ago the Scottish Government introduced what they called the Curriculum for Excellence. They said the new curriculum had been produced in response to the wishes of teachers. As, at the time, a teacher in a Scottish school I don’t recall ever being asked for my opinion.