Sign in

Gary Champion

@mrgchampion.bsky.social
122 followers 120 following 116 posts

Advocate for sustainable stewardship of our biosphere, building resilient communities, and reimagined education. Green Councillor on Norwich City Council for Sewell Ward.

PostsRepliesMedia
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Today is World Teachers’ Day. Here's a geography teacher themed thread to mark this moment. Standing in solidarity with educators everywhere. ​Teaching is a vocation. To every teacher, TA, and staff member keeping schools afloat: thank you. gemreport.bsky.social ​🔗 www.unesco.org/en/days/teac...
unesco.org
World Teachers' Day
5 October
100
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
​🛰️ It's Keep Space for Peace Week 🌍 Militarisation of orbit doesn't happen in a vacuum. As state & corporate power merge, great powers compete for strategic high ground, shifting space from peaceful exploration to resource competition. @swfoundation.bsky.social #CND www.swfound.org
swfound.org
Secure World Foundation: Home
Secure World Foundation, a private non-profit, advancing global security and stability through wisdom, compassion, and collaboration.
120
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Reading this made me reflect on the rise in Norfolk cable theft and this as a broader issue. Driven by high global metal prices, thieves target rural telecom and power lines, showing how easily vital physical infrastructure can be knocked out by simple theft. www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/2659127...
eveningnews24.co.uk
Why copper cable theft is on the rise in Norfolk and how you can protect yourself
Here is why copper cable theft is on the rise in Norfolk and how people can protect themselves.
100
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
​Rachel Carson warned of silence. In separating humanity from nature, we treat bird and insect loss as external crises. Because we can't easily see this slow decline, we must trust science. Shifting baseline syndrome masks the truth: we aren't losing nature, we're cutting the branch we sit on.
000
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Today is the UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. ​To mark the day, I have written to my MP, Alice Macdonald, to set out the urgent case for UK leadership on global disarmament and treaty compliance. @cnduk.bsky.social @alicemlabour.bsky.social
111
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Very excited for tonight! Massive thanks to Byline Times for highlighting this. ​We’re gathering at The Forum Auditorium in Norwich to open up the conversation around The Portal—a non-profit, democratic alternative to traditional schooling built around student autonomy and self-directed discovery.
220
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Norwich has a proud history of radical thought. If a paradigm shift in education can happen anywhere, it’s here. ​We don't need to reform education—we need to transform it. We're building a community-owned model that is replicable, scalable, and leaves a lasting legacy. 🌿 www.theportalnorfolk.org.uk
100
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
​We're building a child-centered, community-oriented opportunity for self-directed learning. As far as I understand, The Portal is the first time a Community Benefit Society model has been applied to education and look forward our launch event, one month today, when we will present and explain
000
Reposted by Gary Champion
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 21/08/2026
Did you know the world's longest chalk reef is off Norfolk's coast? Rob Spray says the reef habitat needs to be protected from the impacts of fishing and cable access. At low tide it may be seen at West Runton & other sites between Trimingham & Cley. Via BBC News
bbc.co.uk
Dive pioneer urges more protection for Cromer chalk reef
Rob Spray believes the reef needs to protected against fishing activity and cable access.
02212
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
"Education doesn’t need to be reformed — it needs to be transformed. The key is not to standardise education, but to personalise it, to put students in an environment where they can naturally discover their true passions." ― Ken Robinson
100
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
In my piece I examine structural limitations of standardisation in schooling and argue for democratic, community-anchored education. ​The Portal @theportalnorfolk.bsky.social —a space where young people gain genuine agency over their learning, supported by community assets and collaborative inquiry.
153
Reposted by Gary Champion
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 30/07/2026
Britain has the talent, creativity and resilience to thrive. What we need are institutions and systems designed for the decades ahead | Steff Aquarone
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Britain doesn’t have a people problem. It’s a systems problem
Britain has the talent, creativity and resilience to thrive. What we need are institutions and systems designed for the decades ahead
0138
Reposted by Gary Champion
Adrian Ramsay @adrianramsay.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Well done Natalie Bennett I'm proud to have supported Natalie and campaigners in building support for the Nature's Rights Bill. This landmark Bill would instill legal protections and create a duty of care towards the natural world, embedding nature’s rights into decision-making across the UK.
nationalreview.com
‘Nature’s Rights’ Bill Presented in U.K. Parliament | National Review
The nature rights movement is an existential threat to our species’ well-being.
68937
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Holistic Humanities African History Event 📍 Sainsbury Centre, Norwich 🗓 Tuesday 30th June 🕐 1pm–5pm Families and thoughtful younger learners welcome. ✨ Pay What You Can Recommended contribution: £30 per student Please get in touch to reserve a place or find out more.
100
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Some reflection on Thursday's election and political landscape more broadly open.substack.com/pub/holistic...
open.substack.com
A Rare Opening for Hope and Change
This Thursday’s local elections—taking place here in Norwich and across roughly a third of councils in the UK—arrive at a moment that feels unusually consequential.
031
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Each Tuesday afternoon I facilitate a home ed group and we add a bit more to our epic time-line of African History. 

Throughout the winter, we looked at African civilisations Throughout the ages, then we looked at the Transatlantic Slave Trade and over recent weeks have looked at British and French imperialism.

Colonialism is inherently complex, more so when being unpacked for young teens, so I try to have a weekly theme, which was 'resistance and uprising' today. To investigate why Ethiopia stayed independent while most of Africa was colonised, we looked the Battle of Adwa. Then we the Herero and Nama Genocide, and the Maji Maji Rebellion. 

A question we reflected on was why Namibia only officially marking Genocide Remembrance Day — honoring over 75,000 Herero and Nama people killed during German colonial rule in what some historians call the first genocide of the 20th century.  

We also discussed how European empires believed their weapons and technology gave them the right to dominate others, using violence to expand colonial rule. Which was pithily summarised in 1898  by the French (but British-based) poet Hilaire Belloc who penned his oft-quoted couplet about the age of "high imperialism":

'Whatever happens we have got 
The Maxim gun, and they have not.'

I should add, we have space available for a couple more students, so please contact me if you are in or near Norwich and would be interested in joining this group.

https://holistichumanities.org/
000
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
As the year draws to a close, the winter holiday offers a rare and precious pause. A chance to slow our pace, to step back, and to breathe. My first blog post holistichumanities.org/2025/12/19/t...
holistichumanities.org
The Year’s Threshold
As the year draws to a close, the winter holiday offers a rare and precious pause. A chance to slow our pace, to step back, and to breathe. For me, this time of year carries a deep sense of meaning…
000
Reposted by Gary Champion
Norwich Cycling Campaign @norwichcycling.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Ahead of tomorrow's @cyclinguk.bsky.social "glow rides" calling for safer streets for women, we look at the role the bicycle has played in liberating women. www.norwichcyclingcampaign.org/fear-freedom...
norwichcyclingcampaign.org
Fear, freedom and the feminist power of the bicycle
The bicycle has been a powerful tool for women’s emancipation from the early days and can still be a driving force for freedom – for everyone, but only if we provide the right environme…
01011
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Launching website and would welcome feedback on how it could be improved holistichumanities.org
holistichumanities.org
Holistic Humanities
Specializing in history, geography, and sustainability education, with personalised online tuition, school support, and inspiring podcasts.
000
Reposted by Gary Champion
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 22/08/2025
Are you a wild water swimmer, paddle boarder or kayak fan? Bank Holiday Monday morning, the number of folk getting into River Wensum at Cow Tower will be counted as part of Cow Tower Dippers application for Designated Bathing Water Status. Have your say on consultation (see 🧵) too.
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Norwich swimmers lead new push for cleaner rivers
With city council support, a Norwich swimming group is applying for bathing water status to help protect their river from pollution
288
Reposted by Gary Champion
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 22/08/2025
Consultation - Have your say on bathing water designation at Cow Tower gettalking.norwich.gov.uk/cowtower/sur...
gettalking.norwich.gov.uk
Have your say on bathing water designation at Cow Tower | Get Talking Norwich
We’re collecting feedback on behalf of the Cow Tower Dippers, a local community group, who plan to apply to DEFRA for bathing water designation at Cow Tower on the River Wensum.  If the app...
031
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Charity rowers mistaken for asylum seekers, and now children at a scout camp mistaken for immigrants. Ministers using unashamedly inflammatory language, whipping up hatred towards migrants, is fuelling a racist atmosphere being whipped across the country. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
010
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
WhoFi sounds like some next level Orwellian surveillance techxplore.com/news/2025-07...
techxplore.com
WhoFi: New surveillance technology can track people by how they disrupt Wi-Fi signals
Hi-tech surveillance technologies are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you want sophisticated devices to detect suspicious behavior and alert authorities. But on the other, there is the need to ...
020
Reposted by Gary Champion
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
⏳Final week to sign up to the Green Party. 🗳️ Vote for Bold Leadership on August 1st.
25641131627
Reposted by Gary Champion
Electoral Integrity Project @electoralintegrity.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
The 2025 Global Electoral Integrity Report is now out! This year we focus in on those countries which saw rises and declines in electoral integrity. Read here: static1.squarespace.com/static/58533... Join the discussions at our free conference next week: electoralintegrityproject.com/ieip2025
064
Reposted by Gary Champion
West England Bylines @westenglandbylines.co.uk · 14/06/2025
Sewage Watch – Protect our rivers and beaches 8 June 2025 – Gloucestershire: Exhibition shines light on River Wye pollution. 7 June 2025 – Bidders demand Thames Water granted immunity over environmental crimes. 3 June 2025 – Failing water sector needs stronger regulation, says damning review.
westenglandbylines.co.uk
Sewage Watch – Protect our rivers and beaches
Since April 2023 Sewage Watch has been keeping a running log of press coverage on the state of sewage dumping into our rivers and onto our beaches - Updated June 2025
12010
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
With Sir Keir Starmer announcement that the UK will purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets and formally join NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) nuclear sharing mission, it means US nuclear warheads are likely to be stored on British soil once again.
030
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
This cartoon by Ella Baron feels particularly pertinent
000
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Nuclear hypernormalisation. Well, glad to hear people's holidays won't be interrupted by nuclear war, and for less than the price of a cup of coffee per passenger. www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
telegraph.co.uk
Airlines prepare for nuclear war
Jets could continue to fly following an atomic blast as insurers scramble to combat escalating conflicts
100
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
“When Reform are unfortunately managing to sell the lie that tackling climate change is somehow going to be bad for ordinary people, it’s really important that we Greens challenge that – and I am worried the Labour government is backsliding on climate policy,” says @carladenyer.bsky.social
theguardian.com
Carla Denyer accuses Labour of failing to challenge Reform UK’s net zero ‘lie’
Greens co-leader to table private member’s bill on a worker-led green transition in attempt to seize narrative back from Nigel Farage’s party
000
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Norwich had some fantastic candidates: In Sewell ✅ Jenny Knight In Bowthorpe ✅ Tony Park In Mancroft ✅ Serene Shible and ✅ Ian Stutely ⏰ Polls are open from 7am to 10pm. Please remember to take your voter ID.
010
Reposted by Gary Champion
Jack Dyson @jackydys.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
This week, I dived into the secret world of GAG pooling More MATs are choosing to pool school budgets to smooth funding inequalities and send more money to academies with the greatest need But public information doesn't clearly show how this cash is divvied up - so I took a closer look...
121
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
Change is possible www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2025/04/12/air-pollution-paris-health-cars/
030
Reposted by Gary Champion
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
1. Because this issue is critical, but has received remarkably little coverage, here's a thread pulling out the key themes from my article yesterday, on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which puts decades of environmental protections to the torch. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Labour’s great nature sellout is the worst attack on England’s ecosystems I’ve seen in my lifetime | George Monbiot
The horrifying planning bill, which rips up environmental protections, was drafted with CEOs in mind. We know because Keir Starmer told us, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
581621980
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
Green corridors are crucial and projects like this are inspiring. Local, regional, national and international biodiversity networks, are possible. www.europeangreenbelt.org
000
Reposted by Gary Champion
Bristol Green Party @bristolgreenparty.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
🟢 Meet Mary Page, Green Party candidate for the West Of England Mayor. 🟢 Mary will champion all our communities in the West of England with a Nature, Nurture and Needs plan, shifting the balance of power back into your hands.
37130
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
The latest poll for the West of England mayoral contest looks hopeful for Mary Page who is currently polling at 27% I hope we can mirror this in the East of England for next year's first Mayoral election. @mayorslayer.bsky.social yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
053
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
The Blackbirds in Gardens project begins in May and is an important citizen science project due to the Usutu virus. The Usutu virus is a mosquito-borne disease that affects blackbirds and negatively impacting blackbird numbers. www.bto.org/our-science/....
bto.org
Blackbirds in Gardens
The Blackbirds in Gardens project aims to help us understand how Blackbirds use gardens and the potential effects of Usutu virus.
100
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
🚨 Petition: SAVE THE NORWICH WALK-IN CENTRE (again)🚨 With no new funding for the NHS under Labour austerity, the Rouen Road Walk-In Centre is threatened with closure yet again. The NHS is on its knees - we cannot let our walk-in centre disappear.
actionnetwork.org
Save Norwich Walk-in Centre and other crucial health services.
Speak out now, save health services for all - we saved it once, we can do it again. NHS bosses put forward plans to close the Walk-in Centre on Rouen Road back in 2023. Norwich residents spoke out s...
010
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
'Manifest destiny' rooted in American nationalism and exceptionalism, was used to justify the forced removal of Native Americans and take their land. I will be using this map visualisation to open up discussion with students. #HolisticHumanities
111
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Shell profits are $24bn, and under Nigerian law, the operating company is responsible for cleaning up oil spills from its facilities, even if the spill is the result of third-party action. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
121
Reposted by Gary Champion
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 02/03/2025
New govt report out... “Tooth decay remains the most common reason for hospital admissions in children aged between 5 and 9 years." It’s still hard to find an NHS dentist is some parts of East Anglia. 🧵
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Restoring Norfolk’s ‘dental desert’
The University of East Anglia’s plan for a new dental school is a step towards restoring accessible dentistry in Norfolk, but we need more
94612
Reposted by Gary Champion
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
This #NationalNestboxWeek, remember not all birds nest the same way! Here's a few options to get you started... 🧵👇 Robins and Wrens like to keep hidden, tucking their nests away in dense cover. An open-fronted box placed low down and out of sight is just their style. (1/4)
An infographic titled “Nest Boxes for Robins & Wrens” shows a wooden open-front nest box positioned in dense vegetation. An inset image of a Robin highlights one of the species that benefit. The text advises placing open-front boxes low to the ground (no higher than 2m) and in well-hidden, sheltered locations to provide protection from predators.
421568
Reposted by Gary Champion
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 18/02/2025
What if solar farms could save wildlife? A new study finds that well-managed sites across The Fens are a lifeline for threatened birds. Could renewables help reverse biodiversity loss? Pau lCasciato reports
eastangliabylines.co.uk
New research: birdlife soars on nature-friendly solar farms
Nature-friendly solar farms in East Anglia support more bird species than arable land, boosting biodiversity
08441
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
The only two things you can truly depend upon are gravity and greed.
000
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
The future of City Hall survey opened today. How should City Hall and the surrounding area be improved? With a focus on creating a space that is more accessible, adaptable and one that can better respond to changing demands in the future years. gettalking.norwich.gov.uk/cityhall
gettalking.norwich.gov.uk
The future of City Hall
City Hall, a landmark for residents and visitors alike, stands at the heart of our city and plays a vital part of Norwich’s civic life. Its prominent location near the market, Guildhall, St Peter Manc...
000
Reposted by Gary Champion
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
When will Govt learn you can’t out-Reform Reform - you end up simply legitimising their toxic narrative. To see off populists, Labour needs to invest in public services & local communities, making a real difference to people’s lives - levy a wealth tax & use it to improve people’s lives *now*
theguardian.com
Group of Labour MPs urge No 10 to be tougher on migration to fend off Reform
Exclusive: Pressure group set up by MPs from seats where Reform came second amid concern about party’s rise
1593262953
Gary Champion @mrgchampion.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
My two pennies' worth on the new Macdonalds plans "Drive-throughs such as this can encourage people to drive short distances to buy potentially unhealthy food. This can also clog up both roads and their arteries, especially around the retail park."
100
Reposted by Gary Champion
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Oh, hello... This *adorable* Long-Tailed Tit would like to remind you to submit your #BigGardenBirdwatch results before 23 Feb! Every count, counts 👉 buff.ly/4gXUE3y
A small, round Long-tailed Tit perches on a branch, its tiny feet gripping the bark. Its soft white face and dark eyes peer sweetly at the viewer, head tilted ever so slightly as if politely reminding them to submit their Big Garden Birdwatch results. The gentle lighting and fluffy feathers add to its endearing, well-mannered presence.
737324