We can't say we were not warned about the weather; anyway, global warming means more rain (for some).  It helped to know that we were joining hundreds of thousands in 86 countries across the world, but it would have been encouraging to have had a few more than 7000 in London. 

 

Never mind, I was privileged to walk behind the Operation Noah banner, which was happily impervious to near-torrential rain - even if the placards did quickly turn to papier mache!  The locked umbrellas reminded me of stories of the Roman Legions advancing with shields aloft.  At least, I hope that is what our leaders thought as they watched us pass from the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and the American Embassy.

 

There was a good turn-out of those most affected:  Sodden polar bears, Father Christmas with his elves and reindeer, a snowperson (inclusive language is important since we are all in this one together); a Goth (?) - even a remorseful Tony Blair with a loud-hailer.  There was also a huge turnout of police, affable, efficient and looking very bored in the rows of vans parked discreetly round the corners.

 

Eventually we grouped in Grosvenor Square for some lively ballads about climate change and sluggish politicians (although I could not make out the actual words) and some rousing speeches.  Good stirring stuff for die-hard campaigners who hardly needed convincing of the seriousness of the situation!  Everyone will remember their own high-lights.  I remember the Centre for Alternative Technology, who have earned the right to be heard, with a feasible plan for the UK to cut emissions by 100% by 2027 and George Monbiot calling for direct action against open-cast coal mining. 

 

Personally, given that the UK and USA governments are showing the first signs of effective action, I do not think that this is the time for law-breaking.  Our Government knows how serious the situation is.  What they need is for public opinion to change so that harsh cuts will not be electoral suicide.  That's our job.  Come on Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Moderators, Priests, Ministers - even lay-preachers.  Next time let's turn out 700,000 (well, we can all dream).  As we sang at the end of the inspiring service in St Matthew's Church: 'Come with me for the journey is long.'

 

Charles Jolly, Buxton (where we know a thing or two about rain)