Ages ago, when I first joined Greenpeace I was utterly clueless about anything green. That's not to imply I'm now some kind of expert, but back then I didn't know anything about anything. When I went along to find out the crack I hadn't even a vague idea what to expect. I encountered such a buzz, an inspiring bunch of people who showed me we are part of something much bigger. They generously allowed me to feel like one of them even though I probably asked some appallingly stupid questions. (Alright, I definitely asked some appallingly stupid questions).
There was always something going on and the campaigns we did, such as GM milk - something scary in the dairy – where we took a bunch of milkmen and an outsize cow down to the local Sainsburys, seemed to end in success. I was so impressed by these dedicated people who were having a great time and changing the world to boot.
I moved to London. At my first meeting here 30 of us were squeezed into a corner of the pub. Five years later – no, make that seven years later, how time flies - our meetings aren't necessarily quite that populous, but the energy remains. Our campaign targets and methods are updated and faces occasionally change but the energy of the volunteers has not altered in all this time. It is tangible when we all get together.
There are so many awesome people in Greenpeace. Right now I could write about any number of my Greenpeace friends who always inspire me, and at some point I may do so. But for now I want to mention one just person who joined around the same time as me. A true and steadfast warrior. You will have to forgive me for just that moment there whilst I sounded like a well dodgy sci fi movie; I'm now done with saying things that are likely to make him grimace and/or snort into his pint.
Honestly though, Richard M is one of the few people I've met that can look at a situation objectively, see what is needed, and persuade everyone around to make it happen. His passion for saving the world is as clear as the beard on his face.
His job with Greenpeace is taking him (and presumably his collection of cool campaign T shirts, in a wide range of shades of black) off to Asia.
Richard, we will miss you. Thank you for your strength, grace and humour. We will be raising our glasses in your general direction – after a good session saving the world of course.
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