Postcard to Rishi Sunak from Lowestoft

If you were on Lowestoft's sunny South Beach on 28th August you may have seen people writing in the sand. It was a huge postcard to Rishi Sunak, our current Prime Minister. 

“Dear Rishi, hear our voice, save our beach, Floods 1953. Love, Lowestoft xxx”.

Many people watched and commented, and some Lowdown postcards – Lowdown's favourite social media – were completed. Being a holiday town, it wasn't just locals. 

Dale Hedges from Alberta, Canada said 'Time is now! What more do you need?'. Karen Swan wrote “What I want to say to THAT SHOWER you wouldn't print”. Brian (he of Barry Wood and the Foresters fame) said “Don't bury your head in the sand, Rishi!” This last was liked so much it was incorporated into #We Are Here's ephemeral creations.

The sandcard was above the highwater mark. Other messages were inscribed between high and low water marks. 'Time and tide wait for no man”. “Net zero by 2030. Point du jour” [dawn]. They were later eradicated by the incoming tide. Neatly symbolic.

Comments ranged from trenchant advice to despairing pleas.

“More needs to be done to tackle climate change, not talking: ACTION! Let's focus on retro-fitting old houses. Heat pumps connected to existing heating systems are unlikely to work well without considerable insulation first.” Sean Moore, worried physics teacher, Quindgo, China

“We want a cleaner more safer beach and make the sea much cleaner and Lowestoft town.” Michael C (Lowestoft)

“To Rishi Sunak. Please think about future generations. Climate Change should have been addressed decades ago. Now we need urgent action. Do your bit and stop flying in private jets. Our world is precious.” Jan Lacey (Lowestoft)

“Not telling us the truth about climate change. People would panic if they knew the truth. Mankind is destroying the planet through ignorance. Nurture our baby boy.” Angie Norman (Coventry) 

#We Are Here Lowestoft is a diverse group of concerned citizens trying to do three difficult things. They are trying to persuade local government and businesses to put Climate Change at the centre of decision-making; to listen to and talk with Lowestoft people to do the same thing; to show the rest of the country – nay, the world – that Lowestoft gets it, because we're on the frontline.

The group emerged from the Use Your Voice mural project, featured in Wollaston Road and Katwijk Way.

This article was first published in October 2023 Lowdown