HUNDREDS turned out for the Alton Climate Rally which took place in the Public Gardens on Saturday.

The gazebos were erected early on a crisp, sunny morning by a willing team of Lions, Rotarians and other volunteers, the rain holding off until the exact moment when the last gazebo was finally folded away.

After the opening by Alton mayor Pam Jones, James Willis, convener of the Alton Climate Alliance, explained the simple purpose of the rally – to provide the people of Alton with “an opportunity to make a difference”, to demonstrate their understanding of the importance of the UN climate talks due to open in Paris two days later, and to urge their political representatives to play a wholehearted role in achieving a positive outcome.

He said that for the first time in history the whole of mankind has a common cause. Since the early 1980s people had been trying to address the problem but had been frustrated by technical difficulties and by organised denial. But now the world had “a host of emerging technologies for generating energy which could, which must, given realism and the necessary political will, lead it towards a sustainable future for its grandchildren”.

Compere Jerry Janes then asked a succession of speakers to give their reasons for supporting the rally. Lucy Bayliss spoke for young people, Rachel Hubbard spoke as a climate activist, Graham Hill spoke as a past mayor and a senior town and district councillor, and Rod Eckles, of the organising action group, introduced the recorded voice of Rebecca Boardman, of Four Marks, speaking from the Philippines about the desperate plight of low-lying Pacific Islands.

Live music themed on climate was provided by Chris Gardner and by Rebekah Abbott’s Holybourne Singers Chamber Choir.

David Quick’s photographic drone took off as planned at noon and captured shots of more than 250 people calling out “Count me in!” to the evocative strains of Louis Armstrong singing It’s a Wonderful World. The resulting video opened the news item on South Today in the evening.

Hot food was provided by the 3rd Alton Scouts and the schoolchildren’s touching slogans were displayed and the crazy hats were judged by Bob Booker and Pam Jones. Taking the prize in the under-18s section with a fetching flower pot creation was Alton’s Mae Woolman and in the adult class the winner was Jane Eckles for Every Cloud has a Silver Lining.

But even more successful was the collection of personalised hand prints, of all ages and sizes. A small industry worked to mount more than 200 of these on 16 placards to be carried to London the next day and paraded in the London Climate March, making a powerful statement of the strength of Alton’s support.

James Willis said: “These did indeed make one of the most striking displays in the whole parade as our party walked from Park Lane, past Downing Street and into Parliament Square. There were many expressions of astonishment and envy that so much interest had been generated in our town when others had found apathy and disinterest elsewhere. Alton did itself proud.”

He added: “After four months of hard work the action group has done its job and the Alton Climate Alliance is now dissolved. Our eyes must now be on the politicians in Paris.”

Speaking after the event, Adam Carew, East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “EHDC is committed to becoming one of the most environmentally-friendly councils in the country and has published an energy strategy exploring a number of ways to help people and businesses live and work sustainably.

“EHDC stands with those who attended the fantastic event in Alton last weekend in supporting the UN climate talks in Paris.”