East London vicar named as one of London's Leaders (continued)
Roger in the field behind his church
A sense of belonging and being part of a community are at the heart of Roger's vision for sustainability. Now, 32 years in Marks Gate living and working to enhance the natural environment and promote community cohesion, Roger is bringing about noticeable change. From local composting initiatives to providing youth centres, to renewable energy generation, Roger believes everyone should be empowered to make changes in their own lives. "For me leadership is about linking people with good will to be valued members of partnerships for change,” he said. “It's about listening, learning and linking. London in 2050 rests on whether as a society we've seized the opportunities for sustainability and reduced our carbon footprint."'
As well as being the vicar of St Mark's, since 1984 he has been the Chair of Wellgate Community Farm. He is also Chair of Marks Gate Local Agenda 21 Group, the only LA21 group in the borough. The group has pioneered the ‘Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder’ process which is now being rolled out across Barking and Dagenham.
"For me, sustainability is part of my faith and permeates the way I live my life and the way I work. God gives creation and we are here to care for it, it's as simple as that. Creation includes planet and people. It's justice, care and love rolled into one".
Roger promotes a range of local initiatives aimed at improving the sustainability of the community - all contributing to the enhancement of the natural environment and promotion of community cohesion. Community engagement and awareness raising is very important in the success of any project and Roger works particularly hard to engage the young population in the community.
"The community farm is all about sustainability and In May 2006 we installed a wind turbine on the site in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and develop a learning resource." The farm has the vision of being a growing place for groups and individuals in leisure, education, training and therapy and visits to schools reach about 18,000 children a year.
Roger is positive about changes. "I think there has been a recent change in thinking about sustainability in Barking stimulated by the large scale regeneration in the area. People are beginning to recognise the need to think about sustainable development if we are going to respond to the community needs in the borough and help to tackle climate change."
“My commitment as a London Leader is to engage the Marks Gate community on sustainability issues and encourage other churches to get on board, share experiences and provide leadership. There is an appetite for change and sustainability provides the scope for new ideas and approaches. In partnership I intend to work to deliver the new Marks Gate allotment programme and maximise the benefits of taking an integrated approach to its development, maximising the benefits for the community and local environment.”
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: “The London Leaders programme is a pioneering scheme which will provide London communities with the leadership and guidance needed to create sustainable environments and attitudes. A sustainable future requires leaders at all levels, from government to local business, to lead by example. By identifying and supporting these London Leaders I am confident they can inspire communities.”
June Barnes, Chair of the London Sustainable Development Commission said: “Since its inception in 2002 the London Sustainable Development Commission has worked to deliver the Mayor’s vision for London to become the world’s leading sustainable city. It believes that everyone needs to make changes if London is to overcome the particular challenges it faces such as climate change, social and economic inequality and child poverty. We view the London Leaders programme as the first of its kind in the world and believe it will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits and therefore move us further towards the type of city we all want to live in.”
Revd Roger Gayler has recently been made an Honorary Freeman of the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham in recognition of his outstanding services to the community. The honour was conferred by the Mayor of Barking & Dagenham, Cllr Fred Barnes.
