Just as we’re getting to grips with our New Year’s Resolutions – aren’t we, Locks Heath! - Lent begins.

Ash Wednesday occurs forty six days before Easter. It derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the forehead as a sign of repentance and marks the start of the forty day period of Lent (forty six days excluding Sundays) which is an allusion to the separation of Jesus in the desert to fast and pray before beginning his public ministry.

These days during Lent we tend to simply sacrifice a luxury or unnecessary indulgence of some kind - such as chocolate, alcohol or even cigarettes if we smoke and we’re feeling really brave.

This year however the bishops of Liverpool and London have called on us to give up among other things, our iPods, for Lent as part of a ‘Carbon Fast’ initiated by the Charity TearFund.

The Bishop of London says: "It's the poorest people in developing countries, who have done the least to cause climate change, being hit hardest by its devastating consequences. It is all of our responsibility to help reverse this injustice. The Carbon Fast's simple daily actions are not only fun, but an opportunity to demonstrate the love of God in a practical way while reducing your carbon emissions, and everyone can take part."

Of course the facts behind Climate Change (‘Global Warming’ as it used be known) are currently being investigated by scientists, some of whom are doubtful the World is warming up at all. However I wonder if it would be prudent to make some changes until we’re sure that climate change is all a hoax – just in case. What do you think?

The full list of TearFund’s suggested daily changes – as there is one suggestion each day - appears as a .pdf file on the website. I do like the sound of Day 8: Eat dinner by candlelight. I’ll definitely be doing that. Day 10 should be heeded by many using the A27, Bridge Road. Day 31: Resist BOGOF offers. Now this is a very good point – how many times have I thrown away the ‘OF’ as it just wasn’t eaten. Day 43 is particularly interesting since it calls for us to see if we really need to flush the toilet each time we use it. Obviously a water-saving technique I think personally I’ll just have one or two less baths.

The serious point behind Lent is that we spend some time praying if we are that way inclined, or perhaps just thinking a little more about the choices we make each day.

Are you giving anything up?

What are your views on climate change?

LocksHeathPeople would be interested to know.