I love hearing stories about people doing inspiring things. In particular, I’m interested in the women around me who lead projects that are making the world a more sustainable, just, knowledgeable, creative, well-designed, delicious, healthy, and all-round better place.
My blog series, Five Minutes With, takes you inside the world of a different trailblazing woman each month, finding out what they love doing, what’s catching their attention at the moment, and what powers the interesting work they do.
Avril Wilson-George is the Marketing Manager for Friends of the Earth, the grassroots environmental campaigning community. Earlier this year, they celebrated a major victory in the campaign against the third runway at Heathrow. The government’s decision to expand Heathrow Airport has been ruled “unlawful” by the Court of Appeal, on climate grounds. The ruling is the result of a tireless campaign by Friends of the Earth and local campaigners.
Which book are you reading/podcast are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve just finished reading ‘In Extremis’, the biography of foreign correspondent Marie Colvin. I’m not normally a fan of biographies but I watched the film about her (‘A Private War‘) and immediately had to know more about what motivated her. She seems like someone who was deeply motivated by a personal conviction that the people on the frontlines of war deserve the chance to have their story heard. And she gave them that opportunity, ultimately at great cost to herself. She was an extraordinary person and had such an interesting career.
What’s the most interesting film/TV show/documentary you’ve seen recently?
We just watched The Trial of the Chicago 7 on Netflix. It tells the story of a group of protesters who were arrested and put on trial for their part in organising a protest against the Vietnam War in the late 60s. The defendants were effectively put through a show trial, as part of a political display of strength by the new Nixon administration. I’d never heard the story of the Chicago Seven before, so it was just really interesting to me. Plus, I was genuinely surprised by how good the acting and scriptwriting was. I hadn’t heard anything about the film until a friend recommended it to me. It’s got an amazing cast, including Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne, and Sacha Baron Cohen who is just excellent. Would definitely recommend.
What’s your best new discovery for more sustainable living?
I’m making some big personal changes, like trying to fly much less, but also making smaller shifts in my day-to-day. We recently stopped using cling film and switched to beeswax wraps. They’re reusable and do just as good a job as cling film but without all the plastic waste. My husband and I stopped eating meat 18 months ago but it’s a struggle to give up dairy, although I recently discovered Oatly Barista milk and it is life-changing. I genuinely prefer it to cow’s milk.
What’s your most exciting new food discovery?
I tried Ethiopian/Eritrean food for the first time over a year ago, but recently I’ve become totally obsessed with it. It’s delicious and there’s so much good stuff for vegetarians. There are a few very good restaurants around Stockwell. I was recently introduced to Migrateful – cookery classes run by migrant chefs (often refugees or asylum seekers) who teach you to make food from their homeland. There’s an Eritrean class but because of lockdown I haven’t had chance to go yet.
I tried making one of my favourite dishes during lockdown, using a recipe I found online (I even went as far as making clarified butter). It was OK, but I could definitely do with some tips from an expert!
Is there a place in London that’s especially close to your heart?
I love Spitalfields market and the surrounding area. I’m a history geek and the whole area is fascinating. Most people don’t look up when they’re wandering around at street level, but this is one of those places where you just need to take in the architecture. Plus, I just started reading Peter Ackroyd’s book ‘Hawksmoor’ and now I’m obsessed with church architecture too! It’s also one of the first places I went with my husband when we first moved to London (we ate a lot of raclette and drank a lot of wine) so I always get that ‘new beginnings’ feeling when I’m there.
Do you have a favourite spot in London for peace & quiet?
I live in Chiswick and really love the stretch of the Thames that runs from Hammersmith to Kew Bridge. It’s a great spot for a walk, no matter the weather. In summer I think it’s the perfect place to get a pint and sit on the wall, watching the world go by. There are some unbelievable houses along the front and some great pubs, including The Dove which is associated with Nell Gwynne, Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene (it also has the smallest bar in England). I’ve only lived in London for three years but when I head down there, I always feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
What’s your essential daily/weekly habit for looking after your mental health?
In all honesty, I’m pretty bad at taking time out. If I have downtime I’d rather be discovering a new place than sitting on the sofa, but if I am at home I’m definitely either napping or cuddling my cat – I find both to be very therapeutic.
Have you taken up any new hobbies recently? Or developed any old ones?
Aside from getting really in to making fancy cocktails at home (there are videos)… I’ve tried to channel my time into something productive.
Not so much a hobby, but I did just start a 20-week Social Anthropology course at the University of Edinburgh. Anthropology is something I’ve always wanted to study. If I had the chance, I’d do a Masters, but that’s not an option for me right now. For anyone looking to learn a bit more about a subject, or wanting to work out whether something is for them before taking the leap into a degree, ‘open online courses’ are a great option. Not many people seem to know about them, but most of the big universities offer them on a range of subjects.
Which women inspire you, and why?
I can’t pick anyone out in particular because I’m inspired every day by women. We’re always underestimated, but if you look around, women are killing it in their own quiet, understated way all the time. Of course there are the famous ones (so many including Greta right now) but I also feel inspired by my family, friends, colleagues – they’re doctors, new mothers, campaigners, caregivers, general badasses and everything else in between.
Which book/article/video would you most recommend from the past year or so?
I would advise anyone to ignore the trashy covers and read Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitian Quartet, starting with the first book, My Brilliant Friend. I’ve never read anything that captures so accurately both the amazing, unique nature of female friendships but also their intensity and complexity. She’s the most incredible writer, definitely one of the best in a generation. I’m full of rage every time I think about the book covers though. They do her writing a massive disservice!
Which upcoming exhibition/play/film/event are you looking forward to?
I’m super excited about the Artemisia Gentileschi exhibition at the National Gallery which was rescheduled to open this autumn. She certainly had an interesting career and overcame some tragic personal events in her life. Obviously she’s an incredible artist but also it’s refreshing to see renaissance art painted from a female perspective.
Have you discovered any online cultural events/resources that you can recommend?
The How To Academy hosts loads of really interesting talks. Normally they host these in person but they’ve seamlessly moved everything online. They’ve had everyone from Nigella Lawson to Ai Weiwei and covered topics as diverse as human rights, economics, Dante and AI. Their sessions are always thought-provoking and informative, and they pull in some really big names.
Which project or cause is inspiring you at the moment, and how/why?
I’m biased because I work in the climate movement, but I just think Fridays For Future (the climate youth strikers) are changing the game. They’ve managed to get people to sit up and listen and they’ve done an excellent job of holding politicians to account. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of them too, and honestly, they put 17-year-old me to shame.
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