It is with great sadness that ActForEaling is mourning the loss of one of its most enigmatic, passionate and treasured steering group members, Enid Barron.
Enid, who passed away earlier this month aged 80, was a power house of green knowledge and wisdom when invited to join the ActForEaling steering group. She brought invaluable experience to the team having spent years working in the civil service. She was also very active in promoting sustainability in the Church of England community.
As one of the early members of the team, she helped establish ActForEaling’s mission and governance. But it was when ActForEaling led in-person projects that Enid shone as a true community gem of Ealing.
Enid volunteered to lead ActForEaling’s first public campaign – a photography competition in partnership with Northfields Camera Club. Without delay, Enid was thrilled to jump on the train to Glasgow to join the ActForEaling team at COP26. In Glasgow, despite having to constantly wear a face mask, Enid managed to charm and encourage all who visited the AfE stand.
Living up to her nickname of “eco-granny” Enid met with local school pupils to discuss their ideas on how to tackle climate change. Inspired to engage more of the community into sustainability action, Enid then decided to tackle plastic pollution. To do this, she organised a special screening of the immersive film “Red Rope”. The film was aimed to motivate community leaders to harness the power of working together for a greener future.
There is no doubt Enid’s crowning glory was her Cut the Cr@p exhibition that toured the entire borough of Ealing. Over 1,000 people engaged with the exhibit which motivated over 700 waste reduction pledges from Ealing locals.
Fellow steering group member, Natalie Bayliss remembers: “Enid had a brilliant combination of passion and curiosity that never failed to motivate those around her.
On the train back from COP26, Enid struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger who turned out to be in the management team of BP. With a cheeky glint in her eye, Enid politely discussed ideas for this executive to do better for the sake of future generations. She had one of the fiercest yet kindest hearts I have ever come across. I will miss her greatly.”
She leaves a huge hole in the heart of Ealing and all those that knew her. Thanks to her incredible determination and energy she leaves the community greener and more inspired to take sustainability action. If Enid touched your life in any way, please take a moment to remember her. Also, in her memory, please undertake an action to contribute positively to the beautiful planet she worked so tirelessly to protect.
The thoughts of the ActForEaling team are with Enid’s family during this incredibly sad time.
Enid’s funeral service will be at St Stephen’s Church in St Stephen’s Road, W13 on 5 September 2025 at 12pm. The committal will take place at South Ealing Cemetery at 2:00pm and a reception will take place at St Stephen’s from 3pm.
