OVER a hundred people turned up to the Kingsbridge Park Picnic Against Brexit, sharing their ‘wisdom and passion for Europe’.

Tasha Kostka, one of the organisers, said it was a ‘great success’ with a ‘very good turnout’. She said the aim of the event was to ‘share our love of Europe and express our European sentiment. Despite the vote, we remain ’European’ and wish for our European friends to feel valued and welcomed.

‘We wish for our children to grow up being open minded individuals, who respect and acknowledge how other Nations enrich our lives.

She continued: ‘Over 100 people turned up, signing a statement which we shall forward to our local MP. There were artists, language teachers, musicians and students. People of all ages attended, sharing their wisdom and passion for Europe.

‘Julian Brazil also attended for a couple of hours, which was great. The general feeling was that people were shocked at the referendum result, nobody really expected it. We discussed economic outcomes and how future generations would have their opportunities limited.’

South Hams Councillor Julian Brazil said: ‘It was nice to sees many people there. The event was mainly to allay people’s fears of the horrible hate crimes that have recently occurred and to show that Europeans are more than welcome here.

‘Some people were still very disappointed but were trying to look to make the best of the situation. Some were still angry and talking about another referendum, but I don’t think that’s feasible, we have to make the best of what is.

‘There were all age ranges there and there was a lovely ambiance to the event. I was pleased South Hams voted to Remain, I think it shows how tolerant and accepting we are here.

‘That said, it wan’t just xenophobes and “Little Englanders” who voted to leave, there is a genuine concern of people feeling that their jobs were being undercut and this is a genuine issue, one that none of us in any of the political parties have resolved. People feel disenfranchised and we need to have those discussions.

‘We need to move on from “them and us”, the campaigns were rubbish on both sides, and now is the time to heal.’

Tasha continued: ‘One elderly gentlemen commented on how his priority was the future and happiness of his grandchildren and the young people. Another woman was concerned about peace and how we would maintain it, whilst even concerns over the environment were mentioned.

‘Everyone agreed how enriching it is to have people offering such a variety of skill sets and how we welcome and value our European friends. One lady, who works at the NHS was particularly concerned.

‘The students who attended were upset and disappointed by the referendum result, they were expressing themselves with incredible energy and honesty, explaining how keen they were to vote.

‘Everyone very much enjoyed communicating with like minded people however and felt more positive as a result. People are keen on a follow up event!

‘Thank you so much to all who came and showed their solidarity as a community.’

If you would like to be kept up to date with similar local events, email Tasha on: [email protected].