Spring Edition 2019

PROFILE
“Generally as humans we have a feeling we are
separate and superior to nature, but we are part
of it and if we don’t have a healthy planet we
aren’t going to have healthy humans”
PHOTOGRAPHY: WIKIPEDIA, SHUTTERSTOCK
overwhelming panic and depression and had to
come up with ways to deal with the negative
voices”. Roz coped by acknowledging that she had
wanted to get out of her comfort zone. “Feeling so
uncomfortable physically and psychologically was
where I was going to grow as a person – it was a
good thing that I was hating every moment.” Roz
recalls actor Denholm Elliott’s quote to, “Surprise
yourself every day with your own courage.”. “And,
slightly glibly, I always ask myself, “How hard can
it be?!”. I had a weather expert on call to keep me
updated, and whenever I was having a bit of a
whinge, he’d remind me that if it was easy everyone
would be doing it. It doesn’t have to be fun to be
fun… When I look back I feel proud and privileged
to have had these incredible experiences”’.
Asked who she would like to row across an
ocean with, Roz suggested someone who could sing
because it would be good to have entertainment
in case the stereo broke down again: “Perhaps
Robbie Williams because he’d be good fun and
Michael Palin. I once had lunch with him to talk
about waves and he’s charming and twinkly and
used to a bit of hardship while travelling. Sir David
Attenborough would be wonderful, but at his age
I probably shouldn’t take him out to sea. I like the
Obamas, so could I take both of them?”
Ocean rowing days are behind her, but Roz
Look out for The Sisters
Having rowed across three oceans Roz Savage realised
that she could achieve more than she’d ever thought
possible. She also believes that if she’s not a little
scared then she’s not aiming high enough. Hence her
audacious vision to change the world by harnessing
the strength of the world’s women. The Sisters will
bring together women from around the world, offering
support, empowerment and a vision of a more equal
world. Visit the website to find out more.
thesisters.global
ROZ’SDREAMTEAM
still does some work around plastic pollution and
is delighted to see it hitting public awareness –
“In this country, anyway”. She cites Sir David
Attenborough’s Blue Planet as doing a fantastic
job, and admires Wastebuster.co.uk: “It’s about
waste reduction and is targeted at kids”. She feels
the “tragedy of plastic pollution” is as simple and
as difficult as changing the thinking. “Generally
as humans we have a feeling we are separate and
superior to nature, but we are part of it and if we
don’t have a healthy planet we aren’t going to have
healthy humans. Why would anyone think it’s ok to
chuck a bottle out of the window at a traffic light?”
“If I can inspire anyone, it’s to say that it’s OK
to feel scared, daunted and overwhelmed, but just
keep taking one stroke at a time and keep going.
The Sisters is in rapid development and should
launch in a big way in 2019.”
So: a new ideal, the end of plastic pollution, and
a mutually supportive society. In the words of one
who has already achieved the impossible at least
three times: “How hard can it be?!”.
SPRI NG 19 ★ schoolnotices.co.uk 21