THEY provoke mixed and often strong reactions, but this weekend was a chance to celebrate the wind turbines which are becoming a familiar part of our landscape.

THEY provoke mixed and often strong reactions, but this weekend was a chance to celebrate the wind turbines which are becoming a familiar part of our landscape.

The European Day of Wind saw events at the country's most easterly turbine, Gulliver in Lowestoft, on Sunday, as well as at the Scroby Sands information centre in Yarmouth, and North Pickenham, near Swaffham, which held events on Saturday as well as Sunday.

It was the first time such an event had been held at Ness Point in Lowestoft.

More than 100 members of the public - and their dogs - as well as SLP Energy staff turned out.

There was a chance to learn more about wind power as well as face-painting and games for children.

Also taking part were represent-atives from Suffolk - Creating the Greenest County, which is a partnership between the public and private sector aiming to make Suffolk the most environmentally friendly county in the country, and the Energy Saving Trust, which gave away low-energy light bulbs and the latest power-down gadgets to shut down electrical appliances when they are not being used.

Waveney MP Bob Blizzard said that some people did not like wind turbines, but that they were a better alternative than flooding caused by climate change. “Waveney is a coastal community and we need to be a part of tackling the problem.

“We win by tackling climate change and also through a jobs bonanza.

“There has been a good response today. It is all part of telling the story that Lowestoft is the place to be for wind energy.”

David Edwards, chief executive of SLP, said: “It is a good way to promote renewable energy and raise a bit of awareness.”

Iain Dunnett, project manager for Creating the Greenest County, said: “There is a huge amount of good stuff happening in Suffolk and we are trying to celebrate that. Gulliver, with the Orbis Energy centre behind it, is a vision of the future. This could be a centre for the renewable industry.”

Ann Alner, from Framlingham, said of the turbine: “I always look at it every time I come into Lowestoft. It is part of the town now.

“I would have one in the field behind my house. We all need to play our part.”