Ian Boyd, Claire Hector and Nigel George on Culver Parade

From Cockney car dealers to climate crusader: Claire Hector joins Surviving the Apocalypse panel

Claire Hector, a spirited and multi-talented individual, is set to join the panel for the much-anticipated Ventnor Fringe event – OnTheWight and The Book Bus Present: How to Survive the Apocalypse.

Claire’s background is as distinctive as her personality. Born into a family of Cockney car dealers who later chose the life of log cabin dwellers just off the A40, her upbringing was far from ordinary.

A collection of experiences
Unlike many, Claire Hector doesn’t have a professional strapline. Her career trajectory is as varied as it is fascinating. Her approach to professional life has been more like a collage, a collection of experiences rather than a straight and narrow path.

Her career portfolio includes roles in the glossy worlds of Q Mag and Elle Decoration, not to mention her contributions to Virgin and Comic Relief. This collection of experiences has shaped Claire into the dynamic and multifaceted individual that she is today.

A passion for the environment
Currently, Claire finds her calling in the Isle of Wight environmental organisations Arc Biodiversity & Climate and The Common Space. It’s here that she cleverly alternates between periods of caffeine-fuelled hyperactivity and serene walks with the Office Dog and why we chose to invite Claire onto our panel.

She has a profound belief in the power of shared spaces and generosity of spirit. She sees beauty in the details – moss, texture, crumbly bits, the tranquil blues and greens of nature, and the melody of bird songs.

A crusade against the conventional
Claire is no fan of convention. She’s never understood the appeal of clingfilm, bland brands, or smooth-surfaced buildings.

Her wonderment extends to the paths society often chooses – diverging, splintering, and frequently ending up in less than ideal places.

Making a difference, one project at a time
Claire’s dedication to making a difference truly came to the fore when she moved to the Isle of Wight. Encouraged to roll up her sleeves and dive in, she’s spent over a decade running community nature and arts projects.

Claire at Under the Pier event © Julian Winslow
Under the Pier © Julian Winslow

From tree and river restorations to creating engaging trails and sparking conservation conversations, Claire’s efforts have been tireless. She believes in the power of collective efforts, big or small, for both people and wildlife, and she works hard to bring this ethos into boardrooms and building sites across the UK.

Joining the Panel for ‘How to Survive the Apocalypse’
Claire will now share her insights and experiences at the event OnTheWight and The Book Bus Present: How to Survive the Apocalypse.

The event, which includes a diverse panel of experts, seeks to address how humanity can not only survive, but thrive in the face of imminent challenges.

Claire promises to bring a sober yet insightful perspective, vowing to abstain from coffee before her appearance on the panel. Attendees can look forward to hearing her share her belief in the transformative power of the front doorstep and the space under the pier.

As we navigate these uncertain times, we might just find that with people like Claire Hector on our side, we might just be OK, after all.

And there’s more
Look out for news later this week of our final panel member, someone who has immersed themselves in the world of Chat GPT and AI to share their perspective of how it will change the world.

Book now
OnTheWight and The Book Bus Present: How to Survive the Apocalypse takes place on Sunday 23rd July between 3-4pm at Ventnor Arts Club.

Tickets are priced at £10 each with a discounted rate of £8 for those under 25.

You can book tickets via the Ventnor Fringe Box Office, by calling (01983) 716767, or by dropping into Ventnor Exchange, 11 Church Street, Ventnor.

Image: © Julian Winslow