January Bulletin
January Bulletin17th January 2011
A happy new year to all group members, supporters and contacts. In this month's bulletin:
We win solar legal challenge!
Shortly before Christmas, Friends of the Earth won its legal challenge against the Government over its planned reduction of the feed-in tariff for domestic and small-scale solar energy projects.
After two days in court the Judge ruled in our favour calling the Government's plans "legally flawed". For full details, and more on the Final Demand campaign, see http://www.foe.co.uk/news/legal_challenge_win_34270.html
Film night - 12th January, Hitchin
Our next film showing will be this Thursday, 12th January, at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm.
This is an opportunity to get together with other Friends of the Earth supporters in an informal setting, and watch a (hopefully) stimulating film on an environmental theme. Please bring your own refreshments (alcoholic or otherwise) if required (tea and coffee provided).
This month's film will be Al Gore's celebrated (and controversial) "An Inconvenient Truth": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Inconvenient_Truth
Annual General Meeting - 19th January, Hitchin
Our AGM will be held on Thursday 19th January 2012, beginning at 7.30pm, at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS. The agenda includes a look back at 2011, election of officers for 2012 and campaign priorities for the coming year. New members and supporters are very welcome (though only paid-up members may take part in any elections etc.).
Refreshments (alcoholic and otherwise) will be provided!
Object now to Herts CC waste incinerator
Veolia has now submitted its planning application for a 380,000 tonnes per year incinerator at the New Barnfield site in south Hatfield. It is intended that this facility will burn domestic, commercial & industrial, and clinical waste from across Hertfordshire (and possibly beyond) over a 25 year period.
Objections to this application must be submitted before the end of January. See the Hatfield Against Incineration site for detailed information on reasons to oppose incineration in Hertfordshire (even the local Tory MP thinks it's a bad idea!), the alternatives, and advice on how to object.
http://hatfield-anti-incineration.co.uk/
Friends of the Earth Greater South East Regional Gathering - 4th February, London
The next regional gathering for local group members in the south-east and London takes place on Saturday 4th February, 10.30am – 5.30pm, in central London.
There's a packed agenda planned with updates on FoE's national campaigns, lightning talks from around the local group network, a variety of external speakers and lots more (including an introductory session for new members, beginning at 9.40am).
A more detailed agenda as well as details of how to book your place is at http://www.foe.co.uk/events/greatersoutheast
Tell Sainsbury's what you think of GM
The UK's anti-GM status is down to ordinary people making it clear to UK supermarkets that they do not want GM produce on their shelves. However, some supermarkets are clearly more in sympathy with the views of their customers than others. If you shop at Sainsbury's, you might want to let them know what you think of recent reported comments by a senior executive to the Oxford Farming Conference:
http://www.gmwatch.eu/latest-listing/1-news-items/13598
Help stop fish extinction [email action]
Current fishing practices in Europe have pushed us to the edge. If they continue unchecked:
Now the rules governing European fishing - known as the Common Fisheries Policy - are being rewritten. Help put pressure on the UK Government to ensure that fish stocks and the marine environment are protected.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/biodiversity/press_for_change/fish_extinction_33701.html
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Peter Foord is the group co-ordinator:
peterfoord@gmail.com
01438 745013
07912 268926
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Chris Honey is Transition Towns campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Sharon Eckman and Alison Taylor are food campaigners: sharoneckman@hotmail.com and alisonmltaylor@hotmail.com
Harvey Ward is planning campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is treasurer and membership secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
December Bulletin4th December 2011
In this month's bulletin:
Film night - 8th December, Hitchin
Our next film showing will be on Thursday 8th December at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm.
Please bring your own refreshments (alcoholic or otherwise) if required (tea and coffee provided).
This month's film will be PlanEat, described as "the story of three men's life-long search for a diet, which is good for our health, good for the environment and good for the future of the planet". For more information, see http://planeat.tv/
Pre-Christmas group get-together - 15th December, Hitchin
In place of our regular monthly meeting, group members and supporters are invited to an informal pre-Christmas get-together at the excellent Half Moon pub (at 57 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TZ) on Thursday 15th December, from 7.30pm. Please join us for a drink, and perhaps a bite to eat (see the pub's website for menus). http://www.thehalfmoonhitchin.co.uk/
Annual General Meeting - January 2012
Our AGM will be held on Thursday 19th January 2012, beginning at 7.30pm, at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS. Further details will be circulated after Christmas, but please reserve the date now.
Final Demand - Stop the big energy companies taking us for a ride
FoE's major new energy campaign has kicked off with a petition calling on David Cameron to launch an independent public inquiry into the Big Six's power over consumers and influence over politicians, and to maintain support (through the feed-in tariff scheme) for domestic renewable energy.
Find out more and add your name to the petition at: http://www.foe.co.uk/what_we_do/final_demand2_32882.html
Take action to keep tar sands oil out of Europe [email action]
Extracting oil from tar sands emits far more carbon dioxide than conventional oil drilling. European governments have put forward a proposal that would prevent tar sands oil from ending up in European petrol pumps. The proposal will go to a vote next week and could go either way because of a UK-led diplomatic offensive to scupper the deal.
Email Nick Clegg to demand that the UK government supports the proposal. http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=18&ea.campaign.id=12858&utm_source=20111128tarsandsaction&utm_medium=email&utm_term=oil&utm_campaign=climate
Stop Government support for damaging biofuels [email action]
The Government is planning to continue financial support for biofuels, despite the devastating impact they have on people and the environment.
Tell the Energy Minister, Charles Hendry, to rethink plans that will make small scale wind unviable. http://www.foe.co.uk/get_involved/biofuels_ro_action_33174.html
EU must lead on a strong, fair climate agreement in Durban [email action]
The EU and other rich developed countries are trying to dismantle the only international, legally-binding climate framework - the Kyoto Protocol.
Ask Tomasz Chruszczow, Europe's lead negotiator in Durban, to make sure the EU takes a strong and fair stance in the climate talks to protect the planet and its people. http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/eu_durban_kyoto_33447.html
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe and Peter Foord are joint co-ordinators:
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
peterfoord@gmail.com
01438 745013
07912 268926
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Chris Honey is Transition Towns campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Sharon Eckman and Alison Taylor are food campaigners: sharoneckman@hotmail.com and alisonmltaylor@hotmail.com
Harvey Ward is planning campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is treasurer and membership secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net http://www.nhertsfoe.co.uk/
October Newsletter15th October 2011
Here is the October newsletter.
September Bulletin25th September 2011
In this month's bulletin:
Group social and film night - 8 September, Hitchin
Our next film showing will be on Thursday 8 September at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm.
This is an opportunity to get together with other Friends of the Earth supporters in an informal setting. Please bring your own refreshments if required (tea and coffee provided).
This month's film will be "The Economics of Happiness" by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page.
The film describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions: whilst government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power, all around the world people are resisting those policies and starting to forge a very different future.
http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/about-the-film
This month's group meeting - 15 September
Our next group meeting will be on Thursday 15 September at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, beginning at 7.30pm.
Meetings are open to all group members, and are normally followed by more informal discussion in a local pub. Agenda items for this month include a report from FoE's annual conference (Peter will be attending) and an update on the campaign against the Hatfield waste incinerator proposed by Herts. County Council (see below).
Hatfield Against Incineration - March and rally, 24 September, 11.00am in Hatfield
The campaign against the proposed Herts. CC waste incinerator at New Barnfield, Hatfield, is planning a march and rally on Saturday 24 September, beginning at 11.00am at High View (Hilltop), South Hatfield, to demonstrate the strength of public opposition to the Council's waste strategy.
Further details from: http://www.hatfield-anti-incineration.co.uk/
e-petition: Introduce a tax on waste incineration
Please support the following online petition to central Government:
The Treasury should introduce a waste incineraton tax at 50% of the rate of Landfilling tax. Such a tax would prevent waste incineration undermining recycling. The tax could raise around £200m a year.
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/2642
Support wind energy in East Herts
A planning application for a wind turbine in Benington was registered with East Herts District Council on 5 July 2011; the planning reference is 3/11/1190/FP.
Any letters or emails supporting the application should be sent to the planners before 9 September; the application wil be decided by the Development Control Committee in October. If you live in East Herts, you can also contact your local district councillor to express support for the application.
Further information from: http://www.beningtonwindturbine.co.uk/
Tell Chris Huhne his reply to our petition isn't good enough [email action]
Over 10,000 people recently signed a FoE petition for local carbon cuts.
Energy Minister Chris Huhne has now responded, and he claims that proper advice for councils is a luxury we probably can't afford.
Tell him he's wrong: advice is cheap - much less than the cost of clearing up after climate change.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/huhne_response_action_32342.html
Ask Greg Clark MP for an improved planning framework [email action]
The new planning framework fails to recognise that planning is not only about economic issues.
Wildlife in Stevenage needs your help!
Ever wanted the give something back to nature? Then now is your chance.
Learn new skills, meet new people and improve habitats around Stevenage.
The Green Spaces Volunteer Group has been set up to help improve wildlife sites throughout the town. The tasks will range from litter picking to woodland management. There will be opportunities to survey sites for different species and help out at community events.
For further information, contact Amy Ellis of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (working in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council): wildlifetrust@stevenage.gov.uk
Bees, Butterflies & Blooms with Sarah Raven [new BBC2 series]
New TV series all about the decline of insect pollinators and how we can help. Starting on Wednesday 21 September, 8pm, BBC2 for 3 weeks.
Film night: Reclaiming our food system - 20 September, London E1
Organised by 6 Billion Ways. The global food system is dysfunctional – but there are solutions. This evening will explore the idea of food sovereignty, a way of putting both people and the planet first, and challenging the corporate dominance that makes our food system so unsustainable.
http://6billionways.org.uk/2011/07/1093/
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe and Peter Foord are joint co-ordinators:
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
peterfoord@gmail.com
01438 745013
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez edits the (printed) newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Sharon Eckman and Alison Taylor are food campaigners: sharoneckman@hotmail.com and alisonmltaylor@hotmail.com
Harvey Ward is planning campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is treasurer and membership secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
June Bulletin7th June 2011
In this month's bulletin:
Please find attached our latest group newsletter, in which you can read about group members' recent meetings with local MPs, and the results of our recent survey on recycling in North Herts, amongst many other topics. Many thanks to Tracy and Dan for putting this together.
Group social evening - 9 June
Our next social evening is on Thursday 9 June, at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm.
This is an opportunity to get together with other Friends of the Earth supporters in an informal setting. Please bring your own refreshments if required (tea and coffee provided).
This month's film is 'The Killing Fields: the battle to feed factory farms'. This ground breaking film investigates the impacts of growing soy in South America and shows how small scale farming that is good for people and the environment is losing out to big business of pesticides - poisoning rural communities, water sources and nature.
http://www.feedingfactoryfarms.org/
Stevenage Day, 12 June
We'll be running a stall at Stevenage Day, on Sunday 12 June. The event begins at 12.30pm, so we'll probably be setting up from around 11am; finish is likely to be around 5pm. The location is only a 5 minute walk from Stevenage Railway station, and there's plenty of free parking in the area.
This is always a busy event, and we had a lot of interest at our stall last year.
If you're able to help out (no experience necessary, and it's good fun, honestly!), please contact Simon or me and let us know when you are available.
http://www.stevenage.gov.uk/townandcommunity/stevenageday
Next group meeting - 16 June
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 16 June at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, from 7.30pm to 9.15pm. We normally adjourn to a local pub afterwards!
Real Farm Festival - 17-19 June, Church Farm, Ardeley (near Stevenage)
A weekend of good honest farming fun on an eco farm of the future is promised!
There’ll be some special farm loving projects to get stuck into, as well as live acts, DJs, performance poets, yoga sessions, fascinating talks and workshops, and plenty of fresh farm food.
Day tickets available for Saturday and Sunday.
http://www.realfarmfestival.com/
Next FoE regional gathering - 25 June in London
Join staff and fellow campaigners at the next Greater South East gathering in London on Saturday 25 June for a packed day of campaign updates, skillshares and workshops (including a briefing on the forthcoming Energy Conversation campaign). Follow the link below and see if you can spot Peter and Sharon in the photo taken at the last gathering in January!
http://www.foe.co.uk/events/greater_southeast.html
Decision time on biofuels
The Government continues to increase the use of biofuels, ignoring evidence that they're harmful rather than helpful to the environment.
Research shows that the rush for biofuels causes deforestation and biodiversity loss, threatens local people's livelihoods and their food supply and actually increases greenhouse gas emissions.
Please tell your MP that biofuels are a false solution.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/biodiversity/press_for_change/biofuels_uk_30778.html
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe and Peter Foord are joint co-ordinators:
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
peterfoord@gmail.com
01438 745013
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls: siwebb@ntlworld.com
07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Sharon Eckman and Alison Taylor are Food Campaigners: sharoneckman@hotmail.com and alisonmltaylor@hotmail.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
May Bulletin8th May 2011
In this month's bulletin:
Zero waste: public meeting in Hatfield with Prof. Paul Connett - 9 May
As part of the Herts-wide anti-incineration campaign (which is supported by North Herts FoE), a public meeting has been organised by Herts Without Waste and Hatfield Against Incineration, at which Professor Paul Connett, Director of the American Environmental Health Studies Project, will give a presentation entitled "Zero Waste: A Key Stepping Stone to Sustainability".
Date: Monday 9 May at 7.30pm
Cost: free (a collection to help cover costs will be taken)
Venue: Jim MacDonald Centre, MacDonald Court, High View, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 8HR
Further details from Jill Weston: jill_weston@hotmail.co.uk or see:
http://www.hatfield-anti-incineration.co.uk
Group social evening - 12 May
Our next social evening is on Thursday 12 May, at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm.
This is an opportunity to get together with other Friends of the Earth supporters in an informal setting. Please bring your own refreshments if required (tea and coffee provided).
We won't be showing any films this month, but we plan to resume film showings from next month.
May group meeting - 19 May
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 19 May at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, from 7.30pm to 9.15pm. We normally adjourn to a local pub afterwards!
FoE stalls at summer events - volunteers needed!
We will be running stalls at the following events over the next few weeks:
Sunday 15 May, Triangle Community Garden open day, Hitchin, 2-5pm: see http://www.trianglegarden.org/events.htm;
Sunday 22 May, Walsworth Festival, Hitchin, 11am-4pm;
Stevenage Day, Sunday 12 June (timing tbc).
Stalls are a great opportunity to promote our current campaigns and recruit new supporters, so please consider whether you can spare an hour or two to help out on one (or more!) of the above dates. Contact Simon: siwebb@ntlworld.com
Ask your MP for a better Energy Bill
The Energy Bill is going through Parliament now and your MP has the power to improve it.
We need an Energy Bill with the ambition to deliver on the Climate Change Act and create green jobs whilst making our homes warmer and healthier and reducing fuel bills.
Please tell your MP they should support the Warm Homes amendment.
http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=14&ea.campaign.id=9930
http://www.demandabetterbill.org.uk/
Campaign Connection newsletter for local group members
A new email newsletter, featuring updates on all major national campaigns. If you're a member of the group and would like to receive this, please contact jenny.thatcher@foe.co.uk
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe and Peter Foord are joint co-ordinators:
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
peterfoord@gmail.com
01438 745013
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls: siwebb@ntlworld.com
07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Sharon Eckman is Food Campaigner: sharoneckman@hotmail.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
April Bulletin21st April 2011
In this month's bulletin:
April group meeting - 21 April
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 21 April at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, from 7.30pm to 9.15pm. We normally adjourn to a local pub afterwards!
Action on proposed waste incinerator in Hertfordshire
Herts CC is about to announce its decision on whether to go ahead with the proposed incinerator. There is still time to take action to register your opposition to the proposal, which will have major adverse environmental impacts, both locally and globally. Sign the online petition, and write to your local county councillor.
The Hatfield Anti-Incineration Campaign is also calling on supporters to attend the meeting of the Herts CC Waste Management Panel in Hertford on the morning of Thursday 28 April.
http://hatfield-anti-incineration.co.uk
Local action on recycling - 30 April
We are planning to run a questionnaire on recycling in Hitchin town centre on Saturday 30 April, from 12pm. The idea is to find out what people think about local recycling and to use the results to generate local media coverage and to lobby NHDC for improved recycling services.
If you are able to help in this action, please contact Matt Sutcliffe (see below) for further details, or come along to this week's group meeting (above).
Zero waste: public meeting in Hatfield with Prof. Paul Connett - 9 May
As part of the Herts-wide anti-incineration campaign (which is supported by North Herts FoE), a public meeting has been organised by Herts Without Waste and Hatfield Against Incineration, at which Professor Paul Connett, Director of the American Environmental Health Studies Project, will give a presentation entitled "Zero Waste: A Key Stepping Stone to Sustainability".
Date: Monday 9 May at 7.30pm
Cost: free (a collection to help cover costs will be taken)
Venue: Jim MacDonald Centre, MacDonald Court, High View, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 8HR
Further details from Jill Weston: jill_weston@hotmail.co.uk or see:
http://www.hatfield-anti-incineration.co.uk
http://americanhealthstudies.org/index.html
Ask your MP for a better Energy Bill
The Energy Bill is going through Parliament now and your MP has the power to improve it.
We need an Energy Bill with the ambition to deliver on the Climate Change Act and create green jobs whilst making our homes warmer and healthier and reducing fuel bills.
Please tell your MP they should support the Warm Homes amendment.
http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=14&ea.campaign.id=9930
http://www.demandabetterbill.org.uk/
Campaign Connection newsletter for local group members
A new email newsletter, featuring updates on all major national campaigns. If you're a member of the group and would like to receive this, please contact jenny.thatcher@foe.co.uk North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe and Peter Foord are joint co-ordinators:
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
peterfoord@gmail.com
01438 745013
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls: siwebb@ntlworld.com
07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Sharon Eckman is Food Campaigner: sharoneckman@hotmail.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
March Bulletin8th March 2011
In this month's bulletin:
March film night
Our next social/film evening is on Thursday 10 March, at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm.
Film(s) TBC, but may include "The story of stuff" (if we can manage to organise an internet connection!), and "Hard rain".
Please bring your own refreshments if required (tea and coffee provided). Please let Peter (peterfoord@gmail.com) know if are planning to come along so we can make sure there is room for everyone.
http://www.hardrainproject.com/
March group meeting - 17 March
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 17 March at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, beginning at 7.30pm.
North Herts DC development consultation
NHDC has produced draft guidelines to help developers and builders achieve good quality, sustainable development. Comments are welcome - closing date for responses is 25 March.
Have your say on how North Herts will look in the future by giving your views on the draft Design SPD (supplementary planning document).
Tour of "eco-home" in Biggleswade - 27 or 29 March
As part of the Old Home SuperHome Spring Openings, run by the Sustainable Energy Academy, John and Anne Rhodes will be opening their house in Biggleswade on Sunday 27 March 2011 and Tuesday 29 March 2011.
They write: "The idea is that we can show members of the public how we have retrofitted our house to achieve a carbon reduction of 70% since we moved in. Technologies used on our 1970’s house are solar PV, solar thermal, air to water heat pump, rainwater harvesting and water saving devices, loft and cavity wall insulation, double glazing and low energy lighting. We can give unbiased and impartial information from our own experiences of buying and maintaining the systems and show some in action. We do not sell nor have any financial interests in any of the technologies shown.
"Free bookable tours of up to six people will be at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00 on Sunday and at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00 on Tuesday evening. Each tour will last about 45 minutes, with free tea or coffee. There are toilet facilities and limited parking, but no disabled facilities."
Please contact Matt if you would be interested in joining a tour with other group members.
For further information, see http://www.sustainable-energyacademy.org.uk/superhomes/biggleswade-bittern-drive
Tell David Cameron to talk half as much rubbish!
The Government is currently deciding what to do about the nation's rubbish. This is a crucial opportunity to push for an ambitious goal to halve household 'black bag' waste by 2020.
The results of the Waste Review are due in May - so this is your chance to tell David Cameron that you're sick of seeing food and other waste being thrown away when it should be composted or recycled instead.
The solutions FoE is suggesting would help local councils to provide better recycling and re-use services. They'd also encourage businesses to reduce packaging and make products that are built to last.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/biodiversity/press_for_change/rubbish_27135.html
Save our peatlands - the UK's rainforests!
The RSPB is campaigning to get a levy on peat-based compost introduced in the budget on 23 March. For more details on how you can help, go to:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/campaignwithus/current/peat.aspx
NEW Campaign Connection newsletter for local group members
A new email newsletter, featuring updates on all major national campaigns. If you're in a local group and would like to receive this, please contact jenny.thatcher@foe.co.uk
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe and Peter Foord are joint co-ordinators:
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
peterfoord@gmail.com
01438 745013
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls: siwebb@ntlworld.com
07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Sharon Eckman is Food Campaigner: sharoneckman@hotmail.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
January Newsletter19th February 2011
Here is the January newsletter.
We welcome contributions. Articles need to be sent for the next issue by the end of April.
Thank you for all your support in 2010.
All the best,
Dan Gomm
February Bulletin7th February 2011
Contents:
February film night
Our next social/film evening is on Thursday 10 February, at 60 Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm.
This month's film is The Yes Men Fix the World, described as "a screwball true story about two gonzo political activists who, posing as top executives of giant corporations, lie their way into big business conferences and pull off the world's most outrageous pranks". New Scientist magazine called it "the year's top documentary film". For more details, see http://theyesmenfixtheworld.com/
Organic European wine, organic English beer and other refreshments will be provided. It is free, but any contributions towards our costs are welcome. Please let Peter (peterfoord@gmail.com) know if you intend to come so we can make sure there is room for everyone.
February group meeting - 24 February
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 24 February at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, beginning at 7.30pm.
Please note that this is later in the month than normal (group meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month); meeting dates will revert to our normal pattern from next month.
This meeting is an opportunity for group members to determine the group's campaigning priorities for the year ahead. If you're not able to make the meeting, you can still contribute to the discussion by letting us know which of the main campaign themes are most important to you. The major areas of FoE's campaigning during 2011 will be:
6 Billion Ways: Making another world possible, Saturday 5 March, central London
With speakers and practical workshops for all ages, debates, films, music and art, 6 Billion Ways is your chance to inspire and be inspired, and to make connections with others who want to challenge injustice and inequality, both in the UK and globally. Friends of the Earth is one of the sponsoring organisations for this free event, with an impressive line-up of speakers.
For full details and registration, got to http://6billionways.org.uk.
Creating a Food Forest - course at Triangle Garden, Hitchin, on 13 and 20 Feburary
A two-day course on designing a forest garden - suitable for beginners. Tutor: permaculturist and forest gardener. Cost £90 (£70 conc).
http://www.trianglegarden.org/courses.htm
Herts County Council cuts school transport
Herts County Council cuts school transport and increases traffic and climate change emissions (from Nicola Sadler).
Free school bus services are to be cut across Hertfordshire. This will result in a massive increase of traffic on Hertfordshire roads with worsening pollution, safely and climate implications for us all. Using our area (Lilley & Offley) as an example, unfortunately there are no safe cycle or walking routes that children could take as another option to travel to school so parents are likely to drive into the Hitchin schools. As you know the congestion around Hitchin is bad enough at the moment let alone if you add more school run traffic in the morning.
One of the other parents from our village has done a calculation to give a rough idea of how much extra CO2 would be produced if all the kids from just our village were driven into school rather than use the bus [annual total = 52.5 tonnes of CO2]. Multiply this by all the other rural villages in Herts and it is a big increase.
To register your opposition to these cuts, contact your local county councillor! See http://www.hertsdirect.org/yrccouncil/
There's also a petition on this topic on the Herts. CC website, at https://consult.hertsdirect.org/petitions/.
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe is now our main contact:
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls, so if you can volunteer please let him know: siwebb@ntlworld.com 07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Ann De Bock is Food Campaigner: anndebock@yahoo.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
December Bulletin11th December 2010
Pre-Christmas get-together
Our December meeting, on Thursday 16 December, will be a pre-Christmas social gathering at the "Half Moon" pub at 57 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TZ, from 7.30pm. Do come and join us for a spot of festive cheer at this friendly Hitchin local, and perhaps sample one of the Half Moon's excellent curries. All North Herts FoE group members and supporters welcome. 2011 AGM
Our 2011 annual general meeting will be held on Thursday 20 January, beginning at 7.30pm. Further details will be circulated after Christmas, but please put the date in your diary now!
Herts. County Council waste management strategy consultation
Please don't forget to resond to the current Herts. CC consultation on waste management by Monday 13 December. See our recent (25 November) email or the Hatfield Anti-Incineration group's website for full details: http://www.hatfield-anti-incineration.co.uk
Please also sign the online petition now available at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/NoAshHCC/petition.html
Press the Government for an ambitious recycling target
The Government is currently reviewing England's waste policy. FoE is asking supporters to email Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for the Environment, to press for a target of recycling 70% of waste by 2020 (the current level is around 40%). There's a suggested text on the FoE website, which you can customise.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/biodiversity/press_for_change/recycling_target_25589.htm
Donate 5% to FoE with every book you buy
Order any book or ebook from The Book Depository, using the link below, and 5% from your order will be donated to Friends of the Earth. Great discounts on over 2.2 million titles. Solve your Christmas present problems and support FoE at the same time!
The Book Depository is the UK's largest dedicated online bookseller offering the largest range of titles in the world, available for dispatch within 48 hours.
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/?a_aid=friendsoftheearth
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe is now our main contact:
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls, so if you can volunteer please let him know: siwebb@ntlworld.com 07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Ann De Bock is Food Campaigner: anndebock@yahoo.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
November Bulletin9th November 2010
November group meeting
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 18th November at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, beginning at 7.30pm. Discussion normally continues at a local pub after 9.15pm.
Our December meeting, on Thursday 16 December, will be a pre-Christmas social gathering, probably at the "Half Moon" pub in Hitchin. Details will be confirmed in next month's bulletin.
March on Parliament for a Zero Carbon Britain
Saturday 4th December; assemble 12 noon at Speakers' Corner, Hyde Park. Rally in Parliament Square from 2.30pm.
The failure of the international Talks in Copenhagen doesn't mean the threat of catastrophic Climate Change has got any less grave or less urgent. Tell the decision-makers we need urgent action now!
Part of a Global Day of Action on climate midway through the UN Climate Talks in Cancun, Mexico. Contact Peter or Matt if you are planning to support the march and would like to travel to London with other group members.
Tony Juniper at Church Farm, Ardeley, on 4 December
A talk by Tony Juniper, former director of Friends of the Earth UK, and more recently co-author with Prince Charles of "Harmony: A vision for our future", will be speaking and signing copies of his books at an afternoon event at Chruch Farm on Saturday 4 December at 4pm.
Tickets are £9.50 (£6.50 for Ardeley residents and groups of 10+); pre-booking essential. Please call 01438 861 447 or email info@churchfarmardeley.co.uk to book or for further information.
http://www.churchfarmardeley.co.uk/
Triangle Garden, Hitchin - questionnaire
The Triangle Community Garden in Hitchin is planning to develop new activities over the coming years, and wants these activities to reflect what local people and local organisations think are needed and would like to take part in. Please help by completing their questionnaire before 13 November (i.e. this Saturday).
http://www.trianglegarden.org/
Film showing: Requiem for Detroit
30th November at 7.30pm, Howgills, 42 South View, Letchworth SG6 3JJ
Transition Town Letchworth organises a monthly film night. This month's film is "Requiem for Detroit", a new film by Julien Temple described as "a vivid evocation of...a dystopic post-industrial city, in which 40 per cent of the land in the centre is returning to prairie". The film is about an hour and is followed by a discussion and sharing of opinions. Refreshments from 7.15pm. Film begins at 7.30pm. £3 suggested donation for the evening.
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe is now our main contact:
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls, so if you can volunteer please let him know: siwebb@ntlworld.com 07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Ann De Bock is Food Campaigner: anndebock@yahoo.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
September Newsletter16th October 2010
Here is the September newsletter.
The big date to put in your diaries now is Saturday 23rd October when we have a stall at apple day in Hitchin and we have a public film showing of Food Inc. See the newsletter for details.
Please note that Matt Sutcliffe's (our main NHFOE contact) email is no longer working. If you want to contact the group please email Matt at Matthew@churchfarmardeley.co.uk.
September Bulletin9th September 2010
Dear North Herts Friends of the Earth supporters,
Welcome to the September bulletin.
Contents:
September film night
Our next social/film evening is on Thursday 9 September, at 60 Fishponds Road SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm. We are planning to show "Food Inc." (in advance of our public screening next month - see below), in which filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on the US food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer.
Organic European wine, organic English beer and other refreshments will be provided. It is free. Please let Peter (peterfoord@gmail.com) know if you intend to come along so we can make sure there is room for everyone.
September group meeting
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 16 September at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, beginning at 7.30pm. Discussion normally continues at a local pub after 9.15pm.
Ask your own MP to back meat and dairy law
Now is the crucial time to ask your MP to support a new law for rainforest-free meat and dairy. The second reading debate on Labour MP Robert Flello's Sustainable Livestock Bill takes place on 12 November, and at least 100 MPs must attend to support the Bill if it is to stand a real chance of becoming law.
Public showing of Food Inc.: help needed!
In support of the sustainable livestock campaign, North Herts FoE is organising a public screening of the film "Food Inc." in Hitchin on the evening of Saturday 23 October at 7.30pm at Walsworth Road Church, Hitchin SG4 9SP.
If you can help publicise this event or can help on the day please contact Sharon at Sharoneckman@hotmail.com
Ask the Government not to cut Sustainable Schools
Education Secretary Michael Gove intends to drop Department of Education support for the Sustainable School Strategy. This will lead to short term savings but will miss the much larger long term savings that could be made by helping all schools to become sustainable.
Please sign the email petition organised by People and Planet.
http://peopleandplanet.org/sustainableschoolspetition
Autumn climate change lobby
The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition is organising a climate change lobby of all MPs over the weekend of 6-7 November .
Thousands of people up and down the country will meet their MPs in their constituencies to tell them they must deliver strong climate policies in the UK - and push for significant progress towards a fair, ambitious and binding global climate deal at the UNFCCC talks in Cancun, Mexico in November 2010.
http://www.foe.co.uk/news/climate_lobby_24433.html
Film showing: The End of the Line
28 September at 7.30pm, Howgills, 42 South View, Letchworth SG6 3JJ
Transition Town Letchworth organises a monthly film night. This month's film in "The End of the Line", a film about the over-fishing of our seas which was recently announced as the winner of the Environment Award at the 2010 One World Media Awards. The film is about an hour and is followed by a discussion and sharing of opinions. Refreshments from 7.15pm. Film begins at 7.30pm. £3 suggested donation for the evening.
http://ttletchworth.org/#/film-nights-programme/4541625329
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe is now our main contact:
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls, so if you can volunteer please let him know: siwebb@ntlworld.com 07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@googlemail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Ann De Bock is Food campaigner: anndebock@yahoo.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
August Bulletin28th August 2010
Dear North Herts Friends of the Earth supporters,
Welcome to the August bulletin.
Thank you to all those members who have helped organise and volunteered on stalls over the last few weeks. They were a great success.
Contents:
Meetings in August and September
There will be no formal group meeting in August. There will be an informal get-together on Thursday 19 August at The Half-Moon, 57 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TZ, from 7.30pm.
The next group meeting will be on Thursday 16 September at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park Hitchin, SG5 1EH, beginning at 7.30pm.
Group Film nights
There will be no film night this month. The next film night will be on Thursday 9 September: details will be included in next month's bulletin.
FoE Local Groups' Conference 2010, 10-12 September - booking deadline: 20 August
Conference 2010 will run from Friday 10 September through to Sunday 12 September at the University of Reading.
A draft agenda is now available - but please note this is subject to change. There'll be training sessions, inspiring speakers, seminars on key issues, local group-led meetings, Earthmover Awards and Motions - as well as much more.
Booking is available until 20 August, and is open to all local group members. North Herts Friends of the Earth can pay for your place at conference. Just tell us you're going and we'll refund the booking costs.
http://www.foe.co.uk/events/conference.html
Join the MOOvement!
This autumn, MPs will be voting on a new law to break the hidden link between animal feed in factory farms and wildlife and rainforest destruction in South America.
Robert Flello MP (Lab, Stoke-on-Trent South) introduced the Sustainable Livestock Bill to Parliament on 30 June. Mr Flello was drawn second in the recent Private Members' Ballot, which means he has a great chance to make his Bill become law.
Please join our MOOvement today - together we can help to ensure that UK farmers are feeding their animals a diet that doesn't cost the planet.
http://www.foe.co.uk/what_we_do/join_moovement_24437.html
Public showing of Food Inc.
In support of the sustainable livestock campaign, North Herts FoE is organising a public screening of "Food Inc." in Hitchin on the evening of Saturday 23 October at 7:30 at Walsworth Road Church, Hitchin SG4 9SP If you can help publicise this event or can help on the day please contact Sharon at Sharoneckman@hotmail.com.
Take action on climate change
We have a big opportunity now to shape the Government's agenda as they put together plans this session of Parliament.
Thousands of FoE supporters wrote to Eric Pickles last month to prevent a vital council climate change scheme from being scrapped. This had a real impact - the scheme will continue until April 2011 at least.
But what is needed is a nationwide system to ensure all councils do their bit to help prevent dangerous climate change.
Friends of the Earth is working with leading councils to call for a system of local carbon budgets, which would drive ambitious emissions cuts.
If you haven't already done so (this action was included in last month's bulletin), please write to your MP and ask them to back a new law for local carbon budgets in this session of Parliament.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/local_carbon_budgets_23718.html
Autumn climate change lobby
The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition is organising a climate change lobby of all MPs over the weekend of 6-7 November .
Thousands of people up and down the country will meet their MPs in their constituencies to tell them they must deliver strong climate policies in the UK - and push for significant progress towards a fair, ambitious and binding global climate deal at the UNFCCC talks in Cancún, Mexico in November 2010.
http://www.foe.co.uk/news/climate_lobby_24433.html
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe is now our main contact:
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls, so if you can volunteer please let him know: siwebb@ntlworld.com 07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Ann De Bock is Food Campaigner: anndebock@yahoo.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
July Bulletin17th July 2010
Summer stalls
We are planning to run stalls at the following events, and offers of help would be very welcome. Stalls are one of our main campaigning tools, lots of fun, enjoyable events and a great way to meet other members...
23-25th July (Fri, Sat and Sun) - Rhythms of the World, Hitchin
Setting up is on Friday 23rd late afternoon. The stall itself runs for two days on 24th and 25th July. You will need a ticket to the festival - we can subsidise these from group funds if need be.
1st Aug (Sun) - Royston Kite Festival
Offers of help to Simon Webb: siwebb@ntlworld.com or 07958 114275 or 01462 423451
Letchworth Earth Day, 17th July
Letchworth Garden City will be celebrating all things environmental this Saturday, with over 12 conservation aware organisations 'on show' in the new Leys Square between 10am and 3pm.
The town's very first 'Earth Day' will feature stallholders such as the Shark Trust, HydroActive, North Hertfordshire Beekeepers, Transition Town Letchworth, The Fish Film Company and many more, as well as the regular Farmers' Market.
http://www.shopletchworth.com/events/2010/earth-day
Food Chain success!
Thanks to hard work by Friends of the Earth campaigners up and down the country, Robert Flello MP (Lab, Stoke-on-Trent South) introduced the Sustainable Livestock Bill to Parliament on 30th June.
Mr Flello was drawn second in the recent Private Members' Ballot, which means he has a great chance to make his Bill become law. This is fantastic news and sets us on a path towards meaningful Government action to fix our broken food chain. The crucial second reading of the Bill is expected to take place on 12th November.
For more details see http://www.foe.co.uk/news/robert_felllo_bill_24350.html
Take action on local carbon budgets
FoE is calling on the Government to introduce a nationwide system of local carbon budgets - limiting CO2 across each council area, and giving more money and support to green projects locally.
Please ask your MP to write to Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne, calling for local carbon budgets to be introduced.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/local_carbon_budgets_23718.html
FoE Local Groups' Conference 2010, 10-12th September
Conference 2010 will run from Friday 10th September through to Sunday 12th September at the University of Reading.
A draft agenda is now available - but please note this is subject to change. There'll be training sessions, inspiring speakers, seminars on key issues, local group-led meetings, Earthmover Awards and Motions - as well as much more.
Booking is available now.
http://www.foe.co.uk/events/conference.html
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe is now our main contact:
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls, so if you can volunteer please let him know: siwebb@ntlworld.com 07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@gmail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Ann De Bock is Food Campaigner: anndebock@yahoo.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
May Newsletter22nd May 2010
Here is the May newsletter.
May Bulletin11th May 2010
May film night and group meeting
Our next social/film evening is this Thursday, 13 May, at 60 Fishponds Road SG5 1NS (opposite swimming pool, by the pedestrian crossing) at 8.15pm. Film tbc, but possibly 'Yes Men Fix the World' or 'The Vanishing of the Bees'.
Organic European wine, organic English beer and other refreshments will be provided. It is free. This is an informal showing (not public) so please let Peter (peterfoord@gmail.com) know if you intend to come along so we can make sure there is room for everyone.
The next (slightly more formal) group meeting will be on Thursday 20 May at the Friends Meeting House, 1 Paynes Park, Hitchin SG5 1EH, beginning at 7.30pm. Tom Wright, our regional officer from FoE head office, will be attending to discuss current and future campaigning in North Herts, in the light of the changed political landscape following last week's elections.
Summer stalls
Our main campaigning tool, lots of fun, enjoyable events and a great way to meet other members...
We are planning to run stalls at the following events over the summer, and offers of help would be very welcome:
Friends of the Earth Greater South East Gathering
The next regional gathering for active FoE members in the south east takes place in central London on Saturday 5 June 2010.
The Gathering brings together group members and staff to discuss:
If you're interested in attending, please let us know. Further details are at: http://www.foe.co.uk/community/news/regional_gatherings_23250.html
Transition Town Letchworth film nights
The Letchworth Transition Town steering group organsises regular film showings on Tuesday evenings at Howgills, 42 South View, SG6 3JJ, at 7.30pm. On 25 May the film will be "The Permaculture Way". For more details see http://ttletchworth.org/
Free community hydro power workshops
Water Power Enterprises are offering free workshops in London for community groups interested in setting up their own small-scale hydros. The workshops will run at the Hub, King's Cross on Tues 18 May and Weds 2 June. Find out how you can invest in water power with h2oPE. http://www.h2ope.org.uk/
Electoral reform
Friends of the Earth is backing the Take Back Parliament campaign for electoral reform. See http://www.takebackparliament.com/
Letter to the Future
Over 200,000 people have signed a RSPB letter to the next government asking the politicians to provide a healthy environment for future generations. Add your name here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/applications/lettertothefuture/
North Herts Friends of the Earth contacts
Matt Sutcliffe is now our main contact:
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Simon Webb is coordinating stalls, so if you can volunteer please let him know: siwebb@ntlworld.com 07958 114275
Please email Peter Foord with any dates/actions for future email bulletins: peterfoord@googlemail.com
Tracy Pez is editing the newsletter. Please send contributions to her at: tracy@tracypez.co.uk
Chris Honey is Transition Towns Campaigner: chrishoney_design@yahoo.co.uk
Ann De Bock is Food campaigner: anndebock@yahoo.com
Harvey Ward is Planning Campaigner: harvey@thewards.org.uk
Jill Bracey is Treasurer and Membership Secretary: jill.bb@virgin.net
Group Coordinator30th March 2010
As Dan Gomm is currently unavailble as co-ordinator for North Herts FOE, Matt Sutcliffe will act as contact for the group.
Matt Sutcliffe
23 Baliol Road
Hitchin
mattysut@hotmail.com
07706 897365
Upcoming Events!14th February 2010
Can Hitchin become a TransitionTown, to mitigate the effects of Climate Change and Peak Oil?
Chris Honey says "If we wait for governments, it'll be too late. If we act as individuals, it'll
be too little. But if we act as communities it might be just enough, just in time to save our futures."
Find out more in the Lucas Room Hitchin Town Hall at 7.30 on Monday 22 February 2010.
Peter Lilley MP speaks on climate change!!!
At the invitation of the Hitchin Ecumenical World Development group Peter Lilley MP has agreed to come to Hitchin on
Feb 26th to speak on 'Climate Change' from 12 noon to 1pm at Church House, Churchyard, Hitchin, SG5 1HP (next to St. Mary's
church within the pedestrian area)
Peter Lilley was one of only three MPs to vote against the Climate Change law and says that the threat of climate change is
exaggerated.
Organiser: Jenny Nicholson tel: 01462 632726 or j.nicholson3@ntlworld.com.
Your carbon counts
Do you want to know more about your carbon footprint?
Do you understand how to control your footprint?
Talk by: Dr Mike Page
of the University of Hertfordshire
Wed 3 March 2010 6-8 pm Goldsmith Center, Broadway, Letchworth SG6 3GB
Wed 17 March 2010 6-8 pm The Corn Exchange, Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AL
Attendance cost for the event with Buffet Supper £5
Booking call 01438 31 77 22 or e-mail info@environmental-population.com
to reserve a place.
Happy New Year!!9th January 2010
Airfield Wind Farm as featured in the 'Age of Stupid' - At Public Inquiry next week
If consented, Airfield Wind Farm will consist of 3 x 2MW wind turbines, located in Bedfordshire. These three turbines, proposed next to the Santa Pod drag racing strip, will produce around 14,000GWh of clean electricity per year, which is the equivalent to the usage of around 3,000 homes, savings thousands of tonnes of CO2 per year.
In the summer of 2009, Nuon Renewables appealed the planning application on the grounds of non determination. The Public Inquiry has been set for 10am on Tuesday the 12th of January at Bedford Town Hall, St. Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ. The inquiry will last until the 15th of January.
We really want the Planning Inspector to see the strength of support for the wind farm, we know CLOWD, the anti group, will be there in large numbers trying to monopolise the proceedings, so it is vital that the we have as many supporters present as possible.
A strong turnout on Tuesday would send a very positive message to the Planning Inspector, we also would like as many people as possible to drop in throughout the week so that the inspector is continuously reminded of the support that exists for this project and also to boost the morale of the wind farm team at the enquiry.
At all times please wear bright blue if possible to show your support for the wind farm (hats, scarves, t-shirts, jumpers etc.). We will also have blue rosettes for people to wear.
Feel free to make banners, and make yourselves heard. See you on Tuesday!
James Holland of Climate Camp will start off the discussion with a short presentation. Then it's over to those who turn up to support or oppose his arguments or try to clarify the factors involved. Come along and assert your democratric right to openly discuss the issues which affect us all. A donation of about £2 helps cover room hire.
John Sears
Current & topical affairs
Letchworth Art and LeisureGroup
01462 62 1942
The Greater South East Regional Gathering is on Saturday 16 January. This is an opportunity to find out about our campaigns package for 2010, meet other local groups from your region, learn skills and get inspired for the year ahead. There will also be updates post-Copenhagen and an address from Andy Atkins on the way forward. See the final agenda for details. To book your place email Katie Higgins.