Monday 7th May - Goyt Valley Walk 2007

An afternoon walk in our beautiful local countryside - the Goyt Valley, Bredbury

Stopfordians, young and less young, joined Stockport Friends of the Earth on their annual Goyt Valley Walk on Bank Holiday Monday.

Saturday/Sunday 28th/29th April - Northern Gathering

Opportunity to network with other FOE groups in York.

A most enjoyable weekend including 2 site visits:

• York Environment Centre - sustainable technology in action
  More info and pictures
• York EcoDepot - the largest straw building in Europe
  The ecoDepot is at the cutting edge of sustainable technology. It is made from timber-framed straw-cladding - and is the largest building of its kind in Europe. The ecoDepot is the new home to York Council's Neighbourhood Services department, formally based on Foss Islands Road. The ecoDepot is EIGHT times cheaper to power than a standard design - costing £8,000 instead of £48,000. The ecoDepot generates its own power and collects rainwater to wash vehicles. The Council wasted £25,000 a year washing vehicles with drinking water!
  More info and pictures

Saturday 21st April - GM Free Potato Picnic

On Saturday the 21st April, representatives from all over the country came to Hull to tell BASF that GM crops are not wanted there. Lovely weather for a picnic and a really good turn out!

Speakers included Dom Marsh from UK Permaculture Association, Pete Riley from GM Freeze and Claire Oxborrow, GM campaigner for Friends of the Earth.

A local farmer is about to plant GM potatoes as part of the BASF trial, so sensible local beekeepers have refused to bring their bees to pollinate the local borage crops for fear of contamination. This means the borage farmers are missing out on their high value crop which is used in the perfume industry.

Yet another example of the unintended consequences of GM cultivation blight.

Thursday 19th April - Stop EPAs. Don't lock Africa into Poverty

Kate presented Trade Justice Key to Economic Minister at Polish Embassy, London as one of the 27 EC member states lobbied on this Trade Justice Rally to demand that the EU stops negotiating unfair trade deals with developing countries.

Thanks to Manuel from Oxfam for arranging transport to this coalition event.

Monday 9th April - Heaton Mersey Easter Farmers Market

11am - 3pm St John's Rd, Heaton Mersey (fronting the church) off Didsbury Rd.

Lots of Big Ask postcards signed. Thanks to Phoebe, Chris and Kate.    Flyer (pdf)

Friday 30th March 7:30pm to 9:30pm - Sustainable Communities Bill Public meeting

The Reebok Stadium (Lion of Vienna Room), tower entrance, Burnden Way, Bolton

A free public meeting to show support for the sustainable communities bill, currently in parliament which will help to save not only the environment but local shops, post offices and bus services. Free food and drink were provided. Members from Bolton, Bury, Stockport and Manchester FOE groups among the 200+ people at the meeting. More info

Saturday 17th March - Living in a New Climate

Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Lane, Liverpool

A conference hosted by Tony Juniper, Director, Friends of the Earth
with Penny Poyzer, Environmental Broadcaster/Author

Kate and Chris had an enjoyable day and met a few friends. Unfortunately being St Patrick's day, it was standing room only at The Post Office afterwards!

Tuesday 20th February - 1st Birthday of Stockport Friends of the Earth

The 1st Birthday Party of Stockport Friends of the Earth, at Stockport Guildhall 7:30pm

An enjoyable evening with drinks, cake, snacks and good conversation with likeminded people. Thanks to everyone who helped to organise or contributed to this event.

Thursday 15th February 2007 - The Science of Climate Change

Camp for Climate Action is holding a meeting at Friend's Meeting House, Mount St., Manchester 7.30 - 9.15pm Free

Another interesting talk from recognized expert in climate science, Dr Kevin Anderson, Tyndall Centre

See Target 2050 in our Climate campaign webpages for some crumbs of wisdom.

Saturday 3rd February - Real Food Away Day

Carrs lane, central Birmingham 10am till 4pm. guest speaker - Kath Dalmeny, Sustain. Chris had an interesting day.

Wednesday 31st January - Aviation discussion meeting

The Campaign Against Climate Change is holding a discussion meeting about aviation, featuring guest speaker Dr. Alice Bows from the Tyndall Centre, starting at 7pm in the MFOE office in the basement of the Friends Meeting House, Manchester

Saturday 27th January - Windlehurst Event

Saturday 27th January at Windlehurst Church in High Lane, from about 10am till 1pm.

Stockport Friends of the Earth ran a stall at this community health event. We gave out leaflets on The Big Ask and Shop Local First. We had friendly chats with local residents and with Andrew Stunell MP, who supports our Big Ask campaign. Thanks to Jane, Ken, Chris and Kate for their splendid efforts in making the stall a success.

Saturday 20th January - Local groups regional get-together in Preston

A very enjoyable day out where SFOE members Chris and Kate met people from other regional FOE groups.

Unusually high winds forced the closure of the centre of Preston on this day for fear the Clock Tower might be blown down. An appropriate day to be discussing the importance of Climate Change!