Welcome to May's "Networking Newsletter" by email. A PDF version, complete with (colour) photos is available online (3Mb download) at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/54/nn54-col.pdf For the very latest news remember to visit our "stop press" web page at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/stop_press.shtml and events updated daily at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar and full dates of groups are at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Contacts Please pass this email on and encourage people to sign up (signUp@networkingnewsletter.org.uk). Enjoy! [Michael] ========================= NETWORKING NEWSLETTER #54 ========================= MAY 2004 (printed/distributed: 30.04.04) - pls respect copyright notice at end - CONTENTS -------- Anti-racism, asylum, Big Green Week, vegan festival, animal rights, swimming pools, wall down, green belt, events, resources, what is it?, subscribe DO ANARCHISTS DREAM OF ELECTIVE SHEEP? -------------------------------------- Much politico stuff this issue which isn't surprizing given the elections in June for those who want to vote, a visit from Le Pen (see below), and an anarchists' tea party on May Day (p5) for those who prefer not to vote! At the end of March, and at short notice, there was a great turnout to oppose the BNP press conference in Altrincham with French fascist Le Pen. Fortunately, this meant antifascists on TV combating the BNP's message of hate. There are only four weeks left now until European election papers go out and Nick Griffin stands a chance of being elected as a NW Euro MP if the turnout is low. In order to tell the anti-BNP majority how important their vote is, please join the days of mass leafleting in Manchester, the first of which is on Sunday 2 May. These local and European elections are particularly important as the BNP want to use them to try and get a Euro MP for the North west, as well as more local councillors. Some people still think that voting BNP is just a protest vote against the mainstream parties. However, the BNP are not interested in the problems of poverty, unemployment, poor services and housing. They falsely blame asylum seekers for these problems and use racism to divide communities. They cause hatred and stir up trouble wherever they exist. They are fascists who are against the rights of ordinary people to organise in Trade Unions, to defend our services, and they deny the holocaust ever happened. If people think some parties are not taking the problems of society seriously there is plenty of choice to vote for without giving it to the BNP. Colin Barker, Manchester Unite Against Fascism (0161 860 6423) http://www.uaf.org.uk DON'T GET STUNG! ---------------- The best way to ensure you keep up to date with events & news in and around Manchester is to subscribe to the Networking Newsletter's email service (it's free!). Grasp the nettle and join today - send an email to subscribe@networkingnewsletter.org.uk National Nettle Week runs from Wednesday 19 to Friday 28 May. THOUSANDS ASK FARHAT TO STAY ---------------------------- Farhat Khan and her children fled from 10 yrs of domestic violence in Pakistan in Nov 2000 and claimed asylum in the UK. At the time of Farhat's appeal her husband was in Canada and the appeal was refused. However, her husband has now returned to Pakistan. Farhat & family face being sent back to Pakistan where they are at real risk of becoming the victims of "honour killings". They come from the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan where the "honour system" allows violent retribution on women who challenge their male relatives' authority. (Background: http://www.ncadc.org.uk/newszine45/farhat.html) At the end of April supporters of Farhat handed 10,000 signatures of support (making it, currently, the biggest anti-deportation campaign in the UK) to Graham Stringer MP who said, "This has been a terrific campaign. This event shows the level of support in the community for Farhat & family. I will be taking the petition to the new minister, Des Brown, and asking him to allow the family to stay on compassionate grounds." Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, added, "The City Council is fully behind Farhat's campaign. We want to see her family securely settled here and her back in work as soon as possible". Imran Rizvi, candidate for Cheetham Ward, noted that "The whole community condemns what Farhat has gone through and has huge sympathy. Under basic human rights it is very important that Farhat and family are allowed to stay" and Ashraf Ali, of the Pushto Community of Manchester, said, "My name is Ashraf Ali from Afghanistan. A lot of asylum seekers living in Cheetham Hill don't know the system and are facing many problems. Farhat Khan is very important to the Pushto and wider Asian community to help us solve our problems" TAKE ACTION Write to David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AT (fax 020 7273 3965). Please send a copy of anything sent to the campaign: Farhat Khan & Family Campaign, 400 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester M8 9LE Farhat Khan & Family Campaign (0161 740 8206, farhatmuststay@dmt1.net) THE FIFTH BIG GREEN WEEK ------------------------ This year, the Big Green Week in Hebden Bridge, organised by the Alternative Technology Centre, runs from the 31 May until 6 June, coinciding with the United Nations' World Environment Day, Hebden Bridge Carnival, European Green Week, and the Alternative Technology Centre's 5th birthday! During the week there will be local shopping promotions, workshops on such things as making your own solar water panel or rustic benchmaking and inspiring and informative talks on renewable technology and its practical use. On Saturday 5 June we are joining in with the carnival procession through Hebden Bridge with Yellow School Buses, Toyota Prius hybrid car, HourCar car share scheme, schools and other groups, musicians, cyclists and pedal taxis. At the same time Calder Future will hold 10 events along the River Calder Valley. The weekend's events include a Picnic in St George's Square, Hebden Bridge when for two days it will be an open green space for you to take a break and sample the delights of the local shops. At venues around the town and in the park, you can learn more about renewable energy and energy efficiency, sustainable building, recycling, tree planting, water power, sustainable transport, minibeasts and more. Polly Webber, one of the organisers, says "BGW showcases what is already going on in the Calder Valley and illustrates the best of what is happening around the country." Alternative Technology Centre (01422 842121) http://www.alternativetechnology.org.uk VEGAN FESTIVAL -------------- On Saturday 8 May the first ever North West vegan festival is due to take place, at Sacha's Hotel in Manchester (see p6). We have thirty stalls, free vegan ice cream, vegan "cream" cakes, strawberry smoothies, chocolate shakes, shoes & cosmetics. All the things that people think they will miss when they go vegan! So if you are interested, come along and see for yourself how much variety a vegan diet can offer, and sign up for a vegan buddy if you want to make the change. Benefit punk gig for the festival on Sunday 9 at Satan's Hollow. Realfood (0845 458 0146, nwvf@realfood.org.uk) www.veganfestivals.org.uk NB: Vegetarian Week is end of May too! YOU BET THEY DIE ---------------- At the end of March in the days before the Grand National, campaigners from around Manchester gathered outside bookmakers in Bury and Rochdale town centres. Armed with banners, placards and leaflets, their aim was to highlight to the public the plight of horses during the notorious three day racing meet, held at Aintree. Hundreds of leaflets were given out to the passing shoppers, along with a clear message not to place bets on the Grand National, or any other horse race. There is no such thing as a "harmless flutter" - the British public are unwittingly gambling with animals' lives. On the day of the race itself, despite the torrential rain, anti-horseracing protestors gathered in Manchester with banners and placards to voice their opposition to the Grand National. Hundreds of leaflets were given out to the public on Market Street, and people were encouraged not to support the race by placing a bet. Every year, horses meet their death during the three-day Aintree meet. Last year's Grand National resulted in mayhem and injury with only approximately a quarter of the 40 horses finishing the race; two horses died during the three-day meet (one in the National itself) and several horses suffered extensive injuries. This year there were no fatalities, but 11 horses fell, narrowly avoiding fatal injuries to their back, legs and shoulders. Only 11 horses finished the race with jockeys. Many people are aware of the deaths that occur in the Grand National, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. Every year around 300 horses are literally raced to death around the country, having suffered falls, other serious injuries or heart attacks. Racehorses also endure abuse from the whip. While a small proportion may live a long life, the vast majority who survive racing meet a sad end once their careers are over. Some 4,000 racehorses leave the industry each year: many endure a downward spiral of neglect; others are slaughtered for pet food. Manchester Animal Protection (0845 456 2492, info@mapsoc.org.uk) http://www.mapsoc.org.uk SWIMMING POOL CAMPAIGNS ----------------------- The Friends of Victoria Baths, winners of the œ3.5 million BBC Restoration, are linking up with other swimming pool campaigns around the country. A group of Friends visited Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham recently and two Friends went to Bristol North Baths as well, making a picture in the local paper. Both these pools are valued local facilities but threatened with closure. Whilst the Government ponders on why its Health Promotion strategy isn't working local activists have one clear answer: "Give people in poor areas the opportunities that rich people take for granted - the ability to swim regularly, because this is the most popular form of exercise." Friends of Victoria Baths (victoriabaths@aol.com) www.victoriabaths.org.uk WALL DOWN --------- At the end of March, a dramatic piece of street theatre was staged in Manchester to raise awareness about the 360km apartheid wall which Israel is building around the remnants of Palestine. The real wall is a mix of 10m high concrete sections, gun-towers, razor wire, electrified fences, trenches and minefields, backed up by Israel's military might such as tanks. The next "Wall Down" protest will be in Piccadilly Gardens on 8 May.. ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* GREEN BELT IN FOR A THRASHING ----------------------------- The pace of "regeneration" in Greater Manchester is threatening the remaining urban green spaces... RACECOURSE RAGE Residents have slammed proposals to build a racecourse in the heart of the Greater Manchester green belt. The Manchester Evening News revealed in April details of the œ100m Salford Forest Park scheme, by developers Peel Holdings, which would create a woodland leisure park in Worsley involving a racetrack, golf course, nature reserve and hotel. The racecourse, on agricultural land near the 1,700 acre Botany Bay Wood, would attract 20,000 punters to each race. Opponents fear this will cause traffic chaos and damage the environment. Peel say they will counter congestion fears by building two entrances: one via a new spur off the slip road to junction 13 of the M60 at Worsley, the other off the East Lancs Road at Boothstown. Three residents' associations from Worsley & Boothstown have linked up for form to RAGE (Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion) to fight the proposals. Spokesman Robin Garrido said: "The racecourse is not in keeping with the area. It will be a disaster for traffic and pollution. There will be 10,000 extra cars on the road on a race day. Greenbelt is meant to be a green lung. We should try to preserve the land and open footpaths to the public." The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), which lobbies against development on green belt land, has called on Salford council to reject the planning application. Lancashire CPRE trustee, David Clarke, said: "Economic considerations should not be put ahead of environmental concerns." The planning application will be submitted to Salford city council in May and considered later in the year. BROUGHTON GAP Community protests are spreading like wildfire throughout the City of Salford. They are in response to the various regeneration and development blueprints actively promoted by the Labour controlled Salford City Council. In the Broughton area, the Broughton Action Group has criticised the Council's proposals including the building of new houses on Tully Street Playing Fields. One of their major concerns is that the council are not listening to local people. Broughton Action Group chairman Mike Thorpe has attacked council-backed plans for the œ200m redevelopment of the area, claiming the "dream come true" image they lend Broughton has masked the fact local people are still being denied the facilities and support they need most. He claims 2003 was one of the worst years for the area and saw already dwindling community facilities close down, more resources eroded and local confidence hitting rock bottom in an area rife with child poverty, unemployment, crime and fear on the streets. But the council has hit back at the claims, arguing that they are listening, and that their investment programme is intimately linked to providing for existing residents. "It's a very naive view by local councillors," said Mr Thorpe. "They're selling off land and new apartments, so suddenly Broughton's on the up. But that's not what local people consider to be on the up. The council needs to consult us properly. Last year we saw the closure of Calderwood Community Centre and the destruction of facilities at Albert Park. These were all key community facilities, and they have been lost. There are massive gaps between what people want and what the council are giving them. The lack of opportunities for young people and high level of crime prove it's no longer on anyone's priority list." The Council says Broughton's œ200m makeover will include an "innovative" housing scheme, community centre and sports facilities Planners aim to build over 200 family homes on land off Tully Street in place of empty, derelict or rented properties. A second project to build more than 3,000 homes and facilities in Lower Broughton is planned. Mr Thorpe claimed the council was papering over cracks. He added that the plans to invest in thousands of new homes would attract commuters and city workers without benefit to existing communities. "The council has overemphasised bricks and mortar at the expense of the development of skills, leadership and employment," added Mr Thorpe. STILL NOT LISTENING? There are even more dramatic develop-ments in Charlestown and Lower Kersal. The New Deal for Communities Partnership Board in its report entitled "A vision for the future" is proposing the demolition of over 700 houses. In the forward to the report, Hazel Blears MP for Salford states, "The key factor in the long term success of the Charles-town and Lower Kersal development is the involvement of local people. too often in the past consultation has been seen as token gesture in Charlestown and Lower Kersal" The local community has responded immediately and several action groups are forming to protest at the lack of consultation and the threat to so many homes. The South Langley Road area is covered with fliers and posters calling for renovation not demolition and accusing the Council of a sell out. SWINTON SOS Across the road in Swinton, a campaign has been fighting to save a rare area of green space from redevelopment. The Council's plans to build up to 500 homes and a link road on green belt land (the site of the former Swinton Sewage Works and Eccles Fields) are meeting stiff local opposition (over 100 people at a recent meeting) and is bound to be a hot potato in the forthcoming elections. ELECTORAL ROLE Barry Woodling, of Swinton Open Space, noted it is evident from the experiences of so many communities in Salford that the City Council is completely out of touch with grass roots opinion and people's needs. Now is a good time for the many community action groups in Salford to forge closer links and coordinate their campaigns and share information within a community action network. The whole of Salford Council is up for reelection in June and the prospect opens up of community action groups mounting a concerted challenge to the ruling Labour Council by standing community candidates who will listen to and represent the views of local communities. Only through the maximum pressure being exerted on the Council will their disastrous policies be reversed. There is a proposed "Democracy Day" protest on 19 May (see page 6) which local community groups are asked to support. It is very important in the current situation that local communities demonstrate their opposition to the City Council's disregard for the views and opinions of local people and make their voices heard. CENTRAL PERKS? We also hear that development is going on in Newton Heath's Central Park that will encroach on green space there. More details on our web site shortly... This summary is based on articles from Manchester Evening News, Barry Woodling (Swinton Open Space) and Salford Advertiser. Swinton Open Space: www.swintonopenspace.freeserve.co.uk A fuller version is online at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/sustainable ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* EVENTS ------ Another bumper crop of activities for you - we've crammed in as much detail as poss but there's even more on our web site http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar including links to groups' web sites. Remember to check details of events before attending: we've done our best to ensure accuracy but. To list events for free, here and on the web site, or to correct details contact Michael (info@networkingnewsletter.org.uk) [NB: only included first fortnight's activities here since more added daily to web site] MAY 2004 All Month Walk in the Woods Enjoy the magic of trees and woods this May and see why trees matter (woods are fun to visit and rich in wildlife and history, and walking in them helps reduce our stress levels and provides beneficial exercise at the same time). The Tree Council's festival of walks, talks and other events takes place in town and countryside throughout May. Info: The Tree Council (020 7407 9992) Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 National Pet Week Highlighting the importance of preventative care as part of responsible pet ownership. Info: http://www.nationalpetweek.org.uk/ Sunday 2 - Saturady 8 Compost Awareness Week An international multi-media publicity and education initiative to showcase compost production and demonstrate compost use. It aims to encourage the public and business communities alike to take action to support composting at all scales and to use composts. Info: Compost Assoc. (0870 160 3270, membership@compost.org.uk) Sunday 2 - Saturday 8 International Red Cross Week The British Red Cross played an active humanitarian role throughout World War II, delivering food parcels to prisoners of war & helping to pull survivors from the rubble during the Blitz. 60 years on, their work remains as vital as ever. They are still there to help those in crisis: whether responding to a major emergency, training someone in life-saving first aid skills or helping an elderly person cope after a stay in hospital. Info: Monica Llupar, British Red Cross (020 7201 5425) Monday 3 - Sunday 9 Deaf Awareness Week Organisations working with deaf people across the country are inviting you to "Look At Me". The theme aims to improve understanding of the different types of deafness by highlighting the many different methods of communication used by deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing people, such as sign language and lipreading. Info: UK Council on Deafness (tel: 01206 274075, text: 01206 274076, fax: 01206 274077, info@deafcouncil.org.uk) Monday 3 World Press Freedom Day Worldwide, 3 May serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression & as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring your daily news (53 journalists killed last year; at least 136 journalists currently imprisoned in 27 countries). A free press is one of the most essential components of a democratic society, which in turn is a prerequisite for sustainable social & economic development. http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/press/ Tuesday 4 Transport Pool Meeting 12:30pm, VAM, 11-13 Spear Street M1. Meeting of LSP/CN4M subgroup. Info: Clare, CN4M (237 9309, clare@cn4m.info) The "Genetics Project" in postwar Britain 4-6pm, Room 3.29, Maths Tower, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd. Talk by Soraya De Chadarevian, Univ. of Cambridge. Info: Centre for the History of Science, Technology & Medicine (275 5850) Matanzas 7:30pm, upstairs room of the "Hare and Hounds" public house, Shude Hill. Info: Manchester Cuba Solidarity Campaign: Mark Burton (881 6887, csc.mcr@pop3.poptel.org.uk) or Alan Neill (226 3688) Elections and Referenda 7:30pm, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street. Discussing the forth-coming local & EU elections & possible EU Constitution referendum. Info: Manchester Anarchists (manchester@af-north.org) Wednesday 5 Beginners' Wildflower Walk 10am, Wythenshawe Bus Station, Wythenshawe Centre. By bus to the World Freight Terminal for a short walk into the Valley in search of spring flowers. Info: Bollin Valley Partnership (01625 534790) Evening Chorus 6:30pm, Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve Car Park, off Brookburn Road, Chorlton. If you have ever wondered what is twittering in the trees, join the wardens who will help you identify the different melodies. You will soon start to distinguish between the warblers as they settle down to roost. Info: Mersey Valley Wardens (881 5639, 905 1100) Thursday 6 Marketing From œ88. 10am-1pm, Granada TV. Half-day seminar will provide you with the information to identify the best tools and activities to promote your organisation to each of its target audiences. It will cover the evaluation of your target audience groups, and data research and analysis to establish product differentiation. Marketing experts will also discuss how to establish a timeline for marketing activities, and useful marketing tactics. This will be illustrated with case studies from the not-for-profit sector. Bookings: The Media Trust (020 7874 7610) Thursday 6 May Effective Report Writing Made Easy œ95. Report writing need not be a daunting or dreaded task. Effective reports are a great way to communicate important information about your work. This course is aimed at those who have little experience of report writing or would like to refine their technique. Using short practical exercises, you will learn how to write effective reports that communicate your message. You will learn to analyse the purpose and audiences of any given report in order to decide the content, structure & style necessary to make it readable & effective. Bookings: Directory for Social Change North (0151 708 0117) Geographical Networks 7pm, Cross St Chapel. Meeting of CN4M subgroup. CN4M (237 9309) Friday 7 - Sunday 9 Conflict Resolution From œ20. Ashton. Workshop looking at the underlying causes of violence and exploring new ways of dealing with conflict. Info: Fran Townsend, Alternatives to Violence Project (832 3660) Friday 7 Woodland Wildflower Visit End of project celebration visit for the Woodland Wildflower Project, organised in conjunction with Landlife, to the National Wildflower Centre and Landlife's woodland at Alvanely, which has been the focus for their pioneering work on wildflower introductions. The day trip is free and will include transport and lunch. Bookings: Felicity Paris, Red Rose Forest (872 1660, fliss@redroseforest.co.uk) Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 Hill Walking & Wild Country Navigation Course Debdale Outdoor Centre. Info: Debdale Outdoor Centre (223 5182) Saturday 8 World Fair Trade Day A celebration of Fair Trade internationally, with the aim of promoting fairer trade with marginalised & small scale producers in the majority world: Fair Trade products, from coffee and tea, through clothes, jewelry, and beautiful handicrafts for your home will be in the spotlight & some good things will be sure to catch your eye. Info: www.wftday.org Vegan Festival 10:30-5pm, Sachas Hotel, Tib Street. Stalls on all aspects of the vegan diet. Info: Realfood (0845 458 0146, nwvf@realfood.org.uk) Dance for Life! noon-1:30pm, Piccadilly Gardens. Come & support Bangdrum (a vibrant mix of African and Afro-Brazilian dance and music) as they launch Christian Aid Week with a dazzling display. Christian Aid TV will be there so the more supporters present the better. The event is not a fundraiser - it aims to raise awareness of Christian Aid Week. Info: Simon O'Meally, Christian Aid Manchester (07786 257 790) Wall Down 12:30-2:30pm, Market Street. Protesting against the wall being built across Palestinian communities. The message is "Our strength can make a difference" to stop it. Info: Mariangela (maciacia@tiscali.co.uk) or Jews for Justice for Palestinians (just_peace_now@hotmail.com) Life of Brian 8:30pm, Cornerhouse. The Life of Brian film is being shown at the Commonwealth Film Festival. "His original aim was to protest against the sanctions imposed on Iraq, & during the build up to war, his pave-ment home became the focus of Britian's war debate." A fascinating & gripping documentary into Brian Haw's Parliament Square protest. Sunday 9 - Saturday 15 Christian Aid Week Help people in the Third World stand on their own two feet. By supporting Christian Aid Week, you are among millions who think poverty is a scandal we do not have to accept. Your actions, commitment and contributions will bring about a better life for poor communities all over the world. Info: Simon O'Meally, CA Manchester (273 3467) Sunday 9 Children's Charity Fun Run Heaton Park. Info: Heaton Park (773 1085 ext. 209) Sunday 9 Punks for Animals œ4/5/6. 2-10pm, Satan's Hollow, Princess Street. Fundraiser for NW Vegan Festival on previous day. Info: Realfood (0845 458 0146) Windows: Channels for Communication œ15 (œ10 concs). 7pm, Manchester Bridge Club, Palatine Rd, Withington. Evening of story telling/music to raise money for "Windows: Channels for Communications" in Israel/Palestine. Story teller Chris Smith will tell stories from the Palestinian tradition & Pamela Marre will tell stories from the Jewish tradition. "The Nile Band" will play middle-eastern music. Windows members (Jews and Palestinians from Israel and occupied territories/ Palestine) are working together to promote acquaintance, understanding and reconciliation between both peoples, through educational and cultural programs, media and art. Tickets: (0796 948 2559) Monday 10 & Tuesday 11 Introduction to Financial Management From œ175. New 2 day course aimed at those involved in the manage-ment and governance of voluntary organisations. It aims to provide a clear overview of an effective accounting and financial management system, using appropriate controls. The course looks at financial responsibilities of trustees, financial planning, cash flow forecasts, bookkeeping systems and the Charities SORP. This is achieved by using a combination of practical work, discussion and examples of each topic. Bookings: Directory for Social Change (0151 708 0117) Tuesday 11 Supervision Skills From œ95. A course for staff who have line management responsibility for paid staff & volunteers, but who have little or no experience of super-vision. Participants will be introduced to a range of models of super-vision from which they will be able to select those which are most appropriate. Directory for Social Change North (0151 708 0117) Transport Partnership Meeting 10:30am, Room 312, Town Hall. Meeting of LSP/CN4M subgroup. Info: Clare, CN4M (237 9309, clare@cn4m.info) Wythenshawe Community Network AGM 1:30-4pm, St Andrews Church Hall, Wythenshawe. CN4M (237 9309) Valuing the Voluntary Sector From œ5 inc. lunch & refreshments. 10am-4pm, Edgeley Park, Stockport. Conference aimed at voluntary & community groups in Stockport. A speaker from the National Centre for Volunteering will discuss the changes affecting the sector while workshops will address a wide range of topics, such as marketing your group, trustees' duties, health & safety, partnership working and the Community Fund. Info: Stockport CVS (477 0246, info@stockportcvs.co.uk) East Manchester Community Network 6:30pm, Mill St. Venture Centre, Openshaw. Opportunity for community & voluntary groups & activists in East Mcr to network, share ideas & information & work together. Info: EMCF (230 6313, 223 3418) ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* Wednesday 12 Sustainable Development Review Breakthrough UK, Aked Close, Ardwick. Part of Government's Sustainable Development Review Strategy aims to offer you an overview of Government's approach to Sustainable Development combined with an opportunity to work with people from your region with similar priorities to develop a response to the Strategy Review. Info: DEFRA (info@suscom.org) Litter Pick 1pm, Clayton Vale. Info: Clayton Vale wardens (223 8287) Bird Song at Chorlton Ees Chorlton Ees, Mersey Valley. Info: Manchester Leisure (232 3100) Thursday 13 Advocacy Outcomes œ85. 10am-3pm, YHA, Potato Wharf. Difficulties for advocacy schemes include establishing what the outcomes of advocacy are or should be, and whether the outcomes can be effectively measured and how. Course will enable participants to distinguish between outcomes and outputs, identify some actual and desirable outcomes of advocacy & develop effective practical methods for measurement. Bookings: Sylvia Ellarby, Fast Forward (01903 767 070) Applying Community Development in Management and Professional Practice œ140. For managers who don't have community development in their job titles but who are expected to adopt a community development approach. Course considers how community development approaches can contribute to everyday work in the light of Local Strategic Partnerships, Neighbourhood Renewal, Cultural Strategies and other legislation promoting community development principles in all areas of public service. The course will illustrate how a community development approach to your work can support staff to engage with communities effectively, take a holistic view of what needs to be addressed, keep expectations realistic, use a range of ideas on how to approach a problem & understand the scope of a community development strategy. Bookings: Community Development Foundation (020 7226 5375) Lost and Found: A Canal Side Story œ3. 7pm, Friends Meeting House. The section of the Bolton & Bury Canal between Salford's Crescent & Manchester's Castlefield currently lies filled in, forgotten by nearly all. There are plans to re-open the water-way & offer along its banks a "Development Opportunity". Come along to see & judge on the future of an area where land values are clearly going to be transformed. Mcr Civic Society (236 0051) Saturday 15 - Saturday 22 Let Off Steam Mind Week 2004 theme this year is isolation, with the emphasis on over-coming it. One way to do this is to get together and let off steam by having a tea party. Staff and volunteers at local Mind associations, Mind shops and other supporters of Mind will be hosting tea parties throughout Mind week. Info: Ellie Garraway, Mind (020 8519 2122) Saturday 15 International Conscientious Objectors' Day The Day centers on the struggle for the right to conscientious objection with a particular focus this year on Chile and Latin America. Info: http://www.wri-irg.org/news/2004/icod04-en.htm The Wall Must Fall National Day of Action for Palestine. Info: Manchester Palestine Solidarity Campaign (07958 990 910, 226 7381) Kyoto March London. Time to stand up for the environment & to make a stand against Bush Join the annual march to put climate change on the agenda. Info: Campaign Against Climate Change (0208 855 3327) Fill a hole at the Etherow Centre 11am-3pm, Market Street, Broadbottom. The Etherow Centre is a converted railway warehouse now used by Riding for the Disabled, who provide horse riding activities for people with physical & learning difficulties. Wheelchair users use the path at the side of the centre, which has become uneven & difficult to cross in wet weather. You will be set the challenge of making the pathway even once again by doing digging & laying of wood chipping. GO Manchester (833 0245) Picnic against Poverty! Piccadilly Gardens. At the end of Christian Aid Week, Jubilee Debt Campaign supporters are planning a Picnic against Poverty during the afternoon of the eve of World Debt Day. This will be a fun/witness event with a 60yr celebration birthday cake ironically congratulating the IMF and World Bank on reaching this Diamond Jubilee. Bring a cake to contribute & share with passers-by who will be invited to sign JDC "What a Pensioner" cards so themed. Info: Simon O'Meally, CA Manchester (273 3467) or Chris Worral, Oxfam (838 5620) Community Path Building Chorlton Park. Info: Manchester Leisure (232 3100) Sunday 16 World Debt Day Ahead of the G8 meeting in June, debt campaigners will be calling on world leaders to cancel all remaining poor country debt. Add your voice to that call. Across the UK local JDC groups will be holding events to draw public attention to the ongoing debt crises & have fun at the same time! Info: Dave Pearce, Manchester JDC (428 9929) Manchester Dogs Home Sponsored Walk 10am, Debdale Park. Info: Debdale Park (223 8278) Sunday 16 Fallowfield Loopline Sponsored Bike Ride 10am, Chorlton Water Park. Going along the Trans Pennine Trail following the River Mersey to Stockport, to go through Reddish Vale Country Park. Refreshment stop at Reddish Farm then carry on to Debdale Park & join the Fallowfield Loop to arrive at Mersey Rangers visitor centre (near Jackson's Boat) for cup of tea. Whole route is a leisurely 20 miles. Info: Friends of Fallowfield Loop (283 7548) Monday 17 Sustainable Neighbourhoods Pool 4-5.30pm, Voluntary Action Manchester, Spear Street. Info: Catriona Fothergill, Environment Network for Manchester (273 1736) Tuesday 18 Futurebuilders Briefing 9:30am-1pm, Cross Street Chapel. Briefing session for groups interested in finding out more about the forthcoming œ125 million capital investment fund futurebuilders. Event is of interest to any voluntary group with a role to play in public service delivery that could benefit from capital investment. Info: Anton, Voluntary Action Manchester (236 3206) Go Wild in the Library! 10am-noon, Altrincham Library. A "taste" of wild food for adult learners. Info: Bollin Valley Partnership (01625 534790) Wednesday 19 - Friday 28 Be Nice to Nettles Week Everyone is familiar with the nettle having experienced its formidable sting. To many it is a troublesome weed that should be eradicated wherever it is found. This point of view has only recently developed. Indeed the humble nettle has played, and continues to play, an important role in the natural world. The nettle plays a very important role for both rural & urban wildlife supporting over 40 species of insect including some of our most colourful butterflies. Info: (01670 542370) ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* [For regular events see http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar/regular.html] COMMUNITY COURSES ----------------- The Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Manchester is running several courses which may be of interest to readers. "Effective Public Speaking" aims to improve self confidence and speaking abilities in a hands-on course and will cover planning, structuring and delivering effectively, dealing with voice control & breathing techniques, nervousness, exercises for fluency, impromptu speaking and body language & facial expression. It runs 6:30-8:30pm for 8 Wednesdays starting 28 April. "Managing Community Organisations", running for 8 Tuesdays (1:30-3:30pm) from 4 May, is designed to help community organisations manage their service delivery, organisational systems, human resources and finances more efficiently. "Black Persepectives in Community Couselling" is an introduction looking at the definitions of black perspectives, basic principles of counselling from black perspectives, diversity in counselling and relating theory to practice. It runs on Tuesdays, 6-8pm from 18 May for 8 weeks. "Health Issues in the Community", running 6-8pm for 8 Wednesdays from 5 May, aims to raise awareness of issues relating to health in the community and to explore moral issues inherent in health care. Details on these, and other, courses are available on the web at http://www.man.ac.uk/cce/ or contact Sue Politt (0161 275 3292) WOULD YOU BOAT SIT? ------------------- Wooden Canal Boat Society needs volunteer boat sitters. Chill out on a traditional wooden narrowboat for a few hours. The society needs people to stay from early evening, overnight to the following morning. The boats are moored in a lovely setting outside Portland Basin Museum in Ashton and your presence will keep the boats secure. Wooden Canal Boat Society (078 55 601 589) STUDENTS WANT TO HELP --------------------- The student volunteering network magazine, "Grapevine", is on the look out for more articles from voluntary organisations that have opportunities for students. Contact Kim Brunel-Osman for guidelines and a chat, email: kim@studentvol.org.uk or phone 020 7739 4577. LEGAL SOCIAL CENTRE FOR MANCHESTER ---------------------------------- Plans are underway for a legal social centre in Manchester. People are on the brink of signing on the dotted line for an amazing space in the Northern Quarter. The space needs a bit of work before it's ready to open, and basically there is a need to make a list of people who'd like to volunteer. So, if you've got your head screwed on or you any useful handy-type skills please get in contact saying how much time and energy you're willing to offer and which, if any, useful skills you can offer. Adam (sprightly@riseup.net) ELECTRIC GREEN -------------- In case you've not heard, you can now save paper bygetting the Networking Newsletter and updates delivered without paper. We can either email you a text-only version of the newsletter or a PDF as soon as it comes out - to take advantage of this, send an email to subscribe@networkingnewsletter.org.uk saying which format you prefer, and whether you wish to go on the "actions" list. The latter allows people to swap information on forthcoming events. But the Networking Newsletter is much more than this printed matter - the web site (see URL below) has more in-depth coverage, lots of links and is updated almost daily. Please take the time to visit the web site (or make it your home page) - suggestions for improvements always welcome. SO WHAT IS IT? The Networking Newsletter has a 10 year history of helping campaigners in and around Manchester to work together more effectively. The focus is on those who are working for positive change on issues of peace, development, environment, human rights, animal rights and other areas of social justice. Copies are send out to subscribers and local libraries. When the budget allows, copies are also sent to those whose subscription has expired - use the form below to ensure you keep getting the newsletter! SEND US YOUR NEWS! Articles for the next newsletter should be sent by Monday 19 April to 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS, email info@networkingnewsletter.org.uk or fax 0161 834 5797 (marked FAO: Networking Newsletter). Articles should be 50-200 words long, preferably with a picture or other hi-res colour graphic, and include your full contact details. SUBSCRIBE The Networking Newsletter is published monthly. Subscription rates are currently £5 (low waged), £7 (working), £13 (vol. groups without staff), £27 (vol. groups with staff) and £62 (ethical business). Cheques payable to "Networking Newsletter" should be sent to 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS. A few people have asked about how to subscribe by standing order & we're pleased to report how you can do this. We'll sort out the form below for the next issue, but for now you need to send us a signed letter with your bank details saying you wish to set up a standing order to "Networking Newsletter", Abbey National, 130 Market Street, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester M60 1AY whose sort code is 09-00-00 and account number 0005-0005-K3240267BON. Please state clearly the amount and how frequently you wish to pay. Thanks! ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - *********************************************