Welcome to September's "Networking Newsletter" by email. A PDF version, complete with (colour) photos is available online either at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/57/nn57.pdf (3Mb download) or, without images, at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/57/nn57mini.pdf (2.3Mb download) A web version of this newsletter will be available shortly at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/57 and the latest newsletter at any given time can always be found at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/latest.shtml 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 to our various email lists by sending an email to signUp@networkingnewsletter.org.uk or visiting http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/feedback.html) Enjoy! [Michael] ========================= NETWORKING NEWSLETTER #57 ========================= SEPTEMBER 2004 (printed/distributed: 13.09.04) - pls respect the "copyright" notice - ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* CONTENTS -------- 1: INTIMIDATION AND INFILTRATION 2: MASSIVE WIN FOR MANCHESTER ELECTRICIANS 3: GREENING THE CITY 4: NEW GROUP NEWS 5: LIVING IN THE CITY 6: INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CAMPAIGNERS 7: MAKE A SPLASH IN MERSEY BASIN WEEK 8: VEGAN VICTUALS 9: IN TOWN WITHOUT MY CAR 10: ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD (AGAIN!) 11: MANCHESTER MOBILISING MEETING 12: HOSTS FOR HOPE 13: CLIMATE CHANGE COURSE 14: EVENTS LISTING 15: CONTACTS 16: WORTH WHILE WEB 17: EDITORIAL 18: WEB SITES WORK 19: STANDING ORDERS 20: COPYRIGHT NOTICE ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1: INTIMIDATION AND INFILTRATION Campaigning is never easy but it gets much harder when you're intimidated or even infiltrated. Whilst it's best not to be paranoid, recent local examples illustrate that both these do indeed go on. As announced in The Times (10/9/4), MI5 is set to send undercover agents in to animal rights groups (not that they have ever done that before!) in order "to help to fight animal rights extremists amid growing fears that their intimidation is undermining key British industries". According to The Times, the impetus comes from the National Association of Pension Funds, whose members manage hundreds of billions of pounds on behalf of pension fund members. Pension Funds are not always the most ethical, often investing in the arms trade. Strangely enough, Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) was infiltrated by a private spy firm for several years at the end of the 1990s with national and local members' houses being watched and their lives recorded in great detail, as well as spies at meetings including the local Stop the Hawk Deal, with a several thousand page report prepared and passed on to British Aerospace. Recently, the BNP has claimed to have had operatives working in Manchester groups. According to their press release, "for the last year 2 BNP students, barely out of their teens, have acted as moles for the BNP. University of Manchester chemistry student Joe Finnon and MMU politics student Diane Stoker have spent the last 12 months actively campaigning within every prominent left wing group in Britain. From the most inaptly named Socialist 'Workers' Party to Unite Against Fascism". Even taking this with a pinch of salt it should sound some warning bells. The Networking Newsletter would not recommend groups vet their members and we are quite sure that most groups believing in freedom of information openly discuss their aims. However, it may occasionally be worth not giving ultra-sensitive tasks to complete newcomers. Equally worrying is intimidation. It's one thing to stand on a picket line and expect workers to be upset you seem to be questioning their personal views and to be threatening their family's livelihood. However, during the pickets outside Marks and Spencers in July - a picket to raise public awareness that M&S has strong pro-Israeli views & links - Zionists both Israeli and British, worked with M&S security to get the picket closed down. They even announced in the Manchester edition of the Jewish Telegraph that they intended to attack the picket and called for others to join them. On the day in question, 20-25 Israeli and British supporters of the neo-fascist Likud tried to threaten the 50-plus supporters of the M&S picket and create disorder so that the police would intervene and close the picket down. Hurling abuse and threats, they physically attacked picketers who were filming the attack. The M&S picket refused to be provoked by the Zionists and eventually they withdrew, defeated. Whilst the Networking Newsletter supports free speech, so that people can form their own views from a stimulating debate, we do not think that Likud are promoting their cause by resorting to violent tactics. Indeed, the M&S picket continues: every Saturday afternoon, outside the main store at the bottom of Market Street. Michael --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2: MASSIVE WIN FOR MANCHESTER ELECTRICIANS The sacked electricians in Manchester (see last Networking Newsletter), who had staged one of the country's longest-running industrial disputes and had celebrity backing, were unfairly sacked, a tribunal decided in July. Steve Acheson, from Denton and the shop steward sacked with ten colleagues a year ago by DAF Electrical over claims that unskilled workers were hired on the cheap to carry out electrical work on the œ25m One Piccadilly Gardens development, called it "a massive win". He added, "This is a great victory not just for us, but for all those who supported us as well. You can't overstate the enormity of the victory and what it means. The Manchester public who donated to our campaign and signed our petition were fantastic. At times, with the weather and the hardship, it was very tough. But this was a principled stand and we were determined to see it through." Steve Acheson (07930 241853) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3: GREENING THE CITY Although the local elections are in the distant past, one element of Labour's manifesto is now taking shape. The Labour group, who have control of Manchester City Council, aims to make Manchester "The Greenest City in Britain" (see http://www.manchesterlabour.org.uk/manifesto.html#greenest). Manchester City Council's new Executive Member for Planning and Environment, Councillor Neil Swannick, has started to gather views and evidence about what this might mean and how it might be achieved. He recently met academics from the universities and environmental campaigners from Manchester Friends of the Earth, Manchester Environment Network, MERCi and Manchester Environment Education Network to discuss the green aims. Neil said, "If we are committed to making Manchester a city of the future, sustainability is of major importance. The last year has seen a doubling in recycling performance and strategies are being developed for biodiversity, waterways and energy. I don't see why Manchester can't lead the way on the environment in the same way that Manchester has been a leader in so many other fields." Neil can be contacted at cllr.n.swannick@notes.manchester.gov.uk and he will be attending the GM SERA meeting on Weds 20 October in the Town Hall. THE GREEN GAUNTLET The Networking Newsletter has picked up from various green groups in the city that while they support these sentiments there is a degree of scepticism - not surprising given the Council's past record of all talk & consultation but little action, otherwise we'd already be the greenest city wouldn't we? The Networking Newsletter therefore invites local environmental groups to let us know what you think of Manchester City Council's current environmental record, particularly in comparison to other local authorities in the region, and to suggest measures by which their progress can be measured. We'll summarise your replies to throw down the "green gauntlet" to the Council and will be watching them closely over the coming months. Michael, Networking Newsletter gauntlet@networkingnewsletter.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4: NEW GROUP NEWS With every resounding beat of the BBC Athens Olympics theme tune, my heart sank a little lower knowing that in just 4 years time such glory, passion and success will be bestowed on a country that continues to flout basic human rights on a daily basis. It is the 54th anniversary of the loss of Tibet. Not that many would care. Who should care about a country land locked, deep in the Himalayas with very little real resources we need in the Western world? Answer, we all should care. It is the 54th anniversary of the loss of human rights for the people of Tibet, the illegal invasion of a peaceful nation by 49,000 troops and the beginning of a devastating struggle which causes children, to this day, to flee over 17,000ft high mountain passes. This is just the tip of the iceberg: up to 1.6 million people have died as a result of the Chinese occupation, children still in Tibet are having all reference to an independent Tibet ever existing omitted from their education, there is religious and cultural intolerance, and Tibetan women suffer forced abortions and sterilisations on a regular basis. The Free Tibet Campaign stands for the Tibetans' right to determine their own future. It campaigns for an end to the Chinese occupation of Tibet and for the Tibetans' fundamental human rights to be respected. It is independent of all governments and is funded by its members and supporters. The Manchester local group of the Free Tibet Campaign aims to increase awareness of the Tibetan issue and encourage an active involvement in campaigns such as those that have secured the release of many political prisoners. Current campaigns include working towards overturning the impending execution of Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche (one of the most important spiritual leaders), the respect of human rights for all Tibetans, increased sponsorship of refugees and highlighting the shocking decision to award the Olympics to China. To get involved or find out more, come along to one of our meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at the Friends Meeting House. If you cannot attend you can still help since we can put you on our Urgent Campaign emailing list Helen, Manchester Free Tibet Campaign (07793 713 845, freetibetmanchester@yahoo.co.uk) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5: LIVING IN THE CITY Over the second weekend in July, "Living in the City" saw a whole series of events taking place to draw attention to environmental issues in Manchester. Professionals joined community and environmental groups to take part in a conference looking at building sustainable communities which Michael Meacher attended, workshops on ecological footprints, sustainable consumption and footprint pledges (see right) went down well with passersby. There was also a Green Fair in St Ann's Square that saw lots of groups providing information to the public on their work, including Manchester Friends of the Earth, Red Rose Forest, Eco-friendly Transport, Campaign for a Hydrogen Economy and Mersey Basin Trust. The whole event finished with a procession from St Francis to Manchester Cathedral where a local school performed their "Must we go to war?" piece. This year's organisers will combine next year's event with "Garden of Delights" on World Environment Day (5 June) and a conference to provide an opportunity for community groups to influence decision makers. Anyone who wants to get involved should contact the Environment Network (info@manchesterenvironment.net) THE STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE! One of the stalls at the event was Manchester World Development Movement who commented: Fighting for justice against the World Trade Organisation and the International Monetary Fund is like a bungee jump: however hard you try they just pull you back to where you were! At the Green Fair, WDM challenged shoppers to discover what it is like fighting the power of the WTO and IMF by trying to see how far they could reach before the bungee pulled them back again (see left). WDM also collected signatures on their petition for Debt Cancellation and votes for Trade Justice. Nationally the Trade Justice Movement is trying to collect a million votes for trade justice by the G8 in 2005, which means they have to collect 30,000 votes from Greater Manchester! Dave Pearce, WDM (0161 428 9929, wdm-manchester@jdc-web.org.uk) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 6: INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CAMPAIGNERS Student campaigns network People & Planet are working in partnership with Oxfam to engage Manchester's sixth formers in campaigning on social and environmental justice issues. They are looking for volunteers to help establish and support student campaign groups in their community by becoming People & Planet mentors. People & Planet sixth form groups campaign to make positive changes within their schools, as well as getting involved in national campaigns. Students have persuaded their schools to install Fairtrade and organic vending machines, lobbied catering staff to make Fairtrade products more widely available, improved their schools' recycling facilities and much more. Mentors accompany a member of People & Planet staff to an introductory Fairtrade workshop in a local school, and then attend students' fortnightly meetings, helping them develop campaign ideas and ensuring those ideas are turned into action. Mentors are needed across Manchester, as well as in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Reading, Gloucestershire and Surrey. For more information, or to volunteer, contact P&P before 17 Sept. Dave or Ruth, People & Planet (01865 245 678, action@peopleandplanet.org) www.peopleandplanet.org/careers STUDENT P&P GROUP There is a People and Planet group based in Manchester University Student Union. Their first meeting of the new term is on Tues 14 Sept at 7pm in the Jabez Clegg pub, off Oxford Road. Emma (mysteryrowingirl2001@hotmail.com) ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* 7: MAKE A SPLASH IN MERSEY BASIN WEEK Thousands of people are making plans to take part in hundreds of water themed events throughout the Northwest as preparations for the annual Mersey Basin Week gather steam. Mersey Basin Week is a celebration of the region's rivers, canals and watersides taking place between Friday 1 and Sunday 10 October. It is organised by the Mersey Basin Campaign, the winner of the inaugural World River prize for its work in cleaning the river Mersey. Volunteer groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to take part in and organise activities ranging from tree planting and guided walks to arts events for children. For those interested in organising events or activities, full support and guidance is on hand from the Mersey Basin Campaign's local co-ordinators. Grants of up to œ100 are available to help pay for skip hire, tools, materials or anything else needed for a successful event. Bev Mitchell, Mersey Basin Trust (0161 242 8212, b.Mitchell@merseybasin.org.uk) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 8: VEGAN VICTUALS Realfood is currently developing vegan hospital menus for all sorts of medical needs. They need the advise and experience of anybody who works within the NHS. Caterers in particular could really help, advising how Realfood can help NHS caterers provide more adequately for vegans. Details of hospital suppliers etc would be helpful, as well as details of what is already available at different hospitals. Realfood know that some provide extremely well, while others have problems. Realfood aims to provide menus for diabetics, heart patients, kidney patients, coeliacs, children, and those on liquid/soft diets. If you can help contact them as below. Mary, Realfood (mary@realfood.org.uk) NEIL'S WHEELS Since the appeal (see previous Networking Newsletter), over œ5,000 has been raised to get Neil a new wheelchair. Neil, an active animal rights campaigner and co-founder of Realfood, is recuperating from an operation before deciding which wheelchair most suits his campaigning needs. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 9: IN TOWN WITHOUT MY CAR Wednesday 22 September is "In Town Without My Car" (ITWMC) Day; a day where local authorities are encouraged to close roads and launch new initiatives to promote alternatives to the car. This year, only a few councils in Greater Manchester are taking part in the day, attempting to persuade people to leave their cars behind and make better use of public transport. Last year, for example, Manchester closed Deansgate on the Sunday for a crafts fair. On the day itself, plans to close streets around Albert Square were abandoned due to downpours. Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) are publicizing this year's ITWMC Day and are offering car drivers a free Bus Day Saver if they pledge to leave their car at home on 22 September. Apply through newspaper advertorials, green travel coordinators at the workplaces (particularly councils) or online at http://www.gmpte.com/carfree/pledge.htm Public events are planned in Manchester, Rochdale and Bury, at which the GMPTE "Exhibus" will contain a full range of information and advice. Community Resources and Metrolink staff will be on hand to answer queries and also to raise support for the "Get Our Metrolink Back On Track" initiative. BURY Bury council are holding a Car Free Day party on Sat 18 September, based around Market Place in the town centre. The Mayor will officially set the party in motion at 10am from the Tower FM Radio Show Stage and it will be a day of live entertainment, fun, games and competitions for all ages, with free soft drinks and snacks. You will be able to learn about reduced car travel, the region's network of footpaths and cycle lanes and the public transport system. Bury's Environment Week also includes a "Green Fuels" day on 23 Sept (see page 9). MANCHESTER Manchester is to join hundreds of European towns and cities - including its German twin city Chemnitz - in a bid to persuade people to leave their cars behind and make better use of other forms of transport. There will be a variety of events aimed at raising awareness of the health and environmental benefits to be gained from using travel alternatives to the car. Road closures around St Ann's Square from 10am until 5pm will bring a welcome opportunity to wander through the heart of the city centre without a care for traffic. St Ann's Street will have been "greened" overnight, allowing city dwellers, workers and visitors to enjoy a fume free al fresco lunch on the urban picnic lawn. There will be a wide range of stalls offering advice and information about travel alternatives with trained staff offering personal "journey planners" suited to individual requirements. For those who fancy cycling, staff will be on hand to give advice on bikes and cycling safety plus free maps and guides to local rides and accessories for sale. Manchester's Environmental Campaigns Staff, in partnership with the Road Safety Unit, will be running workshops throughout the day where pupils from St Paul's Primary in Withington and Temple Primary in Cheetham will be working with community artist Brian Raymond on art projects linking in with School Travel Plans and the National Curriculum. They will also be staging a demonstration of the "walking bus" system around St Ann's Street and St Ann's Square before embarking on an Urban Walk. Occupational health nurses will be on hand to carry out free basic health checks and advice on diet, lifestyle and exercise will be available. In keeping with the European theme, visitors to St Ann's Square can enjoy the bustle of Manchester Markets' Arts & Crafts market, live music, street theatre and roving entertainers. ROCHDALE A half-day conference on Monday 20 September will look at plans and proposals to make it easier for people to get about the borough. Details on page 8. COMMENT Catriona, of the Environment Network for Manchester, commented "Manchester should be proud that it is joining hundreds of cities across Europe to celebrate 'In Town Without My Car Day' and the Environment Network welcomes the initiatives such as free bus passes, cycling and walking promotions. However, some members feel that the message about the need to increase cycling, walking and public transport use would have been more effective, and a commitment to the importance of non-car users would be demonstrated if the Council had built on 2003's Car Free Day which actually saw Deansgate free for pedestrians to use." Many people would like to see higher profile and long term initiatives from the various councils, particular Manchester given its aim to be the greenest in the land (see page 2) Steve Poole, GMPTE Promotions Officer (0161 242 6292) Lisa Houghton, Bury MBC (0161 253 5275) Deborah Grace, Press Office, Manchester City Council (0161 234 3332) ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* 10: ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD (AGAIN!) Manchester Friends of the Earth have been nominated for Friends of the Earth's "Earthmovers" award for the second year in succession. The group won an Earthmovers award last year for their work on sustainable transport with the residents of Longsight which culminated in the setting up of the ALL community network. This year's nomination is for the launch of the Manchester Real Food Guide website www.realfoodguide.org.uk which gives details of where to find organic, GM-free, locally sourced, Fairly Traded and vegetarian foods in the Manchester area. Ali Abbas commented, "It's great news for the group and for the effectiveness of our campaigning to be recognised on a national stage like this for the second year in a row. We are currently embarking on a major expansion of the website and are adding more content and coverage all the time. If anyone wants to help promoting Real Food in Manchester they should get in touch!" As part of the ongoing People's History Museum "Butties to Bhajis" exhibition, Manchester FoE ran an event at the beginning of September to promote their Real Food Guide and to raise awareness about the connections between food and the environment. Their competitions went down well, with people struggling to guess the origin of various fruits and vegetables. The chocolate contest, see above photo, was popular for some reason! (Maybe because of the free chocolate?) Winners Sarah and Jadie demonstrated skill in being able to recognise the fair trade credentials of ten different types of chocolates - without seeing the wrapper. The online Real Food Guide was close at hand, and visitors made use of it to locate real food shops near them. The group has also been awarded significant NRF funding to run a high profile information campaign about sustainable transport - more next month! Ali, Manchester FoE (0161 834 8221, ali@manchesterfoe.org.uk) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 11: MANCHESTER MOBILISING MEETING At a recent mobilising meeting of the asylum, refugee, and migrants network for the European Social Forum, 20 asylum seekers signed up to go to the ESF in London in October (more on this next month). They have fled from repression in Russia, the Congo, Uganda, Iran, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. The main questions raised were whether any Government Ministers would be at the ESF and whether the ESF would be just a talking shop or do something. When people heard how "they lied about the war, just like they lie about asylum seekers"', and how "it was the ESF in Florence that called the mighty February 15th anti war demo" they were keen to attend, saying the ESF should "call some action in support of asylum seekers". Funds are pledged from local trades unions and the Trades Council to help subsidise the mobilisation. Asylum seekers, refugees or migrants who want to go or offers of financial contributions to cover costs to: Mark Krantz, Manchester Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers (07765 122 829, mark.krantz@ntlworld.com) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 12: HOSTS FOR HOPE People are aiming to set up a network of Manchester residents who provide temporary accommodation and practical help to destitute asylum seekers. When someone is claiming asylum they are supported by the government and not allowed to work. When their claim fails, their support is cut off and they are evicted, but still not allowed to work. Deportation, if it is even possible, can take years. This makes people homeless. They are not "illegal" at this point, they just cease to exist or to require food and shelter, apparently. The way Hosts for Hope works is that you provide a room for free for as long as you want, on your terms eg you can ask the person to leave the house when you do, can provide meals or not, from one night to a month and so on. If you are interested, get in touch. Dave Smith (0161 273 3897, 07800 589937) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 13: CLIMATE CHANGE COURSE The third in the series of courses on Climate Change is taking part at the Friends Meeting House, every Thursday evening from 30 September to 9 December. The course is for everybody who has an interest in climate change, its implications and the possibilities of lessening its intensity and impacts. A range of relevant material will be given out at each session for participants to keep and there will also be access to a small specialised library. All courses will be given by Mike Koefman BSc, secretary of the Campaign for a Hydrogen Economy. Fees are £4 per session or £40 for the whole course, with concessions available for participants on low income. Mike Koefman, CHEC (0161 273 8595) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 14: EVENTS LISTING Since the events listed is updated so often and regularly posted to the emailing lists we have only included events for the week following publication of this email version of the newsletter. Please go to our web site http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar for the latest details. SEPTEMBER 2004 All Month From Butties to Bhajis Pump House People's History Museum, Bridge Street. Working people's food in Great Britain and how this has changed and developed over the last 200 years. Info: People's History Museum (839 6061) *Wednesday 15* Networking From £88. Manchester. An up to date network of contacts to call on can be invaluable not only for communications, fundraising or PR staff, but also for anyone working in a not-for-profit organisation. Knowing how to network can bring long term results for your organisation. This workshop will discuss the importance of networking, how to manage and maintain a network, and how to make your network work for you. Bookings: The Media Trust (020 7874 7610) Is Supporting People at risk in the North West? From £25. 12.30-4.30pm, St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North. An opportunity to hear about the latest national funding issues with regard to Supporting People, and to consider how best to prepare your service for the emerging new distribution formula. Bookings: Kelly Pastore, GMCVO (277 1014, kelly.pastore@gmcvo.org.uk) Bat Walk Viridor Wood. Info: Forestry Commission (01606 882 167) Bolton Cycle Forum 5:30-7:30pm, Ante Room North, Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1. Info: Kathryn Boggiano (01204 336 114), Kevin Toye (01204 336 115) or boltoncycleforumbolton.gov.uk Improving the City Centre 6:30-8:30pm, Britannia Hotel, Portland Street. Manchester Residents Association and Tung Sing Housing Association invite you to a dinner and meeting (with Cantonese interpretation). Please come along and meet the people responsible for keeping the city centre clean, safe and nuisance free. Learn about what they do and discuss which places need cleaning up, what would make you feel safer and other issues affecting people living in the city centre. Info: Sharon Lewis (sharonlewis@ukonline.co.uk) *Thursday 16* ALL Community Group Network 12-2pm, MANCAT Shakespeare Centre, Dobson Close, Ardwick. Items on the agenda will include planning a Network Day and there will also be a viewing of the evaluation video for the A6 Partnership, which ALL Community Group Network were involved in making. Info: Carl, ALL Community Group Network (248 4248, carl@allnet.org.uk) Metrolink Rally 12:30-2pm, Albert Square . Manchester City Council is determined to bring an expanded Metrolink system to the area, and are working with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, other Greater Manchester local authorities, MPs, businesses and community leaders to achieve this. They aim to convince the Government that the expansion of Metrolink is the most efficient way to address the area's transport needs, and that it offers best value-for-money. Join the rally and add your voice. Self Awareness and Personal Empowerment 1-3pm, The Pankhurst Centre, 60-62 Nelson Street M13. (10wk course) Learn more about your inner self through discussions, group work and journal work. Increase your self-esteem and self-confidence. Info: The Pankhurst Centre (273 5673, pankhurst@zetnet.co.uk) Survivors' Poetry 1-3pm, The Pankhurst Centre, 60-62 Nelson Street M13. Info: The Pankhurst Centre (273 5673, pankhurst@zetnet.co.uk) Stockport Cycle User Group 6-8:30pm, Meeting Room 6, Stockport Town Hall. Info: (don.naylor@stockport.gov.uk) *Friday 17 - Sunday 26* Bury Environment Week See dates below or www.bury.gov.uk/Bury/CouncilServices/environment/environmentalforum/environmentweekandfair.asp Info: Julie MacKenzie (253 6983, j.a.mackenzie@bury.gov.uk) *Friday 17* A Taste of Things to Come Meet 11am at All Saint's Church, Church Lane, Whitefield. Join Pamela Parkinson, a Blue Badge Guides, in a stroll around Whitefield , visiting All Saint's Church, and discovering some famous connections; finishing the stroll, with coffee and cake. Part of Bury Environment Week. Bookings: Bury Tourist information Centre (253 5111) Free Marwan Barghouti 7pm, Friends Meeting House. Fadwa Barghouti will speak on her husband's campaign for freedom. Marwan Barghouti is an elected member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, West Bank Secretary General of the Fatah political movement, and a leader of the second Palestinian "intifada" against Israeli occupation. He is also a firm advocate of a negotiated political settlement to the Palestine/Israeli conflict. He was illegally abducted by Israeli forces in April 2002 and following his torture, detention and "showtrial" in June this year, he is now serving five life sentences inside an Israeli jail for false charges of terrorism. Info: PSC Manchester (psc@psc-manchester.org.uk) *Saturday 18 - Sunday 26 Sept* Welcome to Walking Week http://www.ramblers.org.uk/walks/ *Saturday 18 & Sunday 19* Willow Weaving £10. The Barn, Philips Park, Whitefield. Another chance to try your hand at basketry and willow art, or to improve your skills, with Cherry Chung. Part of Bury Environment Week. Bookings: David Dutton (253 5269) Scavenger Hunt Dusk, Airport aviation viewing Park, off A538 btw M56 Jn6 and airport tunnels. All family groups will be invited to have a go at a 'Scavenger Hunt' exploring the natural aspects of the site and participating children will be rewarded with a large colouring-in sheet. Normal entry charges apply (œ3 car + driver, œ1 additional occupants). Info: Andy Collins, Bollin Valley Partnership (01625 534790) Trafford Clean-up Partington. Clean-up event following on from "Litter Monsters" workshops in local schools. Info: Emma (01625 534790) *Saturday 18* Men's Health Day 9:30am-3pm, Deane and Derby Learning Centre, off Deane Road, Board Street, Bolton. Workshops, displays, free healthy breakfast, free lunch, arts performance and some speakers. Organised by Bolton Mens Health Forum. Women are welcome to attend most of the event but some workshops are for men only. Info: Alan (01204 907714) or Shahla (0793 198 3318) Car-Free Day Party 10am-4pm, Bury town centre. (Also see page 5.) Day of live entertainment, fun, games and competitions for all ages, with free soft drinks and snacks. Find out how you can achieve reduced car travel. "Get on yer bike" cycle ride (2hrs) organised by the Cyclists Touring Club: enjoy riding one of the circular cycling routes around Bury with on and off road riding around the local cycleways: meet 11am at Peel Statue, Market Place, Bury (info: John Butterworth 761 1170). Info: Lisa Houghton (253 5275) Acorn House Open Day Willow Street, Bury. Open Day to promote the services that the local community can access from their centre. There will be face painters and entertainers there as well, so come along and find out more. Part of Bury Environment Week. Info: Humera Mannan (253 6348) Take a Walk on the Wild Side 2-4pm, St Mary's Park , Prestwich. Join your local Park Ranger in exploring and discovering the natural wonders. Part of Bury Environment Week. Info: Customer Services (253 5353) Benefits 6-8pm, Whalley Range. Want to organise events to promote dialogue and a just peace in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories? Buoyed by their success, Manchester Jewish Socialist are celebrating the Jewish New Year with food and a meeting to plan more fundraising events over the next 12 months or so. Info: Judith (judith.emanuel@tiscali.co.uk) *Sunday 19* National Walking Day Supported by ITV and Government departments. http://www.britainonthemove.com/home/aboutthecampaign/National+Walking+Day.htm Back to the Future on the Fallowfield Loop œ3. Meet 1pm, outside rear entrance to Sainsbury's, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield. Afternoon walk led by Costel Harnasz walk three and a half miles to Debdale up the route of the old Fallowfield Loop railway link, now a new pedestrian and cycle track. Come along to see on which track the future lies. Info: Manchester Civic Society (236 0051) Walk on the Wild Side 2-4pm, Rossmill, Hale Barns. Could you survive in the wild? A family event, including making temporary shelters, collecting drinking water and learning about what you can and can't eat. Info: Andy Collins, Bollin Valley Partnership (01625 534790, bollin@cheshire.gov.uk) Let's Get Batty Early evening, Bowling Pavilion, Manchester Road Park, Bury. Join the Park Rangers to look for bats! Part of Bury Environment Week. Info: Customer Services (253 5353) *Monday 20 Sept - Mon 18 Oct* From Violence to Wholeness RE Centre, Plymouth Grove, Longsight. A ten part study and action programme that explores nonviolence as a creative and powerful process for addressing conflict. Info: (832 1363) *Monday 20* Getting About in Rochdale 9:30am-1pm, Rochdale Town Hall. This conference is for anyone who is interested in travel and transport in Rochdale Borough. It will be a chance to discuss plans and proposals to make it easier for people to get about, and to offer ideas on what else could be. The conference will also consider a travel and transport partnership for the Borough to guide travel and transport developments in the light of local people's views. Bookings: Tricia Byrne (01706 864749) Energy Advice 10am-12:30pm, The Bury Housing Reception Area, Bury Town Hall; 12-3pm, The Mosses Centre, Bury; 2-4pm, Whitefield Library. Energy Efficiency Officers will be offering Energy Efficiency advice & a free low energy light bulb for everyone visiting their stand. There will be lots of information about grants available for home insulation and home renewable energy systems, as well as how to save energy and keep warm and healthy in the winter. Part of Bury Environment Week. Info: Gwyn McCarthy (253 6366) *Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23* Freshers Fair Manchester Academy, Oxford Road. *Tuesday 21* International Day of Peace Info: www.un.org and www.peaceoneday.org Energy Show House 4-7pm, Energy Show House, 20 Parsonage Street, Bury BL9. See how Energy Efficient your home could be. Bring an ordinary working light bulb with you and receive two low energy bulbs in return. Part of Bury Environment Week. Info: Gwyn McCarthy (253 6366) Sustainable Pools 4-5:30pm, Friends Meeting House. Community Network for Manchester discussing Ward Co-ordination and the Strategic Regeneration Frameworks with presentations from Ed Cox on the Community Engagement Strategy and from Patrick Hanfling of the Area Co-ordination team. Sarah Benjamins, the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Partnership co-ordination officer will also be taking part in the discussion. The aim of the meeting will be to understand how Ward Co-ordination & Strategic Regeneration Frameworks are operating and the role the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Pool should play. Info: Catriona, Environment Network for Manchester (273 1763) *Wednesday 22* In Town Without My Car Day 10am-5pm, St. Ann's Street. See page 5. Freshers Fair UMIST. Energy Advice 10am-12:30pm, Whittaker Street Housing Reception Area, Radcliffe; 1:30-4:30pm, 20 Parsonage Street, Bury BL9. Energy Efficiency Officers will be offering Energy Efficiency advice & a free low energy light bulbs for exchange with normal bulbs. Lots of info about grants available for home insulation and home renewable energy systems, as well as how to save energy and keep warm and healthy in the winter. Part of Bury Environment Week. Gwyn McCarthy (253 6366) Herbal Walk œ2.50 (adults), œ1 (kids & OAPs). 2pm, Burrs Country Park. Enjoy a stroll identifying natural herbs along the way. Part of Bury Environment Week. Info: Andrea Lowe, Mind & Body Therapies (764 1440) Local Mountain Bike Ride 6pm until dark. Meet outside Pilkington's Cycles, 305 Bolton Road, Bury. Take in the scenery of Deeply Vale and Ashworth and Waughswell on a pleasant Mountain Bike Ride. The ride is suitable for 14+ years of age and is free. Under 18's should be accompanied by an adult. Part of Bury Environment Week & celebrating European Car Free Day. Info: Darren Stephens, Pilkington Cycles (764 2723) ******************************************************************** * This events listing was prepared by the "Networking Newsletter". * * http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk Tel: [pls use email] * * Please circulate with this notice intact and credit our hard * * hard work if you list any of the above info in your publications * ******************************************************************** REGULAR EVENTS ARE LISTED SEPARATELY Please see the online listing at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar/regular.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15: CONTACTS Space is too limited to list all our contacts here, so we humbly suggest you visit our web page http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Contacts An email or paper copy is available upon request by emailing contacts-request@networkingnewsletter.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 16: WORTH WHILE WEB The Networking Newsletter web site, with over 150 visits (that's over 1000 hits) each day, on average, is well worth while visiting. Not only does it have updates on news and events but it has a very comprehensive resources list - with details as varied as free laptops, meeting rooms, media tips, reviews and recycling fridges - and contacts list with over 350 groups listed. So, if you have Internet access, why not make your home page: http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17: EDITORIAL The Networking Newsletter has a ten 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. This month's newsletter is, as ever, packed with news and events. So much so we've no space to summarise them here! 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