Scoop August 2011

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~~<big><strong style~~=~~"color~~: ~~red;~~"~~>Draft~~ only, ~~page~~ under ~~construction<~~/~~strong><~~/~~big>~~

+

==Pride this Saturday, 30th July==

+

Norwich Pride 30th July 2011: 4 days to go... Listen to Pride Live! on Future Radio 107.8 FM Mondays @ 6 pm for the latest on Norwich Pride 2011:

+

www.futureradio.co.uk/listenlive / Click for the 18 July podcast / Official Pride Single 2011

+

Click here for more info about the day

+

What is Norwich Pride?: visit our FAQs page to find out

+

Contact us: info@norwichpride.org.uk

+

Find out about stewarding opportunities @ Norwich Pride, 30 July on Facebook

+

==Bloggers of note==

+

http://oneworldcolumn.blogspot.com/2011/07/with-indignados-of-norfolk-and.html

+

http://nessiek.multiply.com/journal/item/1014/Busy_Saturday

+

http://transitionnorwich.blogspot.com/

+

==Conscientious Objector to send a postcard to==

+

Mike Lyons has been sentenced to seven months in Colchester military prison for refusing to undertake rifle training. Mike's request centred on his objection to carrying a rifle as a Medic and orders not allowing him to treat civilians using the triage system. Under Convention IV of the Geneva Convention, there can be no distinction:

+

(1) Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria.

+

(2) The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.

+

He also started questioning the legality of the war in Afghanistan. It is not widely know that serving members of the armed forces are allowed under the UNHRC to develop conscientious objections:

+

The international definition of conscientious objection was broadened and reaffirmed in 1955 and 1998 when the UNCHR document called "Conscientious Objection to Military Service, United Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution 1998/77" officially recognised that 'persons (already) performing military service may develop conscientious objections'.

+

Some critics of Mike have rallied the accusation that Mike must have been 'naïve', that he signed up to it, that, 'he must have known what he was signing up for'. Lillian, Mike's wife, would agree that he was 'naïve'. That he didn't know what he was signing up for and that this is because Mike is a very different man now, than he was when he signed up in 2005. He has developed and grown as a man. He has 'developed a conscientious objection' and his right to do this is protected by the UNHRC.

+

I would ask that Friends do two things. Write letters of support to Mike Lyons at the address below. Fellow conscientious objector Joey Glenton, who was also court martialled for refusing to fight in Afghanistan says of the letters of support that were sent to him, "Every day that I was in the same prison for the same 'crime', the letters made the difference". Also, to also ask ourselves, what active role are Quakers taking to ensure that serving members of the armed forces have the information and know that they have a right to 'develop conscientious objection' ? A right which is protected by UNHRC.

+

Please write letters of support to Mike Lyons at:

+

Mike Lyons

+

236 LYONS,

+

D COMPANY,

+

MCTC,

+

BERECHURCH HALL ROAD,

+

COLCHESTER,

+

CO2 9NU

+

==DALE FARM SOLIDARITY - First they came for the Gypsies==

+

The date for eviction looms heavy. Dale Farm family homes are liable to bulldozing from midnight on 31st August. Dale Farm residents are devastated. Meantime, Saturday activity days at Dale Farm are growing in strength each week. Supporters from across the UK are visiting Dale Farm each Saturday, spending time with residents, taking part in legal observer training sessions, helping with practical logistics for the site, meeting with experts from Essex University Human Rights Clinic, and joining a growing network of committed solidarity workers preparing for resistance through civil disobedience. There’s a huge amount of work to be done, but each week brings new faces, ingenuity, thoughtfulness, energy, and hope.

+

Actions for supporters:

+

1. Attend the next solidarity activity day at Dale Farm on Saturday, 30th July

+

Come to Dale Farm this Saturday, 30th July, 11am. Another briefing for later arrivals at 1pm. See http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/activity for details. We're only 30 mins from London Liverpool St. and can pick you up from the station http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/contact

+

2. Sign up to join ‘Camp Constant’, opening 27th August

+

To sign up to a txt alert in case of eviction, or to spend a night at Dale Farm so that we have a constant presence there, visit https://smsalerts.tachanka.org/dalefarm/ . Please send this link to your friends and share it on social networking sites.

+

3. Dale Farm Solidarity Demo – demo callout, Saturday, 10th Sept:

+

Dale Farm Solidarity together with numerous other groups (including No One is Illegal, London No Borders, Unite Against Fascism) has called a demonstration starting at 1pm on Saturday, Sept 10th or earlier if the eviction starts before then. Join us at Wickford Train Station, just 30 minutes by train from London Liverpool Street Station. The march will then proceed to Dale Farm and Camp Constant, a base at Dale Farm for human rights monitors and those who will engage in civil disobedience to stop the bulldozing. Buses will also be available. Please share the link http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/demo/ or use this callout to spread the word. Please invite your friends to the facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245406565483199

+

4. Sign and send a letter to Kenneth Clarke, Secretary of State for Justice expressing your concern that the Legal Aid Bill as currently formulated which will disproportionately impact on Travellers and Gypsies. This Bill threatens to remove Gypsies and Travellers access to legal support, and as a consequence seriously undermines the protection under the law of their rights. Here’s a letter written by members of the Essex Human Rights Clinic, which can be printed out and signed; just add your name and address, and put it in the post, or you can email a copy to: office@rushcliffeconservatives.com . You can also sign the petition here: http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/no-mad-laws/3062

+

Contact savedalefarm@gmail.com

==Badger petition==

Just follow this link www.league.org.uk/badgerpetition

-

== ~~7th August Grapes Hill Community Garden Grand Opening==~~

+

==Farming with FarmShare (Postwick) – every Wednesday and Thursday==

-

To celebrate the recent opening to the public of this rather unique garden the Grapes Hill Community Garden Group hosted a party last Sunday evening (10th July) to follow on from the very successful St Benedict’s Street Fair. After some heavy showers in the late afternoon the rain held off and the warm evening drew in the crowds. It is estimated that over 150 people attended the event entertained by a selection of local bands including Pattern, Tom Conway, Terry Adams, Feral Mouth and the Indebtors. Our guests were able to sit around the circular lawn and enjoy the music. The Green Grocers provided some excellent burgers, sausages, falafels and salads and some local real ales and cider all at very reasonable prices with friendly service. They tell us that “it was such a lovely day - We all enjoyed ourselves very much and cannot wait for the next one.”Most people were simply blown away by the beautiful surroundings and amazed at how quickly the plants had established themselves. Volunteers from the community only began planting the trees and shrubs in January and they have been planting, watering and weeding ever since. Others could not believe that they did not know the garden was there, tucked away between the St Benedict’s View business units that run alongside Grapes Hill and the back of the Valentine Street terraces. An information sheet allowed our guests to walk around the garden and identify the different plants and features in each area. This is a unique garden as most of the plants, shrubs and trees have been chosen for their edible leaves, flowers or fruit. The less edible wild flower meadows also proved popular. Application forms for membership and rental of raised beds were given out. The raised beds will be available for local people to rent and grow their own vegetables from next January and further application forms are available from the website, or emailing contact@grapeshillcommunitygarden.org or by writing to 12 Valentine Street, Norwich NR2 4BA. Priority will be given to members of the group (~~membership starts at £3 a year for low income and unwaged~~) and those without transport and a garden of their own. Wheelchair users will be given priority over the 5 smaller beds designed especially for such use. Visitors enjoyed the information stall which included a photo display chronicling the making of the garden. (More photos covering progress made over the last year can be seen on our website www.grapeshillcommunitygarden.org including some photos selected from Peter Salt’s collection which show how the Grapes Hill area has changed considerably over the years, in particular when the narrow old street was made into a busy dual carriageway in 1970.) Landscaping and planting of the garden has been funded by a Big Lottery/Community Spaces/Groundwork grant and the Greater Norwich Development Partnership. Smaller grants have been received from, Norwich City Council, RESPECT, Norfolk Community Foundation, the John Jarrold Trust, and the East of England Co-operative Society. Further help has been received from a variety of local businesses offering their services or goods for free or at reduced rates. Acknowledgment of this generosity is given in full on our website and all have been invited to the Grand Opening on the 7th August. To find out how to set up your own community group and sustain it, including funding ideas, take a look at http://www.southnorwichnews.co.uk/big-ideas. This is a local news website that has received funding to help people with vision, drive, commitment and passion to get their projects off the ground with a view to changing the world for the better. The Grapes Hill Community Garden group were happy to advise the South Norwich News based on the experiences we have had. Our next public meeting will be on Thursday 28th July, at Inner Space, Maude Gray Court, St. Benedict's Street, Norwich, NR2 4PA. 7.30 - 8.30pm. All welcome.The Garden will officially open with a big launch event on Sunday 7th August from 11am – 3pm. Local celebrity gardener Will Giles will ceremoniously cut the ribbon at around 11am and avid gardener Dave Rowntree, drummer with BLUR, has said he would be delighted to come along to see the garden for himself and meet the local residents. The Green Grocers are thrilled to be making a repeat appearance to provide the food and bar. Ronaldos will be selling a range of ice- creams and local musicians will be providing the entertainment. Face Painting and a specially designed garden competition should keep the children happy. Entrance is free.

+

Norwich FarmShare is a community supported agriculture initiative, as such its success will depend on willing hands of all ages and skills – perhaps your hands. In return for their effort volunteers help to ensure that the farm can continue to grow and distribute fantastic vegetables to members, learn new skills, meet new people and become part of something important, something that in coming years we think could change the way people in Norwich think about food and the way they eat it.

-

~~==The Greenword Tree's Exciting Children's Theatrical Summer Adventures!==~~

+

There’s plenty to do if we’re to make this change happen, from promoting the project and running stalls at events right through to helping with the harvest and its distribution. Most of the volunteer work can be done by pretty much anyone and all of it can be done for as little or as much time as you choose.

+

Here are some of the things we could really do with help with right now:

-

The Greenword Tree, a creative ensemble of performers, writers, storytellers, and one musician, are staging a number of inter-active theatre events for children at Catton Park, Blickling Hall and Dragon Hall this August - if you want to see Tall Tale Liam get covered in porridge and his mate Tilly the Talespinner digging him in deeper with the bad tempered Queen, than this could be the show for you, or maybe even for someone you know ....and if not that show, maybe one of the others .... spread the porridge...., I mean word ... (flyer attached)

+

Weedy Wednesday!

+

The rain has done our vegetables no end of good, but it has also helped the weeds. You’re more than welcome to join Laura and the growing team every Wednesday morning (from about 10:30) to weed, have a look at how things are growing and, of course, meet other FarmSharers.

+

Laura would really like some help as soon as possible if she is to prevent the annual weeds setting seed and storing up problems for next year: a group of 10 working for 4 or 5 hours could weed the whole plot – think of the satisfaction in getting the whole lot done at once (I know Laura can)!

+

Thursday Harvest Team

+

The weekly harvest is probably going to be one of the most satisfying jobs on the farm but, as the membership numbers rise, it will take up an increasing amount of time; Laura and her growing team would really appreciate a small group of volunteers to help harvest and pack the vegetables ready for delivery.

+

Thursday Collections

+

It would be helpful to have 1 or 2 volunteers overseeing the collections from Unit 6. Alternatively you might be able to act as a pick up point for a group of neighbours or be willing to collect and drop off shares for people who live near you; please do get in touch.

+

==August 6th, Hiroshima Anniversary==

+

Norfolk Quakers invite everyone to join an open air Quaker Meeting, at the Feet of Sir Thomas Browne (Hay Hill next to Peter Mancroft) 11-30 till noon.

+

This is a reflective event, starting with silence, where anyone who feels moved to is welcome to speak.

+

CND invites us all to gather at the Peace Pillar in Chapelfield Garden onat 3pm to lay some flowers

+

==EarthFirst Summer Gathering, 10-15th August, Woolsey Farm, near Diss==

+

Great workshops for activists, great place to camp, most of all lovely people.

+

Check it out at http://www.earthfirstgathering.org.uk

+

==Harlequin Fayre, 12th to 14th August==

+

Harlequin Fayre (previously known as Green Man Fayre) is billed as a mini green gathering at a secret site near Norwich in East Anglia. The event expands to a four day event running from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August 2011 on a farm in Suffolk with camping for a limited number of people.

+

Line-up

+

King Porter Stomp, Sam And The Womp, Henry Brothers, Madam Laycock and her Dabeno Pleasures, Headspace, Flutatious, Loose Leaf Drifters, Andy Kirkham, Feral Mouth, Slightly Offensive Steve, Swingball, The Boot Lagoon, UNiX, Lapis Lazuli, Panic Dance, Tsigayner, Tilly the Talespinner, Coamhe, I Am Tim, Dandelion and the Rockets, Ginger Snaps, Dolly go Tightly, Compered by Liam Carroll, and many other acts to be confirmed.

+

Tickets

+

An adult weekend ticket is priced at £60, a teen (aged 13-17 years) ticket is priced at £19, a child (aged 0-12 years) is priced at £8, a car pass is £8, and a campervan pass is priced at £20, and a caravan pass £12. Harlequin Fayre will remain an 'advance ticket only' event and it is expected to sell out so please book your tickets in good time. To buy tickets click here.

+

Green ethos

+

The weekend is entirely powered by the sun, wind and peddle power as the focus is on all things green - how to lessen your impact and still have a great life! It has already been likened to the Albion Fairs of old with music, crafts, and stalls.

+

It's very child friendly, and there's plenty for the adults too - from organic beers to some good bands. Tickets are expected to be by advance purchase only.

+

Entertainment

+

Entertainments will include bands, poetry, cabaret, speakers, comedy, cinema, walkabout theatre and more.

+

There is a good amount of activities for children of all ages, in a dedicated kids area which will be bigger and very central and the new site allows for the Healing Area to occupy it's own wooded glade.

+

Camping

+

Camping is within the perimeter of the event, the location of the site will be sent to ticket-holders some days before the event.

+

More information will be here when available.

+

==Transition events==

+

Tuesday, 2 Auguest

+

Magdalen Street Celebration

+

Time: 19:00

+

Venue: Aladdin's Cafe, 3 Magdalen Steet

+

Meeeting to discuss and plan second neighbourhood festival in October

+

Contact: Karen artoftheordinary@googlemail.com or Stefi Barna on 07964 494836

+

- - - -

+

Wednesday, 5 August

+

Low Carbon Cookbook@Foodcycle

+

Time: 19:00

+

Venue: Cafe, Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane

+

Conversation to discuss waste and the industrial food system and what we can do about it. Everyone welcome.

+

Contact: Charlotte Du Cann rootsshootsandseeds@hotmail.co.uk

+

- - -

+

Sunday 7 August 10:30

+

Encounters with butterfliesTime: 10:30 - 16:00

+

Venue: UEA, Arts building, room 01.03, NR4 7TJLearn about the impact of climate change on butterflies and how you can get involved with the research.

+

Contact: Nathalie N.Gilbert (at) uea.ac.uk

+

== 7th August Grapes Hill Community Garden Grand Opening==

+

The Garden will officially open with a big launch event on Sunday 7th August from 11am – 3pm. Local celebrity gardener Will Giles will ceremoniously cut the ribbon at around 11am and avid gardener Dave Rowntree, drummer with BLUR, has said he would be delighted to come along to see the garden for himself and meet the local residents. The Green Grocers are thrilled to be making a repeat appearance to provide the food and bar. Ronaldos will be selling a range of ice- creams and local musicians will be providing the entertainment. Face Painting and a specially designed garden competition should keep the children happy. Entrance is free.

+

Volunteers from the community only began planting the trees and shrubs in January and they have been planting, watering and weeding ever since. Others could not believe that they did not know the garden was there, tucked away between the St Benedict’s View business units that run alongside Grapes Hill and the back of the Valentine Street terraces. An information sheet allowed our guests to walk around the garden and identify the different plants and features in each area. This is a unique garden as most of the plants, shrubs and trees have been chosen for their edible leaves, flowers or fruit. The less edible wild flower meadows also proved popular.

+

The raised beds will be available for local people to rent and grow their own vegetables from next January and further application forms are available from the website, or emailing contact@grapeshillcommunitygarden.org or by writing to 12 Valentine Street, Norwich NR2 4BA. Priority will be given to members of the group (membership starts at £3 a year for low income and unwaged) and those without transport and a garden of their own. Wheelchair users will be given priority over the 5 smaller beds designed especially for such use.

+

To find out how to set up your own community group and sustain it, including funding ideas, take a look at http://www.southnorwichnews.co.uk/big-ideas. This is a local news website that has received funding to help people with vision, drive, commitment and passion to get their projects off the ground with a view to changing the world for the better.

+

==The Greenword Tree's Exciting Children's Theatrical Summer Adventures!==

+

The Greenword Tree, a creative ensemble of performers, writers, storytellers, and one musician, are staging a number of inter-active theatre events for children at Catton Park, Blickling Hall and Dragon Hall this August - if you want to see Tall Tale Liam get covered in porridge and his mate Tilly the Talespinner digging him in deeper with the bad tempered Queen, than this could be the show for you, or maybe even for someone you know ....and if not that show, maybe one of the others .... spread the porridge...., I mean word ... (flyer attached)

The Teddy Bears Potty Porridge Adventure (3-6 yr olds)

Goldilocks eats Baby Bear’s porridge while the Queen of Oats is hungry and the Porridge Jester doesn’t know what to do. It's his last chance to make a decent bowl of porridge for the Queen or he’s fired! How will the audience help save the Porridge Jester from the wrath of the bad tempered Queen? Porridge making fun for everyone.

-

The Dragon-Seeker's Quest (6-12 yr olds)

Junior heroes can join the Dragon-Seeker’s Quest with Tad, the Dragon-Seeker in training. Help Tad find the Alchemist’s woodland retreat and get hold of the Hero’s Elixir – make your own potions and get past The Teller of Tales if you dare. But what will happen when deep in the woods, Tad finds the Old Dragon Woman who only speaks in riddles?

-

The Day The Dinosaur's Came Back (special family event)

Come to the family performance of The Day the Dinosaurs Came back when Catton Park’s woodland trail will resonate with strange, primeval sounds and the dinner lady turned amateur sleuth unearths the mystery of what is lurking in the woods.

-

'My Grand-daughters and I loved this event. Age 10 and 7 they said it is the best thing they have ever done! What fun it all was for everyone whatever age we were.' - email to Dragon Hall after 'The Dragon-Seeker's Quest' event during the Dragon Festival

-

£3.00 entry. All shows start at 11 am and 2 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

-

CATTON PARK, Norwich, NR6.

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Tuesday, 2nd and 16th August, The Teddy Bears Potty Porridge Adventure

Tuesday 9th and 23rd August, The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest

BLICKLING HALL

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Wednesday, 17th August The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest

Thursday 18th August The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest

DRAGON HALL

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Wednesday, 31st August The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest

-

The Greenword Tree creates exciting, site-specific, exciting interactive theatre for children. Children step into an adventure taking part in magical activities written into the original scripts.

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-<big><strong style="color: red;">Draft only, page under construction</strong></big>
+==Pride this Saturday, 30th July==
+Norwich Pride 30th July 2011: 4 days to go... Listen to Pride Live! on Future Radio 107.8 FM Mondays @ 6 pm for the latest on Norwich Pride 2011:
+www.futureradio.co.uk/listenlive / Click for the 18 July podcast / Official Pride Single 2011
+Click here for more info about the day
+What is Norwich Pride?: visit our FAQs page to find out
+Contact us: info@norwichpride.org.uk
+Find out about stewarding opportunities @ Norwich Pride, 30 July on Facebook
+==Bloggers of note==
+http://oneworldcolumn.blogspot.com/2011/07/with-indignados-of-norfolk-and.html
+http://nessiek.multiply.com/journal/item/1014/Busy_Saturday
+http://transitionnorwich.blogspot.com/
+==Conscientious Objector to send a postcard to==
+Mike Lyons has been sentenced to seven months in Colchester military prison for refusing to undertake rifle training. Mike's request centred on his objection to carrying a rifle as a Medic and orders not allowing him to treat civilians using the triage system. Under Convention IV of the Geneva Convention, there can be no distinction:
+(1) Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria.
+(2) The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.
+He also started questioning the legality of the war in Afghanistan. It is not widely know that serving members of the armed forces are allowed under the UNHRC to develop conscientious objections:
+The international definition of conscientious objection was broadened and reaffirmed in 1955 and 1998 when the UNCHR document called "Conscientious Objection to Military Service, United Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution 1998/77" officially recognised that 'persons (already) performing military service may develop conscientious objections'.
+Some critics of Mike have rallied the accusation that Mike must have been 'naïve', that he signed up to it, that, 'he must have known what he was signing up for'. Lillian, Mike's wife, would agree that he was 'naïve'. That he didn't know what he was signing up for and that this is because Mike is a very different man now, than he was when he signed up in 2005. He has developed and grown as a man. He has 'developed a conscientious objection' and his right to do this is protected by the UNHRC.
+I would ask that Friends do two things. Write letters of support to Mike Lyons at the address below. Fellow conscientious objector Joey Glenton, who was also court martialled for refusing to fight in Afghanistan says of the letters of support that were sent to him, "Every day that I was in the same prison for the same 'crime', the letters made the difference". Also, to also ask ourselves, what active role are Quakers taking to ensure that serving members of the armed forces have the information and know that they have a right to 'develop conscientious objection' ? A right which is protected by UNHRC.
+Please write letters of support to Mike Lyons at:
+Mike Lyons
+LYONS,
+D COMPANY,
+MCTC,
+BERECHURCH HALL ROAD,
+COLCHESTER,
+CO2 9NU
+==DALE FARM SOLIDARITY - First they came for the Gypsies==
+The date for eviction looms heavy. Dale Farm family homes are liable to bulldozing from midnight on 31st August. Dale Farm residents are devastated. Meantime, Saturday activity days at Dale Farm are growing in strength each week. Supporters from across the UK are visiting Dale Farm each Saturday, spending time with residents, taking part in legal observer training sessions, helping with practical logistics for the site, meeting with experts from Essex University Human Rights Clinic, and joining a growing network of committed solidarity workers preparing for resistance through civil disobedience. There’s a huge amount of work to be done, but each week brings new faces, ingenuity, thoughtfulness, energy, and hope.
+Actions for supporters:
+.   Attend the next solidarity activity day at Dale Farm on Saturday, 30th July
+Come to Dale Farm this Saturday, 30th July, 11am.  Another briefing for later arrivals at 1pm.  See http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/activity for details.  We're only 30 mins from London Liverpool St. and can pick you up from the station  http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/contact
+.   Sign up to join ‘Camp Constant’, opening 27th August
+To sign up to a txt alert in case of eviction, or to spend a night at Dale Farm so that we have a constant presence there, visit https://smsalerts.tachanka.org/dalefarm/ .  Please send this link to your friends and share it on social networking sites.
+.   Dale Farm Solidarity Demo – demo callout, Saturday, 10th Sept:
+Dale Farm Solidarity together with numerous other groups (including No One is Illegal, London No Borders, Unite Against Fascism) has called a demonstration starting at 1pm on Saturday, Sept 10th or earlier if the eviction starts before then.  Join us at Wickford Train Station, just 30 minutes by train from London Liverpool Street Station. The march will then proceed to Dale Farm and Camp Constant, a base at Dale Farm for human rights monitors and those who will engage in civil disobedience to stop the bulldozing. Buses will also be available.  Please share the link http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/demo/ or use this callout to spread the word.  Please invite your friends to the facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245406565483199
+.   Sign and send a letter to Kenneth Clarke, Secretary of State for Justice expressing your concern that the Legal Aid Bill as currently formulated which will disproportionately impact on Travellers and Gypsies. This Bill threatens to remove Gypsies and Travellers access to legal support, and as a consequence seriously undermines the protection under the law of their rights. Here’s a letter written by members of the Essex Human Rights Clinic, which can be printed out and signed; just add your name and address, and put it in the post, or you can email a copy to: office@rushcliffeconservatives.com  .  You can also sign the petition here: http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/no-mad-laws/3062
+Contact savedalefarm@gmail.com
 ==Badger petition==
 Just follow this link www.league.org.uk/badgerpetition
-== 7th August Grapes Hill Community Garden  Grand Opening==
+==Farming with FarmShare (Postwick) – every Wednesday and Thursday==
-To celebrate the recent opening to the public of this rather unique garden the Grapes Hill Community Garden Group hosted a party last Sunday evening (10th July) to follow on from the very successful St Benedict’s Street Fair.  After some heavy showers in the late afternoon the rain held off and the warm evening drew in the crowds. It is estimated that over 150 people attended the event entertained by a selection of local bands including Pattern, Tom Conway, Terry Adams, Feral Mouth and the Indebtors.    Our guests were able to sit around the circular lawn and enjoy the music. The Green Grocers provided some excellent burgers, sausages, falafels and salads and some local real ales and cider all at very reasonable prices with friendly service. They tell us that “it was such a lovely day -  We all enjoyed ourselves very much and cannot wait for the next one.”Most people were simply blown away by the beautiful surroundings and amazed at how quickly the plants had established themselves.  Volunteers from the community only began planting the trees and shrubs in January and they have been planting, watering and weeding ever since. Others could not believe that they did not know the garden was there, tucked away between the St Benedict’s View business units that run alongside Grapes Hill and the back of the Valentine Street terraces. An information sheet allowed our guests to walk around the garden and identify the different plants and features in each area. This is a unique garden as most of the plants, shrubs and trees have been chosen for their edible leaves,  flowers or fruit. The less edible wild flower meadows also proved popular.  Application forms for membership and rental of raised beds were given out. The raised beds will be available for local people to rent and grow their own vegetables from next January and further application forms are available from the website, or emailing contact@grapeshillcommunitygarden.org  or by writing to 12 Valentine Street, Norwich NR2 4BA.  Priority will be given to members of the group (membership starts at £3 a year for low income and unwaged) and those without transport and a garden of their own.  Wheelchair users will be given priority over the 5 smaller beds designed especially for such use. Visitors enjoyed the information stall which included a photo display chronicling the making of the garden. (More photos covering progress made over the last year can be seen on our website www.grapeshillcommunitygarden.org including some photos selected from Peter Salt’s collection which show how the Grapes Hill area has changed considerably over the years, in particular when the narrow old street was made into a busy dual carriageway in 1970.)  Landscaping and planting of the garden has been funded by a Big Lottery/Community Spaces/Groundwork grant and the Greater Norwich Development Partnership.  Smaller grants have been received from, Norwich City Council, RESPECT, Norfolk Community Foundation, the John Jarrold Trust, and the East of England   Co-operative Society.  Further help has been received from  a variety of local businesses offering their services or goods for free or at reduced rates.  Acknowledgment of this generosity is given in full on our website and all have been invited to the Grand Opening on the 7th August. To find out how to set up your own community group and sustain it, including funding ideas,  take a look at http://www.southnorwichnews.co.uk/big-ideas.  This is a local news website that has received funding to help people with vision, drive, commitment and passion to get their projects off the ground with a view to changing the world for the better.  The Grapes Hill Community Garden group were happy to advise the South Norwich News based on the experiences we have had.  Our next public meeting will be on Thursday 28th July, at Inner Space, Maude Gray Court, St. Benedict's Street, Norwich, NR2 4PA. 7.30 - 8.30pm. All welcome.The Garden will officially open with a big launch event on Sunday 7th August from 11am – 3pm. Local celebrity gardener Will Giles will ceremoniously cut the ribbon at around 11am and avid gardener Dave Rowntree, drummer with BLUR, has said he would be delighted to come along to see the garden for himself and meet the local residents. The Green Grocers are thrilled to be making a repeat appearance to provide the food and bar.  Ronaldos will be selling a range of ice- creams and local musicians will be providing the entertainment.  Face Painting and a specially designed garden competition should keep the children happy. Entrance is free.
+Norwich FarmShare is a community supported agriculture initiative, as such its success will depend on willing hands of all ages and skills – perhaps your hands. In return for their effort volunteers help to ensure that the farm can continue to grow and distribute fantastic vegetables to members, learn new skills, meet new people and become part of something important, something that in coming years we think could change the way people in Norwich think about food and the way they eat it.
-==The Greenword Tree's Exciting Children's Theatrical Summer Adventures!==
+There’s plenty to do if we’re to make this change happen, from promoting the project and running stalls at events right through to helping with the harvest and its distribution. Most of the volunteer work can be done by pretty much anyone and all of it can be done for as little or as much time as you choose.
+Here are some of the things we could really do with help with right now:
-The Greenword Tree, a creative ensemble of performers, writers, storytellers, and one musician, are staging a number of inter-active theatre events for children at Catton Park, Blickling Hall and Dragon Hall this August - if you want to see Tall Tale Liam get covered in porridge and his mate Tilly the Talespinner digging him in deeper with the bad tempered Queen, than this could be the show for you, or maybe even for someone you know ....and if not that show, maybe one of the others .... spread the porridge...., I mean word ... (flyer attached)
+Weedy Wednesday!
+The rain has done our vegetables no end of good, but it has also helped the weeds. You’re more than welcome to join Laura and the growing team every  Wednesday morning (from about 10:30) to weed, have a look at how things are growing and, of course, meet other FarmSharers.
+Laura would really like some help as soon as possible if she is to prevent the annual weeds setting seed and storing up problems for next year: a group of 10 working for 4 or 5 hours could weed the whole plot – think of the satisfaction in getting the whole lot done at once (I know Laura can)!
+Thursday Harvest Team
+The weekly harvest is probably going to be one of the most satisfying jobs on the farm but, as the membership numbers rise,  it will take up an increasing amount of time; Laura and her growing team would really   appreciate a small group of volunteers to help harvest and pack the vegetables ready for delivery.
+Thursday Collections
+It would be helpful to have 1 or 2 volunteers overseeing the collections from Unit 6. Alternatively you might be able to act as a pick up point for a group of neighbours or be willing to collect and drop off shares for people   who live near you; please do get in touch.
+==August 6th, Hiroshima Anniversary==
+Norfolk Quakers invite everyone to join an open air Quaker Meeting, at the Feet of Sir Thomas Browne (Hay Hill next to Peter Mancroft) 11-30 till noon.
+This is a reflective event, starting with silence, where anyone who feels moved to is welcome to speak.
+CND invites us all to gather at the Peace Pillar in Chapelfield Garden onat 3pm to lay some flowers
+==EarthFirst Summer Gathering, 10-15th August, Woolsey Farm, near Diss==
+Great workshops for activists, great place to camp, most of all lovely people.
+Check it out at http://www.earthfirstgathering.org.uk
+==Harlequin Fayre, 12th to 14th August==
+Harlequin Fayre (previously known as Green Man Fayre) is billed as a mini green gathering at a secret site near Norwich in East Anglia. The event expands to a four day event running from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August 2011 on a farm in Suffolk with camping for a limited number of people.
+Line-up
+King Porter Stomp, Sam And The Womp, Henry Brothers, Madam Laycock and her Dabeno Pleasures, Headspace, Flutatious, Loose Leaf Drifters, Andy Kirkham, Feral Mouth, Slightly Offensive Steve, Swingball, The Boot Lagoon, UNiX, Lapis Lazuli, Panic Dance, Tsigayner, Tilly the Talespinner, Coamhe, I Am Tim, Dandelion and the Rockets, Ginger Snaps, Dolly go Tightly, Compered by Liam Carroll, and many other acts to be confirmed.
+Tickets
+An adult weekend ticket is priced at £60, a teen (aged 13-17 years) ticket is priced at £19, a child (aged 0-12 years) is priced at £8, a car pass is £8, and a campervan pass is priced at £20, and a caravan pass £12. Harlequin Fayre will remain an 'advance ticket only' event and it is expected to sell out so please book your tickets in good time. To buy tickets click here.
+Green ethos
+The weekend is entirely powered by the sun, wind and peddle power as the focus is on all things green - how to lessen your impact and still have a great life! It has already been likened to the Albion Fairs of old with music, crafts, and stalls.
+It's very child friendly, and there's plenty for the adults too - from organic beers to some good bands. Tickets are expected to be by advance purchase only.
+Entertainment
+Entertainments will include bands, poetry, cabaret, speakers, comedy, cinema, walkabout theatre and more.
+There is a good amount of activities for children of all ages, in a dedicated kids area which will be bigger and very central and the new site allows for the Healing Area to occupy it's own wooded glade.
+Camping
+Camping is within the perimeter of the event, the location of the site will be sent to ticket-holders some days before the event.
+More information will be here when available.
+==Transition events==
+Tuesday, 2 Auguest
+Magdalen Street Celebration
+Time: 19:00
+Venue: Aladdin's Cafe, 3 Magdalen Steet
+Meeeting to discuss and plan second neighbourhood festival in October
+Contact: Karen artoftheordinary@googlemail.com or Stefi Barna on 07964 494836
+- - - -
+Wednesday, 5 August
+Low Carbon Cookbook@Foodcycle
+Time: 19:00
+Venue: Cafe, Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane
+Conversation to discuss waste and the industrial food system and what we can do about it. Everyone welcome.
+Contact: Charlotte Du Cann rootsshootsandseeds@hotmail.co.uk
+- - -
+Sunday 7 August 10:30
+Encounters with butterfliesTime: 10:30 - 16:00
+Venue: UEA, Arts building, room 01.03, NR4 7TJLearn about the impact of climate change on butterflies and how you can get involved with the research.
+ Contact: Nathalie N.Gilbert (at) uea.ac.uk
+== 7th August Grapes Hill Community Garden  Grand Opening==
+The Garden will officially open with a big launch event on Sunday 7th August from 11am – 3pm. Local celebrity gardener Will Giles will ceremoniously cut the ribbon at around 11am and avid gardener Dave Rowntree, drummer with BLUR, has said he would be delighted to come along to see the garden for himself and meet the local residents. The Green Grocers are thrilled to be making a repeat appearance to provide the food and bar.  Ronaldos will be selling a range of ice- creams and local musicians will be providing the entertainment.  Face Painting and a specially designed garden competition should keep the children happy. Entrance is free.
+  Volunteers from the community only began planting the trees and shrubs in January and they have been planting, watering and weeding ever since. Others could not believe that they did not know the garden was there, tucked away between the St Benedict’s View business units that run alongside Grapes Hill and the back of the Valentine Street terraces. An information sheet allowed our guests to walk around the garden and identify the different plants and features in each area. This is a unique garden as most of the plants, shrubs and trees have been chosen for their edible leaves,  flowers or fruit. The less edible wild flower meadows also proved popular.
+ The raised beds will be available for local people to rent and grow their own vegetables from next January and further application forms are available from the website, or emailing contact@grapeshillcommunitygarden.org  or by writing to 12 Valentine Street, Norwich NR2 4BA.  Priority will be given to members of the group (membership starts at £3 a year for low income and unwaged) and those without transport and a garden of their own.  Wheelchair users will be given priority over the 5 smaller beds designed especially for such use.
+ To find out how to set up your own community group and sustain it, including funding ideas,  take a look at http://www.southnorwichnews.co.uk/big-ideas.  This is a local news website that has received funding to help people with vision, drive, commitment and passion to get their projects off the ground with a view to changing the world for the better.
+==The Greenword Tree's Exciting Children's Theatrical Summer Adventures!==
+The Greenword Tree, a creative ensemble of performers, writers, storytellers, and one musician, are staging a number of inter-active theatre events for children at Catton Park, Blickling Hall and Dragon Hall this August - if you want to see Tall Tale Liam get covered in porridge and his mate Tilly the Talespinner digging him in deeper with the bad tempered Queen, than this could be the show for you, or maybe even for someone you know ....and if not that show, maybe one of the others .... spread the porridge...., I mean word ... (flyer attached)
 The Teddy Bears Potty Porridge Adventure (3-6 yr olds)
 Goldilocks eats Baby Bear’s porridge while the Queen of Oats is hungry and the Porridge Jester doesn’t know what to do. It's his last chance to make a decent bowl of porridge for the Queen or he’s fired! How will the audience help save the Porridge Jester from the wrath of the bad tempered Queen? Porridge making fun for everyone.
 The Dragon-Seeker's Quest (6-12 yr olds)
 Junior heroes can join the Dragon-Seeker’s Quest with Tad, the Dragon-Seeker in training. Help Tad find the Alchemist’s woodland retreat and get hold of the Hero’s Elixir – make your own potions and get past The Teller of Tales if you dare. But what will happen when deep in the woods, Tad finds the Old Dragon Woman who only speaks in riddles?
 The Day The Dinosaur's Came Back (special family event)
 Come to the family performance of The Day the Dinosaurs Came back when Catton Park’s woodland trail will resonate with strange, primeval sounds and the dinner lady turned amateur sleuth unearths the mystery of what is lurking in the woods.
 'My Grand-daughters and I loved this event. Age 10 and 7 they said it is the best thing they have ever done! What fun it all was for everyone whatever age we were.' - email to Dragon Hall after 'The Dragon-Seeker's Quest' event during the Dragon Festival
 £3.00 entry. All shows start at 11 am and 2 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
 CATTON PARK, Norwich, NR6.
 Tuesday, 2nd and 16th August, The Teddy Bears Potty Porridge Adventure
 Tuesday 9th and 23rd August, The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest
 BLICKLING HALL
 Wednesday, 17th August The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest
 Thursday 18th August The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest
 DRAGON HALL
 Wednesday, 31st August The Dragon-Seeker’s Quest
 The Greenword Tree creates exciting, site-specific, exciting interactive theatre for children. Children step into an adventure taking part in magical activities written into the original scripts.