NEWS IS THE COMMUNITY

Black youth worker arrested for watching police wins compensation

British Transport Police to pay £22,000 to man handcuffed and held for four hours after witnessing teenager being detained. A black youth worker arrested and charged for watching at a distance as police detained a teenager at a London railway station is to receive an apology and £22,000 compensation from the British Transport police.

Ken Hinds, 50, who regularly liaises with police in his work for a charity tackling gang violence, will receive the payout under an agreement to be finalised later this week. While his lawyer welcomed the settlement, she expressed grave concern that the officers involved received only a minor reprimand despite their admission – contrary to the evidence they gave in court – that one of them copied his evidence from his colleague.

Fiona Murphy, of solicitors Bhatt Murphy, also condemned the BTP for failing to properly investigate the incident over a period of five years, and only settling when faced with a high court claim for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Incidents in which black men were arrested for no apparent reason remained "almost routine" despite decades of efforts to eradicate racism among police forces in London, she added.

Please follow link: No justice, Just us!

Save Our Streets

The News of the World is holding another Save Our Streets public debate in Manchester on how to tackle violent crime - at 7pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at the Powerhouse. We would dearly like to extend an invitation to you to attend - in any or all of your various capacities. I would also - as previously - be indebted to you if you are able to suggest to me people to invite. I've kept the details of all those you recommended from last year - and there are obviously potential new ones throughout the North West on which I'm working at this moment.

 The format remains the same: The event is free but ticketed. We invite 150 people including victims’ families’ either as individuals or as members of several North West self-support groups. Also present will be community leaders, official bodies, those who do paid or voluntary work to try and prevent crime with initiatives for the young and indeed anyone who has an interest in or concern about the subject. The debate will last between 90 minutes and two hours.

The panel includes: *Helen Newlove who lost her husband Garry two years ago when he was brutally murdered by youths after confronting them about vandalism outside his Warrington home, *Lord Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, *Greater Manchester Chief Constable Peter Fahy, and *Iain Duncan Smith, MP, former Tory party leader and now Chairman of the Centre for Social Justice - an independent think tank which seeks effective solutions to poverty. There will be one more, as yet unconfirmed, from the community.

Last September's event at the Powerhouse is at http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/campaigns/save_our_streets/34813/Widow-of-Garry-Newlove-slams-thugs-who-laugh-at-law-and-backs-out-campaign.html It was followed by other debates this year throughout the country, most recently at Leeds… http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/420334/VIDEO-See-the-Save-Our-Streets-roadshow-in-Leeds.html

 People attending can just sit and listen, but should anyone wish to speak, be it to make a point or ask a question, all they have to do is stick their hand up – and the chairperson tries to accommodate everyone. We stress it is thrown open to the people - it is not a Panel speaking down to an audience.  I can happily provide tickets for yourself, colleagues or any of the many people you know. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07836-382525 or by email at kev@goddit.co.uk  Hope to hear from you. Kevin Ludden, for the News of the World at Manchester

The following may be of interest to the charities with whom you work

The Peter Cruddas Foundation is a grant making Foundation that aims to support charitable works that benefit disadvantaged and disengaged young people in the UK by ensuring that their funding reaches those most in need. The Foundations funding streams for 2009 are;

·        pathways/support for young disadvantaged or disengaged young people into mainstream education;
·        training or employment;
·        crime diversion schemes;
·        work experience/skills projects for young people;
·        mentoring of young people in London;
·        general youth work in London.

To be eligible for funding an organisation must be a registered charity or an organisation / individual supported by a UK charity. There are no minimum or maximum grants and projects can be funded for more than one year. Applications can be made any time.

Further information can be found at;  http://www.thepetercruddasfoundation.org/about_us.html

The government has so far spent over £140bn of public money bailing out the banking system which, means there will be less funding for essential public services like health and education for years to come. The very poorest in society will be punished for the excessive risk taking of the very rich.

And yet little has been done to change how banks operate and we already seem to be returning to ‘business as usual’ in the City. Our politicians talk of ‘radical reform’ but have so far offered little evidence of anything more than tinkering at the margins.

I am angry and I want to see things change for the better. I want to see responsible banking and real reform to avoid the same mistakes happening again in the future.

For the last few months, Urban Forum has been leading calls for banking reform. We have refined our ideas into four specific proposals:

1.      Support for communities – banks should be required to re-invest at least 1% of profits to support public benefit.

2.      Responsible credit – it should be illegal for lenders to charge as much as they like for loans.

3.      Disclosure – banks must publish information to demonstrate they are serving the needs of all communities, without discrimination.

4.      Investment – banks must take steps to eliminate any discrimination in how they provide financial services through a Community Reinvestment Act.

We have the chance to tell our politicians that we do care and we want them to do something about it.

The Treasury has published its plans for banking reform in a White Paper and is inviting responses to it until the end of September. We must take the opportunity to tell them what we think of their proposals and what we think is needed. The more people that respond, the clearer the message will be - change is needed!

You can reply as an individual or on behalf of a group or organisation…but please PLEASE make your views known. Send your response to: banking.reform@hm-treasury.gov.uk by the 30^th September.

Please help us by encouraging others to support the campaign – send this email on to three friends, colleagues, or family members.

There is more information about our proposals and actions you can take on our website. Do take a look – http://tiny.cc/bankreform.

I know you are probably really busy, perhaps you wouldn’t usually respond to a White Paper, but don’t let that stop you. We have a chance to make a real difference, but only if we do something about it.

Best wishes

Toby

Ps if you have any questions or would like any information that you can’t find on our website, do feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

Toby Blume

Chief Executive

Urban Forum

E-Mail: toby@urbanforum.org.uk  Web: www.urbanforum.org.uk

Tel: 020 7253 4816                     Fax: 020 7253 4817

Urban Forum is the trading name of Diverse Cities, a company limited by guarantee, number 3418682, and a registered charity, number 1096131. Registered address: 33 Corsham Street, London N1 6DR.

Support our calls for Community Reinvestment now!

 OFFICES FOR LET IN AN EXCELLENT CITY CENTRE LOCATION

Almost 1400 sq feet of self contained office space, comprises 6 offices, toilets and kitchen. The space could be split into smaller units. Current lease expires March 2011, with the opportunity to renew. Great price, currently in the region of £14,200 pa (includes rent and services).

Please contact Diana Campbell on 0161 236 9321 or e mail dianam@church-poverty.org.uk

“For immediate release”

AfSL needs you! Seeking climate change pioneers to revitalise our city.

Thursday 17^th Sept, 5.30pm St Wilfrid's Enterprise Centre, Royce Road, Hulme, Manchester.

·         An amazing volunteering opportunity with an award-winning environmental charity.

·         A chance to make a massive difference in your community by designing and implementing a local sustainability project of your choice!

Action for Sustainable Living (AfSL) are looking for 15 local eco-warriors to become Local Project Managers (LPM) in Ancoats & Clayton, Bradford, Chorlton, Fallowfield, Gorton North, Gorton South, Levenshulme, Moss Side, Old Moat, Sharston, Whalley Range and Withington.  We want local people who are passionate about making their communities better places in which to live. There will be an LPM introduction evening at AfSL’s offices in Hulme on Thursday 17^th Sept. 

If you are an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual able to offer eight hours per week to support AfSL’s activities, why not come along and find out more?

 The role is a challenging yet rewarding one. You will develop new skills and meet new people. As a volunteer, you’ll make a huge difference in your local community helping planning and implementing sustainable projects, complementing the volunteers who are already working throughout Manchester. 

You don’t need any previous experience and there’s a lot you can get out of it. Volunteering with AfSL is a great way to gain invaluable work experience with a local award winning charity. You’ll get support, training, resources and mentoring from AfSL and, most importantly, you’ll be able to see that you’ve made a real difference in your local area.

 Local Project Managers in other areas have set up community allotment projects, fair trade societies, energy action teams, composting schemes, local shop campaigns and a whole range of interesting, locally-relevant things.

“To me, the 8 hours per week that I contribute to Action for Sustainable Living are more meaningful than a full-time job in any non-sustainable organisation.” - Oxana Poberejnaia, Previous LPM  for Manchester City Centre

Deadline for volunteer applications is Friday 18 September at 12 noon. If you want an application pack or have any questions you can contact Erika at manchester@afsl.org.uk, or by calling 0161 227 0377. Further information is also on the AfSL website - www.afsl.org.uk.   Please confirm your attendance at the introduction evening in advance.

Press contact: Erika Nagae  0161 227 0377 / 07731 455 478 erika.nagae@afsl.org.uk

 Notes to editors

 *Since 2003, Action for Sustainable Living has successfully connected people, shared resources and supported communities to live more sustainably. Our unique, tailored and holistic approach is a highly effective way for communities to respond to the challenge of Climate Change. 

Action for Sustainable Living, winner of the Guardian Charity Awards 2008!

 For more general information, please visit: www.afsl.org.uk

Royal Ras Tafari greetings.  (Melkam Addis Amet = Happy New Year)

Most Ilaful Thanks and Ises to Qadamawi Emperor Haile Selassie 1st and Guermawi Empress Menen of Ethiopia. Pray the I and family are well soaked in that shower of Blessings sent forward daily.

 Enkutatash (gift of jewels) is the Ethiopian celebration of the New Year and dates back to the time of the Queen of Sheba’s return from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring, where there is a massive blooming of daisies and other flowers. Traditionally it is celebrated with families lighting fires outside their houses, prayers, the giving of gifts and the sharing of food, asking the creative force/ power of the Most High creator, Qidamawi, Emperor Haile Selassie I, for his blessings, health, strength and prosperity for the coming year.

The Ethiopian New Year falls in September at the end of the big rains. The sun comes out to shine all day long creating an atmosphere of dazzling clarity and fresh clean air. The highlands turn to gold as the Meskel daisies burst out in all their splendour. Ethiopian children clad in brand new clothes dance through the villages giving bouquets of flowers and painted pictures to each household.

September 11th (9/11, get what I mean?) is both New Year's Day and the Feast of St. John the Baptist. The day is called Enkutatash meaning the "gift of jewels." When the famous Queen of Sheba returned from her expensive jaunt to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her back by replenishing her treasury with enku or jewels. The spring festival has been celebrated since these early times and as the rains come to their abrupt end, dancing and singing can be heard at every village in the green countryside. After dark on New Year's Eve people light fires outside their houses.

The main religious celebration takes place at the 14th-century Kostete Yohannes church in the city of Gaynt within the Gondar Region. Three days of prayers, psalms, and hymns, sermons, and massive colourful processions mark the advent of the New Year. Closer to Addis Ababa, the Raguel Church, on top of the Entoto Mountain north of the city, has the largest and most spectacular religious celebration. But Enkutatash is not exclusively a religious holiday, and the little girls singing and dancing in pretty new dresses among the flowers in the fields convey the message of springtime and renewed life. Today's Enkutatash is also the season for exchanging formal New Year greetings and cards among the urban sophisticated in lieu of the traditional bouquet of flowers.

Follow links: (Happy New Year from Ethiopia)  (BINGHI CELEBRATION JAMAICA)

There will be a meeting to discuss local food strategies, especially
> in the light of the forthcoming EU food directives against vitamins,
> supplements etc and Codex Alimentarius, and non-labelling of GM etc.
> Many people are wondering what is going to happen at the beginning of
> next year when the directive comes into place and we are going to have
> a local discussion about
>
> education
> local food schemes
> local permaculture and ecobuild initiatives
> funding bids for sustainability
> World Food Day on Oct 16th
> For those of you who might not know too much about the forthcoming
> legislation, please visit the site below:
> http://www.anhcampaign.org/campaigns/codex
>
> During the meeting on the 3rd we are talking about positive strategies
> and therefore the meeting is not to discuss the legislation and codex
> itself, so it is advised that you do come with a bit of knowledge
> about what is going on (not that we know that much about what is going
> to happen)
>
> We particularly wish to invite herbalists, nutritionists, ethical food
> producers and distributors, and indeed, anybody else who can help us
> shed some light on what we will and will not be able to purchase from
> the end of the year. The meeting will start at 7pm at St Wilfrid's Enterprise Centre, Royce Road, Hulme, M15 5BJ

Increasing the capacity of the Third Sector

Local voluntary and community organisations (Third Sector Organisations) are vital in engaging hard to reach members of the community such as young people who are socially excluded. The REACH report highlighted that many of these organisations at the forefront of tackling underachievement amongst young Black men are small scale and face barriers to funding and gaining recognition, despite producing spectacular results.

The report recommended that voluntary and community organisations working to support Black boys and young Black men should form consortia supported by the Government. By forming consortia organisations should be able to share resources, expertise and good practice and be in a better position to bid for funding by doing so jointly.

The Government accepted the recommendation and organised a series of regional stakeholder events, held in April 2009. The events offered an opportunity for delegates from local government, the voluntary and community sector, and social enterprise to share practical approaches and learn how their peers are collaborating to raise aspirations and attainment.

The regional events also served as a sounding board for the final development of specific guidance on how to build partnership working that takes account of the particular needs of small and Black and minority ethnic organisations. This guidance has been developed by Communities and Local Government and the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) within the Cabinet Office (see below).

              REACH: Guidance

                      Published: 14 July 2009

                      Site: Communities and neighbourhoods

About 100 Mothers Movement

 Our mission is to nurture self-reliance and development within the African (Black) community, through a network of 100 women. Our research has shown that the African/Black community in London are one of the most socially deprived Minority Ethnic groups. We have come together in an attempt to tackle some of the problems and provide a solution to some of the challenges faced by this group. If you are interested in joining our organisation please contact us on 07958 671 267 or 07506 826243

Book launch events in London and a few things

Manchester Beacon Project: Manchester Beacon Science Festival Awards 2009 (3).doc  Download File 

My name is Antonio Benitez and I work as Beacon Development Officer at the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield. The Manchester Beacon is a partnership between the University of Manchester, University of Salford, Manchester Metropolitan an MOSI to make the universities and cultural organisations from Manchester and Salford more accessible to the public.
 
I have just been appointed and my first priority is to get out there and meet as many community groups as possible to study the possibilities of working together developing projects. It would be great if we could arrange a meeting to talk about our institutions and the different projects we are involved in. 
If you are interested in finding out more about the Manchester Beacon Project and the possibilities of getting involved please send me an email and we can arrange a suitable time for both. 
Looking forward to hearing from you 
Kind regards 
 Antonio Benitez
Beacon Development Officer
Tel : 0161 606 0109
Fax : 0161 832 1511

An Open University co production for BBC Radio 4

MONDAY; Channel 4
8pm Dispatches: The War Against Street Weapons
Last year, Cherie Booth chaired the Street Weapons Commission that investigated the use of guns and knives among Britain's young people, resulting in a series of practical recommendations for tackling the problem. Here, she joins police patrols on the nation's toughest streets, talks to young offenders and visits a pioneering scheme combating Glasgow's gang culture to find out what steps are being taken to reduce the use of weapons among teenagers
BBC Radio 4
8pm Benjamin Jealous: The Future of the NAACP? Guardian journalist Gary Younge talks to Benjamin Jealous, the new leader of America's oldest and largest civil rights organisation, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and asks if America still needs the organisation.
Jealous joins the NAACP in its centenary year, but at a time when it is suffering from an image crisis and dwindling membership. Has an organisation that fought segregation, publicised lynchings and awakened the conscience of a nation become a victim of its own success? How relevant is the NAACP in the age of Barack Obama?
Mr Jealous is the youngest leader the NAACP has ever selected and he plans to kick the organisation into the 21st century, encouraging new members to use technology to document discrimination and force change, and to turn the organisation back into the political powerhouse of its prime.

BBC 1
8.30pm Panorama Smugglers' Tales Raphael Rowe investigates the drug trade inside British prisons, with exclusive access to a category-A jail. The reporter hears the stories of inmates, officers and smugglers and learns about the efforts being made by the authorities to stop the illegal substances from making it into the cell-blocks
BBC 2
9pm The Trouble with Girls : Jailbirds The first of two documentaries following young women working to put their criminal pasts behind them. Twenty-year-old Shona and 17-year-old Abbie, from Doncaster and York respectively, are embarking on a life free from institutions. With dozens of arrests between them as well as imprisonment, they must overcome unstable relationships and hedonistic lifestyles to get themselves back on track
BBC 1
11.15pm Red Dust (2004) A South African who suffered horrific torture under apartheid becomes a rising star on the political scene. The hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission bring the nightmares of years before into sharp focus, as his former tormentor confesses his crimes in an attempt to win amnesty. Drama, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hilary Swank, Marius Weyers and Jamie Bartlett
Film 4
1am Bamako (2006) A Malian community organise a makeshift trial, where they prosecute the World Bank and other international organisations for causing Africa's economic problems. Meanwhile, a bar singer living in the area and her unemployed husband face up to the fact that their marriage may be over. Satirical drama, starring Aissa Maiga and Tiecoura Traore
TUESDAY: BBC 1
9pm The Truth About Crime
Anti-Social Behaviour Nick Ross investigates why incidences of anti-social behaviour are on the rise. He meets members of a family whose home has been targeted by egg-throwing thugs, as well as a mother who is being terrorised by local drug dealers. Plus, he discovers how altering road layouts can deter joy-riders. Last in the series
Category Documentary
BBC 1
11.15pm O (2001) The only black student at an exclusive prep school becomes the envy of his classmates on account of his sporting prowess and beautiful girlfriend. One manipulative student is driven insane with jealousy and hatches a scheme to drive his one-time friend to self-destruction and turn him against the people closest to him. Drama, based on Othello, starring Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett, Julia Stiles, Martin Sheen and John Heard
WEDNESDAY: BBC Radio 4
9pm Last Chance for Africa's Elephants? Andrew Luck-Baker asks how science can stop the new upsurge in the slaughter of African elephants for the booming illegal international trade in ivory. 20 years ago the African elephant was being fast-tracked to extinction by poaching. In response, the world voted to outlaw the international trade in ivory. Since then, elephant numbers in many countries have been recovering. But in the last five years, ivory poaching and trafficking have surged once more.
One group of conservation scientists has calculated that 38,000 animals every year are being slaughtered to feed the demand for ivory products in East Asia. If that poaching rate is correct and sustained, the African elephant will be effectively extinct within 15 years.
Some other elephant experts argue the slaughter rate is not as high as this but are still alarmed at the steep increase in poaching in many African countries.
Andrew Luck-Baker visits Kenya, one of the countries where some believe elephant poaching is accelerating out of control. He also talks to the scientist behind an ivory DNA test which is helping the fight against the organised crime syndicates behind the illegal trade.
Discovery Channel
9pm Jonestown Cult
The events of November 18, 1978 when the 900 members of Guyana-based cult leader Jim Jones' People's Temple church drank a lethal cocktail of cyanide, tranquilisers and sedatives
THURSDAY: BBC Radio 4
9am Inside the Ethics Committee Terminally Ill and Suicidal Joan Bakewell discusses the real-life case of Mary, a terminally-ill woman in her 80s. She has considered her condition and has decided that she wants to die. She is admitted to a hospice for respite care. On the first night she attempts suicide. The psychiatric team, who assess Mary, conclude that she is not clinically depressed. Mary talks quite openly with her relatives and the medical staff about her wish to die, describing her existence as inconvenient. She also asks members of the team for euthanasia.
While at the hospice she refuses palliative care, and, as her condition is stable, she decides to go home and employ a full-time carer. But the psychiatric staff are very concerned. Mary continues to talk of her death wish, and she has asked the psychiatric team to leave her alone when she goes home. What right does Mary have to determine how her life ends? What is the role of her doctors, and should she attempt suicide again? Is not doing anything the equivalent of a policeman walking past and ignoring a man who is about to jump off a building?

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the complex ethical issues surrounding this case.
REPEATS AGAIN AT 9PM
FRIDAY: BBC Radio 4

1.30pm More or Less Tim Harford investigates statistics which some claim reveal the 'Islamification' of Europe and checks whether the Home Office has been doing its sums properly. Do its claims about the DNA Database really add up?

BME communities in the UK

I am writing in regards to a major three-part documentary series we are making for Channel 4 Television on the subject of young parenthood in different BME communities in the UK.
The series has been commissioned and is expected to transmit sometime next year in a prime-time slot on Channel 4 Television.

One of the documentary films in the series is specifically looking at the experiences of young fathers of African/Caribbean heritage.
We are currently at the research stage and looking to meet with young black dads and the service providers who work with them so we can understand better the different experiences of what it is like to be a young, Black dad living in the UK .
Formally, the film we intend to make is an observational documentary film, following either one or several of the young dads  over a number of months, observing their experiences of fatherhood, whether that be on a personal nature or their interaction with organizations, looking to work in the area of helping young parents.
I am writing to request whether you may be able to kindly help us in the making of the documentary through introductions to people working in this area as well any young fathers your organisation may have been or is currently in contact with. We would also like to have the opportunity to come and meet with you to introduce ourselves and explain further about the documentary.
Please find our contact details below.
Many thanks for your help in this matter.
Kindest regards,
Ayesha

Ayesha Khan
Assistant Producer
Love Productions
t: 020 7067 4820
m: 07921 487 534
e: ayesha.khan@loveproductions.co.uk
Heenan Bhatti
Director
M: 07887 637289

Trafford Today and Talk Trafford article

 Jobs done: pioneering Trafford employment service celebrates its third birthday, Charity works in the community to find jobs for people with learning disabilities.A pioneering local service, Trafford Supported Employment, marked its third anniversary on 29th July with a Celebration Day involving people with learning disabilities, their families, their friends, their carers and their supporters in the local community. Trafford Supported Employment Service includes a wide range of creative and effective projects helping people with learning disabilities find meaningful work: it is managed by leading learning disability charity United Response, and run in partnership with Trafford Council and local businesses.

The highly interactive day begin with a meeting between many of the 80 people with learning disabilities who have benefited through the employment services. They reflected on their experiences, the challenges they have met along the way, and the things they are proud of. This was outlined through creating an "achievement tree", which showcased all their personal successes.

 Trafford Supported Employment Service includes several acclaimed projects:-

 The flagship Trafford Supported Employment Service matches local employers with people with learning disabilities who are looking for work, and provides a job coach to ensure both parties benefit from the opportunity.

UR Consultants is a team of people with learning disabilities, which provides awareness training and specialist advice to the Government and to local businesses on how best to communicate with people with learning disabilities in their written materials.

UR Sorted is a social enterprise providing expert sorting and mailing services.

 "We wanted to celebrate the achievements of people with learning disabilities, who have all gained work or engaged meaningfully with the community, often overcoming many barriers and negative preconceptions," explained Ali Bishop, manager of the services. "Many people with learning disabilities are told they will never be able to work, but with some support the people who came along on 29th July have proved that wrong, and become fantastic, capable, valued employees. The day celebrated this but also looked to the future, to help more and more disabled people find jobs and a real role at the heart of the community."

Below are the stories of three people who have benefited from the project, who attended the day. Christine Shaw works in the Orient, a large, busy food hall in the Trafford Centre. When Christine first came into contact with United Response, she said: "I was bored stuck at home. I wanted to get out a bit and meet new friends. I wanted to get a job to pay my bills. I wanted to do better things - it felt like I wasn't doing a lot at college."

 After coming into contact with United Response Christine was assigned a job coach, Gemma, who worked with her to find out the sort of job she would like. Christine knew straight away that she wanted to work at the Trafford Centre. And when the Trafford Centre offered Christine a paid post, upon completing her placement, Gemma helped her set up a bank account.

 Christine has really progressed since she was has been in the job. She says: "Working makes me feel important.... It helps me to be meeting people. I'm being something that I have always wanted to be."

 Lindsay Porter wanted to work but when she first came to the service she lacked confidence and was wary of trying new things. However, after several work trials, Lindsay has secured work as a chambermaid at Premier Inn and loves it. Despite being physically hard work, she has persevered and now has a specific role which assists colleagues with their daily workload. Lindsay has become more confident using public transport, having learnt a new route, and is loving her new found freedom. Lindsay is also supported by Trafford Council's Workstep programme in partnership with United Response.

Stephen Almond is one of the UR Consultants team. Although he doesn't read or write, he has helped develop and translate important documents for the Government, as well as local authorities and businesses. He is an expert in explaining how simplified language and the use of visuals can help make documents more accessible to people with learning disabilities, and, indeed, many others.

Bogus caller alert sheet 280709.doc  Download File

connecting people, sharing resources and supporting communities to live more sustainably August Hello all, At a recent get together of AfSL staff, volunteers and Directors the true extent of how fantastic ALL of our volunteers are really came to light. We spent a great deal of time reflecting on how the efforts of volunteers past and present has really enhanced our capacity and enabled us to spread the sustainability message all the more effectively across the North West. From media interns and research volunteers in  the office through to journo volunteers and Local Project Managers out and about in the community we owe a huge thanks to EVERYONE. All of the efforts of AfSL members have been recognised by Manchester City Council who have awarded funding for us to increase our work in Manchester. This is really exciting news and we are consequently looking for more local volunteers to take part in this project. Please see details below. We really value what you have to say, so please do fill out a short online survey and let us know what you think. Follow this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vYiIhMko1a32kuP39UZV4Q_3d_3d This months Volunteer of the Month is a real inspiration- Fiona Stewart has created an AMAZING AfSL website on Facebook from scratch. It looks fantastic, appealing and professional as well! Visit  www.facebook.com/action.for.sustainable.living and join today! Fiona has a huge amount of technical expertise that she has shared with us and is continueing to come up with great marketing ideas...watch this space! Volunteer Social- Manchester Start: 25 Aug 2009 - 5:30pm End: 25 Aug 2009 - 7:30pm Timezone: Etc/GMT+1 The Knott Bar 374 Deansgate Manchester M3 4LY This venue may not be accessible for disabled people - please contact the organisers   Feedback has undelined how important volunteers find the chance to get together, share ideas and generally  suppoprt each other. Staff also really enjoy the chance to meet up with everyone in an informal setting- not to mention the excuse it created for a tasty. local and organic pint or two! SO PLEASE do come along and catch up with us all. Even if you can only pop in for a quick hello it would be graet to see as many faces as possible. Email event contact Calendar Energy Academy- Volunteer Social Start: 11 Aug 2009 - 5:30pm End: 11 Aug 2009 - 7:30pm Timezone: Etc/GMT+1 Old Market Tavern Old Market Place Altrincham WA14 4DN This venue may not be accessible for disabled people - please contact the organisers   Any volunteers or people interested in the Energy Academy are more than welcome to join us for a catch up beverage in a local pub, renowned for its tasty beer! Many people get involved with AfSL to meet and work with like minded people so please do feel free to come along and socialise. Even if you don't live in the Altrincham area its a good excuse for a natter and drink! Email event contact | The Energy Academy | Altrincham, Broadheath, Hale, Bowden and Timperley Calendar Local Project Manager Are You Ready For a Life Changing Challenge..? Do you want to help make your local community a cleaner, greener more sustainable place to live in? Then why not volunteer and become a Local Project Manager for Action for Sustainable Living? Contact person: Annabel Bradbury | Other opportunities Read more 4 attachments INTRODUCTION - Find out about volunteering with AfSL Start: 13 Aug 2009 - 5:30pm Timezone: Etc/GMT+1 St Wilfrid's Entreprise Centre Royce Road Hulme Manchester M15 5BJ This venue is accessible for disabled people 0161 227 0377   Want to make a difference in your local community? Fancy volunteering, but not sure what is right for you? Come down to an informal induction and find out all you need to know about Action for Sustainable Living and what voluntary position would best suit you. Light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to book a place on the induction please email the event contact below or ring in and ask for Jess Buck or Helen Starr-Keddle Email event contact Calendar Volunteer as a Local Project Manager in Sale, Chorlton or Whalley Range! Are you ready for a life changing challenge? Do you want to make your local community a cleaner, greener more sustainable place to live in? Contact person: Helen Starr-Keddle | Other opportunities | Community groups Read more     Join us on Facebook

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Partnership to help older people enjoy city’s culture   
    A new partnership to help older people enjoy Manchester’s world-class galleries, theatres and museums has been formed in the city. 
 The move is part of Manchester City Council’s Valuing Older People programme and brings together cultural organisations and venues including Manchester Art Gallery, the Library Theatre Company, MOSI, the Royal Exchange, the Hallé, the Bridgewater Hall, the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Manchester Museum, Urbis and the soon-to-reopen Band on the Wall . 
 
Councillor Val Stevens, Deputy Leader of the City Council, said: “The partners want to improve the opportunities for older people to get involved in the rich cultural life of the city because art and culture can improve people’s lives, create friendships and instigate new experiences. 
 “Our research shows that although lots of older people already enjoy the many cultural experiences the city has to offer, many are from outside the city. This new partnership aims to encourage and enable more older people from a wider range of backgrounds to enjoy arts and culture.”
   
Partners in creating A Cultural Offer for Older People have signed a pledge to work with other venues and the City Council to deliver an improved cultural offer for older people with particular focus on those who do not currently access the great cultural resources that the city has to offer to people of all ages. 
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “Manchester has a feast of arts, theatre, music and other cultural experiences to offer people of all ages.
   
“This new partnership will help improve the way cultural organisations and venues cater for older people and work together to make themselves accessible and attractive to them. It will also open up even more opportunities for more older people to participate in the cultural life of the city directly by working with arts organisations as a volunteer or part of a friends group.” 
 MEDIA CONTACT: Martin Hellewell, Manchester City Council Press Office, tel: 0161 234 3237.   
 

Manchester City Council have launched an exciting new Manchester Carbon Innovation Fund to support low-carbon projects in the city.

The Council is inviting bids to the fund from applicants with innovative projects that will save carbon, inspire others to act and result in long-term and wide scale positive change.

Could you inspire and lead people in your neighbourhood to reduce the city's carbon footprint and make climate change action part of our everyday lives?

If you have a great idea for a project in your home, street, community, school, and workplace even in your local park then we want to hear from you!

To find out more about the CO2mmunity Challenge and the application criteria please see our website:

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500117/green_city/3833/climate_change_and_energy/5

Pan African Diaspora Economic Summit, July 2009

Contact: Reverend P.D. Menelik Harris  

404-527-7756/404-822-2049/http://www.wadupam.org/

‘Living Legend’ His Excellency Dudley Thompson, President of the World African Diaspora Union (WADU) is inviting Africans from across the Diaspora to participate in the Summit celebrating the 109^th anniversary of the Pan African Movement. The theme for the WADU 2009 Summit is Economic Self-Determination - for Cultural and Political Rebirth. The Summit will be held at the historic Atlanta University Consortium (AUC), Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA from July 22-26, 2009. The AUC campus is consisted of the historically black colleges such as Spelman, Morehouse, Morris Brown, Clark Atlanta and ITC.

The WADU Summit participants will consist of African leaders, community activists, business leaders, educators, ministers, students and officials from across the African Diaspora and from Africa to commit to a common agenda for African economic self-reliance and empowerment. The Summit will focus on ways and means of developing African traditional and contemporary local and global businesses, investments and trade enterprises. The Summit will also explore and engage issues such as: The United States of Africa; the New Scramble & Militarization of Africa; the Effects Global Economic Meltdown on African people; and the African Diaspora as the sixth region of Africa.

In calling for the 2009 Summit, His Excellency Dudley Thompson has stressed that “our goal is to establish a new global order of Justice and Equality” and that the 2009 WADU Summit is critical to ensure we “build a peoples’ Pan African union movement to create greater opportunities for future generations.” At 92, His Excellency Dudley Thompson has being an enduring and relentless servant of African people and humanity. A WW11 veteran of the Royal Air Force (RAF), he was a participant of the famous 5^th Pan African Congress (PAC) of 1945 in England with leaders such as President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Dr. WEB Dubois of the USA, Amy Garvey of Jamaica and George Padmore of Trinidad. He was also an attorney for Jomo Kenyatta during the famous Mau Mau revolution and a key supporter of the struggles for African independence. Born in Panama, he was a Foreign Minister under the Honorable Michael Manley of Jamaica, ambassador of numerous countries, especially in Africa and recently served as an advisor to the late President-elect MKO Abiola of Nigeria. In 2007, he was elected the President of WADU.

In addition to His Excellency Dudley Thompson, other participants include: Ambassador Amina Ali, the African Union; Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Africana Studies at CUNY; Mel Foote, the Constituency for Africa; Prof. James Small, the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU); Min. Akbar Muhammad, the Nation of Islam; Dr. Nicholas Agbohou, France; Queen Nzinga Heru, ASCAC; Nana Yaa Farika, Rastafari Movement; Dr. Ron Daniels, Institute of the Black World 21^st Century; QM Dorothy Lewis, NCOBRA; Mukasa Dada, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee/All African Peoples Revolutionary Party (SNCC/AAPRP); Joe Beasley, the RainbowPush Coalition/Africa Ascension; The Honorable Cynthia McKinney; Dr. Line Hilgros, Guadeloupe; The Honorable ‘Able’ Mable Thomas, Georgia; Dr. Julius Garvey MD, son of the late Marcus Garvey; Nana Dr. Niara Sudarkasa, former president of Lincoln University; Dr. Josephine Bradley, Chair of the African Studies at CAU; Dr. Joyce King, Georgia State University; Dr. James Turner, Africana Studies at Cornell University; Dr. Shelby Lewis, Africa Consultant; Dr. David Horne, SRDC; Martha O. Osamar, the United Kingdom; Barryl Biekman, Holland; B. Jawara, Ghana; Derrick Price, businessman; Prof. Yaa Ngemi, Congo; Bro. YaYa, Sudan; Baba Kwame Afoh, Republic of New Africa; Rev. Dr. Carolyn 'Akua' McCrary, ITC; Ben Kalala, Congo and Dr. Akinyele Umoja, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. Also participating are other ambassadors, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, officials, community activists and students.

For more information on the World African Diaspora Union (WADU) Summit from July 22-26, 2009 in Atlanta, GA, please visit our website at WADUPAM.ORG or call us at 404-527-7756.

India joins 'neo-colonial' rush for Afrika's land and labour

India, once the colonial jewel of Britain's empire, has been accused of 'neo-colonialism' in Africa where its business people have joined a race with China, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere to buy up agricultural estates and take advantage of cheap labour.

Indian farming companies have bought hundreds of thousands of hectares in Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Senegal and Mozambique, where they are growing rice, sugar cane, maize and lentils for their own domestic market back in India.

Its government has given soft loans as aid to support the overseas ventures in what has been described as a challenge to China and Saudi Arabia in the new scramble for Africa. China, South Korea, and a several Arab countries have led the way in creating new African mega-farms to outsource domestic food production and use cheaper labour.

Critics have described the development as modern "piracy" and "land grabbing" from countries that have in the past been blighted by famine and severe food shortages.

South Korea has bought just under 700,000 hectares in Sudan, while Saudi Arabia has signed a deal for 500,000 hectares in Tanzania.

India is now catching up fast with its government offering financial incentives for companies to produce food in Ethiopia and other African countries. Pulses, cooking oils and maize are in short supply in India.

For more, Follow this link: (Afrika awaits her creators/entrepreneur, not other nations!)

OneNess in that Rich BlkAfriKan Luv

RAs Paulos Tafari (Flames of Jupiter) Child of Light.

Media Committee, Council of Elders, and Working Committee Rep., NNC (UK).

PLEASE TAKE NOTE,

Forward on to anyone you know with a Mobile 

If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that he or she is a company engineer, or telling that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number, end this call immediately without pressing any numbers. 

There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your 'SIM' card and make calls at your expense. 
 
Forward this message to as many colleagues, relatives and friends as you can, to stop it.

Many thanks for your time regarding this matter, take care and regards. 

Phil Corris 
Police Constable/Crime Prevention Officer 
Ext 496696 (Internal)

01524 596696 (External) 
Email < B> PhilCorris@lancashire.pnn<mailto:PhilCorris@lancashire.pnn> ... Police.uk<http://police.uk/>

God Bless

Max Keelty

Chairman and Overseas Mission Director

Christian Community Ministries

105, Runcorn Road

Barnton, Northwich

Cheshire, CW8 4EX

Tel/Fax + 44 (0)1606 782244

Part 2: Black Women and White Men and the Question of Marriage

Sabella Ogbobode Abidde   Sabidde@yahoo.com

 It is unlikely anyone knows for sure the number of successful or promising Black men who are dating, or are married to White women. All we know is that the number is large; we also know that in some communities, dating or being married to a White woman is considered desirable.  On the other hand, it is easy to have an accurate count of the number of thriving White men who are dating or are married to Black women. If the former is twenty-five thousand Black men, the latter may be no more than one hundred and fifty White men.

 Actually, one hundred and fifty may be too generous a number. It has been observed that successful White men seem not to have reasons to look elsewhere; but successful Black men always seem to have reasons -- flimsy or not -- to look elsewhere for mates. Outside of the United States -- particularly in Europe and Latin America -- the ratio is more encouraging. There are cultural, social and historical reasons for this. In sub-Saharan African countries, however, the numbers are actually dismal.

 Sexual attraction is one thing, marriage is another. In fact, what we have in sub-Saharan Africa -- depending on the country in focus -- can be considered low-risk prostitution, sexual exploitation, or toto-slavery. There are three reasons why this is taking place: crushing poverty; the total disregard for Blacks; and power play. At the other end of the spectrum are successful Africans, who, after years of sojourn abroad, returned home with their wives and children.

 From1970 until 1980, or thereabout, the size of foreign-born women married to Nigerian men so alarmed the Nigerian military government that it forbade its military and Foreign Service officers from marrying non-Nigerians. National security and state secret became an issue. Those already married to non-Nigerians were allowed to keep their wives, but for a while, the ban on new or future liaisons with foreign born spouses was in effect.

 There are several ways through which the outside world is recolonizing Africa -- large scale sexual abuse is one such ways. The dehumanization of Africa through sex is a phenomenon that has largely gone unnoticed. And even where it has been noticed, alarms are not being raised. Civil societies have gone alarmingly quiet on this issue; and so have governments, religious bodies and the intellectual class.

 In this instance, I am not referring to the thousands of African women, and hundreds of African men, who go to Europe to engage in prostitution. No. My concern here is the kind of prostitution, domination and abuse, which are taking place within the continent. Of special note is Nigeria, where thousands of women are nothing but sex freaks in the service of non-Black men. For instance, the Niger Delta region is considered the largest sex bazaar in the West African sub-region. Foreign oil workers, the expatriates, have their pick of women -- some as young as 15. By the time they turn 25 or 30, they have become connoisseurs of all types of decent, indecent, imaginable and unimaginable sex acts.

 By or at that age -- 25 through 30 -- they have become aficionados of bedroom violence. What’s more, they become carriers and transmitters of all types of diseases. The crushing poverty and acute hopelessness within the region makes the women susceptible to sexual exploitation. And so it is that for the equivalent of five dollars, a foreign oil worker can have two women engage in sex while he watches; for ten dollars or so, an expatriate can have sex with two sisters or cousins; for fifteen dollars three workers can dominate one girl -- gleefully doing to her what only the sickest of all sick perverts can only imagine.

 Scatology, for instance, is a new addition. Sodomy, especially of young boys, is ancient, but has in recent years been gaining currency. Because Nigeria, like most sub-Saharan African countries is not a statistics-literate country, no one has the estimate of boys/men who willingly or unwillingly engage in anal sex and/or prostitution. Nonetheless, patterns indicate three formations: (1) most of the boys are not gays, their anality is simply a means of survival, a manifestation of the failure Nigeria has become; (2) such activities are found mostly in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt; and (3) their clients are both domestic and foreign nationals.

 The unequal sexual relations that are prominent in the oil-producing region are also present wherever you find a large gathering of expatriates. For instance, Julius Berger Nigeria plc (a subsidiary of Germany’s Bilfinger Berger) has been present in the country since the 1960s. In recent years, it has become customary that wherever you find Julius Berger, you are also likely to find floating and rotating sex pavilions. For a dollar here, and a dollar there, girls of any and all ages and descriptions flock to their terminals and barracks for sexual rendezvous.

Something else you should know: there is a phenomenon that has been present in the Nigerian social landscape for as far back as I can remember: the sexual exploitation of Nigerian women by the Lebanese community. The Indian and Pakistani communities were also part of this treachery, but the Lebanese were the masters of the game: using African women as sexual toys, and never really considering them good for marriage. The local girls, in their estimate, were/are not good for marriage, but are good for fly-by-night sexing.

 Every now and then, however, one finds a non-black, especially a European, Canadian or American, who is married to an African woman. A few of such marriages are genuine and borne out of friendship and love. Most, however, are similar to what is known in the Islamic world as Mut’a (temporary marriage). Within the African context, such marriages are, in general, characterized by the fact that (a) The marriage is kept secret to his family in his home country; (b) The wife and the children may never join him when he returns home; and (c) such a union allows the man to play out his polygyny fantasy.

 In the end though, a nagging question remains: as a whole, why are White men reluctant to date/marry Black women? As it turned out, the reasons some White men gives for not dating or marrying Black women, are about the same reasons some Black men give for not marrying Black women. Collated, there are a dozen or so such reasons. In the end, the main beneficiaries are White women. And then there are Asian women. Some Black men are now going gaga over them, losing their mind in the process.

Sabidde@yahoo.com

 Part 3 Coming Soon: Three questions will be answered: (a) why are White men averse to marrying Black women; (b) why a sizeable number of successful Black men stay away from Black women; and (c) what’s the problem with Black women? And more…

“What societies really, ideally, want is a citizenry which will simply obey the rules of society. If a society succeeds in this, that society is about to perish. The obligation of anyone who thinks of himself as responsible is to examine society and try to change it and to fight it -- at no matter what risk” (James Baldwin).

Can you be Pro-Obama and Anti-Africom?

This week’s Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan will link the UK with the USA and the Motherland as we broadcast simultaneously on the renowned USA-based internet station LIB Radio.

Since the election of Barack Obama as USA’s 44^th President last November Afrika has, symbolically at least, fostered a heightened significance for both the country, the continent and Afrikans around the world, due largely to his being born of a Kenyan father.  The symbolism has been cranked up yet higher in light of his to Ghana, his first visit as President to sub-Saharan Afrika.

Obama’s impact on the Afrikan continent was evident during his presidential campaign when a number of Obama fan clubs and support organisations with names like the Obama Support Group, Ugandans For Obama and the Afrikan Initiative For Obama were established.  In the USA progressives were being exhorted to “unite for Barack Obama”, and that his “very biography reflects the positive potential of the globalization process.”   Indeed, President John Atta Mills’ election campaign posters last year featured him side by side with Obama with the slogan “Better Leadership – A Change We Need: Obama Nie, Atta Mills Nie. Yeresesamu.”

Six months into his Presidency, Obama’s mantra of “change” has been harder to define and nowhere is this better illustrated than with the issue of Africom, the USA’s military high command for Afrika.  When touted by President George W Bush in February 2007, Africom was rejected by virtually every Afrikan country (with the notable exception of Liberia) in one of the few acts of what could be termed an unequivocal Pan-Afrikan position by Afrikan governments in recent times.

After initial speculation of what Obama would do with Africom, he made his position clear only days after his victory over John McCain in a letter to the people of his father’s homeland:

“Kenya may benefit if it makes certain strategic decisions. We are looking for a base in Africa to build our Africom headquarters… In the event that you accept our request, we will make…deep-sea port and build a railway line from there to Ethiopia, our other strategic ally in the region.”

While Kenya may not have acquiesced, Obama has pressed ahead regardless.  According to Daniel Volman, Director of the African Security Research Project in Washington DC, the Obama administration’s budget request for 2010 includes: $300 million in operation and maintenance funds to cover the cost of Africom plus $263 million to provide additional personnel, airlift and communications support to the command.  It also includes a request for a total of $451 million to replace or upgrade facilities at enduring at Africom and other command locations.  Also included in the budget request  are  $1.9 billion to buy three Littoral Combat Ships and another $373 million to buy two Joint High Speed Vessels, ships for US Navy operations off the coast of Africa and  $44 billion to fund US Navy operations throughout the world - of which a significant proportion will be needed to cover the costs of US Navy operations in African.

So while one respected scholar and Obama supporter might say: “Pan Africanists do not see having a U.S. military command post that can strike at a moment’s notice against any African nation as a solution to African problems”, it is not clear how this understandable concern at near 50 billion dollar budget for Africom and related projects can be reconciled with a support for Obama, even as “the USA’s first Black President.”

So we ask the question:

1.       Are all the pre-election support groups still behind Obama?

2.       Will the issue of Africom effect Obama’s reception in Ghana?

3.       Will the advance of Africom cause the Obama-ites to change their minds?

4.       Will an Obama at the helm render Africom more benevolent than it would otherwise be?

5.       With a  significant share of a proposed $50bn budget at stake, it is too late to resist Africom?

6.       Could the Africom issue be the basis of a Pan-Afrikan fightback?

Our special guests include Sis. Affiong L Affiong, a Pan-Afrikan activist, broadcaster and journalist and member of Moyo Wa Taifa, the Pan-Afrikan Women’s solidarity network, and live from Ghana reporter Bro Kwame Osei  and Bro. Obadele Kambon of the Abibitumi Kasa Institute, an Online Afrikan Language Institute Linking Afrikan Language and Worldview With Afrikan Revolution and Afrikan Sovereignty, facilitated by Bro Keidi Obi Awadu (aka the Conscious Rasta), founder of the renowned USA based media network LIB Radio, LIB TV and the Living In Black , Afrikan-Centered social networking site.

CELEBRATING FAMILIES AND THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF CANADIAN SOCIETY

            Entertainment, art and craft, great food, and lots of positive vibes for the entire family are what you will find at Rastafest  2009.  The festival this year kicks off at the Jamaican Canadian  Centre, 995 Arrow Road on Friday, July 17^th, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the WAVE  (Women Against Violence Everywhere) workshop coordinated by Empress of Zion Canada.  The festival travels to the parking lot of Jane Finch Mall on Saturday, July 18^th, 2009,  commencing at 1:00 p.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m.  Activities include: Emperor and Empress stage show featuring internationally known artists Admiral Tibett, General Trees and Horace Martin, along side Jakki James, Tony Anthony, Exco Levi, Tasha T, Petra de Empress, Dovie R  and Trinity Drummer.  Backing band:  Mountain Edge.  Music: Demolition sound system. DJ:  Boxer Joe from CHRY 105.5 fm.  MC:  King David from CHRY 105.5 FM.

            Throughout the festival children and youth activities will be featured at Simba’s Children  Village.  Titillate your palate at the ital food demonstration and taste testing at the Kijiji Market Place. In addition to the ital food at the market place there will be an art and craft exhibition,  information booths from community organizations and an array of other cultural products on display and for sale.  Visit Ngoma Drum and Dance Yard where you will experience traditional drumming and chanting, reason with elders and understand more about the Rastafari livity,

healing practice, culture and language.

            Rastafest is a multi-disciplined festival showcasing different aspects of the Rastafari culture.  The festival draws from the rich and diverse Rastafarian lifestyle and history.  Rastafest is a continuation of international and national Rastafarian initiatives, namely:  Rastafari Cultural Workshop in Toronto - 1977; First International Rastafarian Conference in  Toronto - 1982; Second International Rastafarian Conference in Jamaica - 1983; Voice of Thunder: Dialogue with Nyah Binghi Elders in Toronto – 1984; Kulchajam in Toronto - 1985; Rastafest in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal – 1993; Rastafest in Ottawa – 1994/1995; Rastafest in Jamaica – 1996/1998; Rastafest at Harbourfront from Saturday, August 5th to Sunday, August 6th, 2006 and at York University on Saturday, September 30th, 2006.  The following year, the festival was staged at York University from July 19th to July 22nd 2007,             however, due to the overwhelming support from the community Rastafest ventured out to the Jane and Finch community on Saturday, July 19^th, 2008 where it found a new home at Jane Finch mall.

            Contact:  info@rastafest.com or by telephone at 416-916-4068

ONLINE PROJECT HELPS COMMUNITIES BECOME GREENER

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By Emma Foster, Community Newswire

Communities groups are being invited to join a free online project, which offers tools and advice to help them fight climate change.

The Energy Saving Trust has today launched Green Communities, a new hub to help UK communities reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly.

The online service includes a carbon footprint tool, which allows registered members to pinpoint exactly how their community group can reduce carbon emissions and save money.

Once registered, members have access to the Green Communities Carbon Footprint tool, which has been developed in partnership with East of England Development Agency.

The tool allows users to generate a free impartial, personalised report showing exactly how their community group can stop wasting carbon and money.

All Green Communities members will be able to follow and promote their progress on a webpage that will chart their project's individual carbon savings.

Members will also have access to free expert advice from the Energy Saving Trust including training workshops, one-to-one consultation on project ideas and online resources such as case studies of other successful projects.

The Energy Saving Trust is also offering advice on managing the planning process when it come to installing renewable technologies and on overcoming the challenges when dealing with older or listed buildings.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: "We already have 2,000 community groups signed up across the UK and interest is growing daily.

"We still speak to individual householders but our research shows that the average person has 169 people in their social networks. We know that by working with communities the potential to influence friends and families is huge."

Joan Ruddock MP, Minister of State for Energy, said: "Community-wide action is vital if the UK is to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets and make the transition to a low-carbon future.

"We know that lots of people want to take action but aren't sure where to start - the Energy Saving Trust's Green Communities programme will play a valuable role in helping achieve collective change, street by street, in every community.

"This autumn will also see the start of the Government's Community Energy Saving Programme, which will provide real help to around 90,000 homes across the country, including energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies.

"Programmes such as these will help families and communities save energy, reduce emissions and keep energy bills lower."

Professor Erik Bichard, an expert in community engagement, from the University of Salford, said: "Our most trusted advisors are often the people we find closest to us. Community strength to tackle climate change needs to start somewhere.

"The Energy Saving Trust's Green Communities programme is a way of compelling community leaders to kick-start local action.

"People are generally happy to do something if they feel that others are already doing it, and that their actions would meet with the approval of those around them.

"This powerful motivating force is tailor-made for community action-based climate change initiatives. All that is needed is the catalyst to get a small group, and a popular initiative going."

Communities groups across the UK are invited to register for free membership at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/community or call 0844 848 0077.

The Energy Saving Trust has been set up to address the damaging effects of climate change by helping everybody to cut carbon dioxide emissions - the main greenhouse gas causing climate change - from their homes. It promotes the efficient use of energy and a more low carbon lifestyle.

Russians order Flight Changes, after Massive Magnetic Shift downs Airliners...

Reports circulating in the Kremlin today are saying that Russian Air Force Commanders have issued warnings to all of their aircraft to exercise “extreme caution” during flights “in and around” an area defined as Latitude 17 North [North Atlantic Ocean] Latitude 3 South [South Atlantic Ocean] to Latitude 8 North [Indian Ocean] Latitude 19 South [Indian Ocean] between the Longitudes of 46 West, 33 West, 46 East and 33 East, and which covers the greater part of the African Tectonic Plate.

The reason for this unprecedented warning, these reports state, are the rapid formations of “geomagnetic storms” emanating from the boundaries of the African Tectonic Plate that due to their intensity have caused the loss of two major passenger aircraft during the past month leaving nearly 300 men, women and children dead.

The first aircraft to be downed by this phenomenon was Air France passenger flight 447, and which these reports say that upon encountering one of these geomagnetic storms, on June 1st, near the western boundary of the African Tectonic Plate close to Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha Islands, was “completely annihilated” causing the deaths of 216 passengers and 12 crew members as their plane plunged in pieces into the Atlantic Ocan.

The second aircraft to be downed occurred on the eastern boundary of the African Tectonic Plate today when another of these geomagnetic storms slammed from the sky a Yemeni Airways flight to the Island Nation of Comoros in the Indian Ocean of which of the 153 passengers and crew aboard, only 1 “miracle child” has been rescued, so far.

To the catastrophic events occurring within the African Tectonic Plate it has been known for over a year with the reporting of a “new ocean” forming in Ethiopia, and as we can read as reported by Nature News Service:

“Although the birth of an ocean is an extremely rare phenomenon on the largest of historical scales, the geophysics is currently experiencing such an event. Even more dazzling, this occurs in one of the Earth's most inhospitable and arid regions, the Afar Depression in Ethiopia.

Follow this link for more: (Is the planet about to shift in 2012?)

Stay on purpose – visit: Agwamba

Interesting article about US cities being bulldozed to create new urban farming initiatives

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/5516536/US-cities-may-have-to-be-bulldozed-in-order-to-survive.html

Say "NO" to the TAX on LITERACY!

Please lend your support to this online campaign. If we can mobilise to save a 3-day festival, we can bring change to this critical issue:

This is the time to take a stand for our society. Let the Government know you want the tax on books and reading material repealed—now!

You will have heard about the new literacy tax being imposed in Jamaica, where the category of "Books, Newspapers and Education" - previously tax-exempt for good reason - as of Monday April 27 will now be taxed. This was attempted before in 2003 and due to swift citizen protest and strong lobbying, the attempt failed. They are now trying once more to impose a tax books, in a country where our literacy rate is already woefully low.

"Books, Newspapers and Education
10. Printed matter, articles and materials such as –
(a) brochures, pamphlets and leaflets for religious purposes and books other than schoolbooks and booklets
(b) newspapers journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated
(c) children's picture books and painting books;
(d) maps and hydrographic charts and similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps and topographical plans, printed globes (terrestrial or celestial)."

The revision issued on Monday is that religious materials and educational materials (as defined by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue) will be tax-exempt. We have to make our leadership understand that the list of MOE textbooks is too narrow a definition of "educational". Every children's book is educational - and reading of any book should be encouraged.

It also presents a practical difficulty in how this would be implemented. No tax on religious and educational books.. is Mother Teresas biography a religious book? What about books by the Dalai Lama? Is a book on Caribbean politics educational? What about a great work of literature like say a copy of War and Peace? How long will it take to clear goods on the wharf as Customs officers try to decipher which of the 1000 different titles in a shipment should attract tax?

You can make a difference today by copying the letter below into a personal e-mail. Feel free to edit and personalize it! You can send it to Audley Shaw and Bruce Golding at the following addresses:

FitzAlbert_2@yahoo.com; info@cabinet.gov.jm ; info@mof.gov.jm

Your voice will be heard, and it does make a difference. Thank you! Now send that email!

>>>>>>>>> sample letter >>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear Prime Minister Golding and Minister Shaw:

As a concerned citizen, I am writing this letter to urge you and your colleagues to act swiftly to repeal the tax on books. Protecting our ability to access books and affordable reading material is critical to our nation’s development.

I urge you to stand with us on this issue and keep all books affordable for the people of Jamaica. I am particularly concerned about the following:

1. That only the MOE list of approved textbooks or religious texts are exempted - This narrow definition, limited to MOE approved textbooks and books deemed religious by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, is unacceptable. We believe that all books, especially children's books, are of educational value.

2. That reading, books and education are not luxury items to be taxed for quick returns and short-term revenue gains. We demand that our government take a long-term view of this issue and its impact on the future of our nation.

3. That with the impact of recent devaluation, the price of books has already increased and this tax will put many books beyond the reach of the average citizen.

We have the right to develop into a literate and educated society. Citizens must have access to diverse and affordable reading material. Reading of any and all types of material, must be strongly encouraged by our government.

I strongly urge you to act now to repeal this tax and allow all books and reading material to remain tax-exempt.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND
CONTACTS:

You should be alert during the next days:

Do not open any message with an attached file called
'Invitation' regardless of who sent it, It is a virus
that opens an Olympic Torch which 'burns' the whole
hard disc C of your computer.

This virus will be received from someone who has your
e-mail address in his/her contact list, that is why
you should send this e-mail to all your contacts. It
is better to receive this message 25 times than to
receive the virus and open it.

If you receive a mail called 'invitation' , though
sent by a friend , do not open it and shut down your
computer immediately. This is the worst virus
announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft
as the most destructive virus ever.

This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and
there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This
virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard
Disc, where the vital information is kept

Royal Brewery

As many of you will be aware we are nearing the completion of our biomass plant here at the brewery.  (It's the big new glass-fronted building facing Princess Parkway).  The plan is that we will burn a mixture of spent grains from our brewing process and renewable wood in order to raise steam to power a turbine which will generate electricity.  We also have the facility to run the plant as a combined heat and power plant (CHP).  The biomass plant will reduce our carbon footprint from fossil fuels by over 80%!

In a few weeks time we will light the burner and start the initial hot testing and commissioning of the plant.  This is likely to start in the first  week of April.  One of the activities we need to carry out initially is to carry out a corrosion prevention process of the boiler and steam system and this will necessitate that we will need to 'blow out' the high pressure steam system fairly regularly over a one-two week period.  So, twice a day for a duration of 30 minutes we will need to blow out high pressure steam.  We will do this via a nozzle directed above out Canning building.  A silencer will be fitted that will reduce noise to less than 80 decibels (which is similar to the background traffic noise in rush hour).  We are planning to do this between 08.00 and 09.00 in the morning and 17.00 - 18.00 in the evening on week days and have yet to agree the best times for weekends (probably once per day at around midday).

The reason for writing to you is that there will possibly be some impact on the local population in terms of noise and the steam released will be very visible.  We would not want people to be alarmed at this.  

For us it is a very important project and there is no way round the blow out procedure.  After the first blow outs we will review the process to see if we can improve it in any way.  However hopefully there will be little or no impact on anyone and this is only a temporary procedure whilst we get the plant going.


Best regards

Pat
Dr. Patrick Thurston
Brewery Manager - Manchester
Royal Brewery
Denmark Road
Manchester M15 6LD>