Council meeting
Tomorrow Richard and Beatrice’s will be meeting with Sheffield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Streetscene and Climate Emergency, Cllr Lewis Dagnall
Context on the meeting - Lewis requested meeting with Extinction Rebellion and other climate groups. Beatrice is attending the meeting with Richard and will be discussing the Green Commitment for Sheffield which is now 2 years old and see what is progressing. Rachel for the Sheffield Climate Alliance will also be attending. Richard has been speaking with Simon Bowens, FOE rep for the North East about the key messages for the meeting. Group discussed sending out a press relase after the meeting to keep up the pressure.
Cycling
Dexter from Cycle Sheffield shared information about their campaigns for a cycle friendly city through enabled infrastructure. They responded to Sheffield’s transport strategy with the view that the climate change section was rather weak as did other charities but from their responses it has been improved so is now sounding a bit more ambitious on the walking and cycling plans. With transport producing the biggest amount of greenhouse gases there needs to be clear indicators on how they can decrease that. Sheffield Council does not have the funds to do everything in the transport strategy priorities and the worry is that they will just continue to do road improvements. Sheffield Cycles advice to the council is to look at schemes such as in Nottingham where they have a Parking Levy for businesses for 10 or more car parking spaces at £400 per space. This is then used on sustainable transport. Lewis has said that this can’t work for Sheffield as it has a different distribution of businesses in the centre. We will raise these points in discussions with the council.
Cycle Sheffield have a great article relating to transport in Sheffield. The link is here.
Picture Source: pixabay.com
HS2
FOE’s position on HS2 is that it is loads of money to spend instead of improving the current rail network.
Trees
Webinar on doubling Tree Cover on the 1st of July – Amy registered and to feedback to the group.
Richard discussed an idea for a schools student climate confrence. Sara discussed the event for young campaigners happening in Keele soon and will share info with the group.
On 26 June there is the Climate Change “The Time is Now” lobby of Parliament. A chance to lobby your MP. Tell the group if you’re going and who your MP is. Groundswell events also coming up. Another schools strike for the climate is happening this Friday (11am Devonshire Green)
Climate groups have been invited to a meeting at the Town Hall to discuss the Climate Emergency by Lewis Dagnall SCC Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change. Richard will write on behalf of the group to say that FoE will contribute.
Tamara provided an update on the FoE webinar on their current campaign which is focusing on getting a national government pledge by Dec 2020 to meet a target to be carbon neutral by 2045. They are working to co-ordinate action between now and end of 2020, working with other campaigning groups to ensure as many people are as involved as possible.
Sheffield Friends of the Earth supported the action outside HSBC near Chesterfield Market on Sat 9th March. In addition we provided leaflets on fracking to Chesterfield Climate Alliance and Chesterfield Against Fracking who were highlighting the HSBC financing of igas at Misson Springs in North Notts and HSBC's financing of coal-fuelled power stations in Vietnam and other South-east Asian countries This last point has been particularly pointed out by Christian Aid who have a letter you can send to HSBC's CEO.
June provided an update on the other anti-fracking news:
At Woodsetts, the council withdrew objections to the traffic plans and there is an appeal from INEOS in progress.
At Misson Springs, they are already drilling on site; there is both a protection camp in need of donations and an ongoing petition.
We are supporting transport for a Peak District action planned for Mam Tor on 9 June.
At Harthill, hedges have been cut down and plastic ribbons on remaining hedges used to stop nesting birds. See the adverts below for the Frack Free Festival
The school students' strike for the climate received good coverage in the Sheffield Star – about 500 children and positive coverage. We distributed some leaflets and displayed our banner. Here are the Student Climate Network’s four key demands:
The Government declare a climate emergency and prioritise the protection of life on Earth, taking active steps to achieve climate justice.
The national curriculum is reformed to address the ecological crisis as an educational priority.
The Government communicate the severity of the ecological crisis and the necessity to act now to the general public.
The Government recognise that young people have the biggest stake in our future, by incorporating youth views into policy making and bringing the voting age down to 16.
The next strike is due to take place on 15th March
Sharon Wilson a Texan anti-fracking activist addressed a meeting in Doncaster hosted by Friends of the Earth. She emphasised how important it was to stop fracking from happening in England. Unfortunately, many are reaping the consequences of the industry with many cases of ill-health and local environment being ruined.
Anybody want to join us in helping out with a stall in Barlborough on Sunday 5 May? (Richard will take materials and gazebo).
Sarah Swords is organising a minibus for an event in the Peak District National Park in June. Sheffield FoE will help to fund this.
29 March - 1 April “A Frack Free Fraction Festival” is planned (sign up to the SAF newsletter to get uptodate info; Woodsetts Against Fracking is looking for expertise to help support their campaign.
On 9 March Chesterfield Climate Alliance are having a demonstration outside HSBC Bank in Chesterfield from 9 am as they fund fracking (related to Misson Springs in North Notts near South Yorks border). Sheffield FoE will look to support this event.
Sheffield Against Fracking's AGM is coming up on Jan 8 at 7:30 United Reform Church and is an open meeting – all welcome. Drew has done some artwork for the AGM for them. Other meetings include 22 Jan 7:30 Theatre Deli, speaker meeting on Health Impacts (Eddie Thornton and others). A full update with details of future meetings from June below and further info on Sheffield Against Fracking website.
Details of Fracking events and news (update from June)
Winter Solstice at Tinker Lane
Tinker Lane Protectors Camp, DN22 8PA
Saturday 22nd December Starts at 4pm
Join the protectors for some solstice connection, reflection and earth healing vibes.
We'll meet and spend some time by the gates, then head to camp and eat some warming food. Everyone welcome!
FRACK OFF - festive fundraiser
Saturday 22nd December Starts at 7pm
The Queen Crafthouse & Kitchen, 1 Sunny Bar, Doncaster DN1 1LY
An evening of live music to raise awareness of fracking and support those who are protesting daily at anti-fracking camps in the Doncaster area. RAFFLE £1 ENTRY. Plus a talk by Dave Shaw, co-founder of Frack Free South Yorkshire. Free entry but donations welcome to support the anti-fracking movement.
Sheffield Against Fracking AGM & monthly meeting
Tuesday 8th January 2019 7.30pm-9.30pm
Central URC Church, 60 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB
With the growing threat of fracking and toxic waste in our area, we'd love new people to get involved with ideas, skills or a desire to learn.
There are various roles available, from event and action coordinators to internal and external communication roles. For more information, please email us.
Regional Strategy Meeting for South Yorks/ East Midlands
Saturday 12th January 2019 10am - 1pm
The Wesley Centre, Blyth Road, Maltby, Rotherham S66 8JD
Meeting of anti-fracking groups from across the region. Meet like-minded people, share knowledge, skills and experiences, and learn about the situation locally & nationally
Fracking: Health impacts & the KM8 victory
Tuesday 22nd January 2019 7.30-9.30pm at Theatre Delicatessen
How the community of Kirby Misperton united to protect their landscape from fracking; with views from Eddie & Tim Thornton - 2 different approaches to activism.
Eddie Thornton an activist determined to protect his local area from fracking - why and how.
Tim Thornton - retired family doctor and a concerned health professional, who has set up Concerned Health Professionals of the United Kingdom (alongside Carol Hutchinson from Eckington)
Deborah Gibson - local activist & campaigner from Harthill Against Fracking & Frack Free South Yorkshire - an update on fracking in the area how you can get involved.
Free entry, donations to Sheffield Against Fracking
Apple crumble, tea & coffee included
Fracking halted AGAIN in Lancashire
A minor earthquake of 1.5 magnitude struck late on Tuesday morning following a series of far smaller tremors, and after fossil fuel exploration had stopped for the day. Activity has again been suspended. Locals said they felt the tremor.
Zero Carbon Yorkshire
Richard reported on an event with a presentation from Centre for Alternative Technologies (CAT) on “Zero Carbon Britain” where we can power the country using existing technology. See http://zerocarbonbritain.com/en/ for more details.
Peace and Craft Fair
Several people from the group ran a stall at the Peace and Craft Fair with information leaflets about fracking and air pollution.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting will be on Monday 18 December 2017 at 7.30 pm and Christmas meal at 8pm. If you would like to join us then please contact Liddy on e.goyder@sheffield.ac.uk
Fossil Fuel Day of Action
On 14 October 2017 people from all over the world took action to protect our climate from fossil fuels. From groups fighting giant oil companies in Africa, to communities already feeling the impact of rising sea levels, the whole of Friends of the Earth’s global community united for a day of action. Our message to the world: keep fossil fuels in the ground. It’s our best hope of stopping the most devastating consequences of climate change. You can see what happened around the world here.
In Sheffield, the day of action began at Weston Park Museum when Steve Goodacre and Liddy Goyder from Sheffield Friends of the Earth and June Bhooshi from Sheffield Against Fracking handed over three fossil fuel dinosaurs for safe keeping to Louisa Briggs of Sheffield Museums. The dinosaurs represented the 3 types of fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) which must remain unused if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. Research shows that more than 80 per cent of the world’s known coal reserves, 30 per cent of known oil and 50 per cent of gas reserves are unburnable if we are to have a safe climate.
Louisa Briggs of Sheffield Museums receiving 3 dinosaurs from June Bhooshi.
After the handover of the dinosaurs, the group marched to Barker’s Pool to join other concerned residents for a mass rally with the theme of keeping fossil fuels in the ground, skipping fracking and moving to clean renewables.
The march from Weston Park Museum to the City Hall
David Burley of Frack Free South Yorkshire introduced a number of speakers including Paul Blomfield MP for Sheffield Central and Shadow Brexit minister and Tina Louise Rothery a legendary anti-fracking campaigner from Frack Free Lancashire.
The full list of speakers were:
MC - David Burley—Frack Free South Yorkshire
Paul Blomfield MP - Sheffield Central MP and Shadow Brexit Minister
James Eaden - President of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Trade Union Council
Dave Kesteven - Eckington Against Fracking
Deborah Smith - South Yorkshire Fossil Free Divestment Group
Richard Dyer - Friends of the Earth Fossil Free and Clean Air Campaigner
Anti-fossil fuel and anti-fracking campaigners outside the City hall
Paul Blomfield MP said “Energy policy should be focused on reducing carbon emissions. Now’s the time to be investing in renewable energy as the industry of the future, not falling back on fossil fuels that make it harder to hit our targets to reduce global warming.”
Tina Louise Rothery said, “This event is just one of so many like it that is happening across the world and I can think of no better place to echo the call to protect our precious communities from the harms of fossil fuels, than Sheffield. It is here that the sharp edge of a broken democracy can be so sorely felt with the the threat of fracking and the unwanted seismic testing that goes with it. It's been an excellent event with representatives from government, the anti-fracking campaigns, Unions and some dinosaurs... a family day with a purpose.”
Richard Souter, Sheffield Friends of the Earth campaigner and event organiser said, “Our government seems hell-bent on developing fracking on Sheffield’s doorstep. Fracking is not necessary, it will rip up our countryside, pollute our waters, increase air pollution and threaten wildlife habitats. Moreover, heavy traffic from the proposed fracking sites, carrying some of the worse pollutants, will be treated here in Sheffield at Ecclesfield.”
A short video below features the highlights from the rally. A video on our Facebook site has the full set of speakers.
Whilst the adults were listening to the serious messages from the speakers, the children enjoyed a number of activities from colouring in frack-osaurus dinosaurs to eating dinosaur cupcakes.
The rally ended with music from Sheffield Socialist Choir and Sheffield Samba Band whilst inflatable dinosaurs were deflated to signify the end of prehistoric fossil fuels.
The Star covered the rally in the printed edition on Monday 16 October 2017 and their on-line version has more photos and a video. A similar article appear in the Sheffield Telegraph.
The Star's article of the Rally
At the General meeting the group reflected that overall the event went well, with some disappointment that the numbers were not greater in Barkers Pool. A lot of people, particularly Richard, Shaun, Mosborough Against Fracking and SCA and other groups who all contributed to making the rally happen were thanked for their hard work. Sincere thanks were also given to Michael Mouat for the filming and Prime Tiger Event Services for the PA system which many people said was excellent.
Jessica Ernst
Richard reported on an anti-fracking lunch with Jessica Ernst who has been responsible for a long running legal campaign in Canada.
Mass Demo Coach Trip to Kirby Misperton KM8
Will you give one day of your busy life to be part of a mass peaceful demonstration at the gates of a Fracking Site?
Join “100 Protectors” a peaceful, mass demonstration, coach trip to KM8 Frack Site, Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire.
One way to affect this dirty business is to slow it down and send its costs rocketing. One way to do this effectively is to have so many Protectors/Demonstrators that the police are in the minority. We need at least 100 people to do that. With enough people willing to go for one day: you’d only have to go once a year!
To be notified of the dates please send your email or phone number to Disgruntled@riseup.net The first trip is looking like one day week 13th-17th Nov.
5 November – Sherwood Forest
A walk with talks and singing in Sherwood Forest, about fracking and the history of land rights, by amazing performers Three Acres and A Cow. Sign up to the Facebook event here. Afterwards, there will be talks & discussions at the nearby South Forest Centre – book tickets for this here.
Burns Supper
A Burns supper is being organised to support anti-fracking campaign for 20 Jan 2018. watch this space for more details.
ACTIONS:
Shaun will ask Jo if we can advertise trips on the website.
Energy Storage
Shaun's article about storing renewable electricity was published in the Sheffield Telegraph on Thursday 13 April 2017. The full text of it is here:
Critics of renewable energy suggest we’ll struggle to power the country because there are times when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. However, a recent report by Friends of the Earth suggests that the majority of our electricity supply could run on renewables with the right mix of energy storage and smart technologies. Not only is this good for the environment, but it will create employment opportunities for people living in South Yorkshire’s cities.
Water is similar to renewable electricity because it is also intermittent. There are days, and even weeks, when the umbrellas can be put away, but everyone remembers the torrential downpours. The intermittency challenge for water was solved by storing it at different scales from water butts to giant reservoirs, thus allowing the taps to be turned on regardless of the weather.
The water butt storage equivalent for a solar home is to install a battery pack similar to Tesla’s Powerwall. The surplus electricity is stored for use when the clouds pass over during the day and at night when the sun has set. The battery would soon be exhausted if there were a number of consecutive cloudy days, but they could be topped up when there is excess wind power. Clearly it won’t allow homes in this country to be completely self-sufficient so other solutions will need adding to the storage portfolio.
Continuing with the water analogy, there are a number of technologies which could be classed as small dams. These include compressed air, flywheels, pumped hydro and large batteries. Typically they can help the national grid at peak times, but on their own they won’t solve the intermittency issue.
The large scale storage options, equivalent to big reservoirs, include Power to Gas. The basic idea is to run electrolysers whenever there is an oversupply of renewable electricity. These devices split water into its component parts of hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen can be used to fuel hydrogen vehicles, which in principle could be plugged into homes to act as a power station on wheels. Another option is to store the hydrogen in storage tanks which can be converted back to electricity using a fuel cell when required. In some cases it can even be injected directly into the gas network. Because hydrogen can be difficult to store, it is often easier to mix it with other gasses to produce a green gas.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process which allows organic waste (for example, food, manure, sewage and grass) to rot down. The end result is a liquid fertiliser and a number of gasses including methane and carbon dioxide. The methane is normally cleaned up and burnt to generate electricity. However, it would probably be better to pump the methane into the national gas network where it can be used to generate electricity or to heat homes when there isn’t a lot of renewable energy. The carbon dioxide extracted from the AD process can be mixed with the hydrogen to produce more methane. Again this could be pumped into the gas network for use at a later time.
As the gasses have come from waste plant sources rather than digging up fossil fuels, the process can be considered carbon neutral and isn’t a threat to the planet’s climate.
The first stage of the renewable journey has been to install and demonstrate that renewables work. The big challenge for the second leg of the journey is to ramp up the UK’s renewable capacity along with storage and smart technologies. This will allow us to keep the lights on regardless of the weather, fight climate change and create jobs.
It was mentioned at a previous meeting that Sheffield Climate Alliance (SCA) have secured a space in the Sheffield Telegraph to write a "Big Challenge" article each week for a year. SCA invited Sheffield Friends of the Earth to contribute an article so Shaun agreed to write a piece on storage options for renewable energy. The article submitted is as follows:
Critics of renewable energy suggest we’ll struggle to power the country because there are times when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. However, a recent report by Friends of the Earth suggests that the majority of our electricity supply could run on renewables with the right mix of energy storage and smart technologies. Not only is this good for the environment, but it will create employment opportunities for people living in South Yorkshire’s cities.
Water is similar to renewable electricity because it is also intermittent. There are days, and even weeks, when the umbrellas can be put away, but everyone remembers the torrential downpours. The intermittency challenge for water was solved by storing it at different scales from water butts to giant reservoirs, thus allowing the taps to be turned on regardless of the weather.
The water butt storage equivalent for a solar home is to install a battery pack similar to Tesla’s Powerwall. The surplus electricity is stored for use when the clouds pass over during the day and at night when the sun has set. The battery would soon be exhausted if there were a number of consecutive cloudy days, but they could be topped up when there is excess wind power. Clearly it won’t allow homes in this country to be completely self-sufficient so other solutions will need adding to the storage portfolio.
Continuing with the water analogy, there are a number of technologies which could be classed as small dams. These include compressed air, flywheels, pumped hydro and large batteries. Typically they can help the national grid at peak times, but on their own they won’t solve the intermittency issue.
The large scale storage options, equivalent to big reservoirs, include Power to Gas. The basic idea is to run electrolysers whenever there is an oversupply of renewable electricity. These devices split water into its component parts of hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen can be used to fuel hydrogen vehicles, which in principle could be plugged into homes to act as a power station on wheels. Another option is to store the hydrogen in storage tanks which can be converted back to electricity using a fuel cell when required. In some cases it can even be injected directly into the gas network. Because hydrogen can be difficult to store, it is often easier to mix it with other gasses to produce a green gas.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process which allows organic waste (for example, food, manure, sewage and grass) to rot down. The end result is a liquid fertiliser and a number of gasses including methane and carbon dioxide. The methane is normally cleaned up and burnt to generate electricity. However, it would probably be better to pump the methane into the national gas network where it can be used to generate electricity or to heat homes when there isn’t a lot of renewable energy. The carbon dioxide extracted from the AD process can be mixed with the hydrogen to produce more methane. Again this could be pumped into the gas network for use at a later time.
As the gasses have come from waste plant sources rather than digging up fossil fuels, the process can be considered carbon neutral and isn’t a threat to the planet’s climate.
The first stage of the renewable journey has been to install and demonstrate that renewables work. The big challenge for the second leg of the journey is to ramp up the UK’s renewable capacity along with storage and smart technologies. This will allow us to keep the lights on regardless of the weather, fight climate change and create jobs.
Richard reported back on a very positive public meeting and the Anti-Fracking Network meeting held in Sheffield and hosted by Friends of the Earth. The meetings involved anti-fracking groups from all parts of the region was very productive with groups expressing a wish to come together again.
There have been multiple articles in local papers in response to the 8 page INEOS “advert” for fracking, largely against fracking.
Richard attending a meeting in Doncaster this week and there is a march planned for Saturday 25 Feb starting 12 noon from Mosborough to Eckington, then to Marsh Lane. Activities are generally hotting up around Marsh Lane where INEOS plan to drill an exploratory well.
On the 4 March there is an all day event to “Power Up” to share expertise from the University of Sheffield's Planning Department.
There has been lots of activity with regards to fracking and Richard provided an update on recent planning meetings/decisions.
Barclays event worked well; Richard spoke at planning committee, FoE legal challenge rejected; exploratory drilling agreed, more information on the Drill or Drop website.
Funding raising gig on Sunday 27 Nov at the Shakespeare (S3 8UB) 3pm – 10pm – with Treebeard - join Richard to support them.
Other events at Chadwick Village Hall; Fracking company presentation at Worksop Football Club;
“Are we going to be fracked?” event at Dronfield Civic Centre Thursday 8 December at 7:30pm
IGAS Tinker Lane application to be heard by Notts County Council on 20 Dec.
The global food system is broken. It’s harming our planet and our health, and something needs to change. Sheffield Friends of the Earth and Festival of Debate are inviting you to watch this ground-breaking documentary about the impact animal agriculture has on climate change and the environment. Click here to find out more about our food campaign.
The film will be screened for free (donations are always welcome) on Thursday 17 November 2016 upstairs at Regather, 57-59 Club Garden Road, Sheffield, S11 8BU, For directions see Google Map.
Doors open at 6.30 pm with the film starting at 7.00 pm and finishing at 8.30 pm. A discussion will take place from 8.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The bar will be open for drinks until 10.00 pm.
Please book your free seat via this link as spaces are limited. People without tickets will not be allowed in.
*** UPDATE *** This event is now fully booked. If you can't make it please let us know so we can use your ticket for someone else. Just email info@regather.net. If you haven't booked yet then keep checking the ticket site in case people drop out.
The Real Junk Food Project will be providing food in the downstairs cafe before the film starts and can be made to take upstairs to eat during the screening. The food menu will vary as they use surplus food from local businesses, supermarkets, catering events, local households, food banks, farms and wholesalers. There is normally vegan, vegetarian, meat and gluten free options. TRJFP also operate a pay as you feel policy.
If you can display any posters then please download them from our downloads section.
Regather has its own brewery on site, specialising in craft ale and suitable for vegans. The beer will be available for sale to drink during the film. Other drinks will be available.
The global food system is broken. It’s harming our planet and our health, and something needs to change. Sheffield Friends of the Earth and Festival of Debate are inviting you to watch this ground-breaking documentary about the impact animal agriculture has on climate change and the environment. Click here to find out more about our food campaign.
The film will be screened for free (donations are always welcome) on Thursday 17 November 2016 upstairs at Regather, 57-59 Club Garden Road, Sheffield, S11 8BU, For directions see Google Map.
Doors open at 6.30 pm with the film starting at 7.00 pm and finishing at 8.30 pm. A discussion will take place from 8.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The bar will be open for drinks until 10.00 pm.
Please book your free seat via this link as spaces are limited.
The Real Junk Food Project will be providing food in the downstairs cafe before the film starts and can be made to take upstairs to eat during the screening. The food menu will vary as they use surplus food from local businesses, supermarkets, catering events, local households, food banks, farms and wholesalers. There is normally vegan, vegetarian, meat and gluten free options. TRJFP also operate a pay as you feel policy.
Regather has its own brewery on site, specialising in craft ale and suitable for vegans. The beer will be available for sale to drink during the film. Other drinks will be available.
David Burley from Frack Free South Yorkshire (FFSY) was at the August meeting to provide an update on fracking.
Huddersfield Friends of the Earth recently completed a toxic cocktail fracking stunt outside Barclays bank. See link here. David asked if we could do this in Sheffield, but unfortunately we are committed to too many other campaigns. We agreed to get involved with fracking actions if other groups are able to organise events.
Feedback was given on the two stalls at Lowedges and Wortley Hall - they were both a great success with over 400 names collected on the Wortley petition.
A Friends of the Earth survey shows that most people still don't want fracking even if they were given £10,000. It was stated that most people would lose that on property prices and the risk to health is not worth the money. See more about the survey here and here.
FFSY are trying to obtain off-the-record views of councillors and will be presenting information to Lib Dem and labour groups.
Richard asked if we should link up with Chesterfield groups if they form part of the Sheffield City Region.
"Do your Street" has been a fantastic success with over 30,000 leaflets distributed in two months. Another 60,000 are to be printed. If you want to hand out some fracking leaflets on your street then please get in touch with FFSY.
Big discussion on flooding and especially about how Friends of the Earth have responded through the work of Guy Shrubsole. Treeresponsibility gave a presentation on their work with catchment management and issues over land ownership. see link and the Kirkstall Action group talked about their response to recent floodings.
The Friends of the Earth position is to support the Remain In campaign for the European referendum. See the link here for more details.
Rewilding is to be a separate but important piece of work nationally that Friends of the Earth is starting with Elaine Gilligan taking the lead. It will no doubt be the prompt for the replacement to Bees.
About 60 people attended the recent Sheffield Climate Alliance (SCA) meeting. The first part of the event was for personal feedback from people who had been to Paris for the 2015 climate conference. The second part of the event was for local groups to give a 1 minute report on the things they have been up to and what they were planning in the near future. Richard and François attended on behalf of Sheffield Friends of the Earth.
Richard mentioned that a lot of people are interested in the Leap Manifesto, more groups are trying to build alliances and it was good to see SCA engaging with Sheffield Muslims. It was noted that a member of SCA will be interviewed on a Bradford Asian TV channel.
Richard and François held a small stall at the meeting to promote some of our food work (displaying pages from the meat atlas), fracking and membership leaflets.
Richard couldn't make it to the Climate Rising event in London, but new member, Emma, had been and was able to give us an update.
One half of the day consisted of talks with guest speakers such as Caroline Lucus and Naomi Klein (via Skype). The other half of the day was dedicated to workshops to learn new skills. Emma told us about Bristol Friends of the Earth’s work on flexitarian issues. Their main focus was trying to encourage large organisations like schools and museums to offer more vegetarian and vegan choices. They were also looking at ways to better promote less meat diets.
Saturday 28 November
Sheffield Climate Alliance (SCA) are organising an event on 28th November at Tudor Square 12-4:30pm. They don’t need our gazebo, but they do need our tables. Beatrice is to pick them up from Richard’s house on Friday.
There is to be minimal campaign material on the tables as many groups need to share the space. We suggested putting on our fracking petition.
Stewards are needed; John and Hayley have put their names down for this. There is to be the Run on Sun costume and a cow costume.
Saturday 5th December.
There is to be a walk to "Paris". Meet at Huddersfield station to start.
It will be a full day out. The trains don't get close enough to the route so it is recommended that people travel by train to and from Huddersfield. It's an 8 mile walk to Paris with frequent buses back to Huddersfield. Full details below.
Train out: Sheffield 0822 Huddersfield 0938 (change in Leeds)
Trains back: Huddersfield 1531 arr 1651, 1555 arr 1720, 1608 arr 1732, 1631 arr 1751, 1708 arr 1831 and regularly after (some direct, some change in Leeds)
Off peak day return £9.40
It is possible to take a later direct train from Sheffield and join at one of the stations on the route where the march will stop
Buses from Holmfirth every 15 minutes or so taking about 30 minutes to Huddersfield bus station, 5 minutes walk to rail station. Timetables via http://wymetro.com/BusTravel/Bustimetables/. Search under route 310 (310, 314 and 316 are on the same timetable)
It is suggested to use 1547 bus to bus station at 1621 to get the 1631 back for those who want travel as a group.
Paris Rally
There seems to be a problem with the Trip to Paris (the French one) as any demonstrations are now not going ahead or considered illegal due to the problems that ISIS have caused. Perhaps it might be worthwhile mentioning that people who wish to go should definitely check with the Sheffield Climate Alliance website before going.
