Permaculture in Bristol

Bristol Civic Society event: PERMACULTURE IN BRISTOL WED 13TH MARCH, 7.30-9.00. Upper Meeting Room, Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE

The word 'permaculture' comes from 'permanent agriculture' and 'permanent culture' - it entails living lightly on the planet, and making sure that we can sustain human activities in harmony with nature. It combines three key aspects: ethics, an attitudinal/philosophical approach and an understanding of how nature works. These principles then inform the design of sustainable, agriculturally productive, non-polluting and healthy settlements, either adapting what exists or starting from scratch.


Mike Feingold will explain Permaculture in detail and tell us of Permaculture activities and projects in Bristol and how you could get involved. Mike is a member of the Bristol Permaculture Group and has been working with and teaching Permaculture in various countries for over 20 years, mainly in India and Nepal.

Members £2 (voluntary) Non-members £5  http://www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk/

http://bristolpermaculture.pbworks.com/w/page/11835027/FrontPage

Go Solar Affordably: interested Knowle people sought

Community Organisation seeking Bristol homeowners wanting to go solar

A pioneering energy-saving community group based in St Werburghs has devised a scheme to help Bristol go solar - more affordably.

Called 'Let’s Go Solar', the scheme is looking for Bristol homeowners interested in having a solar-powered hot water system installed in their home for around half the normal price. [Join the existing participants in the scheme pictured below]

Thanks to securing both government funding and local bargaining power, the not-for-profit community group, Ashley Vale Action Group (AVAG), has slashed the typical cost of installing solar-powered hot water heating from around £5,000 to approximately £2,500.

Ashley Vale Action Group was one of 38 UK-wide groups, and the only Bristol group, to successfully bid for a share of £3 million from the UK government. The government scheme aims to make renewable technologies accessible to more people in its effort to help reduce the UK’s overall carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, Let’s Go Solar has cut the costs even further by negotiating with nine local solar installers to use their collective power to buy hot water heating kits in bulk.

The energy-saving kits use the power of the sun to heat hot water, enabling homeowners to save on fuel bills as well as reduce their individual carbon footprint.

Most of the systems must be installed by the end of March so Let’s Go Solar is launching a Bristol-wide campaign to let as many eligible householders know about the offer as soon as possible.

Particularly welcome are homes deemed deprived according to government statistics such as some parts of St Agnes, St Pauls, Lockleaze, Eastville, Easton, Ashley Down, St Werburgh’s, Knowle, Hartcliffe, Fishponds etc.

Interested homeowners should contact Ashley Vale Action Group as soon as possible to arrange a free survey of their home.

www.ashleyvale.org.uk

E-mail avag@ashleyvale.org.uk 

Tel. 0117 924 1263

Bristol Pound

Interesting story showing the designs for the new local currency - the Bristol pound (£B) - here. The picture left shows the design on the back of the £B1 note. The Post also has this report on how to use your local currency from Sept 19th.

http://bristolpound.org/

Local history: free public events

Here's a good Post story, publicising a really interesting partnership and series of free local history events (see list below - especially those marked ** which are in or close to Knowle).

Run by the University of Bristol in partnership with Bristol City Council and local community groups, Know Your Bristol is a series of free public events exploring local heritage. Members of the public are invited to come and join us to explore their local history as well as contributing to it themselves. We invite members of the public to bring their own stories about each area, including family history and memories of the location. We would also encourage people to bring along objects such as films, family photographs, and historical artefacts.

Digital images of objects brought in and interviews recorded on the day will be contributed to Bristol City Council's Know Your Place project, allowing people to explore their local history through an interactive map website.

Everyone is warmly invited to attend our up coming events and bring their stories of the places to share with the Know Your Bristol team.

Future events include:

**Know Your Arnos Vale-Saturday 19th May 10-4 at Arnos Vale Cemetery

Know Your Kings Weston- Saturday 16th June 10-4 at Kings Weston House

**Know Your South Bristol- Saturday 23rd June 10-4 at Knowle West Media Centre

Know Your Bristol- Saturday 30th June 10-4 at Mshed

Keep up to date with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Know-Your-Bristol/349027618485303 and Twitter: @knowyourbristol  
and visit our website for more details: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/events/know-your-bristol/

New CPRE Bristol Group

A new CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) group is being set up in Bristol. This is good news. CPRE is a grassroots organisation, led by volunteers, but it has a powerful national voice – planners and politicians listen to them. I hope that this group will become a strong voice in Bristol to campaign for a greener city surrounded by a thriving countryside, using CPRE’s resources and planning expertise to set out a positive vision for change.

As part of this move CPRE are holding a public meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 3^rd April at the Horfield Quaker Meeting House (300 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8PD). All are welcome – entry is via the main entrance to the left of the building.

The new National Planning Policy Framework was published yesterday. It looks as though CPRE’s relentless lobbying and pressure on the Government has paid off to some extent, with additional safeguards for the environment now present, but it still removes a huge body of regulations that guided planning. Meanwhile, the Localism Act gives new powers to communities to plan development in their area.

CPRE  see both a threat and an opportunity – if the government is not going to control planning, then we should step in and reclaim control of our own neighbourhoods, and support others to do the same.

Its hoped hope the Bristol group will take a special interest in Localism and local food – CPRE want to explore how communities can use neighbourhood planning to develop local food infrastructure and build links with local farming communities. But also want to keep an eye on the bigger picture, a vision of Bristol as a clean, green city circled by farmland, woods and water.

If you think you might like to join the new group or if you are interested in these issues and you want to hear more, please do go along on Tuesday. This is an open public meeting, so please pass this message on to others who might be interested. Contact  Joe Evans, Director, CPRE Avonside

07854 741130 for further information.

Bristol's Big Green Week, 9 - 17 June 2012

http://biggreenweek.com/

The Big Green Week Programme for 2012

Saturday 9 June:

Love Life, Love Local Food – the UK’s biggest ever Farmer’s Market (in association with the Soil Association) radiating out from the famous St Nic’s covered market hall in Bristol’s old medieval centre.

Sunday 10 June:

Love Life, Love My Bike – the first-ever World Electric Bike Championships with a time trial race on Park Street in the centre of Bristol. The world’s top manufacturers, with celebrity riders, competing for the top crown for electric bikes; plus a gravity powered downhill ‘soap-box’ Go-Kart Grand Prix, and electric bike ‘taster sessions’ for the public.

Monday 11th to Friday 15th June:

A daily stream of events, including:

7.45 – 8.45am The Morning Muse (Green Talk) Colston Hall

– an eight-minute breakfast time provocation and open discussion (also to be broadcast online).

9 – 10am Thought for the Day, Bristol Cathedral

– a chance to reflect on the spiritual side of our connections with the natural world.

10.30am – 12pm, Wonders of the Planet, at the Watershed

- a week-long film programme screening some of the BBC’s greatest hits produced by Bristol’s world famous Natural History Unit over the last 40 years.

12.30 – 1.30pm Festival of Green Ideas Colston Hall

– a lunchtime think-a-thon, with short talks followed by Q&A.

2 – 4pm Film Documentaries & panel discussion Watershed

6 – 7.30pm The BIG Green Lecture (Schumacher) Council House

- our BIG daily daddy of an event, with keynote guest speakers, with virtual link ups with speakers overseas. Plus live poetry or music. Webcast live by Bristol City Council.

8 – 10pm The BIG Green Event (various venues)

– music at St Georges, comedy at Colston Hall, poetry at the Bristol Old Vic, Green Talks at the Arnolfini.

10 – Midnight Late Lounge (various venues)

- hosted by the bar of the venue for that evening’s BIG Green Event (above). Have a drink, mingle and discuss.

Saturday 16, Sunday 17 June: the Festival of Nature

- Europe’s biggest free nature festival held in a tented village across the Bristol harbourside (with schools’ day of the Friday).

Sunday 17 June: Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride

- this annual traffic-free family ride, organised by Bristol City Council, starts and ends at the Festival of Nature giving a huge finale to BIG Green Week.
Groups interested in organising an event as part of the BIG Green Week Fringe can register online:

The Bristol Pound

Message : Our City, our Money, our Future - The Bristol Pound

On May 21st 2012, Bristol will be seeing the launch of its very own unique currency. Developed in the name of all things local, The Bristol Pound aims to support the independent businesses that give our city both its richness and diversity. The currency will be spent using paper notes and secure mobile phone payments. Over the next few months, The Bristol Pound team will be putting on events around the city, providing information and inviting members of the public to come and share their views on this exciting new scheme. We are also opening up the opportunity for people around the city to enter our art competition, where the winners will have their work printed on the paper notes. The competition is open to anyone, professional, amateur, young or old. For more details on the competition or any other questions you may have concerning the Bristol Pound, go to our website at www.bristolpound.org and help us make it happen.

Upcoming Events:

15th February, 6pm- 7:30pm: Queen's Building, University Walk

16th February, 7:30pm- 9pm: Hamilton House, Stokes Croft

21st February, 7:30-9pm: Redland Park United Reformed Church, (Just off Whiteladies Road)

23rd February, 7:30-9pm: Easton Community Centre, Easton

29th February, 7:30-9pm: Knowle West Media, Knowle West

6th March, 7:30- 9pm: The Tobacco Factory, Southville

7th March, 6:30-8pm: The Paintworks, Brislington

Free insulation

Are you losing heat and wasting money?



Future Fit Bristol - Phase One begins!


We are offering 100 homes in Knowle West the opportunity to have up to half a day with a qualified local builder, who will install energy saving measures in the house for FREE! This might include adding draught strips, filling draughty holes, re-hanging gappy doors, etc.


This offer is only available to the first 100 Knowle West homes who call and make an appointment.


Please contact the team at re:work on 0117 953 0689.

Thank you.


Future Fit Bristol is a partnership project between Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC), re:work and the Centre for Sustainable Energy.

BS3 Campus

Take a look at: http://bs3campus.org.uk/ and consider signing the epetition and getting involved if you can. I'm looking into how Sustainable Knowle might work with those involved in this (we contributed to the public consultations in some detail back in 2009).

Yet Another Housing Estate For Profit ... or a Low Impact Sustainable Community?


Want to be part of building a new sustainable community?

We are presenting a new vision for the regeneration of the old City of Bristol College and the adjoining open land of the Northern Slopes in Bedminster, which are due to be sold off for development.


Rather than becoming just another housing estate we believe this has the potential to support a new sustainable community with a range of affordable and self build housing and work, training, arts and recreational facilities. The largest of it’s type in the UK.


We aim to breathe new life into the Campus that lies at the heart of the BS3 community and build new space:- Affordable Living space, Workspace, Open space, Growing space, Community space, Eating space, Recreation and Artspace, Performance space, Quiet space….. Our space.


Developments such as Harbourside that create sterile environments to generate profits for a national housebuilder are lost opportunities. In contrast those that are inspired and supported by local people can add a sense of place and real value.


We feel its time to challenge the old ways and models. To create a new vision. that relates to how we want to live; that provides affordable housing, that respects environment, and is based on shared ownership, responsibility and support. We are asking the Bristol and wider community to share in the vision and have their voice heard before it is too late.


The SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY vision:


Self build, self finish and affordable housing


A range of price, tenure and cohousing options


Community workshops and workhub with shared facilities


Recreation, community and creative arts space


Green open space and allotments


Re-use of existing buildings


Use of low impact sustainable construction and renewable energy

For community events and news about Knowle

Sources for news about Knowle, local developments and events:

http://www.redcatchcc.com/

http://www.bristolpartnership.org/neighbourhood-partnerships/filwood-knowle-a-windmill-hill

http://www.bristol247.com/tag/knowle/

Bristol Evening Post, Knowle

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/

http://theparkknowle.co.uk/

http://www.knowlewest.co.uk/

http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/knowle-west-regeneration-framework

http://themedecommunitycentre.co.uk/

Knowle and District Community Association

Bristol City Council, Knowle

South Bristol Link Road to go ahead says Chancellor

Take a look here:
http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/campaigns/climate_change/roads/blog

Chancellor George Osbourne bulldozes through the South Bristol Link Road and many others along with it.

Have your say on bus rapid transit proposals

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MEETING : BUS RAPID TRANSIT SOUTH SECTION FROM HENGROVE PARK TO CITY CENTRE VIA KNOWLE WEST AND BEDMINSTER THURSDAY 28TH HULY AT THE PARK CENTRE AT 18:00

http://www.bristolnpn.net/current-projects/rapid-transit-network

Knowle People Facebook Group

Join the Knowle People Facebook Group here:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Glenn-Vowles/611181973#!/groups/10172602521

Sustainable Knowle Facebook group

Join the Sustainable Knowle Facebook group by going here

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150242558106974.373484.611181973&saved#!/home.php?sk=group_41080859014&notif_t=group_r2j

Community Energy meeting, 29 June, 6.30-9pm, Knowle West Media Centre

Joining up Bristol’s local community energy groups’ - Bristol Energy Network and the Centre for Sustainable Energy Present….A meeting to hear a talk from Dan McCallum, Awel Aman Tawe Community Energy Successes from South Wales and to discuss what community groups can learn from their experiences

· Learn from what other groups across Bristol and the South West about what they are doing to help reduce energy use in their communities· An opportunity for groups and individuals to share their projects and experiences· Meet people from other energy groups across the Bristol and across the South West· Find out how the Bristol Energy Network and CSE can support your project

Wednesday 29th June 2011 6.30 to 9pm, Knowle West Media Centre, Bristol. Refreshments and light food will be provided.

To book please e-mail Kirsty Mitchel, Kirsty.mitchell@cse.org.uk or phone 0117 931 4100

www.cse.org.uk/events/

www.bristolenergynetwork.org/events

All community groups are invited

TWO very special mums will take a dream cruise after winning an Evening Post competition.

TWO very special mums will take a dream cruise after winning an Evening Post competition.

We asked readers to tell us what makes their mums special and why they deserve to win a holiday.

Now Paula Thomas, of Knowle, and Beryl Barras, of Avonmouth, have been rewarded with a holiday after winning our Mum In A Million competition.

The winners were chosen by a panel who were looking for the parent who, in their opinion, had done the most for their family in times of difficulty, or who had shown extraordinary kindness and selflessness.

Great to have a winner from Knowle. Many congratulations to Paula Thomas - she has a history of community activity many decades long!

Drop in sessions for people wanting to access a bike workshop

******'Bike kitchen' will run over the summer at the Life Cycle workshop at The Park (Monday evenings, 6pm to 8.30pm)

Basically, it is a drop in session for people wanting to access a bike workshop, with all the tools available, and a mechanic on hand to offer advice - to allow people to have a go at fixing their bike.

It is free except for any parts purchased.

The Small Charities Coalition

Bristol Happiness Lectures 2010: Tues 18 May, St Georges Hall

Details on the lectures and some of the related issues here...

http://vowlesthegreen.blogspot.com/2010/04/bristol-happiness-lectures-2010.html

GardenShare Bristol

Received from Abbi Gutierrez: I am writing to let you know about an exciting new community intiative: GardenShare Bristol.

This local volunteer organisation has recently been set up with the aim of matching people who would like to grow plants and vegetables but don't have the space, with those who lack the time, ability or motivation to use their gardens.

Our overall objective is to promote a local food culture and reduce food miles and the dependence on oil.

We also aim to

*Promote access to fresh locally grown vegetables especially for elderly and disabled people in the community.

*Promote more active lifestyles by getting more people involved in growing their own food.

*Promote healthy eating

*Promote an interest in and a better understanding of food and how it is produced.

*Help build links between different people in the community and foster a sense of shared future in the neighbourhood.

Similar projects are taking place across the country including Brighton, Bath, and Totnes and tend to attract people living in flats, town houses and rented accommodation, who have no access to a garden, but who would love to grow their own.

The benefits for the garden owners include a share of the produce, the pleasure of seeing a developing vegetable plot, and the sense of community in being part of a sharing initiative.

We are currently looking for community-minded garden owners and would-be vegetable growers across the city. We would very much appreciate it if you could help raise the profile of Gardenshare Bristol so more local residents can benefit from our service.

I am attaching A4 poster and small leaflets in case you have anywhere to display them [click on the image top left to get a larger version]. We also have a website: http://gardensharebristol.blogspot.com/. We are hoping that organisations like yours will display a link to our site from your homepage. We are happy to display your link in return.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you,

Kind regards
--
GardenShare Bristol
Email: gardensharebristol@gmail.com
Website: gardensharebristol.blogspot.com

International Women's Day 2010: Bristol activities

[click on the image to see a larger version]

‘Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion’

Women across Bristol are invited to join in on a day of fun,storytelling, performance, exhibitions, discussions, stalls, andbuilding a better future for all women in Bristol.

The Bristol Women’s Forum and Bristol City Council’s Equalitiesand Community Cohesion Team are working with a number ofcommunity groups such as Single Parent Action Network, Silai forSkills, Bristol Feminist Network, and individual women to organisea FREE celebration for International Women’s Day 2010. Thetheme for this year is ‘Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion’.Bristol is proud to celebrate this international event as itcommemorates a struggle for equality by women textile workers inNew York in the 19th Century. It is the story of ordinary women asmakers of history, or shall we say HERstory.

The official date for the celebration is on 8th March, but a full day ofevents has been organised by the Bristol Women’s Forum andBristol City Council’s Equalities and Communities Cohesion teamat the Council House, College Green on Saturday 6th March 2010to give more women a chance to attend.

Katy Ladbrook, a member of the Bristol Feminist Network said:“International Women’s Day still plays an important role in focusingour attention on global gender discrimination. Men and women inthe UK live in such relative privilege and we need to remember thestruggle of women and girls in the majority world.

In Bristol we will be celebrating the strength and determinationshown by women, often in the face of terrible oppression. There isa long way to go before women truly have opportunities equal tomen, but we honour the achievements made. Every year we getcloser, let's remember that!”

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Barbara Janke, said:"International Women's Day is an opportunity to reflect on andcelebrate the contribution of women from all walks of life to societyand the challenges they have often had to overcome in order tomake their voice heard.
As part of the celebrations we will be working with a number ofcommunity groups on the free programme of events which willoffer activities to suit a range of tastes. And, this year, we will alsobe staging the 11th Women Who Make a Difference Awards torecognise individual contributions and we are looking forward toreceiving your nominations.”

"When I was first Leader of the Council in 2003, there was not asingle woman on the senior management team. Now there arethree and we have had three women leaders since 2002."The fun starts at 10am and workshops will be run throughout theday until 4pm. There will be a whole host of activities for you to getinvolved in including playback theatre, storytelling, dance,discussion groups, an exhibition from local Bristol artists,information stalls, or why not just relax over a cuppa with otherwomen from across Bristol? A free drop in creche is alsoavailable.

If you or your organisation would like to book a place for a stall onthe day, please do not hesitate to contact us here at the EqualitiesTeam; our contact details are at the bottom of the page.

Women Who Make a Difference" Awards 2010

The Women Who Make a Difference Award is in recognition of theinvaluable contributions women are making to improving andsustaining the communities in which they live and work. So if thereis a woman in your community (she could be your partner, mother,sister, daughter, friend, neighbour or colleague) who has inspiredyou or been a role model - who has made a difference in your life -please put her name forward.

For more information regarding thenomination criteria please contact Fiona Watson.
For more information please contact: Shagufta Kasour on 0117922 2358 or Fiona Watson on 0117 922 2329 or 922 2658Equalities and Community Cohesion TeamRoom U16, The Council House, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR.Fax: 0117 922 2392 or Textphone: 0117 922 2661email: equalities.team@bristol.gov.uk Or visit our website athttp://www.bristol.gov.uk/ or www.bccforums.org.uk/women

Bristol City Council: Feb 2010: International Women's Day 2010

Bristol City Council: Feb 2010: International Women's Day 2010

Bristol Women's Forum

Bristol Women's Forum

Saving money, living healthily, going green...suggestions

Follow this link to my personal blog for an entry giving hints/tips/suggestions on basic ways to be more efficient, thrifty - and get a better quality of life...

http://vowlesthegreen.blogspot.com/2010/01/knowledge-newsletter-contributions.html

Knowle West Media Centre: Christmas and New Year News and Events

You’re welcome to share any or all of the content with contacts, or get in touch if you’d like to know more about any of the items. Due to the Christmas break, we have also added news for early January.

Contents:

EVENTS / GET INVOLVED •Social Networking for Older People •Christmas Film •Arts Programme at Knowle West Media Centre •Talent Showcase •Combat Climate Change at the Christmas Fair •Mapping Workshops

NEWS & UPDATES •Filmmakers win the double •Young film group selected for online advent calendar •Director receives honorary degree •New Creative Technology Manager
EQUIPMENT / ROOMS / SERVICES FOR HIRE •Mobile laptop suite and workshops •Choose socially responsible design •Schools and Education •KWMC Photography •KWMC Moving Image •Meeting rooms and facilities

EVENTS / GET INVOLVED
Social Networking for Older People Tuesday 8th December, 2-4pm, Knowle West Media Centre
Come and find out how the Internet can improve your social life. We are also looking for volunteers to help teach people how to use Facebook. Free Mince Pies, tea and coffee. tel: 0117 353 2895 email: makala@kwmc.org.uk

http://southbristol.wordpress.com/projects/events/

Christmas Film 21st December, 5pm, KWMC
The Knowle West Media Centre would like to invite you to a FREE screening of The Muppets Christmas Carol.
All Welcome! tel: 0117 903 0444

Arts Programme at Knowle West Media Centre

Our Arts Programme continues this December, showcasing contemporary artistic work from Bristol and beyond. KWMC is hosting a series of film screenings, workshops and events; there has never been a better time to see the Arts in action in Knowle West.

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?department=11

Free Animation Workshop, Frame Rate, Wednesday 9 December, 9.30-5, KWMC
This intensive day-long workshop offers aspiring animators the opportunity to make an animation in one day. Only 8 places are available for age 16 plus. Apply in advance marina@kwmc.org.uk

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?article=416

Educational Films, Wednesday 9 December, at 5pm Knowle West Media Centre
KWMC will be screening two educational films devised and filmed by young people that explore the provision and accessibility of health and sexual health services in Bristol. If you would like to attend please contact marina@kwmc.org.uk

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?article=422&department=3

Free Screening: Curated Animated Shorts, Thursday 17 December, 7.30, KWMC, FREE
KWMC has invited four artists to nominate their favourite animated short films. This promises to be a fun evening and will include presentations by the four artists on new work created during residencies at KWMC.

Fashion Project for Young Women: Fashionate

New fashion project for young women aged 15+ living in South Bristol. This December we will start exploring technical roles within the fashion industry including events, music and photography. Young women will learn to manage and promote a fashion show to be held in April 2010. Email: katie@kwmc.org.uk / nicky@kwmc.org.uk

Talent Showcase

KWMC is showcasing a diverse range of film, animation and music by talented artists from Bristol and beyond. Includes:

Frame Rate Exhibition, 11-23 December, 11-6pm, KWMC, FREE
XRL - Redefining Hip Hop,19-22 January 2010, 11-6pm, KWMC, FREE

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?article=417

Combat Climate Change at the Christmas Fair
Fancy combining Christmas, coffee, carols and climate change? Well the Carbon Makeover team know how... Filwood Christmas Fair at Filwood Community Centre on December 15th from 3.30pm.

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?department=5&article=436

Mapping Workshops

Carbon Makeover team will host their first mapping workshop on January 14th from 10-12pm at KWMC.

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?department=5

NEWS & UPDATES

Filmmakers win the double

Congratulations to Michael Smith & Tom Stubbs. They picked up two of the hotly contested prizes at Encounters on Saturday night when their 10 minute film, Light and Dark, collected both the ‘South West Jury’ and ‘South West Screen Audience’ Awards, netting them prize money of £2,000!

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?article=434&department=3

Young film group selected for online advent calendar

Congratulations to Digital Fish on being selected for this years Electric December. Visit the website to watch KWMC films as part of the online advent calendar:

http://www.electricdecember.org/ http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?article=426&department=3

Director receives honorary degree

Congratulations to Carolyn Hassan, the director of Knowle West Media Centre who has received an honorary degree for her work in the community. Carolyn was conferred with the honour from the faculty of creative arts at the University of West of England (UWE) at a ceremony in Bristol Cathedral on 13th November.

Carolyn received her honorary degree of Doctor of Arts in recognition of her outstanding contribution to community cohesion, social justice and support for schools and colleges in the community. Before her role at Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC), Ms Hassan was a social worker for Bristol City Council child care and mental health services and became an advisor at the Watershed Media Centre, as well as a visiting lecturer at UWE. In 2002 she set up the media centre charity and in 2008 oversaw the completion of a new centre in Knowle West.
New Creative Technology Manager

Thank you to James Glendinning for all his hard work. We wish him well in his travels.

Welcome to Ed Ellis, who will be joining us in the New Year as the new Creative Technology Manager.

tel: 0117 353 4604

EQUIPMENT / ROOMS / SERVICES FOR HIRE

Mobile laptop suite and workshops

Improve your computer skills and learn about the Internet. We come to you! Alternatively rent out our laptop suite for your own use including 42" screen and disability aids if required. Very reasonable rates. Tel: 0117 903 0444 and ask for Martin or Makala / email: martin@kwmc.org.uk

Choose socially responsible design

Get in touch with KWMC Design, a not-for-profit professional print and web design team providing user centred ethical design services at an affordable daily rate. Any money we make goes back directly into the local community providing opportunities for them and also reflecting a positive act of social responsibility by you. Contact: Romy Purshouse 0117 353 2746 / romy@kwmc.org.uk

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?department=2

Schools & Education

The Education and digital media department has delivered a wide range of schools workshops in both secondary and primary schools in 2009. If you would like to know more about our educational programme, or creative training for teachers and practitioners, please contact: Nicky Williams 0117 353 2745 / email: nicky@kwmc.org.uk

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?department=4

KWMC Photography A wide range of creative programs for all ages, plus workshops for schools, community groups and organisations in photography and digital media. Contact: Nicky Williams 0117 353 2745 nicky@kwmc.org.uk

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?department=4

KWMC Moving Image Innovative and experimental film making projects with the community. Commissions for clients, from both corporate and public sector organisations. Contact: Marina Traversari 0117 377 2828 / marina@kwmc.org.uk

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?department=3

Meeting Rooms & Facilities

KWMC has a range of meeting and conference spaces for your event. Whatever you needs, we are confident that one of our rooms will meet your requirements; from our impressive Western Room with plasma screen for projection, our state of the art Training Rooms and our high end Edit Suites, to our double height 60 seated Studio. Contact: Katie Taylor 01179 030444 (ext. 201) katie@kwmc.org.uk

http://www.kwmc.org.uk/index.php?article=311

Permaculture courses in Bristol, some starting soon - places available!

Hello, These courses are booking up, but there are still places, including concessionary places available and some starts oon, please also pass this on to any friends, family etc who might be interested. Thanks and best wishes, Ruth O'Brien

*Introduction to Permaculture, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol
8weekly sessions, 6.30-8.30pm, Tue evenings (6pm-8pm on Tue, 22th Sept)& 2 Sat morning sessions on 10th Oct & 7th Nov, from 15th Sept2009

*Introduction to Permaculture Weekend at Windmill Hill City Farm, Bedminster, Bristol
Oct 17th-18th, 2009

*Practical Introduction to Permaculture, Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol
10 weekly sessions, 9.30am-12.30pm from Tues Sept 29th & Thurs 4th May 2010

*Residential Weekend at Ragman's Lane Farm, Forest of Dean
November 13th - 15th, 2009

PLEASE SEE BELOW OR http://ruthobrienpermaculture.wordpress.com FOR MORE INFO ON TIMES, COST, BOOKINGS ETC, CHEERS

Come and find out more about Permaculture. From the ethics and philosophy to the principles and design, with inspiring examples of Permaculture inpractice, these courses aim to give you a good basic understanding of what Permaculture means. Get together with others to share common interests and explore how you can start to put Permaculture into action in your own lives. No experience necessary, just an interest in sustainability and working towards it.
All courses are informal, relaxed and participatory. Most courses involve indoor and outdoor sessions including talks and discussions, slideshows, nature walks,visits, group work, practical projects, games.

Taking an introductory course will enable you to go on to do a Full Design Course later.
Please see below for listings.

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Introduction to Permaculture Weekend at Windmill Hill City Farm, Bedminster, Bristol
Oct 17th-18th, 2009
Fromthe ethics and philosophy to principles and design. Informal, relaxedand participatory courses with inspiring examples of how it works inpractice and some practical work on the permaculture plot at the CityFarm.
Weekend intro courses are a good way to meet people in your area who are into sustainability.
Cost £65-£25 on a sliding scale depending on income. Please email course_enquiries@yahoo.co.uk or phone Ruth on 07949 294364 for more information and bookings.
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Practical Introduction to Permaculture, Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol
10 weekly sessions, 9.30am-12.30pm from Tues Sept 29th & Thurs 4th May 2010
Runjointly with the WEA (Workers Educational Association) these 10 weekintroductory courses are practical and participatory ( you have to getinvolved!).
We spend some sessions indoors exploring whatPermaculture is, talking about our experiences, doing group exercises,looking at slides of permaculture projects, playing games and generallyhaving fun.

Outdoor sessions are spent out and about on the farm, particularly at the permaculture plot which we have been given todevelop. Examples of the kind of practical work the course may involveare making and planting a deep mulch raised bed, taking fruit bushcuttings or making a worm composter to take home. We also go on walksto observe nature in the local area and on a fantastic trip to othercommunity gardens and allotments in Bristol to see permaculture inaction.
Cost £110 (to be confirmed) or £15 concessions for thosewith under £15,000 income. Please contact Windmill Hill City Farm on0117 9633252 for bookings.
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Introduction to Permaculture, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol
8weekly sessions, 6.30-8.30pm, Tue evenings (6pm-8pm on Tue, 22th Sept)& 2 Sat morning sessions on 3rd Oct & 7th Nov, from 15th Sept2009
This course is run through the adult learning service,based at the Stoke Lodge Centre. You can either register and pay online(and find more info about the course) atwww.bristol.gov.uk/adultlearning (the course is called introduction topermaculture, the fees are £40/£80, and the course code is WB7060ACC),or you can get hold of a prospectus at local libraries and council runcommunity centres etc (it is A4, titled Adult Learning Service) orangecover with lots of portraits of people doing course activities). Thephone number of Stoke Lodge is 0117 9038844.
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Residential Weekend at Ragman's Lane Farm, Forest of Dean
November 13th - 15th, 2009
Coursecosts: £110 - £65 on a sliding scale depending on income, concessionrate places are limited. The cost of the course includes accomodation,two evening meals and breakfasts. Weekend courses are from Friday night(6pm onward arrival) until Sunday 5pm. Please email course_enquiries@yahoo.co.uk or phone Ruth on 07949 294364 for more information and bookings.

Parks Events

> Community Networking Fair Saturday 26 September 2009
>
> Bristol Civic Society has organised a networking fair for all
> Neighbourhood Planning Network and other community groups to meet each
> other and exchange information on issues that affect a number of them. All
> park groups are invited. The fair is intended to get local groups working
> together on issues, such as the Ashton Gate stadium, the south Bristol
> Tesco, the Regional Spatial Strategy housing development proposals, or the
> Bus Rapid Transit, that affect many parts of Bristol. Many groups working
> together as a united front are far more effective than are individuals
> tackling the issues piecemeal.
>
> Date: Saturday, 26 September 2009
>
> Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
>
> Place: The main hall, Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol
> BS3 1QG
>
> Schedule: Alison Bromilow, Administrator for the Bristol Neighbourhood
> Planning Network, and Alan Morris, Chair of the Bristol Civic Society,
> will make opening remarks at 10:00 a.m.
>
> A more detailed timetable will be available nearer the date.
>
> Description: Tables will be set up in the hall for local groups to display
> information about their organisations and the work they do. Groups are
> welcome to bring as little or as much as they like (leaflets, posters,
> display boards, etc.) though the centre imposes an additional charge if
> electricity is required. Lunch will not be provided, but the centre has a
> café on site, just outside the main hall.
>
> Purpose: The networking fair will be a chance for members of local
> organisations to meet and mingle with other community-based groups in an
> informal, social atmosphere.
>
> For further details please contact Janine Derry
> janine.derry@googlemail.com 0117 907 8798
>
> ---------------------
>
> Community Green Spaces Seminar Sat 5 September Eden Project
>
> Sorry about the late notice for this...
>
> A series of inspirational talks, discussions, and practical activities
> which will explore the benefits of community owned and managed green
> spaces.
>
> This informal seminar will provide an opportunity for members of local
> communities and community practitioners to share experiences and develop
> and implement ideas for local green spaces.
>
> The day will include talks from local projects and organisations which are
> using green spaces to bring the community together around growing, sharing
> and socialising.
>
> Entry is free for community groups.
>
> More details at www.bristolparksform.org.uk/CommunityGreenSpaces.pdf
>
> ---------------------
>
> Play Pathfinder Project
>
> There is a new website featuring the play areas in Bristol's parks that
> are receiving investment from the Pathfinder scheme. See
> www.goplacestoplay.org.uk
>
> If these schemes are being implemented in your park we would like to hear
> your views on the consultation process and the results.
>
> ---------------------
>
> Parks Welcome Notice
>
> In an earlier email I suggested a format for a welcome sign giving contact
> details for Bristol Parks, the Police and Park Groups. If you are thinking
> about producing a similar sign please check with your CPO before you
> include their name or names of other people in Parks. It is my view that
> the names of those responsible for managing and maintaining parks should
> appear on such signs but it seems that some people in Parks disagree.
>
> ---------------------
>
> Bristol Tree Forum
>
> The next Tree Forum is on Sat 12th Sept , 9.30a.m. at Windmill Hill City
> Farm. Membership criteria is the same as BPF i.e fairly loose, but with
> only 1 rep per group. If you would like to go along email
> info@bristolparksforum.org.uk and your email will reach Hugh who is chair
> of the Tree Forum as well as being Vice Chair of the BPF. Minutes of the
> last meeting can be found via links at
> www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/trees.htm
>
> ---------------------

Knowle West Futures Conference, 8 Sept 2009, The Park

Click on the image to see a larger version.

Organic Fortnight - 5-20 September 2009

http://www.soilassociation.org/Takeaction/Organicfortnight/tabid/244/Default.aspx


Organic Fortnight - 5-20 September 2009


Organic Fortnight is a nationwide campaign highlighting all the great
things about organic. Up and down the UK, people in shops, schools,
cafes, churches and farms will be hosting events and raising awareness
about why organic is the healthy choice, the best for animal welfare
and the right thing for the planet.


Organic values on a budget
As we all look to make each pound go further, organic offers genuine
good value. The benefits stretch far beyond great-tasting,
additive-free food and drink. If we want food, beauty products or
clothes which don’t just taste, look and feel good, but which are
environmentally-friendly, healthy and have the highest animal welfare
standards in the UK too, then organic gives us just that.


For more reasons why organic offers so much for your money, check out
our ‘five reasons to choose organic’. For advice on making your
shopping basket work harder and how to shop organic for less, have a
read of our guide to buying organic on a budget.


Get involved - Host an organic dinner
We’re all socialising at home a bit more at the moment, so if you’re
passionate about organic issues, why not raise awareness by hosting an
organic credit crunch dinner for friends? As Jamie Oliver said, ‘Pass
it on’. You can brush up on your organic facts and get ideas for
cooking organic for less by visiting our guide to buying organic on a
budget.


Visit the Dinner4Good website below for more details about becoming an
organic host. If you’re keen to support campaigns against the use of
pesticides and GM, you can also help raise money to support the Soil
Association charity in its work. If you fancy putting together
something on a bigger scale, check out our events planning guide for
ideas and tips on organising and promoting an event.


Organic food festival
http://www.theorganicfoodfestival.co.uk/2009/


Held September 12-13 at Bristol's scenic Harbourside, the Organic Food
Festival is organized in association with the Soil Association and
with the
generous support of Yeo Valley. It is Europe's largest showcase of the
organic community, with hundreds of organic products, cooking
demonstrations
with Raymond Blanc and other top chefs, childrens taste workshops and
a lively Street Food Bazaar and Organic Bar.

Knowle West Food Festival, Sunday 5 July, 11am-3pm

Please come to our 3rd annual:

Knowle West food fest

Sunday 5th July

11-3pm

Knowle West Media Centre

Highlights of the day include making our very own healthy fizzy drink!
A contradiction in terms you say, we say come and try it! We will also
be firing up the earth oven, running pizza making workshops with all
ingredients being locally sourced from Project Agricola, a community
campaign.

Local gardener and community campaigner, Mil, will be showing us how
useful our ole friend the potato is- do you know how many different
ways there are to plant a spud? Come along and find out, maybe you
have your own suggestion….prize for the most creative spud plant out!

Other activities include sugar free sweet making, cycle powered juice
making, and community swap shop, local and organic BBQ, big brother
diary room food confessions.

Finally, everyone can burn off the food
treats at a belly-dancing workshop run by local woman, Imane.

Local residents will be given an opportunity to creatively express and
share their skills on film. This will contribute to the development of
a new arts project "the University of Local Knowledge" with
internationally recognised artist Suzanne Lacy in collaboration with
Knowle West Media Centre and Arnolfini.

For further information please contact Misty@kwmc.org.uk or telephone
0117 9030444

Thanks to those of you who have already volunteered however we still
really need more help to make this event stand out on the Bristol
events calendar!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misty Tunks
Carbon Makeover project Coordinator
phone: 0117 9030444 ext 211
http://www.kwmc.org.uk/carbonmakeover

Knowle West Media Centre Leinster Avenue, Knowle West, Bristol BS4 1 NL
Company No. 4358350, Charity No. 1092375, fax: 01179030 445

Events June 2009

Rent a meeting room at KWMC - Competitive rates available :email katie@kwmc.org.uk

Free Internet drop-in sessions - Every Weds morning from 10am-11.30 am
at KWMC

Mobile e-democracy workshops - Tell the council your views online and
affect change. Request workshops with your group / join existing ones:
email makala@kwmc.org.uk

Car Share Website - The environmental team at KWMC are proud to
announce that the South Bristol Car Share website is now live: http://www.southbristol-carshare.org.uk/

Please visit our website for further information on any of the above http://www.kwmc.org.uk/