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Mon, 25 Jun 2007
Flooding of Saltend incinerator site?
The thought strikes me that the pit into which the waste for the incinerator will be tipped will probably be 30 feet deep. I understand that in such waterlogged conditions its concrete walls will be porous. Won’t the waste absorb water ‘leaking in’ and create a stinking morass? Let’s hope incinerator operations are never temporarily suspended, as I don’t see how they’ll be able to retrieve the waste to transport elsewhere. (You will have heard that Cllr. Suggit is to put a motion to next ERYC Full Council Meeting complaining about the constant stench from the up-to-date, cutting-edge technology, Yorkshire Water sewage works which are close to the site).
You will of course, know that Crymlyn Burrows incinerator was fined for stench? It was described as, ‘Like putting your head in a dustbin. I cleaned our wheelie bin out yesterday and, Phew!
Maybe an inspector should come down today and just check? What was that you said ‘Can’t WRG’s Site Mgr. do it?’ We-e-e------ll, maybe we need an independent opinion?

Barry Robinson
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Wed, 20 Jun 2007
Friends of the Earth midsummer picnic on Beverley Westwood this saturday
Why? - its midsummer. At the last Foe meeting we decided to hold a picnic to celebrate the solstice - and being the other side of the Green Fair.
Who? You and friends/ family and green-type hangers on, including our Hull FoE mates.
Where? near where the ice cream and burgher vans usually park on Westwood – at the start of the Newbald rd (just off the York rd).
When? 7.30pm this sat 23rd june
What? Bring a picnic ( we hope to provide some baked spuds). We will be bringing the leftover Green Fair booze for people to buy at cost (wholesale) price…its all organic or otherwise wonderful…a variety of beers, lager, cider, wine, cordials (you could even have some by the dozen to take away)
How? Bring your own drinking vessels or other implements …and something to sit on…chairs, mackintosh squares, toadstools….
Hope to see you there.

Shan
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Wed, 20 Jun 2007
GM Foods - The Suppressed Evidence
Dear Friends,

	"GM FOODS - the SUPPRESSED EVIDENCE" Jeffrey M Smith, expert speaks on the health dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). MONDAY June 18th, HEDON, 7.30pm. HAVEN ARMS, Havenside, Sheriff Highway, Hedon, HU12 8HH, 7.30pm. Map to Haven Arms

On Jeffrey's book -
"Outrageous! That's what you'll say over and over again when you read how the biotechnology companies have manipulated the government, our food, and the media, and put an entire generation at risk." - Ben Cohen (of Ben and Jerry's) "This powerful exposé could spark the revolution that this topic deserves." - Hunter Lovins, coauthor of Natural Capitalism "When you read this extraordinary and courageous book, you will never see your country the same way again." - Frances Moore Lappé in the foreword to Seeds of Deception

"This is a brilliant book which combines shrewd dissection of the true nature of GM technology, a devastating critique of the health and environmental hazards of GM crops, and scarifying examples of the manipulation of both science and the media by the biotech industry... What is so exciting about this book is that it is no dry text of scientific exegesis - it positively fizzes with the human drama of the cabals and conspiracies behind the scenes... It is meticulously documented and powerfully written, somewhere between a documentary and a thriller." - From the UK edition foreword by Michael Meacher, former UK environment minister

Jeffrey M Smith's website:
www.seedsofdeception.com
Jeffrey’s new book GENETIC ROULETTE will also be available to buy.

Martin Deane, Hull & E.Riding Green Party
07812 838701
Lee-Ann Williams, Hull Friends of the Earth, Hedon Against GM
01482 440043
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Sun, 17 Jun 2007
GP hustings video
Dear Greenies,
The Yorkshire GP Euro hustings (Sheffield) are online at -
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-
976112801462189010&pr=goog-sl
Drop in and see the A-Team in action!
Unfortunately this is just the 4th part and whatever its contents (due to some corrupt files and time constraints) but at least something is up there and it may give you a feel for what a range of Green candidates stand for in this area and bring up some important issues relating to Europe.
Regards,

Martin Deane
Hull
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Thu, 14 Jun 2007
Hull Stop the War Stall
Hi All,
It's that time of year again - wars remain unstopped - injustice continues to flourish while most people do nothing - so why not support - the

Hull Stop the War Stall - this Saturday - 12 noon - Queen Victoria Square !!! * admire the merchandise, * invest in a T-shirt, * sport the latest badge or just come and meet up with old friends !!!!!!!

Regards,

Martin Deane
AND don't forget, SUNDAY 24th June, Manchester - CHANGE your POLICY!! demo
Tickets: £15 / £10 from 07812 838701
minibus departs Hull, 10am.
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Wed, 13 Jun 2007
GM expert and author Jeffrey M. Smith in Hedon, Mon 18th

GM FOODS AND HEALTH RISK - THE SUPPRESSED EVIDENCE JEFFREY M. SMITH HAVEN ARMS, HEDON, MON 18th JUNE. 7.30pm Havenside, Sheriff Highway, Hedon, HU12 8HH. Doors open at 7pm. There will be time for questions after.

Jeffrey’s new book GENETIC ROULETTE will also be available to buy -
‘The biotech industry’s claim that genetically modified (GM) foods are safe is shattered in this groundbreaking book.’

We will put a map on our website www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk
For more information about Jeffrey, his background and his remarkable work - see his website:
http://www.seedsofdeception.com

Hope to see you on the 18th. If you want to know the truth about GM here's your chance.
Many regards

Lee-Ann
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Tue, 12 Jun 2007

International bestselling author Jeffrey M. Smith is a leading spokesperson on the health dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). His globally respected research and magnetic communication style captured public attention in 2003 with his first book on the serious yet unknown side effects of genetically engineered foods, Seeds of Deception : Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You’re Eating. Seeds of Deception became the world’s best selling book on the health risks of GMOs and is credited with motivating changes in consumer buying habits to safer, non-GMO foods. In his second book, Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods, Mr. Smith reveals insider documents about GMO safety trials
that are sure to evoke strong emotions in the reader.
www.seedsofdeception.com

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Sun, 10 Jun 2007
Advance notice July 4
***FOR IMMEDIATED RELEASE***

Campaign for the
Accountability of American
Bases UK Mark Steel is coming to the American Spy base at Menwith Hill
Mark Steel (comedian and columnist) is one of the guest speakers at the annual 'Independence FROM America' demonstration on Wednesday 4 July 2007 at the main gate 12 - 5 pm to Menwith Hill near Harrogate North Yorkshire. Anas Alkitriki (spokeman for British Muslim Initiative) is also coming.
Foot Prints for Peace will arrive during the demonstration.
Lindis Percy (Coordinator CAAB) said "We are hoping for a big turnout this year. It is even more important than ever that we call for independence from America. The Bush administration has put the world's security at risk and it's time well overdue to 'decouple'. That is what we are once again calling for in our version of the original Declaration of Independence".
NOTES TO THE EDITOR

• 4 July is traditionally 'Independence Day' for the American people
• there has been an annual demonstration on this day calling for Independence FROM America since the early 1980s.
• for several years now Menwith Hill has not celebrated on 4 July but has chosen another day

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Thu, 7 Jun 2007
Jeffrey M. Smith is Coming to Hedon
Hello Everybody
Great news!
We can now confirm that Jeffrey M. Smith - leading spokesperson on the health dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) - will be appearing at the Haven Arms Public House in Hedon on Monday 18th June 2007. A massive opportunity to see this magnetic speaker in the very place the UK government chose to run its only ‘field’ trial of GM crops.
(N.B. We can make sure that no crops are ever planted here by first learning more about what GM really has to ‘offer’ us and this is one of the best opportunites we'll get.)

GM FOODS AND HEALTH RISK - THE SUPPRESSED EVIDENCE
JEFFREY M. SMITH
HAVEN ARMS PUBLIC HOUSE
Havenside, Sheriff Highway, Hedon, HU12 8HH, Tel no. 01482 897695
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Doors open at 7pm and there will be time for questions after.
Jeffrey’s new book GENETIC ROULETTE will also be available to buy -
‘The biotech industry’s claim that genetically modified (GM) foods are safe is shattered in this groundbreaking book.’
The area will be sign posted this time and we will put a map on our website
www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk
For more information about Jeffrey, his background and his remarkable work - see his website: www.seedsofdeception.com
Hope to see you on the 18th. If you want to know the truth about GM here's your chance.
Many regards

Lee-Ann
Hedon Against GM Campaign
www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk
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Sat, 2 Jun 2007
Good News etc...

One of the reasons why development is so slow here in Africa (Sierra Leone) is just because the flow if information is not there.And information makes a difference.There is no Radio Station here that is addressing Environmental issues.All they are particular about are Music and sometimes politics.This is why we are having serious Environmental problems.Therefore we have to educate and sensitise, and mobilise for change.People must know when,where and How.And this is lacking.
Now that we are promoting Organic Agriculture and Horticulture at Urban and Rural Level,Every body need seeds to work.As a result of the war all the seeds sellers left the country and can not come back.Therefore it is not easy to get seeds.Even the Ministry of Agriculture that once a seed seller don't have.So it is a good idea for FOESL - FOE- HULL to take such venture.Let us don't see this as pollution.The work of both organisation is an indication that we are fighting pollution.
The WEBCAM idea is great.We look forwards for a successful partnership.

Olatunde Johnson.
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Thu, 31 May 2007
Extra help with the next stage of the Big Ask

Hi,
As you hopefully know by now, we're aiming to target our attention over the coming months on a number of key MPs around the country that we think we can convince to back the climate law that we want. One or more of those MPs is in your area. That's quite an opportunity to play a key role in helping to create the world's first effective climate law, but it might also be a bit more work than your group can do, alongside other activities.

I and my colleague Neil are co-ordinating efforts on the Big Ask in the North and we're building up a strong team of volunteers to be able to help out with activities over the coming months. That means setting up groups, putting on events, filling gaps where we don't have groups and so on. What it also means is that we have people on hand to help you out.

If you want to put on an event, they can do most of the leg work. If you want to run a stall, they can organise it and get you the materials and maybe even come out and help on it. If you want to do a mailing or press work, they can help or do it for you. Whatever you want to do we'll try to have people on hand to help you with it. And if you want them to come up with ideas for events and projects that will build pressure on the MPs and to do the work putting those ideas in to practice, they can do that too.

Please have a chat next time you meet up and let me know what support you'd like. I'll get a volunteer to get in touch with you soon, after you've got back to me.
Any questions, I'm here.
Best,

Jess Dolan
Network Developer - Northern England
jess.dolan@foe.co.uk
Tel 0113 389 9964
Tel 0792 1039 204

Interested in learning more about your rights and getting your voice heard? Come along to Connect 07 - the North East's first, free Community Rights event:
Saturday 7th July, Quaker Meeting House, Jesmond, Newcastle.
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Thu, 31 May 2007
Two Demos
Dear Friends,
Two demos coming up this month! Can you support them?!
bring your message. Bring your voice!

1) CHILDREN OF LAJEE - write up and plans on website: http://www.sokuto12.karoo.net/ 2) 40 Years of Occupation is Enough!
SAT 09 June 2007 , 1:30pm at Lincoln's Inn Fields

ENOUGH! Demonstration London
"The World Says No to Israeli Occupation". Minibus departs Hull, YPI, George Street, 8am.
Tickets - £15.
from 07812 838701

3) CHANGE YOUR POLICY! Not just your leader!

Demonstration, Manchester, against New Labour
SUNDAY - 24th JUNE,
Albert Square, 12 noon.
at the coronation of Gordon Brown and election of Deputy Leader.
Minibus Departs Hull, 10am, YPI, George Street
Tickets - £15 and £10 concessions.
from 07812 838701

Best wishes,
Martin Deane
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Thu, 24 May 2007
A request for information under the FoI regs and the Environmental Information Regs
Dear Mr. Miliband,
I’m sorry to say that I was most disappointed. I was looking at the Defra announcement of the National Waste Strategy this morning, and I saw at the side a message to download 250 Kbytes of data. It turned out to be a large photo of yourself. (You really must control your natural enthusiasm for yourself. It won’t look good when you apply for Gordon’s job in a few weeks).
However, I was very impressed by your point in the press-release, stating that Central Government is taking the lead in the National Waste Strategy, by reducing its own waste by 25%, and by recycling 75% of the waste it will still produce.
Excellent.
Under the Freedom of Information regulations, and the Environmental Information Regulations, I request copies of the summary sheets, (only), from the main documents drawn up recently by your department, in order to arrive at these splendid, precise figures. (I do realise that they will only be working documents which will have to be modified as Central Government falls behind the targets set).
I will need them as I go around the country promoting your good work.
In order to return your kindness in sending me the summary sheets, I offer myself, an East Yorkshire member of Communities against Toxics, and East Yorkshire EYE, (two internationally-respected NGOs), as a member of the Waste Stakeholder Group, or even, as one of the two non-Whitehall ‘experts’ to sit on the Waste Strategy Board.
Please do not hesitate to ask for my splendid CV. (One of the lesser qualifications is associate membership of the CIWM).
In comradeship

Barry Robinson
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Sun, 20 May 2007
Say no to biofuel targets and incentives

Dear friends,
Our campaign against European biofuel targets now continues, as the EU are consulting on proposals for future legislation. The EU are consulting on 'sustainability standards', but they make it clear that they cannot stop new biofuel monocultures from pushing palm or soya plantations for food, or other agricultural activities further into the rainforests. Under the proposed standards, companies would have an incentive to sell palm oil or soya from land logged in the past for biodiesel and cut down more forest for food or animal feed. Moreover, biofuels from plantations where people have been poisoned by pesticides, evicted or even killed will still be classed as 'sustainable'. Biofuels drive up the prices of palm oil, soya and sugar cane, all linked directly to the rate of rainforest destruction. Only an end to targets and incentives can bring hope to the world's remaining rainforests and to many communities in the global South.
Please click here
Please ask your friends and family if they might like to take part, too. Many thanks!
Kind regards,

Reinhard Behrend
Rettet den Regenwald e. V.
Friedhofsweg 28
22337 Hamburg
Further info: http://www.regenwald.org
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Sun, 20 May 2007
Saltend incinerator liaison panel
Cllr. Fareham made it clear to me that he and his colleagues were unhappy at WRG’s attempts to have a liaison panel made up of eunuchs. To his credit, he sent the original guidelines to which the liaison panel members were to work, back. Let’s see what difference it will make. Unfortunately, Cllr. Fareham made it quite clear that the panel members won’t have any say in anything before its first meeting.
So, although we’ll still have balls, WRG will take not one blind bit of notice of what we say.

Barry Robinson
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Wed, 16 May 2007
GM Update
HEDON AGAINST GM CAMPAIGN
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
HEDON AGAINST GM CELEBRATE VICTORY AS BASF ANNOUNCE THAT PLANTING WILL NOT HAPPEN THIS YEAR.
This is brilliant news – this is what we campaigned for. Our biggest aim this year was just to stop this happening. We do not expect this to be the end of the story but it should give hope to other environmental groups and members of the public who see it is possible to make an impact by taking a stand.
GOVERNMENT GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO GM CROPS IN UK
Defra have finally made their decision and have announced approval for GM crops to be planted in East Yorkshire. The permission granted is valid for 5 years. The decision was made after taking ACRE’s report into consideration. ACRE (Advisory Committee of Releases to the Environment) stated that ‘the trial would not result in any adverse effect on human health or the environment’.
They already had the green light – David Milliband signed the docs himself – this is not news folks. And what evidence have ACRE got to show no adverse effects?
According to BASF’s press release: ‘Due to concerns raised by local borage growers BASF is not going ahead with planting of the field trial this year in order to resolve the issues.’
The farmer was quoted as saying that he would not go ahead with the trial if the borage issue was not sorted out.
We cannot see how the borage issue can be sorted out which points to it being very difficult to run the trial next year.
CAMBRIDGE
Unfortunately the GM spuds went in at Cambridge very quietly without headlines on April 19th.
Regards

Lee-Ann
Hedon Against GM Campaign www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk
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Tue, 15 May 2007
Green Fair - Beverley - Saturady 19th May
Dear Friends,
After the welcome news yesterday that, although DEFRA has approved the mutatoes (as we expected), the chemical giant BASF says it is not going to plant this year. Hurrah!
Which calls for a great green celebration - luckily here is one we prepared earlier ...
Coming up on Saturday - Beverley Green Fair

COME TO - - - BEVERLEY GREEN FAIR !! Saturday.
Celebrate - Spring is Sprung. The grass is riz.
with over 50 stalls, and more interesting topics than you can shake a stick at!
includes a Men's Creche! (for the FA Cup Final...). Hours of live music. Puppet theatre.
FREE transport from Market Cross, Beverley.

Regards,
Martin Deane
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Mon, 14 May 2007
GM Spuds- No Thank You!
Hello All
Just to confirm for those who hadn't heard already.
WE WON!
The news is full of 'Government give go ahead to GM crops' but lets face it - they are not going to plant GM spuds in Hedon this year and probably not next year either. This is a massive victory. By putting it off til next year they are saying that they would have time to talk to local people and farmers but so will we.
The campaign continues.
Regards

Lee-Ann
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Thu, 10 May 2007
Green Fair May 19th


Dear Friend,
It’s all organic! The Green Fair grew out of the Friends of the Earth group …which itself was spawned from the BIF group!
We’re in the last run up to the Fair so this is to send you information and ask you to kindly send it on to others who may be interested. There’s something for everyone, so Sat May 19th should be a good day. I attach three documents about the Green Fair. Please open the ‘headed general letter’ first, so that the rest makes sense! The big poster needs to be printed landscape on A4 (in 2 halves)
If you can print out and put a flyer or poster in your window or on any notice board or wall, we should be very grateful!
Do give us a ring if you’d like any more explanation about the event.
Best wishes, (and apologies for any cross-posting)

Shan Oakes for Friends of the Earth, Beverley
VOICE International
3 Norwood
Beverley
East Yorkshire
HU17 9ET, UK
tel +44 (0)1482 862085, 07769 607710(mob)
www.voice-international.net
Beverley Friends of the Earth
Click here for contact details
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Wed, 9 May 2007
Green weddings
Allison Coggan from the Hull Daily Mail is doing a series of green features including one on green weddings.She would be interested to hear from anyone who has either had or planning to have a green welding (or has tied to arrange one but found it too difficult!). Please contact her on phone 31 52 80 or e-mail a.coggan@mailnewsmedia.co.uk
Thanks

Sue Jolliffe
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Tue, 8 May 2007
Fr Storey
Dear Friends,
Those of you who knew Fr Anthony Storey, who died recently, have probably heard that the funeral is tomorrow, 9 May (not 9 June as one earlier report had it), 12.10 at St Charles Borromeo Church, Jarrett Street, Hull.
Father Tony Storey was a long time supporter of Amnesty International, often seen at the Hull Green Fair, as well as RC priest in the area. As a supporter also of Hull & E.Riding Interfaith he rarely missed a meeting, and spoke last on a favoured topic: rational reform versus obedience to tradition, speaking with reference to the history of the Catholic Church, and the development of different strands of belief & practice over time.
Best wishes,

Martin Deane
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Tue, 8 May 2007
May 19th
Saturday, May 19th
Put it in your diary now!
This will be a big day in Beverley: both the Green Fair and wonderful children’s theatre - some info below – please send on to your contacts since its so hard to inform everyone and we don’t want anyone saying they didn’t know it was on! More inf re Green Fair to follow.
Best

Shan
VOICE International
3 Norwood
Beverley East Yorkshire
HU17 9ET, UK
tel +44 (0)1482 862085, 07769 607710(mob)
www.voice-international.net
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Fri, May 04, 2007
Take action to protect your local voice and your local choice
Is your group campaigning to protect local shopping? Or against a waste incinerator in your community? Do you get involved in the planning systems to benefit your community? Then read on…
Members of Friends of the Earth’s Waste, Planning and Food campaigner networks are being invited to take part in a Call to Action between 30 June and 14 July, culminating in a wider coalition day of action on 14 July. The call to action is for people to protect their local voice in planning decisions, and to protect their local choice between food retailers. We believe that local people should have a voice in major developments in their area and not have large developments forced upon them. They should also have a real choice of independent shops and not just a choice between one big supermarket and another.
We’re encouraging people to take this action in addition to campaigning on our priority campaign, The Big Ask. Please print off the attached flyer to discuss this with your group to see what you can do. This campaign is our second priority. Where a group doesn’t have the capacity to work on both this and The Big Ask, we’re encouraging those individuals who want to take this action to network with local members of other coalition groups, and organise an action in collaboration with them. Details of the coalition partners can be found on www.planningdisaster.co.uk or contact Julian.Kirby@foe.co.uk or on 020 7566 1698 for more details.

Becky Slater
Campaign Assistant
Reduce Resource Use
Friends of the Earth
beckys@foe.co.uk
Tel 020 7566 4079
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/waste/
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Fri, 4 May 2007
Monsanto soya patent torn up
ETC Group
News Release
www.etcgroup.org

REVOKED!! Monsanto soya monopoly stopped in Munich.
Munich - The European Patent Office today put the brakes on Monsanto's over-the-top corporate greed by revoking its species-wide patent on all genetically modified soybeans (EP0301749) - a patent unprecedented in its broad scope.
ETC Group, an international civic society organization based in Canada, won its 13-year legal challenge against Monsanto's species-wide soybean patent when an appeal board ruled that the patent was not new or sufficient (i.e., the invention claimed was not sufficiently described for a skilled person to repeat it).
The patent challenge was supported by Greenpeace and "No Patents on Life!" Dr. Ricarda Steinbrecher of UK-based EcoNexus also joined the opposition team in Munich as a scientific expert.
The patent was vigorously and formally opposed by Monsanto itself until the company purchased the original patent assignee (Agracetus) in 1996. The technology related to the now-revoked patent has been used, along with other patents in the company's portfolio, to corner 90% of the world's GM soybean market.
"It's shameful that it took the European Patent office 13 years to kill Monsanto's immoral patent, which was ultimately revoked on technical grounds. Though we're relieved that the species-wide patent on all genetically modified soybeans - both seeds and plants - was not allowed to stand, the delay of more than a decade demonstrates just how broken the patent system is. The patent had barely a year to go before expiring!" said Hope Shand, who represented ETC Group in Munich today.
According to Dr. Ricarda Steinbrecher of EcoNexus, "Monsanto's patent couldn't even survive on its scientific merits. It was a thoroughly bad patent - from both a technical and moral perspective."

For further information:
ETC Group (Carrboro, NC, USA)
Hope Shand (back from Munich on 7 May) or
Kathy Jo Wetter
hope@etcgroup.org
kjo@etcgroup.org
Tel: +1 919 960-5223
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Thu, 3 May 2007
Walk to School Fun Afternoon
'Walk to School' is an exciting campaign asking parents, pupils and teachers to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives by walking to and from school whenever possible. Walk to School week 2007 was 21st to 25th May. The theme this year is "Strider saves the Planet" - How you can reduce air pollution by Walking to School.

Research has shown that the levels of pollutants inside a car are at least 3 times worse than on the pavement at the side of the street – so driving to school isn’t just bad for the environment, it is bad for health!

To promote the Walking to School in Hull, an event has been arranged at the Costello Stadium, Hull on Tuesday 26th June 2007 (12 - 2:30pm). The event will include a warm up and themed walk following a brief look at educational stands and activities for up to 200 year 4 Hull schoolchildren. It is hoped that pupils will attend in outfits or costumes relating to different countries in celebration of International Walk to School Month (October 2007). . The event will promote environmentally friendly ways to travel to school plus health and fitness plus raising awareness of air quality. In addition it seeks to promote the development of school travel plans to enable schools to look at their pupils travel and encourage safe routes.

So I am getting in contact to see if Friends of the Earth would be interested in having a stall in the hall. It is anticipated that small groups of about 10 children will attend each stall for about 10 minutes to learn about your agency and/or participate in activities showing safe or health/healthy ways to travel or environmental impact of travel to and from school.

We have arranged a meeting to discuss the afternoon on Wednesday 16th May at Trippett Street at 2pm. If you could assist with the event and would like to attend the meeting, please let me know. Also if you require further information, please feel welcome to contact me or Helen Schofield, School Travel Plan Advisor (615495). Any involvement with or assistance you can provide on the afternoon would be greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,

Deborah McFarland
Health Promotion Officer
Health Education Unit
Community Care Services
Hull City Council
33 Witham
Hull
HU9 1DB
Tel: 01482 615539
Email: deborah.mcfarland@hullcc.gov.uk
Web: www.hullcc.gov.uk
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Thu, 26 Apr 2007
GM Spuds Update
GM SPUDS UPDATE
Just a short note aside from the GM debate. The BBC are running a program tonight called the Investigation. It will be broadcast on Radio 4 at 8pm.
It challenges the claims from the organic lobby that organic is better for you and that it is better for the environment. Scientists say...etc.
An article about this can be found at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6595801.stm
and there is an option to add a comment.
I think that it is particularly interesting that this has come up now.
Meanwhile back to trying to stop big business from calling the shots and manipulating the media!

Lee-Ann
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Thu, 26 Apr 2007
GM Spuds Update
GM SPUDS UPDATE
There have been some interesting things happening in the last week. I'll try to keep it brief.
NOTE
We are continuing to collect signatures on the website and at Hedon Market on Wednesday mornings until Hedon and Preston are free of the threat of GM potatoes.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The period of public consultation has now come to an end and we are waiting for a decision. There were 36 responses in total of which 33 were objecting and 3 supporting (NFU, ABC, a farmer). Last year there were only 9 or 10. Well done to all who managed to respond.
DEFRA accepted our petition with its 828 signatures although it would not be taken into consideration when the decision is made. Defra's GM Team did say that they knew that they are aware of the amount of interest in this case.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) have to sift through the responses and develop an opinion which is then relayed to DEFRA. They then in turn make a decision and that is when things start moving. The information will be put out in a press release - this will be posted here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/news.htm
DEFRA have to release the 6-figure grid reference a week before planting and as they are trying to hurry this along, it could be any day now. At least we have 7 days minimum before anything can happen.

THE RALLY
On Saturday (21st April) our much needed national support arrived and we marched through the streets of Hull towards Hedon and Preston. We stopped in a field for an Organic picnic accompanied by excellent music.
Some protesters announced a plan to foil the trials by planting Organic spuds in the field and numerous Mr Potato Heads danced off into the distance. Some bemused policemen followed but allowed the protest to continue.
It turns out that they planted the potatoes in the wrong field but luckily the farmer appears not to be as angry as some press have reported and in the Guardian he has stated that he has no great enthusiasm for GM crops. There has been a public apology.
This episode has been interesting as in the national press has now picked up the story and we know that the UK needs to realise that this is a national issue although not much of it has been in a favourable light - meanwhile Hedon Against GM plod on with their somewhat tamer agenda to inform and motivate the local public. The good news is that the public support we received at our weekly stall in Hedon Market yesterday was as strong as ever and another 39 signatures were collected in the short time we were there.
Please read this excellent press release from GM Freeze which asks BASF to come clean about the true purpose for the trials: http://www.gmfreeze.org/page.asp?id=316&iType=
And finally thanks again to Hedon Town Council for reaching their decision not to support the trials and to Graham Stuart M.P. for all his work in supporting the borage farmers and speaking up for the people in his constituency.

Lee-Ann
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Tue, 24 Apr 2007
Sierra Leone FOE
Dear All
I've just received a very interesting newsletter from Sierra Leone FOE.
The first 3 articles are on Waste, Climate Change and GM crops! There is also an an item about children who have to walk 8 kilometres to school and often hitch a lift in dangerous lorries. FOESL is trying to get them a bus.
The group run an eco-centre in a rural area which carries out training and demonstrations of sustainable activities. They ask for support towards their Tree Planting and Medicinal Plant programmes.
Hull FOE gets a mention as a Partnership organisation.[Rather embarrasing as we don't do much!]

I will of course thank them and send them a copy of our newsletter and I think we should put them on our mailing list.
At the meeting before last, I think Guy said he would investigate setting up some sort of visual link with them [a webcam?]. However, we seem to have lost touch with Guy. Does anyone feel confident to pursue this? The idea was, I think, that we pay for their equipment which would enable us to talk to them face to face and also demonstrate to others that you don't have to burn air fuel to keep in touch with Friends abroad.

Hilary
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Mon, 23 Apr 2007
Greens bite back!
Dear Friends, Round two! THANKS to everyone for all their help and enthusiasm so far !!!
Time is very short so I shall act tomorrow to get in applications for those that would like to swan around polling stations on the day ("Polling Agents") or for those who would like to go to the count that evening ("Tellers"). Or both. Tell me for definite if you are interested anyway.
WEDS - Green Party meeting, 8pm - Ian's, 20 Clifton Street, HU2.

• Organise final leafleting,
• some canvassing,
• possible open? letter to inconvenienced farmer re Picnic
• possible open?? letter to farmer concerned about GM
• etc

Martin Deane
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Mon, 23 Apr 2007
Other Activities
The following are other mailings. If you are interested I'll have the info at the next meeting [but the first is before next mtg.]:
1. Funding Fayre Sat 28th April 10am-4pm at Spring Bank Community Centre
Stands and presentations by Lottery funds; WREN; Local Network Fund etc. Free .Organised by CVS and others.[Can anyone pop in and pick up any relevant info?]

2. 'Making Values Live' Conference Friday 11th May atThe Octagon, Walker St Hull
'This conference will share the learning from Living Values, a report by Esmee Fairburn, and will provide you with practical tools for putting your values into action.' Cost 50 pounds + VAT. Organised by Goodwin centre.

3. Hull City Council VCS Development Team Drop-In Thursday 17th May 2pm -4pm Room C1 in Guildhall
Communicating and networking between organisations and the Council. Ring 613313 for more details, or just drop in?

3. Short Courses CVS put on wide range of courses including:

• Cash flow;
• Minute taking;
• Committee Skills;
• Producing simple business plans.

4. Advocacy Online help campaigning organisations set up e-campaigns with links to decision makers such as the Prime Minister. Further details on www.voiceyourviews.net.

5. Every Action Counts A programme funded by DEFRA to encourage groups to work on issues such as:

• energy, transport and climate change
• waste minimisation and recycling
• local environmental improvements
• fairtrade and ethical shopping

Hilary
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Sun, 22 Apr 2007
Hull Development Framework Forum
The Planning Policy section of Hull City Council are asking for a representative of Friends of the Earth [I think they mean Hull FOE] to attend meetings of a Forum to help draw up the Development Framework for the City.
This is a document which will provide policies which will inform future planning decisions.
The first meeting is on Tuesday 22nd May at 10am in the Guildhall. It is expected to finish about 1pm and lunch will be provided. A wide range of organisations from economic and social as well as environmental backgrounds will be there and it is billed as a 'networking opportunity'.
So that its not always the 'same old faces' at these things, it would be good to find a member who perhaps hasn't done this sort of thing very much before but is willing to have a go. Representatives don't need to be experts in planning. What is needed is that you take a wide ranging and long term view of how our city's environment could and should be improved and protected, and that you are willing to take part in 'round table' type discussions. It would also be useful if you could keep the rest of us informed as to how things are progressing. We might perhaps discuss some of the issues which arise at our mid- month discussion group.

Hilary
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Sun, 22 Apr 2007
Who would have guessed it is local election time!
The way forward, the only way forward, is for us to work with the officers and councillors.
BUT it does no harm to let them know that they betrayed us at every step in the incinerator campaign. No-one could be being more conciliatory than I. I am working with KHCC in the hope that they will give teeth to he Saltend Incinerator Liaison Panel. There are positive signs. But we’ll get nowhere constantly expressing grateful thanks when they throw a crumb. If it suits any politician, he/she will betray anything we do. I will not cease to speak my mind, whilst working to achieve conciliation.

Barry Robinson
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Fri, 20 Apr 2007
Pot-heads and other events
Dear Friends,
many thanks to all to all who supported the Green cause at Hitchcock's yesterday. We raised £487 ! And particular thanks go to Bruce Hitchcock himself, proprietor of said fine establishment! Here's to next time!
Our picnic is looking promising for tomorrow with groups coming from Leeds and further, and even a bicycle mounted sound system. Come as a crazy crisp or any other FrankenSpud ! By rights we should have more media than we can shake a stick at. PS. Anyone see me on SKY yesterday? :-) Martin

As Mad As a Chip??? Potato Picnic , tomorrow, 1-3pm. Preston Road Community Centre (far end by disused church). Gather with music and monster mash costumes. Speakers: Clare Oxborrow, UK Friends of the Earth, Pete Riley, GM Freeze Gwyn and Dom Marsh, PermaCulture (Yesterday, Hedon Town Council voted unanimously not to support the GM trial. This joins the East Riding vote last month to keep the area GM free)

ALSO ON -
Singing for the Terrified, Sat. 21st, 10am-1pm, Hull Community Church.
Kingston Art Group Exhibition, the Gallery @ Kingswood 21st April - 18th May. FREE!
Hull College - Fair Trade Fashion Show , Fri 27th April, £15,
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Wed, 18 Apr 2007
GM Spuds Update
Thursday 19th April
11.30am til 1.30pm
Radio Humberside Soapbox - a rather quaint local phone-in - will be hopefully discussing GM Spuds. It would be brilliant if people could ring in, text or email - it can get quite interesting at times. This can be heard online at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/humber/index.shtml
('listen live' button, right hand side.) The telephone number to call if you want to speak is 01482 225959. You can text your comments when the programme is being broadcast on 07786 200959.

4pm
I really hope that by this time we have all the paper petitions in and I can send them by registered delivery to DEFRA so its signed for at t'other end! I was going to travel down to London and hand it in but I was told that they'd probably just send out a 'suit' to get it and that would be that.

7.45pm Hedon Town Council will reconvene for the first time since the 5th April meeting when we all presented our information and put our case why there shouldn't be GM Spuds in Hedon/Preston. Members of the public are allowed to sit in but are not allowed to speak. Anyone interested in going along?

Friday 20th April
D-DAY
This is the deadline for public consultation - if you have anything to say to DEFRA about all this then you can email them still on gm-regulation@defra.gsi.gov.uk quoting 07/R42/01 in the subject line. Letters must have reached them by this day.

Saturday 21st April
Graham Stuart MP for Beverley and Holderness is having one of his street surgeries in Hedon Marketplace between 10am and 11am on Saturday morning. It would be nice if anybody from his constituency can come along and tell him about their thoughts on GM Spuds. We are hoping to present him with a copy of the petition that we sent to DEFRA on Thursday!
1pm All meet at Preston Road Community Centre for rally and picnic - I'm sure everyone has got these details.
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Mon, 16 Apr 2007
Hitchcock's, Potato Picnic
Dear Friends,
Campaigning is happening apace.
And suddenly Ive got a COLD, in arguably the best weather we have had all year.
The anti-GM campaign has been hijacked by Leeds (hurrah! praise the Lord and pass the fliers) and a nicer bunch of hijackers you couldn't wish for. They are the anti-GM crew who are coming out of 3 years of hibernation. They've called a NATIONAL RALLY for this SATURDAY starting at Preston Road Community Centre! Come Support.

1) Thu 19th April - WE NEED YOUR APPETITES...
Hitchcock's - Green Grub Gathering, 8pm
in aid of Green Party campaigning.
Spanish themed food night.
£15 and £12 conc. 07812 838701.

2) POTATO PICNIC - SATURDAY 21st - 1-3pm - Preston Rd Community Centre -
Music from the 59 Violets - to walk the cycle track (former Hornsea railway) to close to the potato site.
With music, friends, picnic, silly potato costumes - and FRIES.
Downside is DEFRA is almost certain to say yes to BASF (who have just signed a $1.5 BILLLION R&D deal with Monsanto who are busy infecting the rest of the world).

2.5) Anti - BNP leafleting - Marfleet area - Phil on 07985 169934

Becky Slater
Campaign Assistant

Reduce Resource Use
Friends of the Earth
beckys@foe.co.uk Tel 020 7566 4079
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Mon, 9 Apr 2007
Hull Friends of the Earth
PRESS RELEASE

It's good to talk.
Hull Friends of the Earth are holding the first of their monthly informal discussion meetings on Tuesday 17 April, at 8 pm, in the upstairs room of the Editorial Inn, on Hull's Spring Bank.

These discussions are in addition to the Group's monthly business meetings: "There are so many campaigns and events going on," said Group Press Officer Stephen Noreiko, "that every meeting was completely taken up with organisation and details. We felt we needed a bit more leeway to talk more generally and explore topics. And we wanted to do something more convivial, more welcoming. We try to make new members welcome, but a newcomer could find a regular business meeting a little baffling until they get into the swing. These discussion meetings will be more relaxed and everybody will be able to chip in."

The Group plans to be inviting guest speakers to some of the meetings in the future, but the first meeting will be an open discussion on the theme of urban green spaces. Anyone interested is welcome to come along, to this or subsequent meetings, on the third Tuesday of the month.

Stephen Noreiko
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Thu, 5 Apr 2007
Spuds, picnic and greens
** Multi ** Release **
1) NO TO GM SPUDS: TONIGHT, 6pm , Public Meeting, Hedon. Haven Arms, Sheriff Highway, HEDON.
As the campaign heats up to try and prevent the planting of a BASF GM potato crop in Hedon. With -

• Dr Arpad Pusztai, expert GM potato crop researcher
• Clare Oxborrow , Friends of the Earth UK
• Peter Riley, GM Freeze
• with BASF representatives

(2) National Anti-GM FrankenSpud Picnic and Rally in Hedon, Sat. Apr. 21st
A Picnic and Rally is being organised for Hedon and area on the occason of the probable approval by DEFRA of the BASF GM potato crop to the west of town.
The picnic and rally should be fun for all the GM-free family and is timed to take place on Saturday 21st April the day after the DEFRA deadline for objections to the crop.

3) Ten area candidates in record UK Green Party stand will contest 13 seats across Hull and the East Riding. This national Green record stand will see over 1400 Green candidates standing for councils across England and Wales.

Martin Deane, 07812 838701
Sec., area Green Party

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Mon, 25 Jun 2007
A summer war still simmers
Dear Friends, Two items you are unlikely to hear of in our rather gutless media:
On 20 June the US House of Representatives voted 411-2 for a resolution condemning Iran for its aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons. Never mind there is no evidence for this. Like Iraq, Iran is far too important to waste time on truth or diplomacy. In addition, a third aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise is on its way to the Gulf (June 24). There will be more firepower there than in March 2003 when Iraq was destroyed.

Again, the spectre of an attack on Iran looms, whether by America or Israel striking first. The figures above show that the US Congress will not bring peace but both parties are going to rehash the lies on Iran until they stick.

We are likely to be asked again: what does it mean to us that 'our closest ally' is planning to destroy another sovereign country of 70 million men, women and children.

Martin Deane

Members representing families of lost relatives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, will be in Downing Street on Tony Blair's last day in office, Wednesday 27 June. They will be holding pictures of their loved ones who have died as a result of Tony Blair's war crimes. The Military Families are inviting everyone who is able to join them to come to Downing Street between 10am and 12 noon, when Blair will leave for the last time. Help ensure that Blair's last day is marked by a protest against his war policies, which have lead to the deaths of up to one million Iraqis, countless Afghan civilians, 152 British soldiers in Iraq and 61 soldiers in Afghanistan. Rose Gentle, whose son Gordon was killed in Iraq almost exactly two years ago, says, "Let our photos be the last thing Blair sees when he leaves number 10." OVER 5000 DEMONSTRATE IN MANCHESTER 5000 protestors marched up to the Labour Party special leadership conference on Sunday 24 June, to insist that the first thing Gordon Brown does when he takes office is to change government policy on Iraq and bring the troops home now. FOR A REPORT ON THE DEMONSTRATION, GO TO: http://tinyurl.com/2tcbg4 FOR PICTURES AND VIDEO OF THE DEMONSTRATION, GO TO:http://www.mancsagainsttanks.org/ WHERE CAN TONY BLAIR GO NOW? Where Tony Blair should go, is to a war crimes tribunal. But what beckons are speeches, a fee of £100,000, a time and a multi-million pound advance for his memoirs. Other options being suggested are discussed by Geoffrey Wheatcroft in this article: http://tinyurl.com/37cxpr Stop the War national Andrew Murray told the demonstration, "We are here to wave goodbye to the most dangerous and warmongering prime minister in modern British history and to demand that he takes his policies with him. We are demanding that Gordon Brown gives us a fresh start by pulling troops out of Iraq and breaking with George Bush's foreign policy. The Pope may forgive Tony Blair but the British people will not."

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Thu, 21 Jun 2007
Jeffrey Smith's GM talk

Green Party and local campaigners vow to use new information to continue fight against GM giants

At a talk last Monday in Hedon, an audience of local campaigners, farmers and the public heard the arguments against GM from world-renowned GM expert, America's Jeffrey M Smith.

Author of two leading books, Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette, Jeffrey Smith covered many key accounts of the effects of GM foods. Jeffrey Smith noted sixty-five actual and theoretical health risks that can now be associated with GM products and should be thoroughly investigated but not in the haphazard manner of the biotech companies or even of government agencies themselves.

Among the large number of points covered was the fact that Genetic Modification is not a precise science. Jeffrey descibed how GM scientists fire millions of their new modified genes at millions of cells and include an antibiotic marker. They then hit all the cells with the antibitoic and those that survive, having the new gene, are then cloned to get the required numbers. But the new gene can insert itself ANYWHERE into the DNA strand causing who knows what damage to the DNA as a whole and these damaged genes can then remain active for generations.

Jeffrey Smith cited case after case of damage to all manner of livestock: sheep, cattle and chickens in India, the mysterious but GM-linked death of 12 cattle in Germany as well as details of the famous Dr Arpad Pusztai (Edinburgh) experiment where rats fed on GM potatoes showed a wide range of damage incuding a doubling of the stomach wall and damage to liver and kidneys. The GM potatoes used were similar to those bound for Hedon but deayed this year after heavy campaigning and a BASF decision to postpone planting despite being given permission by DEFRA.

"I used to avoid terminology like 'mutatoes' or 'Franken-foods'", said Martin Deane of Hull Green Party, "but Jeffrey Smith lays it all out. This is one of the most dangerous branches of so-called science. The world is in such a state that we now have huge multinational business trying to wipe out all natural crop seeds and replace them with their own unproven and biologically unsound ones. They really are playing God. It's a shame the representative from BASF was not here, Jeffrey would have wiped the floor with him! "

Another anti-GM demonstration will be held on Sunday July 1st in Cambridge at the second site where BASF has already planted GM potatoes.

http://www.seedsofdeception.com - Jeffrey M Smith's website
http://www.seedsofdeception.com/Multimedia/10.mp3 - previous 1 hour talk by Jeffrrey Smith covering most of Hedon content.
www.gmwatch.org - leading GM campaign site
www.mutatoes.org - GM activists' site

Martin Deane,
Hull Green Party
0781 838701

Lee-Ann Williams,
Hull Friends of the Earth
01482 440043
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Wed, 20 Jun 2007
Say Bye To Blair
Dear Friends,
After a thought-provoking input on GM crops from Jeffrey Smith on Monday (write-up here)
Now looking forward to Sunday's protest in Manchester.
More actions and events follow below.

CHANGE YOUR POLICY! protest at the Labour Leadership Conference SUNDAY 24 JUNE MANCHESTER 12 noon, Albert Square, Manchester 5 Seats Left !!! minibus: 10am, YPI, George Street, Hull. Tickets - £15 / £10. from 471467 The police tried to keep the demo away from the Labour Conference but they have now given in to popular pressure to allow it to pass by the gates.

Best wishes,
Martin
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Sat, 16 Jun 2007
Manchester and petition
CHANGE POLICY !" demo - Labour Leadership Conference
SUNDAY 24 JUNE MANCHESTER

12 noon, Albert Square Hull minibus: seats remaining, 10am, YPI, George Street. Tickets - £15 and £10. from Martin on 471467 (after trying to keep the demo away from the Labour Conference the police have now given in to allow it to go by the gates).

Add your name to the Open Letter to Gordon Brown
Dear Gordon Brown,
There is no issue more important, and no question on which the British people are more anxious to see a change of policy by the next prime minister, than the Iraq war. We urge you on behalf of millions of British voters to:

1. Withdraw British troops from Iraq no later than October 2007.
2. Declare that this country will not participate in any attack against Iran.
3. Pursue a foreign policy independent of the US administration.

CAAB demo - "Independence from America" Noon, Weds. 4th July, Menwith Hill, nr Harrogate. contact Martin on 471467.

Martin Deane
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Wed, 13 Jun 2007
Pro-GMO Commission undermines EU democracy,says Green MEP
Hi All,
I forward these remarks on GM from Caroline Lucas.
A number of us are busy selecting party candidates to fight for the EU elections.
This notes the Commission's commitment to GM crops markedly separate from the thoughts of the people.
We also have GM guru Jeffrey Smith speaking in Hedon, Haven Arms, next Monday, 18th, 7.30pm.
Our resistance to GM is right and he will explain exactly why it should be.
Cheers

Martin Deane
More information
Hedon Agianst GM www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk
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Fri, 8 Jun 2007
ENOUGH! demo, London - places left
***PRESS RELEASE***
ENOUGH! demo, London - places left
SATURDAY, 9th June
Hull minibus departs: 8.30am, YPI building, George Street. 7 places left. We'd like to go full!
Returns: about 10.30pm.

The Palestinian people suffer increasingly in their own homeland.
Palestinian land now stands at a fraction of what numerous UN resolutions have called for since 1967.
Highly controlled checkpoints mean people often cannot get to work, to hospital or even university.
A huge "Separation Wall" takes more land cutting through neghbourhoods, splitting members from families farmers from their land Many schools function sporadically due to the violence of occupation, not knowing where an airstrike will happen next, where a sniper will target or where a kidnap will happen.
SATURDAY is an opportunity for ordinary people across Britain to say ENOUGH! to the plight of Palestinians. What is touted as a peace process for the Middle East still manages to marginalise the Palestinians and even imprison their elected representatives, arm Israel to the teeth something that Britain continues to be involved in.
A group from Hull will travel to protest the actions of the Israeli government and show support for the right to return to a home for Palestinian refugees now spread across the world
"The time has come to call Israel an apartheid regime. Israel must return the land they have stolen!" said Martin Deane

Martin Deane
Hull & E.Riding Green Party
Martin stood for Hull City Council in 2007;
stood for Parliament for Hull North constituency in 2005;
Secretary of H&ER Green Party;
Secretary of Hull Stop the War.
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Thu, 7 Jun 2007
Help for Beverley FOE market stall
Message from Beverly FOE:
Beverley FOE urgently need partners/ traders in the runnning of their weekly market stall in Beverley's Satturday Market.
Anyone who grows, makes, collects things they would like to sell on the stall can contact
Sue Dack ( 01482 86 42 15),
e- mail normandyave@normandyave.karoo.co.uk .
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Wed, 6 Jun 2007
Many good things
Dear Friends,

THURSDAY 7th: GREEN PARTY MEETING - apologies for the late notice. This meeting will be on Thursday at 8pm. 20 Clifton Street, thru bollards end of Strand Close, Bev Rd. (We hope to have mneetings on the first Thursdays of each month)

FRIDAY: "Is there No end to Trident?" Scunthorpe, with Sarah Cartin, regional CND, Martin Deane, Hull STW & Hull Green Party, arrested twice over Trident at Faslane. 7.30, 8th June, Greeson Hall, Frodngham Road.

FRIDAY: 8pm, FUNKY supporting the FREE PALESTINE campaign "The Children of Lajee, Palestine", a talk with pictures by worker Rich Wiles, as part of the FUNKY music night. @ the LAMP, Norfolk Street (opp. Hull Dail Mail).

ENOUGH! DEMO Saturday, LONDON Hull minibus: 8.30am, YPI, George Street. SOLD OUT. £15 - £20.

SUNDAY: Politics Show, midday, BBC1. My next 30 secs of fame this Sunday talking about wind turbines and bird deaths (which are negligible, maybe 30 turbines are responsible for one death a year, while our 8m cats are credited with 75 million bird kills a year!)

"CHANGE YOUR POLICY" demo SUNDAY, 24th June, Manchester, noon, Albert Square Hull minibus: 10 seats remaining. 10am, YPI, George Street. Tickets - £15 and £10. Martin on 471467

Best witches,
Martin Deane
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Sat, 2 Jun 2007
HULL - FOESL

Dear Hull- FOE,
Hello to you all.I like to thank you for receiving copy of HULL ECO. We are happy we are all addressing the same issues.Here in Sierra Leone Launched its Climate Change and Rural Energy Campaign recently and as a matter of fact our target is to plant 5 million trees this year.At ECO-CENTRE we have divided our nursery into three sections.(1) Forest Trees (2) Horticulture.(3) Medicinal Plants.And we have our ongoing Organic Agriculture. we are celebrating World Environment Day is 5th June but FOESL will observe June 8th as its own day of celebrating WED. As we are creating awareness on Climate Change and Global Warming we are also addressing and actively working on issues - Rural and Urban Agriculture and Energy.Waste Management and Recycling as well as encouraging people to plant trees within their compound and kitchen or back yard gardening.But as an organisation working on forest conservation we want people to minimise the use of wood.There are lots of hard plastic around useless and we need containers for back yard gardening.Kindly help me with information on plastic recycling for the purpose of making boxes to plant vegetables, flowers etc.The fact is the percentage of carbon dioxide is very high therefore we need a balance with oxygen.
Also we are looking for partners that we can work with for seeds-horticulture,vegetables,forest etc.
Thank you and hope to hear from you soon.

Olatunde Johnson(FOESL)
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Sat, 2 Jun 2007
Notification of Street Fundraising
I am writing to let you know that Friends of the Earth may be recruiting national supporters on the streets next week in your local area. The fundraisers will advise any interested members of the public to find out about their nearest local group via
http://community.foe.co.uk/local_groups/find_a_group/
so do ensure you keep your details up to date (email localgroups@foe.co.uk to find out how to update your group's webpage). We often find that a street fund-raising team will generate interest that will benefit the local group.
Recruiting people on the street has proved to be a successful and cost effective way for us find new supporters and spread the word about Friends of the Earth’s work to audiences we may not necessarily reach in other ways. I hope that you will not feel any reason to be concerned about our fund-raising team visiting your area. If you have days of action or other public events planned that we need to know about then please let me know on the contact details below. We can ask our team to coordinate their visit so that you can work together.
Regards

Sophia Smith
Direct Marketing Officer
Friends Of the Earth
26-28 Underwood Street
London N1 7JQ
tel: 020 7566 1697
fax: 020 7490 0881
email: sophia.smith@foe.co.uk
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Fri, 1 Jun 2007
The bid by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to integrate Selby District Council into its own boundaries
I believe that Selby DC itself has about 70,000 residents, let’s say 25,000 households.
25,000 Households generate 25,000 tonnes of household waste per year
Assuming that a lorry carries 20 tonnes, that will be 1,250 lorry loads.
The distance to and from Saltend will be 45 miles more than to and from Sherburn.
Assuming a lorry does 30 miles per gallon, that is almost 2,000 gallons of petrol EXTR.A..
One gallon of petrol will generate about 35 lbs of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
I calculate that by using the Saltend facility, at least 35 tonnes of unnecessary climate-changing greenhouse gas will be created.
Additionally, there will be 1,250 lorries travelling an unnecessary 45 miles each per year ------- 50,000+ unnecessary lorry-miles.
This at a time when we are desperate to prevent disastrous climate change...

Barry Robinson
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Thu, 31 May 2007
Bag-making group (as on tv news)
Hello,
I just thought I'd drop you a line in light of a feature that has been on the BBC news today, this morning and again at lunchtime. It was about 'guerilla bagging' where you make cotton shopping bags and hand them out to people outside stores to try and encourage them to save on plastic bags.

My name is Cate Allison - at Beverley Green Fair I spoke to a couple of the ladies from Hull Friends of the Earth and showed them a poster and some leaflets I made. I'm trying to find anyone who would be interested in joining a social group which would get together, have tea and cakes and make such bags, if I set one up. No one would have to hand them out to the general public if they felt uncomfortable doing that, they could just make them for themselves or friends, or for other groups around the country to hand out. - see a website called morsbags.com .

I was wondering if I could come to your July meeting (Tues 3rd?) and give people further info please? (I'm afraid I can't make next Tues and anyway, I've decided to wait til July to think seriously about this as June is a really busy month for me.) I was going to contact you nearer the time but then saw the news today and thought I'd introduce myself earlier, in case any of your members had seen the feature and were intrigued by it.
Like I said, at the moment I have no specific plans but am just gathering interest.
Hope to see you in July.
Best wishes

Cate Allison.
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Tue, 29 May 2007
GM Update
GM Author comes to E.Yorkshire

Hello All

JEFFREY M. SMITH
We have some exciting news. American author Jeffrey M. Smith will be coming to this area to give a talk on Monday 18th June. He has written GM foods expose 'Seeds of Deception' and 'Genetic Roulette' - a collection of the documented health risks of Genetically Engineered food.
As we had very short notice about him visiting the UK, we have yet to finalise the venue and time. We will send out further details as soon as possible.

Extract from GMWatch Review on Genetic Roulette: ‘Smith has to be the best science communicator alive today, and this book stands as the final word on GM health risks. It's the definitive answer to those who don't know, those who don't want to know, and those who know but don't want anyone else to know.’
For the full fascinating review use the link below:
http://www.gmwatch.org/archive2.asp?arcid=7885

TRIALS
We are still waiting for news from BASF as to their plans to talk to local people / farmers. We are developing links with local farmers. Apart from this we have no further news regarding the trials.

SCIENTISTS FOR A GM FREE EUROPE
An international coalition of independent scientists will present comprehensive scientific evidence to support a total ban on the release of GM crops at the European Parliament, Brussels on June 12th. They will explain to MEPs why a vote against GM in Europe is vital for a sustainable future for the world.
They will document how science has been misused and how regulators have ignored the gathering evidence as to the risks and dangers of GM products. For more information on this exciting gathering of world-renowned independent scientists see the link below. http://www.i-sis.org.uk/EUmeeting120607.php
(I am hoping to find out if it is possible to attend. If anybody else would be interested in coming along - please email me leeann@ethos.uk.net or ring 01482 440043)

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT GM-FREE SEEDS
The European Commission has issued a ‘consultation’ on whether there should be thresholds for GM contamination in seeds, and if so at what levels. The consultation is open only until 5 June and has not been publicised. It is also only online! According to Friends of the Earth, the questions are ambiguous and misleading. Friends of the Earth and GM Freeze have put together a short guide to help people respond at: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/action_
guides/gm_seeds_action.pdf

WEBSITE
We have had a few problems with the website – just the odd quirk here and there with the petition. If people are still having problems with it let us know. We are hoping to develop the site further when we get a moment.
Regards

Lee-Ann Williams
Hedon Against GM Campaign
www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk
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Sun, 27 May 2007
Climate and G8 (June 6-8)

I thought you'd like to know about this urgent call for action on global warming. I'm one of hundreds of thousands who've signed a petition on climate change at Avaaz.org. In the coming days it's going to be delivered to the G8+5 summit (June 6th-8th in Germany )--to the leaders of the biggest, most polluting countries in the world.

We won a victory in March when over 100,000 people helped make climate change the #1 issue for this summit - but the resistance from vested interests is rising. The summit is days away. Please join me in signing the petition here:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_g8/tf.php

Thanks! Dave Hampton
Carbon Coach
PS This is growing fast !!! please help get it up to 200,000 by Thurs... (its up at 168,200 now 9:15am Sunday 27th)
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Tue, 15 May 2007
BEVERLEY GREEN FAIR !! Saturday
**PRESS RELEASE**

COME TO - - - BEVERLEY GREEN FAIR !! Saturday.
Celebrate - Spring is Sprung. The grass is riz.
with over 50 stalls, and more interesting topics than you can shake a stick at!
includes a Men's Creche! (for the FA Cup Final...)
Hours of live music. Puppet theatre.
FREE transport from Market Cross, Beverley.

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Mon, 14 May 2007
Defra grants GM approval
Dear Friends,
I hear today that DEFRA has approved the trial of GM potatoes for Hedon for the German chemical giant BASF.
DEFRA under Blair and Milliband have been increasingly welcoming to the prospect of more GM crops in Britain. So it is not the greatest of surprises. Yet the step towards undermining the natural diversity of agricultural crops in Britain which it represents should not be cast off lightly.
We hope now that the farmer concerned will think twice before going ahead and reflect on all the arguments and information that has come his way: how GM pollen spreads and affects other local crops, how it may be related to effects on bee population and how in turn this will disadvantage other crops locally, especially borage, which rely on bee pollination.
Britain's crops and shelves have been almost completely free from GMOs for some years now.
Today's approval marks the next step towards an unwelcome comeback.
Regards,

Martin Deane
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Fri, 11 May 2007
Bag making group
I don't know if any of you are familiar with the 'Morsbags' website at www.morsbags.com but it encourages you to form a group to get together and make simple cotton shopping bags which can then be passed on to other people to be used instead of plastic ones. (They recommend handing them out to the general public at supermarkets but there are other ways of making good use of them if people didn't want to do that!) I'm wondering if anyone else might be interested in being part of such a group if I organised something. I'm really just asking around right now to see how much interest there is. Would it be possible to ask among your members or put something in your newsletter please?
My e-mail - c_e_allison@yahoo.co.uk
Many thanks

Cate Allison.
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Tue, 8 May 2007
Hull FOE stall at Pagan conference
Does anyone want a free ticket to the Pagan Conference in Hessle on next Saturday 12th May in exchange for manning a Hull FOE stall? Talks are on Modern paganism, Wicca, Superstitions and the Pagan in English Art; evening musical events from Doug Peters, Stormcrow, Toni Bunnell. [Full details on www.paganfedne.org].
You would be able to go to all the talks and events, but just come out at the intervals to ask people to sign climate change postcards, publicise the Green Fair etc.
Anyone interested please contact Hilary on philip@amskaya.karoo.co.uk.

Does anyone have any Beverley Green Fair flyers and posters they could get to me quickly? I want to publicise it among colleagues who live in Beverley, as well as at the Pagan Conference.

I should have mentioned at the Hull FoE meeting that one of our past members Kay Watkins is organising a Naked Bike Ride [the very idea bring tears to my eyes!] in York on 8th June. She was asking for a donation of £5 towards costs from the group but as I forgot I will send her something. I don't have contact details for her, but anyone interested could get them from Steve Noreiko.
Once again, apologies to anyone whose emails I have not replied to while my computer is out of order. Please send any messages via Philip for the time being.
Thanks

Hilary Byers
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Tue, 8 May 2007
the Frog Prince
The Frog Prince

Where: Beverley Friary Address: Beverley Friary , Friar's Lane, off Highgate, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire , HU17 0DF , Telephone 01482 881751 When: Saturday 19 May 2007 Time: 3 separate performances 11am, 1pm or 3pm Tickets: £5 01482 391672 / 867430 / 07855 328552 Available from: Beverley Tourist Information Office and on the door subject to limited capacity

Animated Objects Theatre Company present:
The Frog Prince
A new version of the classic tale, adapted by Lee Threadgold, with storytelling music and puppetry. Lee Threadgold is well known for his work at the Stephen Joseph Theatre Scarborough.
An enchanting piece of theatre for both children and adults alike. Suitable for children from 3 years and their families.
"Once upon a time there was a beautiful Princess, who had everything she could wish for. She saved a slimy old frog from a terrible curse, with true love's kiss."
It sounds like a wonderful fairytale romance, and that is exactly what the Princess would have you believe. But that's not how the frog tells the story.
No. Not at all
He sees things a little differently. It must be something to do with them big googly eyes.
Duration: c.45mins
Beverley Arts Trust are planning a repeat of the highly successful Puppet Festival in 2008. On May 19th why not make a day of it? Another Puppet Show, The Lost Forest by Indigo Moon (for age 5 and over) is being performed at 6pm at Longcroft School at Beverley Green Fair on May 19th (organised by Beverley Friends of the Earth / Trustees of Norwood House). The Green Fair provides live music , many kinds of stalls and food, all day between 10am and 10pm.
The Lost Forest takes a vital concern and turns it into a fun and dynamic show, using wayang golek (colourful rod puppets from West Java ), stunning rainforest projections, shadow theatre and original music. Duration: 45 mins. PLEASE NOTE: Despite some positive feedback, this is now (since March 06) an entirely different show from the one which toured East Riding schools during its early development. Only the title remains the same!
This production was funded by the lottery (through Arts Council England) and ERYC in 2005 . It now tours nationally, but rarely on home ground. Further info on www.indigomoontheatre.com(click performances - lost forest) (Autumn tour dates not yet updated).
Contact: beverleyartstrust@hotmailco.uk
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Thu, 3 May 2007
Round table free meal & £100 for group funds!
We've been offered the above in return for a 45minute talk on FOE acitivities to a local round table at Lazaat Hotel near cottingham NEXT Tuesday the 8th May. ( 7:30 for 8pm then meal then you give the talk.
Anyone up for it? Please let me know ASAP - I'm phoning the guy back late tomorrow afternoon.

Sue Jolliffe
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Thu, 3 May 2007
The Bees Needs
***PRESS RELEASE***
Climate Change may kill millions over decades -
but the death of bees could kill us in as little as four years
The GM question hangs over the future of bee populations. "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man." - Albert Einstein
The public meeting in Hedon last month to discuss the proposed GM crop for the area covered much interesting ground.
One speaker against these particular GM trials, was Dr Arpad Pusztai (see below), an eminent investigator into GM and its relationship to nutrition, who told of the findings of his experiments some years ago. Ridiculed and suppressed at the time, his investigations showed that rats fed on GM blight resistant potatoes (close to the type destined for Hedon) caused the stomach lining and the lining of the small intestine to be seriously affected.
Lee-Ann Williams of Hedon Against GM, brought up that right now the death of bees across America is causing serious concern. Bees are the main pollinators of many crops and widespread Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is so serious that beekeepers on the east coast have lost up to 70% of their stock since 2006 while the west coast has seen drops of up to 60%. The hives are being found almost lifeless and deserted.
It was also mentioned that German beekeepers are also worried as they are seeing declines in bee populations too. Their top suspect is a new toxin they are unfamiliar with and in the American case they cite the possible involvement of GM pollen which may be affecting bee immune systems. 40% of American cornfields are GM compared to Germany's 0.06%.
A borage farmer present at the meeting shared his concern for his crop should bees decline in the UK.
A decision from DEFRA to allow planting is expected any day.
Bees are used widespread in the region to pollinate borage crops. Britain is GM free. There have not been GM crops in the UK for 3 years. The bee pollination industry is ten times the size of the honey industry in the UK. A national rally has been called for Hedon to protest the planting of the site, for Sat. April 21st. Stall next Wednesday, Hedon, to sign petitions against the GM spuds

More information -
Hedon Against GM, Lee-Ann Williams 01482 440043
www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk
Martin Deane, Green Party, Hull. 07812 838701
German study (March 2007)
http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=6234
This from the Independent - (Dec 2006)
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/
lifestyle/article2032663.ece

Scientist warns over GM potato trials By Louise Hosie, Scottish Press Association Published: 02 December 2006 A scientist whose controversial study first ignited fears over genetically modified food warned today the decision to approve trials of blight-resistant potatoes in the UK meant preventing cross-contamination was "almost impossible". Dr Arpad Pusztai caused an academic uproar when he claimed in 1998 that rats fed on GM potatoes suffered organ damage. Today the Hungarian-born nutritionist said he was opposed to the approved GM trials in Derbyshire and Cambridgeshire, which he described as an "extremely stupid move". "If these potatoes are going to be grown on a large scale then it is almost impossible to avoid genetic contamination," he said. "Sooner or later the same gene will get into our common potato. "There is no demand for genetic modification in this country and it could be the death nail for the potato because it is not going to be bought by the general public." He added that he felt the Government had approved the trials in order to change the public's negative attitude about genetic modification. "We are dealing with a very unstable genome which will almost certainly be producing some toxic effects and if they get into our human food chain it will cause a huge calamity," he said. "I think the general public will have a great deal to say about this and I don't think the local farmers will be overjoyed." Dr Pusztai, who eats only organic potatoes, said he felt the company planning to grow the potatoes saw Britain as a "soft touch" as the trials would not be allowed in many other EU countries. "If people agree that they don't want this, then it can be stopped," he said. "There are very good natural varieties of potatoes and I think doing this is just playing with fire." Dr Pusztai said his research found GM food could weaken the immune system of rats, stunt their growth and damage their internal organs. His study was discredited by the Royal Society and he later retired from his job at Aberdeen's Rowett Institute.

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Sun, 29 Apr 2007
Hull Green Party woos the Avenues
PRESS RELEASE
Hull Green Party woos the Avenues
Hull City Council needs people on it who have a global vision and not just a parochial one. Yes we have to do the best for our area, but nowadays the message is that this has to be as sustainable as possible because the world is threatened by climate change and by the end of oil.
Nobody else is talking about this as a time of transition. The Green Party is. The Green Party is right.
I'm privileged to be standing for Avenue Ward area which will be the first area in Hull to get a Green councillor. I hope it will be this year.
Vote Green. For a future worth having.

Martin Deane
Green Party Candidate for Avenue Ward

A run through some of the policies the Green Party would pursue in Council:
CLIMATE CHANGE

• Hull does not have a Climate Change Strategy! Hull is so vulnerable to flooding that I will push for a progressive strategy with ideas such as those pursued by Woking, Norwich, Brighton and Kirklees Councils.
• Hull is signatory to the Nottingham Declaration on climate change but has to live up to it. I will campaign to adopt the Merton Rule which means 10% renewable energy will be built into sizable new building projects.

• Many of Hull's roads are still far too often dangerous for cyclists. We will work for greater safety for bikes such as joined-up cycle lanes and more of them.
• The angled level crossing on Spring Bank West is particularly dangerous. A warning sign is not enough. I want safe surfacing straddling the rails there to provide greater safety for cyclists.

• Where built, casinos have increased debt in the area, particularly amongst the young who are more vulnerable. There are many other sectors that merit development instead and such employment gains would be minimal.
• We do not regard this as a step forward for Hull. PEOPLE should be our priority not increasing debt, nor enriching casinos! Green councillors will campaign against the planned large casino!

• We are proud of Hull and its present 22% recycling rate which has doubled since 2005. I don't know of any other city that has doubled its rate in this time. But we can do more!
• I will promote further waste policies to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, especially with such issues as supermarket packaging, cardboard and the provision and use of recycling points.

• I will make the case to Council to adopt a Zero Waste policy as part of the Climate Change Strategy. We should aim for 100% reuse of materials in line with the world's most progressive cities; towards a time when nothing is wasted. Could Hull not support its own paper recyling mill or its own can recycling plant?

• Labour and Lib Dem councillors agreed on an incinerator. But there are still ways to fight against it so I will pursue these.
• The contract with WRG is still not fully available. I want transparency! I want to know the extent of liability that we, the taxpayers, have.
• Major problems face us and the incinerator is not even built yet:- toxins, heavy traffic, a rumoured threat to recycling. I will pursue these issues on behalf of the people of Hull.

• I will promote renewable energy provision for homes and seek subsidies for these as well as for energy conservation. The present UK government scheme exhausts its monthly renewables grants on the first day of each month! This is a ridiculout reflection of the government's commitment to these issues.

• Greens reject the idea of a “security state”. I will campaign against some local schools who fingerprint children for trivial systems such as the school library or the dining hall. I will seek that Hull adopts a "NO2ID" policy in schools.

• I want to see a mix of shops and for growth in local trading.
• Supermarket chains threaten the remaining shops we have. Studies show supermarkets are a threat to jobs overall as well as to small, local businesses. We will press for greater Council powers to resist this and to change present Government planning laws.

• St Stephen’s will open eventually. Already there are empty units in Princes Quay and Whitefriargate. Quaywest is another massive development planned! For more shopping! For more major brand names. There is more to life than shopping!
• Greens will campaign to stop or modify this development. We will work for this space to be used to the best advantage of most ordinary Hull families. Green councillors are for town planning with a human face.

FREE SCHOOL DINNERS
The local Green Party is more than happy to continue this policy. It shows a greatness of heart on the part of the Council and what I am sure is a real desire to get children off to a good start at school. City Academies, however, contradict this and we will oppose them.
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Thu, 26 Apr 2007
Urgent - Hull Screen Friday, Look North

A lot of media interest has sprung up over Hull Screen which cuts down to 3 days a week shortly with an uncertain future.
Look North is sending a camera crew so -
Could people gather for 6.20pm to get the best coverage - Hull Screen, George Street, opposite Sharkey's.
To make the best showing it is imperative we turn up in numbers and preferably with signs -
- Support Hull Screen -
- Save Hull Screen -
- Greens support Hull Screen -
- Greens for Culture! -
- We're being framed! -
, etc, etc.
Either we protect our cultural resources or we risk losing them...
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Thu, 26 Apr 2007
Potato coverage yesterday
BBC Online – plus video:
Click here
Guardian:
Click here
Farming Today (Radio 4):
Click here

I’ve just listened again and the piece is good, leads on the mistakes made by campaigners but covers the borage issue in some detail and says that the farmer is fed up of being targeted, not just by protesters but also by farmers, and that he wants the borage farmers to be happy before he goes ahead with the trial.
So far the coverage of the mutatoes incident seems to be quite friendly which is good. It helps that the farmer whose field was wrongly planted is opposed to the trials and is one of the borage growers according to Farming today.

Clare
GM Campaigner
Friends of the Earth ( England , Wales and Northern Ireland )
26-28 Underwood Street, London , N1 7JQ , United Kingdom
Direct line: +44 (0)20 7566 1716
Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7490 1555
Fax: +44 (0)20 7490 0881
Email: clare.oxborrow@foe.co.uk

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Help keep our food and farming GM free. Go to http://www.stopgmcontamination.org
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Tue, 24 Apr 2007
Friends of Hull Screen
URGENT!!!!
Hull Screen, George Street, Friday - 6.45pm onwards.
> We want people to be there from 6.45
press etc. informed 6.45/6.50 and we want it to look good.

Hull Screen is in danger of being reduced shortly to a three day week.
http://www.hullscreen.co.uk/news.php
Many suspect this is a prelude to getting rid of it altogether.
Hull needs an independent "art house" cinema.
What city this size should lack this basic indication of culture?

Susan Harr
Martin Deane
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Mon, 23 Apr 2007
GM, Bluesman & Iron Wall
Dear Friends, [10 days till May 3rd]

1) GM controversy continues after ERYC and Hedon Councils both vote the GM trials down and a very enjoyable Picnic tho unfortunately where activists target the wrong field (to donate 1000 organic seed potatoes...), and all still await the DEFRA decision.

2) MONDAY - We're very pleased to have the hugely talented Adrian Burns playing for a Green Party pre-election benefit gig next Monday (Apr 30th) at Zest.

Please come!!!

3) Apols for the clash: for those preferring serious stuff that evening Palestine Solidarity Campaign are showing "The Iron Wall" at the Hop and Vine, Albion Street, at 7.30pm. ....M
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Mon, 23 Apr 2007
GM campaign
Dear Friends,
The outcome people are hoping for most is that the farmer concerned changes his mind. As I gather, MW is 'involved in the community' and seems to not want others inconvenienced. The picnic certainly showed the strength of feeling across the country (only about 50 were from Hull and Leeds combined, by my count). And this was without an actual GM crop planted yet. The farmer targeted on Saturday by the activists has certainly been inconvenienced but again this has only happened because of the GM threat to the area... It may help decide MW on pulling out or he could dig his heels in. Could depend on the next few days and how the publicity goes and when the DEFRA decision is published.

From BASF point of view they are testing the UK public - can we get trials into the UK anywhere ? They thought Hedon was an easy touch but should soon hear otherwise. We are the test case for the UK even moreso than the spud trial itself. The BASF big picture is to open up the UK for all manner of GM crops for future profits.

Obviously sympathy for any individual farmer inconvenienced is appropriate but the fight is to maintain a GM free Britain and we should bear in mind that if even only one BASF GM crop goes in then there is the potential for every crop for miles around to be affected (radius of 6km (3.6mls) for bee flight gives about 100sq.km. (40sq.mls.) possible area affected). Cheers, M.

Cheers,
Martin Deane

PROPOSAL TO TRIAL GM POTATOES IN A FIELD ON THE BOUNDARY OF HEDON EAST YORKSHIRE - CONSULTATION RESPONSE This Council, having received information from, and discussed with experts from both sides of the argument, is strongly opposed to agreement being given to a trial of genetically modified potatoes being held in a field in Preston, bordering Hedon, East Yorkshire. The reasons are that: We cannot accept that there is any need for the development of a genetically modified potato intended to produce a blight free strain. As has rightly been pointed out here are several varieties of blight resistant potatoes existing at present. The growth of a large number of different potatoes throughout the country all minimises the risk of blight to a substantial degree. The safeguards needed to protect a GM crop are inadequate. This field is bordered to the north and west by a public highway; it is bordered to the south by a footpath(the old railway line from Hull to Withernsea) which is extensively used for recreational purposes; it has a designated footpath running through the middle of it. This must increase the risk of cross contamination, public exposure to an unknown pollen and vandalism of the crop. The area is widely used for a wide range of arable farming. The danger of cross-contamination by inter-and transpollination cannot possibly be contained with the buffer zones required by DEFRA. The area for miles around is extensively used by beekeepers to gather nectar for honey making. This has the benefit of pollinating many different crops in Holderness. The bees are often exposed to different fields at different times and are moved around the area for this purpose. The danger therefore of much wider contamination and effect on other closely related species cannot be ruled out. BASF insisted that following the trials there would be no genetically modified potatoes left in the field. We are unconvinced by their reassurances on this point. Anyone who has grown potatoes knows that any scrap of plant material left on the bed can generate a new potato plant in the following season. There is general disbelief that the field an ever be completely cleaned and even if it were it would take a number of years for this to be effected. Commercial and economic pressures on the farmer to reuse the field would be intense. The two year condition imposed by DEFRA seems to us inadequate in this respect. Yours sincerely On behalf of Hedon Town Council

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Thu, 19 Apr 2007
Picnic write up
Dear Friends,
Anyone with Sky / Sky News should see me ranting about GM crops tonight!!
and Lee-Ann on Radio Humberside and Viking Fm too. A takeover of the airwaves.
thisisull.com have done us a fine write-up on their 5-7,000+ hit a day website!
http://thisisull.com/coming07/environment/
1870049051_gm21apr07.html
See some of you tonight at Hitchcock's for our fundraiser -
And more and others hopefully on Saturday's Potato Picnic!
Cheers,

Martin Deane
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Wed, 18 Apr 2007
Potato Picnic
Hi all,
the police have been in touch (Beverley-based) regarding policing Saturday's rally.
The Chief Insp is keen to police this in an enabling fashion and is thinking of a couple of officers to oversee it and a couple perhaps on motor bikes or mounted to police the front and rear of the march.
I discussed the route as planned:

• start at the Community Centre (which is by the disused church - NOT the Freedom Centre)
• continue down Preston Rd to end
• right at Marfleet Lane intersection
• bearing left (Marleet Lane) onto cycle path for 25 minutes or so.
• Stop and have picnic, and listen to music - from "Wholesome Fish"). And return.

Martin Deane
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Wed, 18 Apr 2007
Radio, hitch, n drum n bass
Dear Friends,
how about some community radio noise against the GM monster mash tomorrow?
I'll be phoning in so why don't you join in too?
And Thursday night? We have about 10-15, but Id prefer double that just so's I can rant on about my pet policies and spend time autographing posters that people bring along...

1) Soapbox - Phone in tomorrow 11.30am to gripe about the GM Crops.
Phone - 225959 (R. Humberside)

2) Remember! Hitchcock's TOMORROW - GP benefit: £15 and £12 conc.

3) and if you're flush: Adelphi - TONITE - PSYPHER fundraiser (£3)

as ever, funky if not groovy,
Maritn
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Wed, 18 Apr 2007
Reasearch Study
Dear CRN Member
We have been asked to provide information on our members to one of the projects currently being funded through the Defra Research and Development Programme, this work is being undertaken by Cardiff University BRASS centre.
The project is entitled: Social Enterprises and Sustainable Waste and Resource
Management: Evaluating Impacts, Capacities and Opportunities
The work includes the mapping of social enterprises involved in waste management in England and Wales and placing them on a GIS (geographical information) system. It also seeks to gain an understanding of activities and capacities of organisations through developing case studies etc.
On our members' behalf we have agreed to provide information (from the CRN Directory) for the sole purpose of a GIS system to be used in their research. We trust that you are happy with this (but felt we should inform you) and will email the information over on Friday morning if there are no objections.
For more more information on this project visit:
http://www.brass.cf.ac.uk/projects/08
Social_Enterprise_and_Sustainability.html http://www.socialenterprisesandwaste.org.uk/

Regards
Lisa (Pea) Saunders
Sector Support & Development Officer

pea@crn.org.uk
www.crn.org.uk
Tel: 0117 9420142

Please note - our new address:
The Community Recycling Network
57 Prince St, Bristol, BS1 4QH
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Tue, 17 Apr 2007
GM Potatoes Campaign

Just a few reminders...
Its time to start sending back your paper petitions please - we will be able to pick up any late local petitions but give us a ring first 01482 845958 or email petition@hedonagainstgm.org.uk
Cambridge had a great day at their picnic rally - pictures here:
https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/cambridge/

We are having our rally this Saturday - please come along and have fun. Details at www.mutatoes.org
Only 3 days to go - remember to send your representations in to DEFRA.
We are having our usual stall in Hedon on Wednesday - please come and join us - it would be really great to show Hedon how much support we have for them at this time.
Sorry to be so brief. See you Wednesday or Saturday.

Lee-Ann
Hedon Against GM Campaign
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Sun, 15 Apr 2007
GM Picnic
National Rally Against GM potato trials
In response to the attempt to re-introduce GM to our island, a national rally has been called by Hedon Against GM and www.mutatoes.org
Transport is organsied from around the country, including Lincoln, Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield (check out mutatoes.org for details)
1pm - Speakers, including Dom Marsh from UK Permaculture Association.
Pete Riley from GM Freeze
Clare Oxborrow from Friends of the Earth
Music from Seize the Day
2pm - walk, march, dance and cycle to the proposed planting site.
2:30pm - GM free Potato Picnic with live music and delicious vegan food from Veggies mobile catering.
3:30pm onwards - Tea, coffee, cake and more musical entertainment at Preston Road Family Community Centre.
Bring - flags, costumes, banners, kites, frisbees, instruments, outdoor clothing, kids and your favourite potato-based dish.
www.hedonagainstgm. org.uk www.mutatoes.org www.myspace.com/gmfreepotatoes
Help needed! Please get in touch if you can help in the following ways:

• distribute publicity in your area be a transport contact or co-ordinator
• provide an endorsement for our website - many, many people support this campaign, for a variety of reasons - what's yours?

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Thu, 12 Apr 2007
Keep the UK GM-Free - picnics & rallies, Sat 14th & Sat 21st April
THE UK HAS BEEN FREE OF GM CROPS FOR OVER 3 YEARS- IF WE WORK TOGETHER NOW, IT CAN STAY THAT WAY
This spring, German chemicals company, BASF, are trialling 3 different types of GM blight-resistant potatoes at two sites:
1) NIAB in Cambridgeshire (National Institute of Agricultural Botany)
2) Hedon village, just outside Hull.
Cambridge GM potato protest walk, Saturday 14th April
A walk around the potential trial area with food at the end. Meeting at the Histon Baptist Church, station road, Histon. At 11:00am on Saturday 14th April.
Organised by Cambridge GM Concern:
gmfreecambridge@ lists.riseup. net
www.cambridgeaction .net/gmconcern

Saturday 21st April, 1pm, Hull
National Rally Against GM potato trials
In response to the attempt to re-introduce GM to our island, a national rally has been called by Hedon Against GM and www.mutatoes.org
Transport is organsied from around the country, including Lincoln, Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield (check out mutatoes.org for details)
1pm - Speakers, including Dom Marsh from UK Permaculture Association.
Pete Riley from GM Freeze
Clare Oxborrow from Friends of the Earth
Music from Seize the Day
2pm - walk, march, dance and cycle to the proposed planting site
2:30pm - GM free Potato Picnic with live music and delicious vegan food from Veggies mobile catering.
3:30pm onwards - Tea, coffee, cake and more musical entertainment at Preston Road Family Community Centre.
Bring - flags, costumes, banners, kites, frisbees, instruments, outdoor clothing, kids and your favourite potato-based dish.

www.hedonagainstgm. org.uk
www.mutatoes.org
www.myspace.com/gmfreepotatoes
Help needed! Please get in touch if you can help in the following ways:

• distribute publicity in your area
• be a transport contact or co-ordinator
• provide an endorsement for our website - many, many people support this campaign, for a variety of reasons - what's yours?

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Tue, 10 Apr 2007
Green Events
Dear Friends,

Green Party meeting, 8pm , Weds 11th April,
Ian's, 20 Clifton Street, Hull

Priorities are to -

• sort out leafleting for the 6 Avenue areas, hopefully.
  
• divide up leaflets between teams
  
• divvy up further leaflets for other wards.
  
• contents for final leaflet for Avenue.

Martin Deane

D I A R Y
Weds 11th April - University Ward Forum, 10am, Endlesigh Centre
Thu 19th April - Great Green Grub Gathering, Hitchcock's
Fri 20th April - DEFRA decision to approve/disapprove the BASF Hedon crop
Sat 21st April - Potato Picnic
Thu 26th April - AVENUE WARD FORUM - SBW cemetery fence, bus lane, bikes and level crossing, etc.
Thu 3rd May - Elections
Sat 12th May - PSC Rally, Sheffield
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Mon, 9 Apr 2007
Great Ape Talk 15 April
We have booked St Mary’s Parish Hall, Beverley
for a talk on the great apes by Juliet Wright
at 7.30 pm on Sunday 15 April 2007
Juliet is currently studying for her MSc in Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes University . Having volunteered at a chimpanzee and gorilla sanctuary in Cameroon last year, Juliet is preparing to return to Cameroon in May to research the social factors underlying the bushmeat trade.

Great apes are facing a multitude of escalating threats as a result of human activities. The perpetrators aren’t the people that share their environment, but the people that power international consumer demand. Juliet will draw on her experiences of working with chimpanzees, gorillas and orang-utans to explain the importance of saving our closest relatives and how we as consumers can really make a difference.
Admission £2
This event is organised by Beverley Friends of the Earth on behalf of the Beverley Ideas Forum.
Best wishes,

Shan Oakes
VOICE International
3 Norwood
Beverley
East Yorkshire
HU17 9ET, UK
tel +44 (0)1482 862085, 07769 607710(mob)
www.voice-international.net
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