Wed, 21 Dec 2005
Hull Friends of the Earth campaign against the Incinerator
A planning application for a waste incinerator is expected in June -- or even earlier.
The two Councils claim that six thousand people put incineration as their first choice when they filled in their questionnaires.
Our plan is to have 6000 cards signed to say "No to incineration: I want separated door-to-door collection: Let's go 100%", and to have them all filled in ready to present to the Councils before the planning application for the incinerator is considered.
We have just taken delivery of 6000 cards.
We'll be doing stalls and so on, but some volunteer doorstepping friends and neighbours action will get a lot done too.
We don't want to scatter them: the idea is for people to fill them in on the spot, hand them back to the FoE volunteer who then returns them to us.
How many can you get signed and returned?
To get all 6000 signed in six months, we need to do 1000 every month.

Lets us know by phone or e-mail, and we'll get a packet of cards to you. Take 5, 10 to start with and see how it goes?
Get them back to us within a month: we want to keep the momentum and see how the campaign is going.

Carole Noreiko for Hull FoE

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Tue, 20 Dec 2005
Can anyone in the real world explain to me how, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, a council which resolutely opposed windfarms, (an alleged source of renewable enegy), can so resolutely support incineration, which saves less energy than recycling? Have they ALL swallowed the daft ‘We’ll save 80,000 tons of coal’ myth? God help us.

Barry

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Sun, 18 Dec 2005
Letters to the Editor
Dear sir
I'd like to take Darren Hale to task over his letter headed "Misleading?" in the letters column of The East Riding Mail Saturday 17/12/05 that "This plant will generate "green energy" from the rubbish generated from ordinary households..." perhaps Darren Hale could clarify his definition of Green Energy? Under the EU Renewables Directive the biodegradable fraction of the waste stream can be classed as a potential source of renewable energy - i.e. paper, kitchen waste, green waste - but mixed waste is not a basis for renewable energy. Also, burning mixed waste in an incinerator does not get Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) so the Government does not view it as purely renewable energy. If all the biodegradable material is removed from the waste stream - i.e. paper for recycling, kitchen waste to compost or anaerobic digestion, garden waste to compost - the stuff that would be left for burning would be mainly things like plastics, nappies, batteries, light bulbs and any other nasty stuff that people put in their bin. Not very much that would be seen as a renewable energy source. Or is compostable waste going to be burnt as well?
People like the phrase green energy ...but we need to make sure we understand what is meant by it.... as it is easy to be mislead!

Sue Jolliffe
Hull Friends of the Earth

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Thu, 8 Dec 2005
Incinerator campaign - YOUR OPINION NEEDED!
I recently spoke to Anna Watson the chief waste campaigner for FOE who is based in Leeds ...she's very keen to help us mount a campaign against the proposed incinerator at Salt End but she needs to know that we are really committed . Anna has offered to come to speak to interested members of the group sometime in January( though not the third) including Saturday afternoons.

Meanwhile, Stephen is organising a public meeting with help from other members of the group. This involves a fair bit of work. We need to know if other FOE members are prepared to support this campaign.

Please could those of you who are interested let me know so that we can gauge the level of support & decide whether or not to proceed.
Thanks in anticipation

Sue Jolliffe

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Wed, 7 Dec 2005
Definition of "Green Electricity
There is no formal definition of green electricity. But what they are saying is a load of tosh. Under the EU Renewables Directive the biodegradable fraction of the waste steam can be classed as renewable energy - ie paper, kitchen waste, green waste - but mixed waste is not renewable energy. Also burning mixed waste in a incinerator does not get Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) so the Govt does not view it as purely renewable energy.

If Hull CC gets all the biodegradable material out of the waste stream - ie paper for recycling, kitchen waste to compost or anaerobic digestion, garden waste to compost - the stuff that would be left for burning would be mainly things like plastics, nappies, batteries, light bulbs and any other nasty stuff that people put in their bin - ie not very mush that would be seen as a renewable energy source.

Btw - Humberside radio have asked me to be on a programme tomorrow all about waste. Are there specfic things that you as the FOE group there would like me to mention. Can you aslo let me know a bit more about the site on Heddon Road - I knwo it is fairly industrial but are there communities near there too.
it would be very good to haev some local knoweldge

Anna Watson

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Tue, 6 Dec 2005
HOTI: HOLDERNESS AGAINST THE INCINERATOR Anti-incinerator campaign

Message about anti-incinerator campaign, from Holderness MP.
Thank you for expressing your interest in getting more involved with HOTI at Saturday's meeting in Hedon Town Hall. I'm currently writing to all the town and parish councillors, asking for their formal support, and on my return from Montreal I will be organising a steering group to lead this campaign forward. In the meantime, I am encouraging people to write to their local papers in support of HOTI and publicising the campaign as much as possible. The HOTI website has been launched, www.hoti.org.uk, and on here you can find details of future events, a petition to download and contact information. I would also like to invite you to Hedon on Saturday 10th December, from 10 - 12pm, to join HOTI campaigners who will be collecting signatures for the petition. We will be meeting in the Market Square in Hedon at 10am. I hope to see you there. Regards,

Graham Stuart MP

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Sat, 3 Dec 2005
New Resources and Waste Advisory Group members wanted
Dear waste and resources campaigner,
*New Advisory Group members wanted*
The Resources and Waste Advisory Group was set up to ensure that Friends of the Earth nationally and locally works together to make our campaigns as effective as they can be. It is made up of 6 local campaigners. The group meets around twice a year, you can find out more in the attached 2006 draft ?short guide? to the Advisory Group.

We are looking to fill two vacancies on the Advisory Group, and we are trying to ensure that we have a mix of local campaigners from around the country who are able to think widely and strategically about a range of waste and resource use issues. Nominations can come from any registered campaigner, but we would especially welcome nominations from:

• campaigners who are interested the broad resource use/sustainable consumption issue;
• women ? currently under-represented on the group;
• campaigners from the South West, East of England or West Midlands.

If you would like to nominate yourself for the group, please fill in the attached form and return it to me by 6th January 2006. If you would like to know more, do contact Michael Warhurst at Michael@foe.co.uk, or by phone on 020 7566 1685.

The team would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the current advisory group members for their work, in particular Nigel Lee, who is stepping down after 3 years on the advisory group.
With best wishes

Becky Slater
Campaigns Assistant
Reduce Resource Use

Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood Street
London N1 7JQ

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Sat, 3 Dec 2005
WASTE NEWS
CONSULTATION ON OPTIONS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY STATUTORY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ON RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING IN 2007/08
To ensure that all local authorities contributed to achieving the Public Service Agreement (PSA) target and national recycling targets, the Government set statutory performance standards for recycling and composting in 2003/04 and 2005/06 for each local authority in England. This consultation does not cover local authorities in Wales. The Government is now consulting on what targets to set for 2007/08. Friends of the Earth believes that the four proposed options are woefully unambitious. In the Government's response to the Strategy Unit's report on Waste Strategy 2000 in 2003 the Government said "However, we recognise that national recycling rates higher than the current targets are both possible and desirable. We will review in 2004 the national recycling targets in light of the progress made by local authorities in meeting their 2003/04 targets." The Government has not reviewed the national targets so the targets that they are proposing for local authorities will only help them move towards the national target of 30 per cent recycling and composting of municipal waste by 2010. We want to see a national target adopted of 50 per cent recycling and composting by 2010 but the proposals suggested will at best bring about a national recycling rate of 29 per cent by 2008. Please do read and respond to the consultation. You can find it on the Defra website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/
consult/recycling-composting/index.htm
If you are unable to print out a copy please contact Becky on beckys@foe.co.uk and she will send you a copy. The deadline for comments is 20 January 2006.

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Sat, 3 Dec 2005
HOTI: the initial meeting, Saturday 3 December 2005, 10 - 11.30
In Hedon Town Hall Council Chamber, chaired by the Mayor of Hedon, addressed by Graham Stuart, Conservative MP for Holderness.

There was a letter received from Preston Against Hutton Enlargement who were demonstrating at the same time. They support the campaign, but underlined that we should be against incineration anywhere.

There was some nimbyism, but general approval of opposing incineration wherever.

Is the campaign Holderness Opposing The Incinerator, or Hedon, Hull, Haltemprice...? Approval was expressed for inclusiveness ("Humans opposed to incineration" got a round of applause).

Graham Stuart is leading the campaign, offered to channel letters to planning committees, promised a web site by middle of next week. Carole and I were photographed with him (see the site when it goes live!), saying Hull FoE will work with any party for the aims which we support.

Much talk of people power and lobbying, but acceptance and reiteration that we need planning arguments.

Stephen

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Fri, 2 Dec 2005
Anti-incinerator Meeting
For those who are going to the meeting in Hedon tomorrow, here are some Anti-incinerator arguments

? The main point to remember is that, even if incinerators are 100% safe, they are expensive, divert waste from recycling, and do not eliminate the need for landfill (because the ash has to go somewhere and some of it is toxic)

? The proposed incinerator will bring 35 jobs, but Doncaster's zero waste strategy aims to create over 500 jobs in the first five years as well as creating new local businesses to use the recycled materials made available.

? The proposed incinerator will generate electricity, but greater recycling could save energy, and what the incinerator burns is biodegradable waste, which is compostable (and some processes can generate gas), and plastic, which is not renewable: it's made from oil. Waste is not a renewable resource.

? The consultation upon which the incinerator decision is based was incomplete and biased, and the majority for incineration was not clear.

? We should try to remember that we are unlikely to change the minds of the Hull and ERYC councillors and officials who are pushing for incineration. To defeat the incinerator proposal we need planning arguments. And "this is going to spew out toxic chemicals and poison our grandchildren" is not a planning argument.
If other people have suggestions, let's hear them.

Stephen

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Thu, 1 Dec 2005
The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF)
Announcement

The Landfill Tax Credit Scheme
1 to 3pm, Thursday 19 January 2006
Venue: Hull Business Centre, Guildhall Road, Hull
Free, but you need to book (See end of message)
Open to all. Light Refreshments
Disabled access

Course Tutor: Simon Settle/Ben Walker (WREN)

A short 2-hour course that examines how local community environmental projects and community organisations are benefiting from the landfill tax credit scheme. It will be delivered by WREN the Humber region's main Registered Environmental Body that distributes landfill tax credits. The course covers regulatory and administrative procedures, eligibility criteria for projects, the potential for developing local partnerships, aspects such as budgetary considerations and planning adequate monitoring and evaluation systems. It also includes how to make your project as attractive as possible.

Who is this course aimed at?
WREN can fund a wide range of projects under Objects D/DA and E of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. Funding of between ?2,000 and ?50,000 is available for the following types of projects:

The provision, maintenance or improvement of a public park or other public amenity in the vicinity of a landfill site. The delivery of biodiversity conservation for UK species or habitats The maintenance, repair or restoration of a building or other structure, which is a place of religious worship or of historic or architectural interest.

Booking

Adam Fowler
The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG
(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923
Email info@hullenvironmentforum.org.uk

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Tue, 29 Nov 2005
Hull Pagans Events

INFORMATION ABOUT PAGANS IN HULL
There is a growing community of Pagans in Hull and the surrounding area. We have regular meetings and perform seasonal rituals together.
We have what we call a "Pub Moot", which meets on the first Monday of every month at the Spring Bank Tavern, Spring Bank, Hull at 8 pm. This is just an informal get-together where we talk about a variety of topics and you can get to know other Pagans in a realxed atmosphere.

If you can't attend the Pub Moot, but would like to make contact with us, then you are very welcome to phone Philip on Hull 445747 or e-mail philip@pubmoot.com.

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Tue, 29 Nov 2005
HELP THE ENVIRONMENT AND BUY GOATS FOR AFRICAN FARMERS
Don't forget that the Beehive website network is running a printer cartridge recycling scheme to raise funds to buy goats for African farmers. For every 50 cartridges recycled, we can provide an African farmer with a goat which makes a great deal of difference to him and his families lives. To help the project and the environment please recycle your ink cartridges, unfortunately we cannot recycle Epson cartridges.

For more information, click onto http://www.thisisrecycling.co.uk Contact the Beehive team on 0870 2403508 for pre-paid envelopes to send in your cartridges and stand a chance of winning a free printer, digital camera or 5 free inkjet cartridges.

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Sun, 27 Nov 2005
Vigil for 100 Dead
Dear Friends,
We plan to hold a vigil at the Cenotaph (opposite Hull Paragon Station),5.30 - 6.30pm, the evening after the announcement of the 100th British troop killed in Iraq. If you could bring an extra pair of shoes - a line of empty shoes has been very evocative at antiwar events nationwide. Also a tea-light in a jam jar provides some atmospheric illumination.
Every good wish,

Martin Deane
Hull Stop the War

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Fri, 25 Nov 2005
Re: LibDems
Fortunately I now belong to the Green Party. As you may or may not know, I would walk over hot coals, broken glass, in my loyalty to Coleen Gill, Jeremy Wilcock, and Douglas Marcham. A number of Liberal Democrat ERYC councilors are worthy people. However, I just do not understand the philosophy of a large number.

If you or I were dedicated enough to take on the onerous task of being a county councillor, wouldn?t we bust a gut to do the job properly? I would. Yes, as you know, because I have spent so long trying to affect decisions by ?nice-guy? methods I have become rude & abrasive to politicians. I just don?t understand anyone who flinches fighting the Parnabys, the Stephensons, the Roberts, the Pearsons of this world. God, why on earth should we be afraid?

I will, with pleasure pass on your message. Oh bu**** it, they know what it?s all about. They know what the Party says. Let them either pluck up the courage to face a mirror. I hope that you do not mind. I refuse to pass on the message. Will YOU pass on the message to, Cllr. Stewart Willie, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, ERYC.
Your friend

Barry Robinson

PS. I believe that I am going to be sent a FREE e-mail copy of the 170 pages of the contract that I am being allowed to see.

PPS. I have downloaded the Executive Summary of the BPEO and the complete BPEO. In the summary, it specifically states that small scale incineration, (Or whatever the phrase is), is use of 60,000 ton incinerators. Use of large scale incineration, (which is specifically described as use of a 240,000 tons incinerator), came FIFTH in the choices. I am not looking at the summary at the moment, but I believe that there were only eleven choices all told!!

PPPS. I must point out that at least the ERYC Liberal Democrat councilors voted en bloc (23 of them) to totally oppose incineration. Disgracefully, the 6 Labour members and the 8 Independents, who hold the balance of power, and so could turn the tables, voted with certain reservations for incineration, and yet, now that they have been sold down the river, I do not hear any of them complaining.

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Thu, 24 Nov 2005
LibDems
Should you meet a LibDem anytime in the future, you might wish to remind them of this.
The Waste Paper (issue no. 105, November 2005) Interview with Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Norman Baker, pp. 16'17. He says, "If your local authority is trying to hit its targets under LATS, incineration is tempting, because it looks like a big-bang, one-stop solution to avoiding the financial penalties. But environmentally it is not the right solution. It undermines recycling by diverting the waste stream, and if councils find themselves in a position to minimise waste ? which may well come with variable charging ? they will still have to supply a certain quantity of waste to the incinerator under a contract which will last 25 years or more."

Stephen

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Thu, 24 Nov 2005
Brum FoE
Took a look at their site, under resource management, they say
"Birmingham collects 450,000 tonnes of domestic waste each year, but has signed a contract to deliver over 90% of it to the Tyseley Incinerator company, Tyseley Waste Disposal (TWD). Government inspectors have severely criticised the financial cost to the city, and the overall costs are rising".
Where Brum leads, Hull follows?

Stephen

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Thu, 24 Nov 2005
Co-operative Environment Evening, (George St., Hull, 23rd Nov. 2005)
This evening was to address global warming / climate change. I attended on behalf of Hull Friends of the Earth. We were made most welcome. The refreshments were excellent. Presenters and audience friendly and questioning. I simply ask why this evening took place.

I believe that I wasted two days valuable campaigning time preparing for an event which wasn?t worth the space it took up.

Two speakers. The Co-op rep., (the most highly qualified person I have yet come across with I think 4 degrees), spent so much time talking the talk with the acronyms and the speak, that I now realise that the decision-makers and I live on different planets.

I was impressed by the sincerity of the Hull City Council, Agenda 21 Officer, Martin Budd, who spoke second. He spoke with sincerity, and came across as a very nice person. I simply ask, ?What had his presentation specifically to do with climate change?? I feel that this merely gave an opportunity for yet more council propaganda. (Sorry Martin!!).

Maybe it?s sour grapes on my part, as I had desperately tried to get a 3-minute slot on the platform to talk about the possibility that incinerating one-third of a million tons of household waste might cause local climate change, only to have it indicated that my aspect might be too specific.

I feel it was a lost opportunity to allow local environmental (climate-change) issues to be addressed.

I find it so frustrating that an organisation such as the Co-op, (in whom I had had such faith), should come to TELL us uneducated simpletons, that if we switch off our computers at night, we can save enough electricity to make a cup of tea the next morning

In actual fact the event seems to have been intended merely to trumpet the (excellent) environmental steps that the Co-op is taking, in order to boost their commercial image This is quite justified tactics, but I?d rather the Co-op did not waste my time and make me yet more aware that my only importance is as a recipient of the message of commerce.

Barry Robinson

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Tue, 22 Nov 2005
Hull Pagans Events

REMINDERS and UPDATES

Pub Moots
Next Spring Bank Tavern Moot - Monday 5th December from 8pm as usual. For more info email ian@pubmoot.com or see http://www.pubmoot.com.

Bob's Music
Last year musician Bob Dickinson performed "Light into Dark" for us, which was greatly enjoyed by those present. You may therefore be interested to know that two pieces of his music are available as mp3s from the web (you can stream them or download them).
http://www.isound.com/music/bob_dickinson/
Bob describes these pieces: "The first has a Japanese haiku as its title and is sort of Michael Nyman paired-down meets Yann Thiersen whilst the second is a very slow atmospheric piece which I had played at Southwell Minster in August - sounded great in such a resonant space with all those wonderful greenmen carvings!!!"

Tree Planting in Hull
Hull Pagans are supporting the Woodland Trust's Tree Planting in Hull initiative through our "Land Fund". At the recent meeting on the Land Fund some people expressed an interested in attending the Woodland Trust tree planting events. So here are the details again. Hull City Green Project. Woodland Trust/BTCV. (Not organized by Hull Pagans)
Help is sought from local people for tree planting the following events.
Longhill playing field Saturday 26th Nov 05
Bransholme Country Park Saturday 21st Jan 06
Howdale Road playing field Saturday 4th Feb 06
Stonebridge playing field Saturday 4th Mar 06
Bricknell Avenue playing field Saturday 18th Mar 06
Bude Roade playing fields Saturday 25th Mar 06

Time 10am to 2pm. Bring a spade and wear suitable footwear/clothing. Ensure under 16s are accompanies by an adult.
For more info contact Tracey Morris at BTCV on 01482 784156, humberside@btcv.org.uk
More info on the web:
http://www.treeforall.org.uk/hull
http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/
http://www.yourwoods.org.uk/

Hull Pagans On-Line Discussion
Don't forget to check
http://hullpagan.proboards40.com/
to see what's new.

Heroes for Peace
The following interfaith/peace event was not organized by Hull Pagans but may be of interest. The Event comprises a set of presentations of Peace Heroes from various religious and faith groups, including a pagan presentation put together by Pagan Federation members who are active in interfaith work. As far as we know the event is free but you have to phone to book tickets.
The following is from a leaflet advertising the event.
Heroes for Peace - A Together for Peace event - Leeds Faith Communities Celebrate their Peace Heroes in drama, music and film.
November 27, 2005, 14:00 - 17:00. Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, www.royalarmouries.org, phone 0113 220 1985
The event will be part of the Leeds Together for Peace Festival. www.togetherforpeace.co.uk
The event is organized and sponsored by: Education Dialogue Charity, Leeds Faith Forum, Leeds Concord Interfaith Fellowship, Peace Museum and Royal Armouries.
The Presentations will be about the following people:
Dadi Janki - Brahma Kumaris
Dalai Lama and Daisaku Ikeda - Visionary Buddhist Spiritual Leaders
Martin Luther King - Christian Civil Rights Leader
King Ashok - Hindu Man of Wisdom
Yitzhak Rabin - Jewish Nobel Peace Laureate
Fethullah Gulen - Muslim Interfaith Scholar
Starhawk - Pagan Peace Activist
Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji - Sikh Spiritual Leader in the UK

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Mon, 21 Nov 2005
GREEN FAIR

Once again, the Aurumn Green Fair proved to be another success. The Green Café ·as arguably better than at the Marist Hall, and we managed to have live music throughout the whole event.
Special thanks to the volunteers who worked very hard in the kitchen. Thanks Hilary, Carole, Debbie and Sue. Also, many thanks to those who came and contributed to the ambience with their musical talents. Thanks to Martin, Steve, Les and Mudcat friends, also Sue and her partner Graham.

Ian White

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Thu, 17 Nov 2005
GREEN FAIR
PRESS RELEASE
Environment Councillor To Open Green Fair
Councillor Gary Wareing will open the Hull Friends of the Earth Green Fair in the Cottingham Road Baptist Church Hall on Chanterlands Avenue, Hull, on Saturday 19 November. The Fair starts at 11 am and goes on till 4.

"Councillor Wareing holds the portfolio for the environment, transport, and waste, so it was logical to invite him," said Fair organiser Carole Noreiko. "Obviously, he's a very busy man, and we're delighted he's managing to make the time for us. We don't agree on all issues, but that's a very good reason to make opportunities to meet and talk. We hope he'll have time to look at the different stalls, buy some books or plants, talk with campaigners, maybe sign a petition, and perhaps drink a cup of Fair Trade tea. I don't suppose he'll be able to stay for a relaxation session or a head massage though, but he's welcome!"

For further information please contact Stephen F. Noreiko
Hull Friends of the Earth
6 Briarfield Road, HULL HU5 4HX
Telephone 448 222

Cllr Wareing will arrive at 10.45

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Wed, 16 Nov 2005
Cycle Buddy Training
The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF) in partnership with Hull City Council is organising a series of FREE cycle training sessions (Cycle Buddy training). The sessions will be held between Noon and 2pm on Thursday 17 November 2005 repeated again on Thursday 24 November 2005 at Hull Business Centre, Guildhall Road, Hull (overlooking Queens Gardens). Free, all welcome. Disabled access. Refreshments. To book, please ring our booking line on (01482) 324223. First come, first served.

The training coincides with the re-opening of Hull's North Bridge on Monday, November 14 after being closed for repairs for eight months. It is one of a number of measures to encourage alternative forms of transport to the private car to reduce congestion. The training is open to any one and is particularly suited for people working in the City Centre. The sessions will operate on a ?drop in? basis suited to people?s individual needs.

The Cycle Buddy Training sessions are aimed at increasing people's skills and confidence. Whether you have never ridden before or are already a regular urban cyclist our qualified trainer will help you improve your skills. The sessions will be delivered indoors and teach you how to share the road safely with other road users and negotiate common road situations, from how to use a T-junction to cycling on multi lane roads. The training will also include tips on cycle maintenance and how to keep a bike in good working order. Learn to fix a puncture or change your brake blocks. You do not have to bring a cycle.

So if you were considering using your bike again (or for the first time) and would like a little refresher on cycle safety / road craft, then this is just the session you have been waiting for.

These sessions are being supported by Hull City Council?s Road Safety Team.
?Cycle Buddy Training is ideal for anyone interested using a cycle to get around but lacks a bit of confidence on our busy roads.? Adam Fowler, Community Environment Officer, The City of Hull Environment Forum (CHEF).

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923

Help shape your environment. Become a member of CHEF. Contact us for details.

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Tue, 15 Nov 2005
167 Centre, Spring Bank, Hull
The 167 Centre has been supplying food parcels for destitute Asyslum Seekers in Hull. Their supplies have been cmpletely exhausted and have asked us to help them appeal for donations of food. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Gary Pounder, Manager, Hull Asyslum Seeker Support Group on 01482 217874. The follwingf food items are what they would normally include in a food parcel:

pulses   chick peas   beans
rice pudding   tinned tomatoes
biscuits   cereals   sugar
tea   tinned dolmas   tinned okra
rice   tinned tuna   spread cheese
cans or bottled drinks
tinned hala chickedn/beef
powdered milk   pasta   crisps
dried packed soups   chocolate bars
nuts (pistachios/cashews/sunflower seeds)
cartons of long life milk   dates
fruit -apples/oranges   vegeatable soups

Toiletries
toilet rolls   toothbrushes
toothpaste   deoderants
shampoos   razors   sanitary towels

Your donations will be gratefully received

SCULLYBANK PROJECT
Kingston Works
460 Beverley Road
Hull
HU5 1NP

Tel: 01482 331422
Fax: 01482 331424
Email: Coral.sb@ourcomms.org

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Wed, 9 Nov 2005
Bus It in Hull
Bus It, the region?s distinctive orange and white public transport information bus will be in Queen Victoria Square, Hull for a regular Travel Surgery between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday 7 December 2005. Free, all welcome. Disabled access.

This will be the first Surgery since the Hull Bus Forum held on 2 November 2005 which raised a wide range of issues. The Bus It will provide full details of public transport services including all train and bus services over the festive period.

As well as providing comprehensive public transport information for all bus and train services, Liz Robinson, Hull City Council?s Public Transport Quality Assurance Officer will be onboard with a bus surgery. The Bus Surgery enables travellers to make comment about local bus services in Hull. Anything from timetables and routes, reliability of services to bus stops and subsidised services. Bus It will can also help with Christmas shopping trips using public transport.

Bus It is a converted single deck low floor bus complete with computer journey planners, meeting and display spaces. This service is provided by The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF) in partnership with Hull City Council Passenger Transport Team.

?Bus It is a really good opportunity to have your say about local public transport or simply pick up a timetable.? said Adam Fowler, Community Environment Officer, The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum.

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923

Help shape your environment. Become a member of CHEF. Contact us for details.

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Sun, 6 Nov 2005
Your views on fighting terrorism
Response to Letter by Charles Clarke
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2005

Dear Charles,
The website questions on terrorism are incredibly simplistic don't you think? I was going to forward your letter to my local list - but then I read them.

For example, of course people are going to want to answer that our laws should be up to date! But what a non question. What exactly does that mean? There are good laws and bad laws. Hard cases make bad law. Outrage makes worse.

Of course we want our police to do complete investigations, but what about some evidence, eg a study, that shows police need 3 months with someone incarcerated rather than, what is it now, 2 months? The police have a (rightly) hard job - and a poor record - when it comes to sorting out terrorists. What about that much vaunted ricin plot. Where is the public inquiry into July 7th? Don't we all have a right to know exactly why our services failed so abysmally despite higher terrorism warnings prior.

More safeguards to protect the innocent? Yes please, but make sure these are the sorts of safeguards that would protect the civil rights of men like the so-called terrorist Guildford 4 or Birmingham 6 (by the way who did carry out those atrocities please?); safeguards that ensure our government and police are free from the shame and ignominy of executing innocent men running for the Tube.

Meanwhile 82% of Iraq has polled against occupation troops - in a secret Ministry of Defence poll (which Ive helped pay for). In case the MOD don't let you see it, it goes like this -

• Forty-five per cent of Iraqis believe attacks against British and American troops are justified - rising to 65 per cent in the British-controlled Maysan province;
• 82 per cent are "strongly opposed" to the presence of coalition troops;
• less than one per cent of the population believes coalition forces are responsible for any improvement in security;
• 67 per cent of Iraqis feel less secure because of the occupation;
• 43 per cent of Iraqis believe conditions for peace and stability have worsened;
• 72 per cent do not have confidence in the multi-national forces.

Martin

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Fri, 28 Oct 2005
Hull FOE membership leaflets
Dear All, We are out of Hull FOE membership leaflets. I've written these for as longas I can remember. Anyone else want to have a go? I can show you what we have done before and give advice, but it won't take much to improve on past versions. If we can design it in time to have some for the Green Fair on Sat. 19th November it would be useful.

Also, does anyone know any local producers of interesting and env friendly goods that we could sell on our stall? Perhaps someone who doesn't want tohave a stall themselves, but we could buy some stock from? We really are down to rock bottom, but I don't want to buy from the FOE local groups catalogue unless we can't get anything else as they don't sell very well. We'd be happy I'm sure to give a bit of promotion to anyone who is producing some good stuff.

Hilary

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Thu, 27 Oct 2005
Hull Peace Announcements
Hull Stop the War Coalition
AUTUMN 2005

John Lynes on Palestine
Monday 7th November, 7.30pm
Friends Meeting House

What Really Happened in Fallujah
Film @ Hull Screen, Albion Street
Thursday 10th November, 7.30pm

The 9/11 Truth Movement
Martin Deane, Hull STW, Green Party
Nellie's Pub, Beverley
Wednesday 16th November, 7.30pm
Org. by BIF, Beverley Information Forum

Hull Friends of the Earth Green Fair
Saturday 19th November, 11am-4pm
Baptist Church, Chanterlands Ave
(corner with Cottingham Road>

Climate Change Demo
London, Saturday 3rd December
Coach from Hull, contact -
s.radford@bigfoot.com

International Peace Conference
Saturday 10th December
Royal Horticultural Hall
Central London
Organised by National Sto the War

---------------------------------
"We are saying that the war is a disaster and has failed in every way and is continuing to fail"
Brian Eno

"We're already at war with Iran"
Scott Ritter, see Common Dreams website -
http://www.commondreams.org/
views05/0620-31.htm

Support Snaith Wind Farm
http://www.facts-online.org.uk/

Playing with Flags, see
http://www.brazilianartists.net/home/
flags/index.htm

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Thu, 27 Oct 2005
Hull Peace Announcements
Hull Stop the War Coalition

Hull Stop the War Campaign for Peace and Justice
Newsletter Appeal

Dear Supporter
We are still in existence but extremely short of funds and would welcome any donations to Hull Stop the War c/o 106 Belvoir Street, Hull HU5 3LR.
Our steering group still meets weekly on Tuesday at Friends Meeting House at 8.00pm and we welcome any supporters who want to come along.
We are urging supporters to consider attending the International Peace Conference in London on Saturday December 10th to continue the campaign. Some 100 000 marched in London in September showing that our movement will not stop until US and UK troops are out of Iraq.

• To re-start our monthly get-together at Relax we are appealing for someone with contacts with local musicians to get in touch. Ring Martin - 471467
• We are updating our supporters list. If you can help with this and know of changes Ring 494796

The Steering Group

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Mon, 24 Oct 2005
I am only a Member of Zero Waste Charterists. I realize that I do not speak as a representative of ZWC. My first mistake. Apologies.

I believe that East Yorkshire EYE, as a body, is totally behind a campaign.

I believe that Douglas as a founder member of Citizens Against Toxics, is fully behind the campaign. I believe that Ralph Ryder, who runs CATs, is spending precious time which he could be using to forward his own, perilously under-funded, dedicated work, is for free doing some work for us.

I believe that Alan Watson is willing to listen to my pleas and take the risk that we will drop him in it by not paying him in full for his services.

I have just, unintentionally upset a dear friend, Arnold Woolley, who constantly, for free, helps me when he could be spending his time fighting the Environment Agency.

I constantly neglect Gwen, the love, of my life for the campaign.
I am the anonymous donor of the kick-start money.

I believe that I tried to make it absolutely clear that I hoped Hull FOE would be partners in a campaign because I have nothing but total respect for you all.

Barry Robinson

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Wed, 19 Oct 2005
I am contacting you about an Environment seminar that we are running in Hull in conjunction with Hull University on Wed 23 November (7pm) at the Derek Crothall Building, George St, Hull.

The aim of the evening is to educate and inform the public about the environmental initiatives that are currently being developed across the Group to address the issues of climate change and energy efficiency.

As well as telling participants what their Co-op is doing, this is an opportunity to find out about how we can all make difference in our community. By looking at some local examples, the evening will give the opportunity to find out more about what climate change means in our city and how we can all be more energy efficient. Competitions, pledges and a range of promotional items will be up for grabs in addition to practical suggestions that will make a real difference.

I hope that some of your members may be interested in this event - I would also be grateful if you would be knid enough to help me publicise this event - I was going to send some flyers to one of the co-ordinators listed on this website. Please can you let me know if this is ok?
Thanks for your time

Simon Plunkett

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Tue, 18 Oct 2005
'United Nations' day at the Reeds Hotel
22nd November 2005
Barton upon Humber
The day will involve students from 11 sixth form colleges throughout Yorkshire & Humberside, who will take on representation of the 191 nations of the UN, debating global issues such as the environment, health, energy, human rights, trade, conflict and development. They will form Commissions (workshops) focusing on one particular topic and each Commission will produce two resolutions to put to the vote at the end of the day. The reason for my message to you is that the organiser of this event, Clive Wilson, the Vice Principal at Franklin College in Grimsby, thought it would be a nice idea to invite relevant organisations either to:
a) send a representative who could to talk informally to the students

b) set up a display to promote their work, or

c) provide materials (leaflets etc) for the students to take away with them

I therefore wondered whether any of the above would be of interest? If you would like any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me. I can send you a list of participating colleges, a draft agenda and a list of the proposed topics.

My e-mail address is yootha.arnott@wyke.ac.uk (I am based at Wyke College, off Bricknell Avenue in Hull), and telephone number is 01482 462415.

with best wishes
Yootha Arnott (Mrs)
Network Colleges' Co-ordinator

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Tue, 18 Oct 2005
It might be worth pointing out that Carole has been through our personal archives and unearthed a letter from Hull CC legal department which states that the contract with WRG is for dealing with waste and that it does not specify incinerators or any other treatment method.

Stephen

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Sun, 16 Oct 2005
I would be interesting to see their composting unit when its up and running. And to know what reuse firms have actually been set up. There was an item in HDM about a firm in Hull which makes tree ties and other garden items out of recycled plastic.

Though I'm no fan of uPVC windows, I came across a firm the other day who make their replica sash windows partly out of recycled plastic.

Hilary

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Sun, 16 Oct 2005
I have just returned from 3 weeks in Borneo and will leave again at the beginning of Nov. and return at the end of the third week. So my and Mal's apologies for the Nov. meeting. See you in December. I have talked to Sue on the phone re the letter I suggested about incineration to the council. I don't appreciate Steve's calling it "useless," as it was developed in conjunction with national FOE and I had long discussions with them at the PowerUp conference. Obviously other people in more important positions than ours believe this is the way forward. If, as Steve suggests, the contract has already been seen (I was present too at the hearings -- and spoke -- but I don't recall seeing the contract) and if Steve has seen it perhaps he can write a short synopsis of the key points so the rest of us can know what it says. I congratulate Barry on taking the bull by the horns, and on his idea of working with Citizens Against Toxic Waste which is a very good organization with tons of useful info. A further point: Sue says we shouldn't antagonize HCC just now since we are the verge of their adopting our idea about the collection of green waste. I fail to see how a legitimate request for information should antagonize anyone.

Haris

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Sun, 16 Oct 2005
Dear all
Just to be clear with you all.
Hull City Council is organsing a One Day Conference on 4 November 2005 at The Quality Royal Hotel, Ferensway, Hull. Some of you have already responded. If any of you would like to go contact: Julie.draper@hullcc.gov.uk or 612382. ASAP. This is not a CHEF event but will be of great interest to you. 10am to 4.30pm.

Workshops (You need to indicate preferred option) are:

AM - City Centre as development focus; Environmental quality and design; Transport - connections and barriers; Deliverability; Sustainability appraisal.

PM - Humber Quays, Quay West; East Bank and Blaydes; Fruit Market; Heart of City; Urban Design and Public Realm.

Adam Fowler

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

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Sat, 15 Oct 2005

Dear Friends,
At the risk of upsetting your lunch I thought I would forward this email from Tony Blair I have just received. I wonder if, like me, you are revolted by its triumphalist tone, lack of content and total lack of vision for a country, let alone world, worth fighting for.

Meanwhile, Britain has undermined the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, manufactured a war to help conquer Iraq, pretends it has brought peace, remains the 4th largest economy, and the 11th donor of aid, far short of 0.7% promised 34 years ago, is making battlefield nukes as we speak, has cost 100s of millions of pounds through PPP and PFI schemes to sweeten up business with large tranches of what used to be public space, allowed the recking of pensions, the scandal of failed investments and endowment mortages.

And still wants impoverished African countries to sell us their national water provision. How does this work? -

Dear Africa, Africa, Africa,
Under the recently adopted Labour Party G-SAD policy,
it is clear that your country will be far better off having our companies look after your water.
Clearly you have problems in this direction since lots of people are dying and can't pay their bills.
Our companies will ensure the bills are paid - and therefore that people keep living.

Yours truly
Tony

Martin Deane

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Thu, 13 Oct 2005
Like the gambler says...
... read it and weep.
I've downloaded the draft Zero Waste Strategy for Doncaster, and among other interesting things, I read that
"The waste collection and street cleansing service within the borough of Doncaster is performed by a private sector organisation; SITA UK Limited. SITA UK Ltd was awarded the contract in 1999. This contract for waste collection and street cleansing is set for review in 2005. The current contract is in place for a period of 6 years with an option to extend the contract for a further 4 years."

Yes, Doncaster signed a waste contract. For six years, with review and option to extend. In other words, in Doncaster it's shape up or ship out.

Hull City Council signed for twenty-five, count them 25, years. So in Hull, it's "don't like it? Tough."
Arrange the following words to form a well-known phrase or saying:

"Duh".

Stephen

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Tue, 11 Oct 2005
Green boxes
Been looking at the Doncaster web site, prompted by an article in _Resource_ about how Doncaster Metrpolitan council aims to be at 20% by the end of the year, 50% recycling by 2015, 100% by 2025.
Not all of the households have green boxes, but
"Thereare also kerbside collections, in Green Boxes, of paper, glass bottlesand jars, plastic, aluminium and steel cans, tins and foil, mobilephones, ink cartridges, yellow pages and textiles from a number ofhouseholds in the borough."
What do they mean by 'paper'?
"Wastepaper can be recycled via the paper banks and the blue bag householdcollection scheme, both of which accept all waste paper productsincluding newspapers, magazines, junk mail, greetings cards,catalogues, white telephone directories and Yellow Pages, cardboard orenvelopes."
and
"Green wheeled bins are in use as part of a pilot scheme in areas of Doncaster for Garden waste and are proving to be useful for residents. This scheme is scheduled to be rolled out throughout Doncaster in thenear future."
Oh yes, and Doncaster supported
"On the 22nd September, pupils and teachers from Doncaster's Our Lady ofMount Carmel RC Primary School walked into town to give their supportfor Doncaster’s drive to be the greenest Borough in the country. Theevent was part of the In Town Without My Car campaign, which isdesigned to encourage Doncaster's drivers to leave their car at home."
"Mayor, Martin Winter says, "We are delighted that so many individualshave taken the time to support the In Town Without My Car campaign. The aim of the initiative is to really encourage the use of more efficientand cleaner forms of transport."
Big question, why isn't Hull out in the lead like this?

Stephen

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Thu, 29 Sep 2005
STOP THE FASCIST BNP IN BEVERLEY WARD BY ELECTION
UNITE AGAINST FASCISM is calling on all its supporters to join the following events to stop the BNP getting elected in Beverley Ward(Hull City Council) . We are planning to leaflet the whole of this ward by putting a leaflet through every door.

SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER 12 PM MEET AT JUNCTION OF BEVERLEY ROAD AND MIZZEN ROAD (OPPOSITE TESCO)

SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER 12PM AS ABOVE

Please try and make both dates or at least one if you can. If you need further info call HULL UAF on 07985 169934

Martin Deane

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Thu, 29 Sep 2005
Help the environment by recycling
Don't forget that the Beehive is running a printer cartridge recycling scheme to raise funds for the Beehive Community fund. To help the fund and the environment please recycle your ink cartridges, unfortunately we cannot recycle Epson cartridges.

Why not become a collector and receive funds directly for your group or organisation?

For more information, click onto http://www.thisisrecycling.co.uk

Alternatively contact the Beehive team on 0870 2403508 for pre-paid envelopes to send in your cartridges.

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Thu, 29 Sep 2005
Recycling Unlimited
A consumer-led social enterprise offering work experience and skills training to people who are unemployed, users and ex- users of the mental health services; members of minority groups, or individuals with special needs. The work activities at our sites help recovery from mental health problems, as well as developing self- esteem. Skills acquired through our various activities and courses lead to self confidence, employment opportunities and improved social integration.
http://beehive.thisishull.co.uk/RecyclingUnlimited

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Wed, 28 Sep 2005
ASBOs
Do you think that the Green Party could apply for an ASBO on Tony Blair, to stop him wrecking international law, world peace, and British law, and to stop him vandalising the NHS?

just a thought

Cheers
Pablo Luis Gonzalez

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Wed, 28 Sep 2005
Waste Planning training Invite
Dear Campaigner,
The Friends of the Earth Waste and Resource Team and the Rights and Justice Team will be holding a training day on waste planning, to take place in Birmingham on 12 November 10.30-4.30. This training day replaces the event that was cancelled in July.

The training day will explain the Government?s new planning system and tell you what Friends of the Earth thinks of it. It will provide a forum for campaigners to discuss specific local issues and it will discuss what resources Friends of the Earth could provide for local campaigners to tackle waste planning issues.

Participants will be able to participate in workshops on PPS10, Waste Development Frameworks and look at how a real waste disposal application progresses through the planning system. The day will also be interspersed with presentations by Friends of the Earth local campaigners, talking about their own experience campaigning against inappropriate waste facilities and using the planning system.

The day is open to Friends of the Earth members as well as non-members. It is free but we will not be providing lunch. The deadline to apply for a place is Friday Oct 14th.

You can confirm your attendance by replying to the address below or emailing annaw@foe.co.uk Please include your full name, local group, address and phone number. A pack for the day will be sent out nearer the time.

Best wishes
Anna / Tim

Anna Watson
Waste and Resources Campaigner
Friends of the Earth
74 Kirkgate
Leeds
LS2 7DJ

Tel:07921 039636

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Tue, 27 Sep 2005
The Joint Waste Contract
I thought that you had a strong point Steve, when you said that Cllr Wareing will make incineration an election issue. Then I thought.

1. Remember Nov 4th meeting Guildhall, when said gentleman started the meeting saying that if he had his way, things would be different. Then we went on, (after he had assured me that the meeting was not a con), to discuss the six possible alternatives for dealing with the alleged ?residuals?. Strangely enough, we ended up being told that incineration is the only solution. (this was BEFORE the results of the public consultation on waste had been made public).

2. Cllr. Wareing will make it an election issue. So? Have you come across a politician you can believe? Which election? The planning application will go in in June 2006. Is there a convenient election? Does he mean that he will make it a part of the Labour Group?s manifesto, or only of his own?

3. The Liberal Democrats? position? What is it? Well, an indication came up in the notorious Scrutiny Committee Meeting a few days ago, when a councillor with whom I have worked, a councillor whom I thought I knew, decided that , yes burning 55% of our waste IS the answer, as long as we do it by pyrolysis or another method. Of course, even if this was valid, (and I think that this may be the discredited SWERF system), how many citizens are going to vote Liberal Democrat, because they prefer their method of burning to Cllr Wareing?s?

4. I think the message that Wareing will make it an election issue, is all the evidence we need to show us that the incinerator will be built in the East Riding, not in Hull. Then where is the general public?s opposition to incineration going to come from in Hull?

And the East Riding? Well the Liberal Democrat Group Leader seems to talk along similar lines.

I agree totally with you that we need to keep on and on trying to change attitudes.

I see the big winner coming along. WASTE MINIMIZATION. They are even talking about it in France, (there?s something!)

All the evidence is piling up that this must come. Oil prices. Work by WRAP. Waste minimization is a part of the Waste Joint Local Plan. And much more.

However, I?m still going to look for that fatal flaw in the contract. The important thing is that,

We here do not damage your work, by clumsiness.
We all work together, even if we work along different paths.

Barry

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Mon, 26 Sep 2005
I agree, we need arguments and evidence, and political pressure.

But I still think the contract is a side issue. And Haris's letter as it stands is worse than useless. It is too general: the Councils would just come back and ask for details. And it is too aggressive: getting officials backs up could just result in landing ourselves with a big search fee!

There are reasonable councils around the country where kerbside recycling is soon to work and create jobs. Gary Wareing says he's willing for incineration to be made an election issue.

It surely will be. We will need to make noise about what goes on elsewhere and how Hull has sat on its hands for more than 25 years (Hull FoE were campaigning on waste that long ago!).

Stephen

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Sat, 24 Sep 2005
Dear Friends,
Please write to your MP regarding EDM 85, and the vote on 21st Oct.
I attach a draft letter -
This needs to go nationwide,

Regards
Martin Deane, Hull

From CND / Dear supporter,
Clare Short MP is sponsoring a Private Members Bill in Parliament to restrict the Prime Minister's power to go to war. The CND Officer team has agreed to give CND's support for this initiative and would like to ask you to back it too. Currently the Prime Minister, by using the ancient Royal Prerogative, can declare war and deploy troops without even seeking the consent of Parliament. We regard this as unacceptable and are campaigning to change this situation, by promoting a new law - the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict) Bill. This would require a vote in Parliament and the legal justification for the proposed war to be made available.

Clare Short MP, who came third in the recent Private Members' Ballot in Parliament, has adopted the Bill, so we now have a great chance of getting this Bill onto the statute book.

But we need your help.

Our first hurdle is the Second Reading of the Bill, due on Friday 21st October We will need 100 MPs supporting the Bill to be present in Parliament, in order to move a 'closure motion' - a resolution to end the debate. If we win such a vote 99-0 we will still lose, as the debate cannot close and the Bill may fall. It is vital that we get 100 MPs to this vote. Getting MPs in the House on a Friday is difficult: most return to their constituencies. We need to persuade them to stay at Westminster - and it is constituents who can do that. So we do ask you please to:

a.. Write to your MP (at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA) as soon as possible (before s/he gets booked up with constituency appointments) saying that you want him/her to attend the House on Friday 21st October and vote to ensure that the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Armed Conflict) Bill gets a second reading and seeking an assurance to this effect.

a.. At the same time please ask your MP to 'please sign Early Day Motion No. 85 in support of the Bill', entitled 'Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict' proposed by Neil Gerrard MP. Your MPs' signature on this does at least show a commitment to the Bill - which will be vital as the campaign progresses.

Please try to do this urgently - and please let us have any replies that you receive as we will need to be able to see just how the campaign is progressing. Thank you.

http://cndyorks.gn.apc.org/

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Fri, 23 Sep 2005
Friends of the Earth Conference 2005
Dear Friend
As you know, this year?s Conference took place a couple of weeks ago in Reading, and we?ve now got a wealth of material from the event online at http://community.foe.co.uk/conference . For those of you who attended, we hope you enjoyed it and found it inspiring and useful. For those of you who couldn?t make it, well there?s always next year (8-10th September in Nottingham). The website includes photos, transcripts of some of the main sessions, the results of the Earthmovers Awards, writeups and presentations from workshops, and a video review of Conference. So please visit http://community.foe.co.uk/conference when you get a chance, and pass the web address onto other people in your group, particularly those who weren't able to attend.

Best wishes
The Conference team

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Fri, 23 Sep 2005
Incinerator Contract
It is definitely most unwise to ask both councils for copies of all material relating to waste (including chewing gum disposal bins in Whitefriargate?!), and that in a letter which suggests that we are willing to pay.

Secondly what is the point of asking for the contract?

We know that it is for WRG to handle the waste, that if they can't get permission for an incinerator the have to find another solution. We know also that the contract can be changed, if there is the will.

The contract in a sense is irrelevant. What is needed is to persuade the Councillors (and the officers) that they should be finding other solutions. Other authorities do it. But in Hull, Gary Wareing starts from the position, we'll have incineration, we have to persuade the people. It should be, what is the best solution (or group of solutions)?

Finally, in any case, the draft needs correcting before it is sent, if it is to be sent.

Stephen

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Thu, 22 Sep 2005
Incineration
I have just returned from Greece and am leaving tomorrow for Borneo. On my return I must travel to Greece again so it might be until mid-November that I can disentangle myself from all these trips. So my apologies for missing meetings and the barbecue which I hope went well and that we got some new members. Barry Robinson has been in touch with me and I have read the press about the incinerator and it is time for us to take action. As our former exchange of e-mails suggested, Sue J. should write the letters to both councils. We can't do anything until we know exactly what are the terms. If they refuse this request I know how we can make them honour it, and if they supply what we want we will then be in a position to take action.

Haris

As an environmental group Friends ofthe Earth is interested in waste issues and so could you pleaseprovide us with a copy of all current contracts between yourauthority and any company for the disposal, keeping or treatment ofwaste as referred to in Part II of Schedule 2 of the EnvironmentalProtection Act 1990 (Waste Disposal Contracts).

We would like this information as soonas possible in accordance with the Environmental InformationRegulations 1992, and we are hoping that this will be sooner than the20 working days you are entitled to. We would like to know of anycharges relating to this request, keeping in mind that you could sendus the information electronically or on CD-ROM.

We are especially interested in anyreferral in this contract to an incinerator or to 'energy from waste' or any other similar euphemism

The fact that a contract might includea commercial confidentiality provision does not, of course, preventyou from releasing that contract (or any particular parts of it) tous under the Regulations.

Separately, we would appreciate it ifyou could provide us with the information set out in Reg. 16(2) ofthe Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 concerning public rights toinspect accounts, contracts etc (under s.15(1)(a) of the AuditCommission Act 1998) in respect of your next audit. If these are notfully known please would you let us have those details that are knownat present and confirm that you will send us the remaining detailswhen they are known to you.

We look forward to receiving theinformation requested under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992 and thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.

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Sat, 17 Sep 2005
Dear Friends,
Many thanks to everyone who came out firstly on a foul night last Thursday, to hear Andrew Murray, STW, at Friends Meeting House, it was a vaery good, serious-minded meeting with representation from across Hull activism; and then for today's Demo in town in Qn Vic Square, against War and against Terrorism, called by Unison. They and the PCS, Hull STW, RESPECT, the Socialist Party, and the AGS (Alliance for Green Socialism) were among the groups represented.

"Identity and the Surveillance State:
Why ID Cards won't work."
There will be no STW meeting at FMH on Tuesday because KEITH TAYLOR, Green Party, is speaking on NO2ID cards at the Royal Hotel at 7.30. He is joined by Hull Council Lib Dem Leader, Councillor Carl Minns

Palestine Solidarity Campaign - Relaunch
Meeting in Hull
Wed. 21st Sept 2005.
Friends Meeting House.
7.30pm.

Speaker Fady Abu Sidu.
Please announce at your next meetings.

If you have broadband you can hear Hitchens and Galloway battle it out on Iraq at
http://www.democracynow.org/

More see
www.sokuto12.karoo.net

Cheers
Martin Deane

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Fri, 16 Sep 2005
Environment & Transport Scrutiny Commission Dear all
Tuesday is the next Environment & Transport Scrutiny Commission and one of the agenda items is the work programme for the Commission in the next year.

I would like your suggestions for topics. To give you a flavour Cllr Wareing has suggested the following:

Park & Ride, City Council's Environment Policy, Vehicle Excise Duty Evasion, Decrimilised Car Enforcement, Review of Concessionary Bus Fares and achieving 45% Recycling Target/Energy from Waste.

Adam Fowler

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923

Help shape your environment. Become a member of CHEF.
Contact us for details.

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Sat, 10 Sep 2005

Mike McWilliams from Hull City Council will outline how the City Council is devising a Strategy that is intended to give a framework and guide to the way we improve and care for our parks and public spaces. The Strategy encompasses a broad range of green spaces under the ownership of the City Council ranging from parks and public gardens to outdoor sport facilities, allotments even cemeteries and churchyards. This is the first time such a strategy has been commissioned.

Parks and Open Spaces are an essential part of life and good quality green spaces are fundamental to the well being of a community. However, they have generally suffered from a lack of investment. A government report in 2002 revealed that spending on urban spaces dropped from a quarter of councils overall spending in the mid 1970s to just 8.3% in 2001.

The City Council is optimistic that the Strategy will help to provide good quality parks and open spaces that people need. By doing so developing their full potential enhancing image and building on civic pride. Comments from the Forum is will help inform this Strategy. For further detailed information, please contact Mike McWilliams on (01482) 615662.

?Parks and Green Spaces are the lungs of our City so it?s crucial that we have a Strategy that carefully manages them.? Said Adam Fowler, Community Environment Officer, The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum.

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

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Wed, 7 Sep 2005
Politicians and pundits worry, or say they worry, that we the citizens are increasingly disenchanted with politics, apathetic, uninterested, can't be bothered. And looking at the figures for turnout in Hull, who could say they are wrong?

Politicians and pundits wonder how to engage the public, how to regain people's interest.

On the Web, there are folk who are providing tools to do something about this from the other end.

At the site
http://www.writetothem.com/

You can enter your post code and find a list of your local councillors, MPs, and MEPs, and the site will forward your message to them.

What is even better is that two weeks later, the site will e-mail you to ask if the b*gg*r has replied, because they keep stats of politicians' performance. And if you want, you can check up on your MP's attendance, voting record, speaking record.

And there's more. At
http://www.mysociety.org/ycml/

you can register by giving your name, e-mail, and post code. When there are 50 people registered for one constituency, the pol gets a message: "Hey, there are 50 constituents out there who want to know what you are doing. Tell therm!". And when there's no reaction, the messages repeat at 100, 200, ... and so on.

We have the technology, we have the equipment, and now the tools are readily available for making politicians realise that we are not just urn-fodder, that we are watching, concerned, engaged, and interested. And that they should shape up or ship out.

Yeah.

Stephen

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Fri, 02 Sep 2005
Dear Barry,
It is our view that your query falls under neither the EIR nor the FoIA, rather that you are asking a question about why we did something; in itself, this is not a request for information that we hold. Notwithstanding this, I can answer your question as had the strategic BPEO appraisal brought forward a technology for residual waste other than EfW then this would have been discussed with WRG. As one of the major waste companies operating in this country they are involved with a range of technologies - of which EfW is just one. WRG agreed not proceed with any developments until the outcome of the BPEO was adopted by both Councils and a way forward could be agreed.

Regards

Trish

Trish Dalby
Head of Streetscene Services
tel: 01482 - 395505
fax:01482 - 395053

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Fri, 2 Sep 2005
If you follow what I was trying to do here, I was trying to get ERYC to admit that the consultation was a scam, that ERYC/KHCC/WRG never intended to deal with ?residual? waste other than by incineration. Here, Trish Dalby states that, although WRG are capable of using other technologies, they accepted that we demanded incineration, Isn?t that kind.

Barry Robinson

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Mon, 29 Aug 2005

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Sun, 28 Aug 2005

Wed, 21 Dec 2005
Hull Friends of the Earth campaign against the Incinerator
A planning application for a waste incinerator is expected in June -- or even earlier.
The two Councils claim that six thousand people put incineration as their first choice when they filled in their questionnaires.
Our plan is to have 6000 cards signed to say "No to incineration: I want separated door-to-door collection: Let's go 100%", and to have them all filled in ready to present to the Councils before the planning application for the incinerator is considered. We have just taken delivery of 6000 cards.
We'll be doing stalls and so on, but some volunteer doorstepping friends and neighbours action will get a lot done too.
We don't want to scatter them: the idea is for people to fill them in on the spot, hand them back to the FoE volunteer who then returns them to us.
How many can you get signed and returned?
To get all 6000 signed in six months, we need to do 1000 every month.
Lots of people doing a little is what we're after.
Lets us know by phone or e-mail, and we'll get a packet of cards to you. Take 5, 10 to start with and see how it goes?
Get them back to us within a month: we want to keep the momentum and see how the campaign is going.

Carole Noreiko

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Wed, 21 Dec 2005
Message about anti-incinerator campaign, from Holderness MP
Thank you for expressing your interest in getting more involved with HOTI at Saturday's meeting in Hedon Town Hall.
I'm currently writing to all the town and parish councillors, asking for their formal support, and on my return from Montreal I will be organising a steering group to lead this campaign forward.
In the meantime, I am encouraging people to write to their local papers in support of HOTI and publicising the campaign as much as possible. The HOTI website has been launched, www.hoti.org.uk, and on here you can find details of future events, a petition to download and contact information. I would also like to invite you to Hedon on Saturday 10th December, from 10 – 12pm, to join HOTI campaigners who will be collecting signatures for the petition. We will be meeting in the Market Square in Hedon at 10am – I hope to see you there.
Regards,

Graham Stuart MP

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Sat, 10 Dec 2005
Waste Collections
I hear from an undisclosed source close to the Council that what I have been saying about LATS is correct (it covers biodegradables: kitchen & gqrden waste, card. Also, the Council is thinking about intergating paper collectionwith black box collections (there are enough compartments on the trucks; perhaps an extra box or bag for paper), and replacing the blue bin with an organics bin. Perhaps a trial in the new year (Bricknell area??). There is a new draft joint waste strategy in preparation, going to Cabinet this month, going out for cinsultation in January.. Watch this space.

Stephen

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Sat, 10 Dec 2005
Biogas from slaughterhouse waste
I saw this in Green Futures.
There's a Swedish biogas firm that produces biogas from slaughterhouse waste and specially grown vegetable biomass. They produce enough regularly enough to have a commuter train running on it on a line south of Stockholm. And they hope to get all trains on that line running on their biogas instead of diesel as at present. Now, wouldn't that be a great way to solve Hull's burial problem and bring down bus fares at the same time?

Stephen

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Fri, 9 Dec 2005
Hull Incinerator Campaign
Guys - quick snippet from Morely on radio Humberside this am:

Interview on radio Humberside “ Elliot Morely says the Govt does not support mass burn incineration “ all recyclable material needs to be got out first “ but energy from waste better for residual waste left than landfill. Surely you can use this snippet to argue that the Govt does not support what Hull CC and ERCC are planning - one as it is a mass burn incinerator and all recyclable material will not have been removed as two Ben Bradshaw - Minister for Waste has said 60 per ecnt is possible and as Hull only going for 45 per cent - does not fit with govt thinking.

In interview tried to get message across that Incin for Hull not needed if council had the political vision to really tackle waste and that it is very expensive option for dealing with waste.

Stephen

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Fri, 9 Dec 2005
Do you still believe anything that ERYC and KHCC tell you?
I sent the following letter to a council officer. Have you any comments?

Quote.
a). In the public waste consultation document, (Aug 2004), we were invited to comment on recycling rates. We could approve a low recycling rate of 25%, or a ‘stretching’ high rate of 45%. Of course, the choice was to go for the dizzy heights of 45%. Because of this suggestion, I would believe that ERYC and KHCC gained a lot of good will from many residents.

However, it is made clear in the BPEO document (the document that ‘justified’ the incinerator), that a 45% recycling rate will soon be inevitable because of pressure from the Government. So why did this irrelevant question appear on the questionnaire?

b). The negatives and positives for the 11 different technology scenarios for dealing with residual waste are carefully evaluated in the BPEO document.

In the reports resulting from the KC Stadium presentation announcing the incinerator, it was mentioned that incineration will produce so much electricity that we will save 80,000 tons of coal per year. I see on page 61of the BPEO, that a more sober evaluation indicates that, if one considers all meaningful aspects of saving virgin raw materials and recovering energy, then there is only a difference of 309 tons per year ‘materials value’. (my phrase), between any of the technologies. The best performing technology has a positive value of 1,040 tons per year, whilst the worst has a positive value of 731 tons per year. Do you feel that the ’80,000 tons of coal’ phrase should be retracted?

Barry Robinson
Tel 01482 814130

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Wed, 7 Dec 2005
East Yorkshire brings back democracy
After six years of ‘spin’, in which, (I believe), our joint councils have relentlessly misled residents over the need to incinerate our waste, Hull & the East Riding will shortly show the rest of the world that local democracy is alive and kicking.
Unbelievably, we now have a local MP and a number of County Councillors willing to support us in opposing the politically-backed proposal to build a 240,000 tons capacity (with permission to be expanded to 326,000 tons) household waste incinerator. They seem to believe that there has been enough bullying.

I believe that we have in our possession so much evidence that seems to point to ‘dirty tricks, ‘dodgy tactics’, over the alleged consultation, the argument ‘justifying’ incineration, even the waste contract, that we have the material for a best-selling work of fiction. Unfortunately, the facts are so incredible as to be almost unbelievable. Our website, www.hoti.org.uk will soon be up and running.

Truly, Hull and East Yorkshire are about to lead the country, nay the world, out of the era of ‘spin’

Since writing the above, I have started to study the BPEO document. This report, published by consultants Enviros for the councils, is the document which has been used as the basis for justification of the incinerator. It is 187 pages long.

Years ago, I gained 10 ‘O’ levels and 3 ‘A’ levels. Having qualified to degree standard in Chemistry, I worked in technical / medical information for a never-ending number of years.

Despite this, I am constantly having to remind myself of the relationship of MSW to BMW. Where does the waste figure of 697,000 tons come from? Why do they claim that waste increases by 4.8% a year? Why is 17,000 tons of rubble included?. And so on.

With due respect to our councillors, who are good, hardworking, conscientious people, I suggest that there are not enough of them to have been able to make a valid analysis of this document, and the necessary decisions from it, in the time at their disposal.

Once I have studied this document, there are the ‘Residual Waste Technology Review’ (166 pages), and ‘The Joint Waste Contract’ (170 pages) to evaluate. There is the information that I have winkled out of (what seems to me to be), a reluctant council, to collate. There is a set of statistics that just doesn’t seem to add up.

It is my personal opinion that the manner in which the Saltend incinerator has been progressed, is an insult.

Barry Robinson

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Wed, 7 Dec 2005
Green Energy?
WRG claim that their proposed incinerator will produce “green energy. This claim is false.
The National Energy Foundation (NEF) is an independent educational charity based at Milton Keynes and controlled by an eminent Board of Trustees. It was established in1988 to work for the more efficient, innovative and safe use of energy and to increase public awareness of energy in all its aspects.

This is how the NEF answers the question, "What is Green Energy?"
Green energy can be loosely definedas energy from renewable or sustainable sources. Examples of greenenergy include wind power, solar energy, biomass energy and hydropower. There are also "waste to energy" projects which canbe considered renewable because a large proportion of the energy isderived from biomass (or plant material). There is, however, an argument that queries the sustainability of using waste as a fuel forpower generation.

Now, in domestic waste, the biomass iskitchen waste and garden waste. That is, the wet yucky bits. Butthese wet yucky bits are to be taken care of in a compostingplant, and quite right too. Composting is the simplest and cheapestway of using organic material.
There is also paper and card: easilyrecyclable. We already put the paper in the blue bin.
So, if you take out the organiccompostable or recyclable fraction of domestic waste, what is leftthat is burnable? That's right,plastic. Made from oil, non-renewable,non-carbon neutral, non-green.
Pass it on.

Stephen

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Sun, 4 Dec 2005
PLEASE SIGN URGENT APPEAL

Dear friends every where,
Dear Arab & Palestinian friends,
please, sign the petition and forward it widely. they are peace activists ,two of these hostages were in Palestine ( Jayyous, Qalqilia and jenin ) before, to protest against the Apartheid wall and Against occupation. please do ur best to help inreleasing them. Fareed

SIGN THE URGENT APPEAL:
PLEASE RELEASE OUR FRIENDS IN IRAQ
Arabic version at http://electroniciraq.net/news
/2210.shtml
Sign the petition at http://freethecpt.org

Four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams were taken this past Saturday, November 26, in Baghdad, Iraq. They are not spies, nor do they work in the service of any government. They are people who have dedicated their lives to fighting against war and have clearly and publicly opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq. They are people of faith, but they are not missionaries. They have deep respect for the Islamic faith and for the right of Iraqis to self-determination.

C.P.T. first came to Iraq in October 2002 to oppose the US invasion, and it has remained in the country throughout the occupation in solidarity with the Iraqi people. The group has been invaluable in alerting the world to many of the horrors facing Iraqis detained in US-run prisons and detention centers. C.P.T. was among the first to document the torture occurring at the Abu Ghraib prison, long before the story broke in the mainstream press. Its members have spent countless hours interviewing Iraqis about abuse and torture suffered at the hands of US forces and have disseminated this information internationally.

Each of the four C.P.T. members being held in Iraq has dedicated his life to resisting the darkness and misery of war and occupation. Convinced that it is not enough to oppose the war from the safety of their homes, they made the difficult decision to go to Iraq, knowing that the climate of mistrust created by foreign occupation meant that they could be mistaken for spies or missionaries. They went there with a simple purpose: to bear witness to injustice and to embody a different kind of relationship between cultures and faiths. Members of C.P.T. willingly undertook the risks of living among Iraqis, in a common neighborhood outside of the infamous Green Zone. They sought no protection from weapons or armed guards, trusting in, and benefiting from, the goodwill of the Iraqi people. Acts of kindness and hospitality from Iraqis were innumerable and ensured the C.P.T. members' safety and wellbeing. We believe that spirit will prevail in the current situation.

We appeal to those holding these activists to release them unharmed so that they may continue their vital work as witnesses and peacemakers.

Signed,**
* Arundhati Roy, author, The God of Small Things
* Tariq Ali, author, Bush in Babylon
* Denis Halliday, former U.N. Assistant Secretary General and Head of the U.N. Humanitarian Program in Iraq (1997-1998) * Cindy Sheehan, mother of Casey Sheehan
* Noam Chomsky, Professor, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology * Haifa Zangana, Iraqi novelist
* Kamil Mahdi, Iraqi economist and anti-occupation activist. Lecturer, University of Exeter
* Mahmood Mamdani, "Herbert Lehman Professor of Government," Columbia University
* Rashid Khalidi, "Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies," Middle East Institute, Columbia University
* Cindy and Craig Corrie, parents of Rachel Corrie, killed by Israeli military
* Hasan Abu Nimah, Permanent Representative of Jordan at the United Nations (1995-2000)
* Ralph Nader, former independent presidential candidate
* James Abourezk, former US Senator
* Howard Zinn, historian
* Naseer Aruri, Professor (Emeritus) University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
* Kathy Kelly, Voices for Creative Nonviolence/Nobel Peace Prize Nominee
* Naomi Klein, author/journalist
* Michael Ratner, President, Center for Constitutional Rights
* Rev. Daniel Berrigan, poet
* Jeremy Scahill, independent journalist
* Mazin Qumsiyeh, author, Sharing the Land Of Canaan, board member US Campaign to End the Occupation
* Milan Rai, author, War Plan Iraq: Ten Reasons Against War on Iraq
* Sam Husseini, writer
* Dahr Jamail, independent journalist
* Ali Abunimah, Co-founder, Electronic Iraq/The Electronic Intifada
* Nigel Parry, Co-founder, Electronic Iraq/The Electronic Intifada
* Leslie Cagan, National Coordinator, United for Peace and Justice
* Eve Ensler, author
* Jennifer Harbury, Director, Stop Torture Permanently Campaign
* Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Detroit
* Anthony Arnove, author, Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal
* Medea Benjamin, Global Exchange
* G. Simon Harak, SJ, War Resisters League
* David Hartsough, Co-Founder and Capacity Building Director of Nonviolent Peaceforce and Executive Director of Peaceworkers. Nonviolent Peace Force
* Blase Bonpane, Office of the Americas
* Carol Bragg, Coordinator, Rhode Island Peace Mission
* Rev. Richard Deats, former Executive Secretary and Fellowship Editor, Fellowship of Reconciliation
* Omar Diop, Pr鳩dent de la Coalition S鮩galaise des D馥nseurs des Droits humains
* Jim Forest, Secretary, The Orthodox Peace Fellowship
* Thomas C. Cornell, The Catholic Worker
* David Grant, Nonviolent Peaceforce
* Ted Lewis, Global Exchange
* Charles Jenks, Chair of Advisory Board, Traprock Peace Center
* Jeff Leys, Voices for Creative Nonviolence
* André¡ Schmidt, independent journalist
* Michael Albert, ZNet
* Richard McDowell, Senior Fellow for Iraq Policy, Friends Committee on National Legislation
* Dave McReynolds, former Chair, War Resisters International
* Peter Lems, Program Associate for Iraq, American Friends Service Committee
* Kevin Zeese, Director, Democracy Rising
* Sunny Miller, Director, Traprock Peace Center
* Dave Robinson, Director, Pax Christi USA
* Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou, National Coordinator, Clergy and Laity Concerned about Iraq
* David Swanson, Co-Founder, After Downing Street, Board Member Progressive Democrats of America, Washington Director Democrats.com
* Mary Trotochaud, Senior Fellow for Iraq Policy, Friends Committee on National Legislation
* Michael Birmingham, activist
* Barbara Wien, Co-Director, Peace Brigades International/USA
* Bishop Gabino Zavala, President, Pax Christi USA
**Organizations and institutions are listed for identification purposes only. Contact: freethecpt(at)gmail.com

-- ABOUT US: The Electronic Intifada (EI) is a not-for-profit, independent publication committed to comprehensive public education on the question of Palestine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the economic, political, legal, and human dimensions of Israel's 38-year occupation of Palestinian territories.

EI, found at http://electronicIntifada.net provides a needed supplement to mainstream commercial media representations of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. More information about our work can be found at http://electronicIntifada.net/v2/aboutEI.shtml

To find out about other EI/eIraq lists available, see: http://electronicintifada.net/
cgi-bin/kebab/mail.cgi

SUPPORT OUR PROJECT: Our work needs funding. We accept donations via credit card and cheque. U.S. donations are tax deductible. More information can be found at:
http://electronicintifada.net/
v2/article2162.shtml

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Tue, 22 Nov 2005

Weight-training dumbbells
I have rescued some dumbbells and other bits of weight-training equipment from a skip. Obviously it?s not new, but it?s serviceable. Will anyone out there find someone/some club that wants it?
Instead of simply recycling it, let?s go a step up the waste system and re-use it. All for free. Make me a happy bunny.
Tel: 01482 814130
e-mail barry.robinson86@lineone.net

Barry Robinson

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Sun, 20 Nov 2005
The membership leaflet as we downloaded it is ideal and I don't think it needs any changes. Re the incinerator meeting in January, why don't we wait until we hear what Waring has to say in the Nov. 30 meeting when he explains his portfolio before we make any plans. The advance publicity says that the decision on WHERE the incinerator will be located will be announced in a few months time. This is very unsettling!!!

Haris

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Thu, 17 Nov 2005
Steve Radford is exploring whether any other organisations in Hull would be interested in combining with the Green Socialists to organise a coach to London for the Climate Change demo on 3 December.

The cost of a coach round trip to London is around ?900 (two drivers required) so we could either charge ?17 per seat or do 25 seats at ?16 (students, unwaged etc.) and the rest at ?20. It is possible (though not certain) that the Green Socialist Students' Group at the University might be able to sponsor the coach which might bring the cost of tickets down a bit.

I am pretty confident that we could fill a coach from Hull but obviously there is a slight risk involved and this means there are three possible options:

• Option 1.
  I am approaching the local Green Party and FoE to see if either or both organisations would be willing to jointly book a coach with the Green Socialists and thereby take responsibility for one third (or half if there are only two groups) of the initial cost.
• Option 2.
  If FoE felt unable to take on responsibility for jointly booking the coach then the second best situation (from our point of view) would be for FoE to undertake to book a block of seats (say ten or fifteen) which you would guarantee to sell. You would still be able to refer additional people to me if you had sold all yours.
• Option 3.
  The third option would be for FoE to not take any responsibility for the hire costs but to commit itself to circulating information about the coach and asking your contacts and supporters to get in touch with me to book tickets. This is obviously the least favoured option from our point of view but might still be feasible if we conclude that there is sufficient interest to make it worthwhile.

I would be grateful if you (or someone else from FoE) could indicate at your earliest convenience whether you would be interested in taking up any of these options.
I hope to make a decision about the coach this Friday and thus to be able to have some information available to bring along to the Green Fair on Saturday.

email is s.radford@bigfoot.com

Steve Radford

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Thu, 10 Nov 2005
Public Meeting
Where:
Friends Meeting House? [before they move]
Northern Theatre Company [former Art School Anlaby Road near Station] Civic Soc have their meetings there, so I could find out cost, convenient, has a bar, but no disabled access.
Upstairs room at Editorial on Spring bank?
Go for big time and get Methodist Central Hall?

When: Last week January? Mid Feb?

Offer expenses to all out of town speakers. If inviting Mayor of Doncaster it would perhaps be polite to ask Mayor of Hull too.Or do we go for a big venue and invite all Councillors? They might give us the Guildhall; they let CHEF have it for their public meetings. But perhaps we would prefer neutral territory.

Title/ subject: 'Zero Waste without Incineration' How Doncaster is doing it. or some such?

Barry Robinson has asked CHEF to organise a meeting on incineration. I'll find out more about it and see if we ought to join forces.

Hilary

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Thu, 10 Nov 2005
Public Meeting
If the object of the meeting is to promote genuine and practical approaches to incineration, then should we have some representation from the people we are trying to influence i.e. HullCC and ERCC otherwise we could end up just preaching to the converted - however given the rough ride some council reps have experienced in the past from the anti-incinerator lobby we may have to find ways of persuading them to turn up to the meeting. We don 't want to end up with a slanging match!

Or, is the aim of the meeting to find out what?s been going on in Doncaster so that we can form our own proposals?
Who are we expecting to turn up to the meeting?

Sue

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Fri, 4 Nov 2005

Come and get pampered.
Pass it on, tell your friends.

Oh yes, good grub and music in the background, interesting stalls (at least one selling 2nd hand books, lots of crafts, cards, produce, plants,...).

Stephen

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Thu, 3 Nov 2005
Domestic Roof Top Windturbines
A lady in Woodmansey would like to have a wind turbine on her house roof. A company called Swift make the turbines and subcontract out installation to Scottish/Southern lectricity (the later company is not eligible for grants unde the "Clear skies " scheme). Prior to installation the site has to be assessed for suitability at a cost of ?700 which is not refundable or nor does it come off thefinal bill.

This charge is an obstacle to her plans to buying it and I wondered if anyone knows if there any local alternatives. I noticed in the HullFOE Newsletter that Diana Wallis mentions she was intending having one fitted- do you have any local contacts Diana?
Thanks

Sue
Hull Friends of the Earth

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Thu, 3 Nov 2005
News Release
Contact: Adam Fowler
Telephone; (01482) 324223 or
mobile 07985917923
Email:
info@hullenvironmentforum.org.uk
Hull?s first Environment Surgery
The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF) announces Hull?s first Environment and Transport Surgery. Cllr Gary Wareing, Hull City Council?s Portfolio Holder for Environment & Transport will addressing a public meeting and answering questions at Noon, Wednesday 30 November 2005 at Hull Business Centre, Guildhall Road, Hull (Overlooking Queens Gardens). Free, all welcome. Disabled access. Refreshments.

Gary originates from Blackpool and has become one of the City Council?s most respected Councillors. A train driver, his portfolio includes Environmental Policy, Transport Strategy and Waste. He is responsible for issues as diverse as car parking and footways to Conversation Areas and recycling. The Council is currently introducing a new Environment Policy and next year will see Decriminalised Parking Enforcement. Similarly, Gary has overseen the Council?s commitment to introduce 45% recycling rate for all residents but more controversially an Energy from Waste facility. A decision is expected in the next few months on where an incinerator will be located.

This is the first time Gary has addressed a meeting that will solely focus on his Portfolio issues and is intended to raise awareness and develop greater understanding.

?Cllr Gary Wareing is a frank and open politician with a passion for the environment. We are delighted that he has agreed to address Hull?s first Environment Surgery.? Said Adam Fowler, Community Environment Officer, The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum.

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG
(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923

Help shape your environment. Become a member of CHEF. Contact us for details.

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Wed, 2 Nov 2005
A very personal account of the East Riding Council's Budget Day PR exercise
I went to this event today quite cynical. I expected a PR exercise where a captive audience of good people would be brainwashed into believing that they were part of a democratic exercise. Surprisingly, after a time, I concluded that it was for real, that we were doing something useful. One councillor, an aggressively pro-incinerator man, was most attentive, most solicitous, indicating his admiration (well almost) for my efforts. I was so impressed that I told him that I no longer regarded him as a p****, and that I withdrew that thought. He seemed pleased. I suggested that he and I talk as soon as possible about incineration, although he would not get me to change my mind and obviously I wouldn?t his.

A very good discussion showed that everyone there wanted kerbside collections of green waste. Many were far more enthusiastic than I about amenity sites, (I believe that one possibly creates as much pollution as one prevents, by using them).

Then, almost at the end, a very, very senior officer and a very, very senior councillor, pointed out that, if it hadn?t been for the unfair decision of the Deputy PM to refuse the Foster St. energy-from-waste facility, the councils would have been in a better position with regard to recycling. But that we need not worry as they are protesting vehemently about this disgraceful situation.

A certain very senior officer explained that another real problem is that they will have to pay ?150 for each ton of waste landfilled.

I (metaphorically) grabbed the microphone and castigated them for ?this inexcusable propaganda?. I pointed out that I had come to the event with an open mind. That I had deliberately not leafleted for that reason. I pointed out that it will cost about ?35 per ton to landfill treated waste. That landfilling this will be about as dangerous as filling a hole with gravel. That it will cost ?150 per ton to landfill raw waste, beyond that limit that the Govt. gives them permission to landfill.

I pointed out that an energy-from-waste facility is a polluting incinerator.

I later asked the ?attentive, solicitous councillor? to, at his leisure, castigate these gents. The shutters came down, the eyes turned to ice. I am obliged to consider that I was mistaken in thinking that he may not be a p****.

Saddest of all, when I approached another very, very senior councillor, whom I would have expected to have grasped the political opportunity with which he had been presented, and who should have been jumping up and down, he indicated that I should not get excited. That the gentlemen had a point [that the unfeeling decision by the Deputy PM was a little unfair]. I agreed with him that there was a point. That the Foster St. decision was a DEMOCRATIC DECISION. He seemed a little stunned to think that one could be so gauche.

I am now convinced that we have only the slimmest chance of stopping an incinerator. That all who say, ?What?s the hurry?? are wrong. BUT I hope you will allow me to continue to fight shoulder to shoulder with you.

Anyone who feels that they do not wish me to fight alongside, please tell me as soon as possible.

I am hoping, just hoping, to be invited to be a speaker at the Co-op Environment Evening on the 23rd Nov. I hope to concentrate on, ?The possible environmental hazards of incineration?.

I believe that it would be counterproductive to take up a political stand, to castigate anyone, council or otherwise.

Barry Robinson

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Tue, 1 Nov 2005
I feel that I must point out that this pleasant, positive approach is so helpful to group bonding. It is so easy to motivate or demotivate each other. If members whom I approach for help, don?t understand what I am aiming at, doesn?t it make sense not to try to evaluate it, simply either wait until the meting where I believe that all will be revealed, or ask me to explain?

I must make it clear that I have no interest in a personality cult. If I achieve anything, I wish all credit to go to us all

Regarding, the question of, ?Does Hull FOE wish to back such an approach as mine?, I am in total agreement. I admire our democratic approach as members of the Hull branch.

I am beginning to see that there may well be a real case for a softly, softly approach by Hull FOE (and the rest of us keep out) towards KHCC, but see absolutely no case for such an approach towards ERYC. The ERYC officers refuse to talk with Douglas or myself. (By the way, are you aware that there is to be NO further public discussion on incineration as far as ERYC and KHCC are concerned)? In conversations with Trish Dalby and Doug Sharp, they simply couldn?t understand why, after the extensive consultation, I should expect any

Maybe, a looser federation of our groups than the cheek to jowl one that I have advocated may be better. I realize that such matters cannot be rushed and must be discussed.

Where I will speak out, is about what I see as a dangerous attitude of, ?Why the rush? What?s so important??

Suffice to say, the two councils are, I believe, (maybe incorrectly), in the process of incorporating incineration into the regional strategy. If this happens, what value is there in ?attempting to change attitudes?? What hope do we have of changing anything?

Again, the officers already know which are the potential sites for the incinerator. They refuse to tell us. Suddenly, shortly before the planning application goes in in June 2006, they will let us know. How on earth, in the six weeks that they will allow, are we going to drum up support? When it is clear exactly where the incinerator is going to be, who is going to speak out?

If it is to be at, say Goole, no resident of Hull or Beverley or Preston, is going to care a jot. You and I are totally opposed to incineration. To most it?s NIMBY.

Barry Robinson

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Mon, 31 Oct 2005
Greenpeace
8 staff and volunteers are on trial in Hull magistrates from Tue 1st - Fri 4th Nov on the following charges in relation to the climate action that took place at the Deputy Prime Minister's house back in May.

1) Public Order Act: Using threatening abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress.

2) Criminal Justice & Police Act: Contravening a police direction to come down from the Prescott's roof because their presence was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Your support (for the day) at Hull Magistrates during the trial would be much appreciated. The court day starts at 10am and finishes around 4.30pm. The address is below; please call Natalie on the mobile if you are coming to join us. 07801 212 958.

Kingston-Upon-Hull Magistrates Court
Law Courts,
Market Place, Kingston upon Hull.
HU1 1RD

Louise Muston

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Sun, 30 Oct 2005
anti-incinerator flyer
Carole and I don't think that this kind of scare-mongering is going to cut much ice. (a) there's no reference to authoritative sources, and the public is saturated with health scares. (b) the other side has plenty of experts to trot out to say that dioxins are not harmful and anyway our incinerators are clean (we saw them at the public inquiry). (c) even if the public rise us in their masses, what difference would it make?

I think we should be going at the Councils, and using economic arguments. Incineration and 25-year contracts are not best value, incineration blocks off recycling options, locks us in to having to maintain levels of waste, while recycling, as in Doncaster, can be expected to increase jobs.

The advantage of this kind of argument is that it is positive, that it does obviate the risk of the "we've got to do something" retort.

Of course, it has the drawback that it supposes the Councils and public will llisten to reason.

What do we all think?
Are we in a coalition? I know Barry would like there to be one. Who and what would be in it, and what for, entailing what?

Carole & Stephen

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Thu, 27 Oct 2005
Hull Screen
Albion Street

Thursday, 10th November - 7.30pm

A LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
Jo Wilding's diary from Iraq

"As both a testimony to the plight of the Iraqi people under occupation, a glimpse of what really happened in Fallujah during the April siege, as well as the remarkable work of Jo Wilding, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize along with the 'One Thousand Women for Peace Group', this film is a must see.

Watching it brought me right back to the devastating scenes from the heart of Fallujah."
-Dahr Jarmail

FREE ENTRY -----ALL WELCOME

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Thu, 27 Oct 2005
HELP THE ENVIRONMENT BY RECYCLING YOUR PRINT CARTRIDGES
Don't forget that the Beehive is running a printer cartridge recycling scheme to raise funds for the Beehive Community fund. To help the fund and the environment please recycle your ink cartridges, unfortunately we cannot recycle Epson cartridges.

For more information, click onto http://www.thisisrecycling.co.uk
Contact the Beehive team on 0870 2403508 for pre-paid envelopes to send in your cartridges and stand a chance of winning a free printer, digital camera or 5 free inkjet cartridges.

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Mon, 24 Oct 2005
Hull FOE tries to be a democratic organisation; not all our members are on email so we take decisions at our monthly meeting, the next being at 8pm on Tuesday 1st November. There doesn't seem to me to be anything so urgent that it can't wait until then. We'd be delighted to see you at the meeting if you can make it; if you have problems with stairs we will try to arrange things so that we meet on the ground floor. Otherwise, Bill Rigby was at your meeting and should be able to tell us all about what was discussed and decided. I have no doubt there will be lots of support for continuing resistance to incinerators, and as Steve hinted, we do have some funds at present. It is only sensible for Hull FOE to want to see anything that goes out with its name on it, as we are likely to get people contacting us with questions.

Hilary

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Sun, 23 Oct 2005
East Riding EYE Meeting
Tiger Inn, Beverley, 20 October 2005
EYE has a long record of exposing the machinations of ERYC and meets every third Thursday of the Month. It is a small group, but is characterised by the wide geographical spread of its membership. On this evening, there were people from Beverley, Hornsea, Bridlington and Goole.

What they would like to do in relation to the Incinerator proposals is to form an alliance with other groups in Hull and the Riding to achieve a degree of coordination in addressing the issue and coordinating campaigning.

In the first instance it was suggested that a brief (one page) leaflet be prepared and sent to as wide a range of bodies as possible to alert the general public and enlist support.

They hoped the text could be agreed in the next week or so. Maybe a meeting with Hull FoE rep could take place before 1 November to work on it.

The chair of the group, Rick Sumner (01964 532954 - no email), would be happy to attend the Hull FoE on 1 Nov, and, ideally, to 'sign off' an agreed leaflet (no shirkers, this EYE lot). Barry and others agreed to make a start on a draft.

I think that gives the gist - apologies for any inadvertant misrepresentations.

Bill Rigby

VOICE International
"education for sustainability"
web: www.voice-international.net

3 Norwood, Beverley
East Yorkshire HU17 9ET, UK
Tel +44 (0)1482 862085
Mob + 44 (0)7769 607710

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Thu, 20 Oct 2005
Those of us who attended the incinerator public inquiry and were careful about keeping all the bumf they collected (reference APP/V2004/A/02/1082545) and who have someone like Carole to retrieve it again might find it interesting to look at the proof of evidence of Christopher Cox on behalf of the appellant Waste Recycling Group plc.

Christopher Cox was the Commercial Director of Waste Recycling Group plc.

For those who have not kept all this precious paper, I quote paragraph 4.11:

"In the event that planning consent is refused for Waste Recycling's proposed EfW plant at Foster Street then the Councils will be entitled to terminate the contract. Equally they can terminate in due course if consent has not been granted by a date specified in the Contract."

Paragraph 4.12 quotes the relevant clause of the said Contract, 53(b).

It is also worth quoting from the report of the Inspector, paragraph 459, page 96:

"In terms of the waste planning process a refusal of permission would focus attention upon the emerging JWLP [Joint Waste Local Plan] and the need to develop a robust set of policies and proposals to accord with the guidance in paragraphs 28-29 and 33-34 of PPG10."

Those engaged in correspondence with LGOs and elected representatives might like to quote from all this.

Stephen

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Wed, 19 Oct 2005
This may in an indirect way, prove a point.
I await copy of the letter Steve speaks about, as I am presently looking at a letter sent to me by Carole Edge of KHCC on 13 Sept ?05.

Quote.
???.your request? Joint Waste Contract?
I confirm that the waste contract has not been revisited and there has been no change to the existing waste contract ???????.. with regard to the use of energy-from-waste?.
ETC ETC and more crap, followed by,
?Following the [BPEO] appraisal, the joint authorities agreed to smaller incineration and high recycling as the BPEO?.
Now, I think we have them at least for deliberate deception, no matter when the letter which you quote, was sent out, UNLESS the letter doesn?t actually, specifically say what you think it says.
Which brings me to a point, (and I say it in humility),
PLEASE all of us, don?t criticize each others ideas thoughtlessly. This one may have proved a point that it is often, not what the say that is important, but subtle nuances of context. It is even, what they don?t say that is important.

Gosh, even I?m sickened by the pomposity of that last bit.

Barry Robinson

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Wed, 19 Oct 2005
Hi Barry
I'm all for knockabout - but agree with your sentiment (not pompous, but serious) - that everyone takes everyone seriously.
I'm a bit behind on this discussion, but want to ask at what stage do other groups with legitimate concerns get drawn in?
Bill Rigby

VOICE International
"education for sustainability"
web:www.voice-international.net

3 Norwood, Beverley
East Yorkshire HU17 9ET, UK

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Wed, 19 Oct 2005
Waste Management Contract
The incriminating letter is on the letterhead oif Margaret J. Taylor, Chief Legal Officer in the Chief Executive's Department. It is headed "Joint Waste Management Contract", it is signed by Paul Ashton, the reference is CIV/PA/JC/67778, and it is dated 2 June 2000.
It replies (again: he avoided the questions the first time) to a letter of mine.

The key phrase is:
"As the contract does not specify or exclude any particular management method, it is unreasonable to expect that arguments specifically against energy from waste incineration, or any..."

Admittedly, further on, there is a reference to "proposed energy from waste plant", but there it is in black and white: no incinerator in the contract.

The letter also affirms "the Council's aspirations of (...) minimisation, recycling and recovery".

So there you go.

Steve Noreiko

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Tue, 18 Oct 2005
E Yorks grassroots pro-wind group need support
A local, grassroots, pro-wind action group has just formed in Snaith to support the Aire and Calder windfarm proposal - 15 turbines just south of Snaith and the M62. They already have a fantastic website:

http://www.facts-online.org.uk/

I know about the project as I'm doing some consulatancy work for the developers, EON, but the action group and website is entirely the work of local people who want to do their bit and feel passionate about mitigating climate change. It's inspirational stuff. Please find time to use the site to add your name to the list of supporters and forward the link to others in the Yorkshire area who might like to do the same. You can even send the action group a message of support as well.

The following page which allows you to quickly email a standard letter of support to politicians (inc. Euro MPs). It only takes a minute to send one off a letter - just choose appropriate politicians for you:

http://www.factsonline.org.uk/
getinvolved/emailmp/index.htm

If Hull FoE would like me to come to the next meeting and talk about the project, I'd be very happy to do so.
Thanks for your time.
Best wishes,

Rich

Richard Claxton
Greenpeace Area Networker - Hull and East Yorkshire
Tel: 07759 869159
Email: richard.claxton@gmail.com
Get active with Greenpeace in East Yorkshire:
www.greenpeaceactive.org.uk/yorkshireeast

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Sun, 16 Oct 2005
The reaction of ERYC, circulated by email, confirms our apprehensions. ERYC offered 170 pages, at 25p a sheet!

I don't know who are in more important positions than ours: national FoE employees are not necessarily better qualified and are quite often less experienced than local campaigners. Anything anyone needs to know about the FoIA is available in the official leaflet that can be found in most public libraries.

The tone of Haris's draft letter went beyond a "legitimate request for information": it was hectoring, aggressive, even bullying. It could well have alienated readers.

Another point: Haris's letter asked for information about all waste matters. This could have been interpreted to include chewing gum on Whitefriargate, dog richards in the Avenues, Hull Fair litter, and all sorts of other stuff, not obviously germane to our concerns.

The contract is for WRG to deal with waste. WRG collects it, it belongs to them. If they cannot get planning permission for an incinerator, they have to find other methods. The contract can be altered. All this came out in answers at the inquiry.

Even someone who attended every session of the public inquiry (I only sat through most of them) would have been hard put to read the whole of the contract, which was on the tables at the back with all the other documentation. And if they had tried, they would have missed most of the evidence.

The problem is not the contract, the problem we have to deal with is the political will of councillors and the advice given by officers; At the moment, this is for incineration. We need to persuade the public, the Council, and the media, that if Doncaster can aim for zero waste, the same is possible in Hull.

Now some suggestions about that would be useful.

Stephen

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Sun, 16 Oct 2005
Forums tackles flood 'apathy'
As a meeting is held next week to look at flooding in this region the Environment Agency today launched a campaign to tackle flood apathy. The Environment Agency is warning that too many people are ignoring the risk of flooding in this country. New research has revealed alarming levels of complacency among households at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, despite the increasing frequency of flooding at home and abroad.

Five million people in two million properties in England and Wales live in flood risk areas, yet despite this, Environment Agency research indicates that as many as two fifths (41%) of these people are still unaware of the threat. On the fifth anniversary of the Autumn 2000 floods, some of the worst to hit England and Wales, the Environment Agency is launching a campaign in the national and local press to remind people that devastating floods happen here too. The campaign will urge people to find out if they live or work in a flood risk area and how to prepare in case the worst happens this winter.

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said: "Whilst we can reduce the effects of floods through awareness, education and investment in flood defences, we can never prevent them. That?s why we?re urging people to try to reduce the massive financial and emotional costs of flooding. So the message is: be prepared for flooding."

At 2pm on Tuesday 18 October 2005, The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF) in partnership with Hull City Council and The Environment Agency are holding a public Forum at The Guildhall, Hull. Free, all welcome. Disabled access. Philip Winn, Humber Strategies Manager, Environment Agency will discuss the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy ? planning for the rising tides. The Environment Agency is currently consulting on how best to protect the region from flooding and this event will form part of that consultation.

?Today?s announcement by the Environment Agency to tackle flood apathy sums up why we all need to take this issue seriously. Particularly, as most of us in this region live near the sea or estuary.? Adam Fowler, Community Environment Officer, The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF).

For more detailed information about Planning for Rising Tides please contact Philip Winn, Humber Strategies Manager, Environment Agency on (01709) 312962.

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923

Help shape your environment. Become a member of CHEF. Contact us for details.

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Sat, 15 Oct 2005
Dear Friends,
Some recent items of interest...

Support FACTS - Snaith Wind Turbine Group
A grassroots pro-wind action group has formed in Snaith as Friends of Aire and Calder windfarm proposal - 15 turbines just south of Snaith and the M62. They met for the first time on Tuesday night and already have this in place:
http://www.facts-online.org.uk/
Simply sign as a local supporter on the website before Tuesday (18th October) when they will take the list to County Hall, Beverley, and present it to the planners.

Sam and Rich help a credit union in Laos
We are Volunteering for the CDEA ( Community Development and Environment Assosiation) here in Laos. As with all small projects and being a Laos NGO they haven't got a lot of funds and need help. The low down goes like this... The project has set up about 150 village/community banking systems across Laos all of which are run manually. In the more established "banks" they have about 800 members. I don't know if you know anything about the Lao Kip But it comes in Bundles! Mostly in Denominations of 1000, 2000 and 5000. (20,000 kip to the pound) hope youre getting the drift?

The ladies that run the "banks" basically sit in the village hall or someones house for 2-4 days counting, sorting and recording all the transactions, loans and repayments. This is a hell of a security issue for the village as a whole. What we are going to suggest to the project is that we try and set a common treasury which will hopefully include a couple of laptops/ computers and counting machines, to make the whole process much easier. I've included the CDEA literature so have a look and see what you think, and please forward it to anybody else you think maybe interested or could help. My next quest is to find a couple of spare counting machines!! If anybody wants to contact us about anything they can reach us at: cdealaos@gmail.com
Get back to us with any news, views and most importantly gossip.
Love, Sam and Rich

AND Don't Forget - !
Sat 19th Nov 11am-4pm
Hull Friends of the Earth present:
the Autumn Green Fair
Cottingham Rd, Baptist Church, (top of Chanterlands Ave)

Cheers, Martin

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Wed, 12 Oct 2005
Doncaster Waste Strategy
"Doncaster: promoting wealth from wasteDoncaster Council's zero wastestrategy aims not only to address environmental issues but to supportsocial enterprise by creating and protecting up to 1,000 jobs by 2010. The council's waste managementdepartment has become a ?resource recovery team", and waste is notrubbish but ?the supply chain?. In six months the council expects torecycle one fifth of household waste. In three years it should be half,and by 2025 the borough will recycle all its household waste. Elected mayor Martin Winter, along-standing environmentalist and the scheme's political drivingforce, says: ?We consider waste not as a threat but an opportunity tocreate wealth, improve our society and protect the environment. It's that elusive win-win-win scenario. We're not promoting it as anenvironmental project, we're coming at it from an economic point ofview. ?There are a lot of peoplelooking to create businesses with real job opportunities in thecommunity. As a local authority we can contract and subcontract tothem. It costs ?50 to send a tonne of waste to landfill. Our recyclingbusinesses are getting an average of ?40 a tonne for it. We've createdabout 150 jobs in the last 12 months.? A resource recovery park will bededicated to recycling, research and development and education andawareness. Development officer Jim McLaughlin says: ?This area wasmassively dependent for jobs on the coal and steel industries. The newenvironmental industries offer jobs that operationally are very similarbecause you're working with materials. We don't have a problem withwaste, we have a problem with mixed waste. If we separate we've gotoptions. Take things apart and they have a value in the commoditiesmarket.? Waste collection contractor Sitaand the council's social enterprise, Doncaster Refurnish, are divertingjust under half the bulky items collected locally into furniturerecycling for people in distress, including women in refuges, socialservices clients and probation referrals. A new vertical compost unit isexpected to generate 1,000 tonnes of high-quality compost a year from1,500 tonnes of waste, sourced from green bins, household wasterecycling centres and clippings from grass verges and public spaces. Alarger, Defra-funded new technologies pilot will show whether thescheme is practicable and economically viable. If so, compost will beoffered to the community, including Doncaster's sizeable population offarmers.

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Sat, 8 Oct 2005
Very bad news in the UK
This is an important consultation on changing the status of EFW for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts.
The report is from Lets Recycle:
http://www.letsrecycle.com/legislation/
news.jsp?story=4945
The consultation documents can be obtained from:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/
waste-pfi/index.htm
Please could UK members make an effort to respond to this!
Best wishes
Alan

Defra to recognise role of energy-from-waste in PFI (07.10.05)

Defra has proposed changing criteria for waste PFI projects to "make moreexplicit the recognition that energy from waste is part of the waste management landscape".

The Department issued a consultation yesterday on criteria for Private Finance Initiative projects, in which multi-million pound government credits are used to bring private sector investment into the provision of local authority waste services.

The draft criteria simply seeks to state more explicitly that the government supports the use of incineration with energy recovery for the disposal of residual waste.- Defra spokeswoman The consultation aims to updatethe criteria set for the PFI waste scheme in September 2000, when then environment minister Michael Meacher decided to change the waste PFI focus "away from incineration towards recycling led solutions". But, Defra is now looking to address this "perceived negative stance on incineration".

Incineration
It is proposing to change the PFI criteria such that it states: "The use of residual waste treatment options involving recovery, including energy from waste solutions, should be considered and their use justified in line with the waste hierarchy and should demonstrate that there is no future barrier to reduction, re-use and recycling efforts, subject to constraints of economic viability."

A spokeswoman from the Department explained: "Because of previous uncertainty in the market place regarding the role of energy from waste, the draft criteria simply seeks to state more explicitly that the government supports the use of incineration with energy recovery for the disposal of residual waste left following re-use and recycling, or where materials cannot be safely or practically re-used or recycled.

"The criteria also places a greater emphasis on waste minimisation. It is expected that when authorities develop their strategies they will pay due regard to the waste hierarchy," the spokeswoman told letsrecycle.com.

If there should be any criteria at all, it should take a broader stance and give local authorities the flexibility to decide what is best for their own circumstances.- Alice Roberts, LGA LGA

Commenting on the issue, the Local Government Association said that if there is to be any fixed criteria at all for PFI waste contracts, it is better that the scope is broader.

Alice Roberts, executive officer for waste at the LGA, said: "The PFI criteria were apparently being used to push local authorities in a particular direction. This runs counter to LGA policy, that is if there should be any criteria at all, it should take a broader stance and give local authorities the flexibility to decide what is best for their own circumstances."

Funding
The other key issue raised by stakeholders with regard to the PFI criteria was the imposed cap on how much government support is available to projects. This was originally set at £25 million, but raised to £40 million in 2003. Since then, some major projects have secured larger amounts ­ Lancashire gaining £75 million in PFI credits for its waste contract, Manchester receiving £100 million. On this issue, Defra said a review of the cap would be undertaken once it was known how much would be available in the PFI in total.

Related links:
Defra: Consultation on waste PFI criteria LGA
Elsewhere in the proposals, Defra suggests a bigger role for the community sector in the contract process. Community groups had raised concerns that they were being displaced through major PFI contracts.

Consultation on the proposed criteria runs until Friday January 6, 2006.
Defra said it hopes to publish revised criteria in March 2006, to come into effect at the start of the next financial year.

Alan Watson C.Eng
Public Interest Consultants
Oakleigh
Wernffrwd
Gower

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Thu, 7 Oct 2005
Hull Peace Announcements
Hull Stop the War Coalition

Weekly Meetings
Tuesday, 20:00 onwards
at Friends Meeting House, Percy Street, Hull

We share ideas and advance projects to promote peace. These include organising speakers to come to the city, holding stalls, petitions, vigils and demonstrations, promoting progressive events across the city, and building for local and national demonstrations.
All are welcome. Create peace together

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Sat, 1 Oct 2005
Planning for Rising Tides
None of us can failed to be moved by the tragedy in New Orleans but could this happen right here on our door-step? The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF) in partnership with Hull City Council and The Environment Agency invite you to a Forum at 2pm, Tuesday 18 October 2005 at The Guildhall, Hull. Free, all welcome. Disabled access.

Philip Winn, Humber Strategies Manager, Environment Agency will discuss the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy ? planning for the rising tides. The Environment Agency is currently consulting on how best to protect the region from flooding and this event will form part of that consultation. Other meetings are being held elsewhere in the region, but this is the only public event in Hull. All comments will be taken into account and the Agency is working on producing a final report for submission to central government in November 2005.

The Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy aims to develop a coherent and realistic plan for the estuary?s flood defences. This can only be done by involving key stakeholders and partners so the Agency is keen to hear what people think. In 1997, the Environment Agency began to develop a co-ordinated approach to managing flood defences around the River Humber and in 2000 produced the Humber Estuary Shoreline Management Plan. Much work has been done on strengthening flood defences whilst in some places ?Managed Realignment? and ?Flood Storage? is being introduced. The size of the task cannot be underestimated. The Agency suggests that 600 ha of inter-tidal habitats is likely to be lost with increasing sea levels and many of the region?s settlements are at risk of flooding. On the East Yorkshire Coast a debate is on going on whether to protect an area near Spurn Point.

The Planning for Rising Tides Forum follows Hull?s first Climate Change Seminar held at The Guildhall in May 2005. Flooding was highlighted as one of the greatest threats to us locally.

?We tend to think of flooding as something that doesn?t affect us locally. But it will unless we doing something about it. This Forum is a practical way of managing this threat and combating rising sea levels.? Adam Fowler, Community Environment Officer, The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF).

For more detailed information about Planning for Rising Tides please contact Philip Winn, Humber Strategies Manager, Environment Agency on (01709) 312962.

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923

Help shape your environment. Become a member of CHEF. Contact us for details.

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Wed, 28 Sep 2005
Hull ECO deadline brought forward
In order to get the next Hull Eco out to members in time for them tor ead about the Green Fair and put up their posters, the deadline will have to be the next meeting, Tuesday 4 October, copy to printers by the end of the month, fold and send out beginning of November.

So, copy soon please.

Stephen

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Tue, 27 Sep 2005
Green Fair
Hull Friends of the Earth are holding the next of their twice-yearly Green Fairs on Saturday 19 November 2005, at new venue:
the Baptist Church Hall,
Chanterlands Avenue, Hull (corner of Cottingham Road),
from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be music and lots of stalls: "green" organisations, arts and crafts, bric-à­¢rac, stalls for rummaging on.

To book a space (?10 for a table, or ?7 for the space if you bring your own table) phone Hull 448 222, or e-mail hullgreenfair@aol.com

Stephen

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Sun, 25 Sep 2005
The Joint Waste Contract
We seem to be in a polarised posintions here with two HullFOE members thinking we should have another look at the contract & three who think its a waste of time and a lot of unknowns...does anyone else have anything to say on HullFOE's position on this?

Sue

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Sun, 25 Sep 2005
Community Volunteer Project
Someone called Lee Robinson phoned me to inform HUllFOE that there is a government funded scheme which provides volunteers for community projects and wanted to know if we would be interested in having any volunteers.

I commented that we were low on "manpower " so weren't able to easily supervise volunteers...but apparently HUll University Social Services Organisation will provide supervisors

Is anyone interested ...please let me know if you are

Sue

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Sat, 24 Sep 2005
UK Bill to Restrict PM's Powers

Dear Friends,
Please write to your MP regarding EDM 85, and the vote on 21st Oct.
I attach a draft letter -
This needs to go nationwide,
Regards

Martin Deane, Hull

From CND

Dear supporter,
Clare Short MP is sponsoring a Private Members Bill in Parliament to restrict the Prime Minister's power to go to war. The CND Officer team has agreed to give CND's support for this initiative and would like to ask you to back it too. Currently the Prime Minister, by using the ancient Royal Prerogative, can declare war and deploy troops without even seeking the consent of Parliament. We regard this as unacceptable and are campaigning to change this situation, by promoting a new law - the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict) Bill. This would require a vote in Parliament and the legal justification for the proposed war to be made available.

Clare Short MP, who came third in the recent Private Members' Ballot in Parliament, has adopted the Bill, so we now have a great chance of getting this Bill onto the statute book.

But we need your help. a.. Write to your MP (at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA) as soon as possible (before s/he gets booked up with constituency appointments) saying that you want him/her to attend the House on Friday 21st October and vote to ensure that the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Armed Conflict) Bill gets a second reading and seeking an assurance to this effect.

a.. At the same time please ask your MP to 'please sign Early Day Motion No. 85 in support of the Bill', entitled 'Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict' proposed by Neil Gerrard MP. Your MPs' signature on this does at least show a commitment to the Bill - which will be vital as the campaign progresses.

Please try to do this urgently - and please let us have any replies that you receive as we will need to be able to see just how the campaign is progressing.

Thank you.

http://cndyorks.gn.apc.org/

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Fri, 23 Sep 2005
Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy
Dear all
The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum (CHEF) in partnership with Hull City Council would like to invite you to a meeting to discuss the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy. To be held at 2pm (Concluding latest 4pm), Tuesday 18 October 2005 at Guildhall, Hull. Free, all welcome. Disabled access. Tea/coffee on arrival.

Philip Winn, Humber Strategies Manager, Environment Agency will talk about the current public consultation about what the Environment Agency proposes to do to protect the Humber sub region from flooding. THIS IS THE ONLY EVENT IN HULL! This event follows the recent Climate Change Seminar which has now resulted in the formation of a Task Group within Hull City Council.

I look forward to seeing you.

Kind regards
Adam Fowler
Community Environment Officer

The City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum
29 Anlaby Road
HULL
HU1 2PG

(01482) 324223 Mobile: 07985917923

Help shape your environment. Become a member of CHEF. Contact us for details.

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Wed, 21 Sep 2005
ERYC / KHCC Waste Minimisation Programme

As a part of the Joint Waste Local Plan, ERYC and KHCC (pretend?) that they are going to actively pursue a policy of minimising waste.

As justification for the incinerator, they claim that waste is increasing at rate of 3.66% per year. They seem to believe that this will continue for ever.

So, what will be the effect of the waste minimisation programme? Apparently nothing, as they make NO allowance for it to affect figures.

Nationally, waste DECREASED 1%, (or was it 1.5%?) last year.

The private organisation, WRAP, funded with ?8 million by Government, is setting up all sorts of projects that will clearly reduce growth in packaging waste and in food waste, by preventing it in the first place.

The organisation has already discovered that recycling of wood waste has gone up from 5% to 14% in ONE YEAR.

It has set up a project with the 13 major supermarkets that will bring about DECREASE in packaging waste by 2010. This is only 5 years time.

There are signs everywhere that waste is going to DECREASE. That as soon as entrepreneurs realise that there is money to be made, waste will stop.

And what do our councils do? They use HISTORICAL figures to ?prove? that we must have an incinerator that will take 240,000 tons pa (2012), and it will probably have to be increased in size to 326,000 tons by 2020. Why such funny figures? Because these are the maximum amounts of what they call residual, unrecyclable waste that we can possibly produce by those dates.

They say they hope to recycle 45% if they sweat their sweet little brows. Yet WRAP state (I believe) that it is perfectly feasible to recycle 60%

We need to know just what the two councils intend to do by way of waste minimisation.

We need to know just what measures they could be taking. We need this at our finger tips ready by the time of the incinerator application.

I have asked ERYC what they are doing. I intend to ask KHCC.

I need your help. Many people believe that there HAS to be a pubic inquiry. I don?t. I believe it will all be decided by the Planning Committee, and that Conservative / Labour councillors will rubberstamp it.

Please think about waste minimisation. Discuss it with me. WE need to work on this together.

I Believe this idea has value. Reduce waste produced, or re-use materials, and we can soon prove that there is no need for the incinerator. (For example, vast improvements can be made in efficient methods by the councils. They have a tremendous responsibility, but I feel they will pay lip service to the idea).

Will Hull FOE, East Yorkshire EYE, and any other group, discuss this, in committee, and come forward with ideas, comments.

Barry Robinson

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Tue, 3 Aug 2004
Hull Pagans Events


Please note the change in the September house moot. This will now be Paul's Crowley talk which was postponed from February. Please contact paul if you would like to go. Also please note that it is on a Thursday instead of the usual Chants Ave weekly pub moot. Please pass this message on to people who sometimes go on Thurdays, particularly if they do not have email or do not use email very regularly. Thanks. Ian mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Mon, 12 Sep 2005
Met a guy at a jam session last night, he trades as "Colleen's Fancy, easy listening and traditional irish songs, Kevin 07710 049123".

He was looking for gigs and also sessions in pubs in and around Hull.

Thought you were the first point of call for info on that. He gave me his card (I think he'd like to find a guitarist: he sings unaccompanied, nice voice).

I couldn't give him your contact details, nor coudl I remember where you guys meet now.

Stephen.

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Sun, 11 Sep 2005
Hi all,
Something you may be interested in: I was walking the dog today and noticed on the Pier Street car park a lot of large desks and office furniture have been dumped. Some of the desks look like they could be used as stalls with a little modification. It would be a shame and such a waste if they are destined for a landfill site. If anyone is interested I'll make enquiries.

Dave Callaghan

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Thu, 8 Sep 2005
Bus Fares
Fuel prices for buses have been rapidly increasingly for sometime (CHEF knows out of personal experience because we have to pay for the fuel for Bus It). The bus companies have no choice and through their national body have been lobbying government for help. EYMS are in a severe financial position. This is not about the bus companies profiting. Walk on fares are more expensive than tickets purchased in advance - such as Megarider, Weekly tickets etc. Always good value!

The next bus forum will be held in November but we are holding a Bus Surgery on Bus It in Hull City Centre (Queen Victoria Sq) on Tuesday 27 September from 10am to 2pm. If people have complaints they will be able to report them to us and a City Council Officer. Every complaint is indivigually investigated. Generally, we very seldom receive any complaints about Bus Fares.

Adam Fowler

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Wed, 7 Sep 2005
Bus Fares
So bus fares are to go up and services are to be cut (Hull Daily Mail 6 September). Inevitably people will use buses less and cars more, and the downward spiral of decline will continue: fewer passengers means less revenue means higher fares and poorer services, driving people off public transport and into cars. Congestion will increase, and air quality will deteriorate as we increase the outpouring of greenhouse and other noxious gases.

It is truly and bitterly ironic that the natural catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina compounded by ecological mismanagement should push us into a course of action that will increase the likelihood of more and worse catastrophes.

Climate change is a real threat, and we are contributing to it. As long as public transport is expensive and the real cost of private motoring stays low in comparison, there is little chance of improvement.

Stephen F. Noreiko
Hull Friends of the Earth

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Mon, 5 Sep 2005
No2iD PUBLIC MEETING WITH KEITH TAYLOR

Dear all On Tuesday 20th September, Cllr Keith Taylor, male Principal Speaker of the Green Party and convenor of the Green group on Brighton City Council, will be speaking on the subject of "Identity and the Surveillance State: Why ID cards won't work". The meeting is open to all and will take place at 7.30pm in the Windsor Suite of the Quality Royal Hotel (next to the train station in Hull City Centre). Please let as many people know about it as possible.

Apologies to those who have already been notified of this event - spread the word! The Windsor Suite holds 115 people, lets make sure its full and then some!

Regards

Ian Ibbetson

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Fri, 2 Sep 2005
Joint Waste Management Contract
Good on you Baz - keep it up ! The ERYC are obviously rattled at the strength, intelligence, informed knowledge and tenacity of public opinion on this. For once, their "keep fobbing them off, they will give up eventually" tactics are not working.

Keep your points clinically sound and correct. Avoid emotion or abuse. Be devastatingly polite, reasonable and well-informed. Argue with established facts. Show no political preference. The blander you make the target, the harder it will be for them to hit you.

And if all else fails, courteously remind them who pays their salaries !

Wish I could help more, but Sept/Oct are very intense from both work and family perspectives.

Very kind regards

Jeremy Wilcock

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Mon, 29 Aug 2005

Meeting
My apologies for Sept. meeting as I will be in Greece and for Oct. meeting as Mal and I will be in Borneo, but there's some exciting news to share. I now know how we can get a copy of the waste management contract. National FOE failed to get it when they were asking all councils to supply theirs, but now we know the way. And I also know the way to protect those trees on Celebration Green. These are just two of the actions I learned about in the PowerUp meeting. Speaking of that meeting, please see that my travel is refunded. I sent the receipt to Hillary. I need to balance my budget.

Haris

P.S. Let me know in whose name we should send the letter to the council asking for the contract -- or should we all sign?

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Sun, 28 Aug 2005
August Minutes, Annual Conference

Hi there
We have booked for the Saturday and Sunday at ?70 each, losing the ?10 discount for prompt application. We will be staying with friends, so have no accommodation costs. We have registered for three workshops each, on the following topics: Renewables (countering the spin), networking, supermarkets, new economics, environmental justice and recruitment (of new members). If anyone thinks there are other wksps which might be more profitable for the Hull context let us know and we can change. Help towards the booking fee and travel would be appreciated.

Best wishes,
Bill Rigby

VOICE International
"education for sustainability"
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Fri, 26 Aug 2005
WASTE NEWS
GREENPEACE REPORT AND DELAYS TO WEEE IMPLEMENTATION
Greenpeace International has published a new report entitled "Toxic Tech: Recycling of electronic wastes in China and India: workplace and environmental contamination". Their investigations into workshops, wastewater, soil and sediment from local rivers show conclusively that all stages in processing electronic waste enable toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, to be released into the workplace and into the surrounding environment. Despite an EU ban on exports of hazardous waste, including electronic waste, to developing countries, there is increasing evidence of this material being sent to Asia from Europe illegally. For the full report go to:

http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/
international/press/reports/recycling
electronicwasteindiachinafull.pdf

The report was released a few days after the European Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) came into effect on 13 August. The directive, which regulates the handling of electronic waste in the EU by making electronics producers responsible, has yet to be implemented in many EU countries. The UK announced last week that it had delayed both the producer responsibility and take-back provisions until June next year. This is the second time the deadline has been put back.

information supplied by Ian Jolliffe

DEFRA CONSULTS ON PACKAGING RECYCLING TARGETS

Defra has opened a six week consultation looking at future packaging recycling and recovery targets for businesses during 2006-10. The new targets for businesses that handle or produce large quantities of packaging waste are required to ensure that the UK meets key targets under European legislation to recycle and recover between 55-80% of all packaging by 2010. Any changes to business targets should come into force by 1 January 2006.The Consultation Paper on Meeting Directive Targets in 2008 is available in full at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/
packaging-reg05-targets/index.htm
The deadline for responses to the proposals is Monday 3 October.

USEFUL WEBSITE

BBC RADIO PROGRAMME: COSTING THE EARTH BBC Radio 4's Costing the earth programme last week explored how Britain's growing litter mountain threatens to engulf the streets and local authority budgets. Hear about Barnsley's zero tolerance of littering and Westminster's battle against chewing gum. Click "Listen to 18 August" under LISTEN AGAIN to hear the documentary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/
costingtheearth_20050818.shtml

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Thu, 25 Aug 2005

Stephen

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Tue, 23 Aug 2005
Hull Pagan Events - Woodland in Hull

There have recently been a couple of key developments

1. Jo is willing to host a meeting to sort out what we are going to do. Please contact Jo if you are interested (01482 341696). The meeting is open to everyone, but it would be particularly helpful if anyone who wants to be actively involved in the future would contact Jo as soon as possible to make sure that a convenient date is found. 2. The woodland Trust has announced a "New Woodlands for Hull" initiative. It seems sensible to consider the possibility of contributing to this as all or part of the Land Fund activity (details below).

The Woodland Trust - Forest of Flowers in Hull
The following is a letter from The Woodland Trust to Mark & Karen (who are members). The letter if followed by bits of text from a flyer ?Forest of Flowers in Hull?. Mark & Karen thought this would be of interest to Hull Pagans and relevant to the Land Fund. For more info see the following web pages
http://www.treeforall.org.uk/hull
http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/
http://www.yourwoods.org.uk/

From recent research we highlighted a lack of accessible woodland in Hull, with less than 2% of the population having access to woodland over 2 hectares (5 acres) close to their homes. This compares to 44% of people in Sheffield having access to similar woodland! Our project aims to begin to redress this balance by planting around 17 hectares of woodland across the city over the next 3 years.

At the heart of the project is woodland creation but it will also encompass programmes of wildflower planting, community engagement, active participation, volunteering, interpretation and educational activities to reconnect people with their local environment and the important role woodland can play in enhancing green space and the quality of life. We will also involve hundreds of local school children in planting trees, getting muddy and school based educational activities.

We have already received support from the New Opportunities Fund and the Onaway Trust but even with this support we have the challenge of raising ?111,000 over the next 3 years from local businesses, authorities, charitable trusts and individuals. The total project cost is just over ?378,000 which covers the total costs of the woodland creation, establishment, engagement, tree planting and training days, woodland discovery days for local school children and associated education support. We have already raised approximately ?267,000 (70%) towards this target but to secure the remainder we need your help.

Your thoughts and advice on this project would be greatly appreciated. For example do you think a fundraising appeal will receive the backing of local people, groups or companies? Are there any companies or organisations that you feel would be particularly interested in this project? Any information or suggestions will be extremely useful in progressing with our fundraising appeal.

I will be applying to local charitable trusts and businesses for support but I will need help to distribute fundraising leaflets locally. If you can help and/or would be interested in acting as the Local Coordinator for this project, please do let me know. Or maybe you know someone else who would be ideal? In addition, it would greatly help our applications if you could consider providing a letter of support for this project.

This is an important project, which will allow us to bring areas of woodland within city boundaries and at the same time offer local school children and the wider community the opportunity to be actively involved. This is why we are extremely excited about this project and 1 hope that you share our enthusiasm.

I enclose a promotional leaflet for your information. If you would like any further details or would like to discuss any aspect of the project or appeal, please do not hesitate to contact me. 1 very much look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely
Sara Lyons
Regional Development Officer, North of England

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Tue, 23 Aug 2005
Leaflet on evaluation of East Riding News and on incinerator consultation

Dear Councillors
Further to the survey that I am carrying out, I can hardly believe the figures myself, but in answer to the second question on the questionnaire, (see attachment), I believe that so far 94% of residents say that they were not adequately consulted over the waste consultation. It must seem that the results are fudged, but I have taken the precaution of getting the residents to sign their replies. Unlike Enviros, (and so by association, ERYC), I felt that honesty is the best policy. Also, I have calculated the realistic figure for the amount of household waste that East Riding and Hull will produce by year 2020, using figures supplied by ERYC and KHCC. Unsurprisingly, the (probably) true figure is 115,000 tons a year less than the figures being flaunted in order to justify the giant incinerator. Not to worry, I'm sure that WRG will be able to import the shortfall from outside the East Riding.

Sincerely

Barry Robinson

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Sat 20 Aug 2005

We look forward to receiving your subscription request.

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Wed, 17 Aug 2005
barbecue
I think Chrys' idea is excellent. Why try a Car Boot sale if one can do the same at our event!! There is nothing to stop anyone from bringing anything they want and setting up a table and pricing their items. So, in our publicity, those attending should be invited to do just that.

Haris

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Sun, 14 Aug 2005
Public Waste Consultation
Dear Councillors. I am carrying out a survey in Bilton. I have distributed a questionnaire asking whether residents consider they were adequately consulted in the Enviros public waste consultation.. (This was the ?consultation? that has, I believe, resulted in Cabinet support for a 240,000 tons per year capacity, (to be expanded to 326,000 tons if necessary), incinerator.

At the moment 8% believe that they were adequately consulted.

92% believe that they were NOT adequately consulted.

Of course, my survey, costing ?0.00, cannot have the sophistication of the Enviros survey which cost ?80,000, (or was it ?160,000 ?)

Will you be so kind as to ask CEO Stephenson or Cllr Parnaby to justify their suggestions that the residents of the East Riding and Hull demand incineration?

I will be unable to reply for a week, as my wife is dragging me away for a holiday.

Barry Robinson

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Mon, 8 Aug 2005
PowerUp
The three day Power Up event was enormously useful and very intensive. Delegates came from every corner of the U.K. and we were busy every minute of the day with workshops, Q&A sessions, and surgeries (mine was for advance help when we hear more about the incinerator). We completely covered the Freedom of Information Act, and the new planning rules, but we also met officials from the following (and found out how they can help): the Environmental Law Foundation, Neighbourhood Initiative Foundation, Planning Aid, Information Commissioner's Office...and we also had a session on Public Enquiries. My brain is full of information!! Maybe someone can let me know if there is still time to write something for this coming Eco or will it have to wait until the next?

Haris

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Sun, 7 Aug 2005
Hull FoE bbq idea
An idea to contribute to things to do on our bbq day (from Alan Worsley):

Bring and Buy/Exchange - own stall/blanket on ground, plus an HFoE one.

Bring your own stuff to sell/exchange for yourself, or bring stuff to contribute to a HFoE stall.

Ideas for stuff to bring and sell/exchange

Eco jumble: tools, equipment (eg food handling, cooking eg we have a blender we don't want), materials (paint, plastic, wood, string, paper, tape, nails, containers), fittings, toys. All would be for re-cycle or reuse.

Books: esp eco-related
Food: own-grown fruit and veg?
Clothes: winter draws on etc
Information/advice: to give away, FoE leaflets etc
Demonstrations: dead hedging, wind power, recycling etc
Earth loo: we know you have one out there somewhere!
What does everybody think? Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested.

Chrys and Alan

Dear Councillors.

I hope that you will consider this important matter in the spirit of constructive dialogue in which it is sent.

I do not imply any criticism of any officer or Member..

I am presently researching this planning matter with a view to putting forward my comments during the consultation periods.

I am particularly keen to avoid the situation in which campaigners found themselves when given the opportunity to comment on (I think it was), the Draft Joint Waste Strategy.

This was organised by KHCC.

Many residents made constructive comments. Unfortunately, (I believe), a large proportion of those comments landed on the wrong desk, and of course were not considered. That is what I heard was the explanation for the fact that our constructive comments were totally ignored. Result? A possibly totally improper strategy got through.

I have been speaking to the officers of ERYC, and of KHCC who are leading the present SCI consultations. Both seem most helpful and willing to accept constructive comment.

It is made clear in the draft document that each councillor has a vital role in the SCI, LDF, and planning. It is made clear that you have an unusually heavy responsibility in this matter, that your role with reference to residents is vital.

In the light of the present severe limitations that we residents suffer in planning issues such as large housing estates being built on Greenfield sites, or, incinerators, or wind farms, etc, you are important spokespeople.

I do not wish to imply any criticism when I ask you to involve yourselves deeply in the consultations. I ask that you do not consider any of the issues along party lines, but simply as our representatives. The SCI should not be treated ass just another Government task, to be dealt with, but as an opportunity to give residents, (and that of course includes yourselves), a real say in matters which affect our children?s children?s children.

Barry Robinson

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Mon, 1 Aug 2005
Statement of Community Involvement

As you may be aware Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council willl be putting in a planning application for a large scale incinerator in August.

One of the most ardent anti-incinerator campaigners Barry Robinson sent an e-mail whcih includes this:
It has been clear to me all the time that I have been campaigning against incinerators, that ordinary people are at a total disadvantage when faced with a major planning development such as, houses being built on that last green spot in the neighbourhood, or that incinerator that is to be built in a district which already has a record number of asthma cases.

The Government has now told Local Authorities to involve the community more closely in planning issues. The authorities have been told to prepare a ?Statement of Community Involvement?.

In this, they have to explain how they intend to ensure this involvement. They have to set down binding guidelines.

Sounds good, but believe it or not, East Riding Council seems to have forgotten that one component of ?Community? is, ?Residents?.

Oh yes, they seem to be (reluctantly) willing to involve parish and town councils, and certain ?organisations? in planning issues, but you and me? Forget it.

As an example, I believe the following is true.

In their Draft Statement, ERYC agree that it is important that a developer who wants to build an incinerator, should consult the parish council, and those vitally important people, the ?Statutory Bodies?. I believe they are even agreeable that the developer should have to consult residents living within 100 metres. If no-one lives nearer than 110 metres, I think that the developer doesn?t have to consult residents. Having spoken to the officer concerned, I do get the impression that there is nothing underhand going on, just simply that it is inconceivable that WE should be interested.

It is vital that you and I involve ourselves. I don?t think that it is necessary to put ourselves forward for membership of those never-ending, non-achieving panels, but we must contribute to drawing up those guidelines. If we do, I believe that we stand to gain a little power. If we don?t, then I believe that we deserve what we get.

I felt that I should draw your attention to this immediately. Call me a cynic (and I will be delighted), but is it a coincidence that East Riding have already drawn up their Draft SCI without consulting us, and that the consultation period is to be, (yes you?ve guessed), Aug. 8th ? Sept. 9th

Another member Stephen Noreiko sent this:

Declaration of Community Involvement or whatever it's called: Barry Robinson is looking into this for himself and FoE, and looking at the statements by ERYC and Hull.

If ERYC has to consult, Barry is afraid they will contact FoE regional reps and not grassroots members.

Could you ask Carole Z to be sure to pass on any such consultation requests to you to pass on to Barry? Any thoughts on this?

Carole Zagrovich

If you are able to contribute a text to my database, I will be extremely grateful. Please follow the instructions below.

Even if you do not feel able to complete this questionnaire yourself, I would be really grateful if you would forward it to half a dozen of your friends. I am trying to collect samples from a wide range of people with a variety of different jobs and social lives. I especially need texts from women at present.

PLEASE RETURN YOUR COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE TO s.a.blackwell@bham.ac.uk Please put "Questionnaire" in the Subject field.
..............................................................
1. About Yourself
Your age in years:
Your sex: M/F
Where do you live? (nearest city)
Please choose the income bracket which describes your annual earnings
(Pounds sterling): less than 10K, 20-30K, 30-40K, 40-50K, over 60K
How would you describe your ethnic group?
What is your first language?
What educational qualifications do you have? (e.g. HND, City and Guilds, GCSE, A-level, B.A./B.Sc., MA, Ph.D. - no need to list all the subjects)

For the "please tell me" questions below, you should use complete sentences, but apart from that be as informal as you like - imagine you were sitting talking to me.

2. Home Life
How many adults do you share your home with?
And how many children under 16?

You do not have to tell me their names or any other details if you don't want to; or you can change their names (but please don't change any other details).

Now please tell me about your normal daily life at home in about 200-300 words. Please write in complete sentences.

3. Working Life
What job do you do?
Who is your employer?
Roughly how many other people in your workplace do a similar job to yours?

I'd now like to know how many people you share your working area with. By "working area" I mean the space you occupy at work, surrounded by walls or partitions of some kind. It could be a room, an office, or a shop or factory floor. How many people work with you in the same working area as you?

Now please tell me about your normal daily working life in about 200-300 words. Please write in complete sentences.

4. Recreation
What do you do at the weekends and/or during holidays? Please tell me about these activities, and the other people involved in them, in about 200-300 words. Please write in complete sentences.

...........................................................................

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. In addition to my own research, the texts collected may be used by other people. At all times the data will be anonymous (i.e. your name and e-mail address and your employer's name will be removed) and it will be used for bona-fide academic research only. Any extracts published will be anonymous. Under no circumstances will any of this data be passed on to any commercial organisation.

If you would like to know in more detail how I am using these texts, please visit my website: http://web.bham.ac.uk/sue_blackwell/research after Setpember 2005; or send me an e-mail after that date.

Thank you once again for your help.

Sue Blackwell
Department of English
University of Birmingham

PLEASE RETURN YOUR COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE TO s.a.blackwell@bham.ac.uk

Dave Callaghan

Until ten days ago, I had never heard of this. Since then, I have come to believe that it may be a document of the greatest importance to us, and so am researching it carefully

It has been clear to me all the time that I have been campaigning against incinerators, that ordinary people are at a total disadvantage when faced with a major planning development such as, houses being built on that last green spot in the neighbourhood, or that incinerator that is to be built in a district which already has a record number of asthma cases.

The Government has now told Local Authorities to involve the community more closely in planning issues. The authorities have been told to prepare a ?Statement of Community Involvement?.

In this, they have to explain how they intend to ensure this involvement. They have to set down binding guidelines.

Sounds good, but believe it or not, East Riding Council seems to have forgotten that one component of ?Community? is, ?Residents?.

Oh yes, they seem to be (reluctantly) willing to involve parish and town councils, and certain ?organisations? in planning issues, but you and me? Forget it.

As an example, I believe the following is true.
In their Draft Statement, ERYC agree that it is important that a developer who wants to build an incinerator, should consult the parish council, and those vitally important people, the ?Statutory Bodies?. I believe they are even agreeable that the developer should have to consult residents living within 100 metres. If no-one lives nearer than 110 metres, I think that the developer doesn?t have to consult residents. Having spoken to the officer concerned, I do get the impression that there is nothing underhand going on, just simply that it is inconceivable that WE should be interested.

It is vital that you and I involve ourselves. I don?t think that it is necessary to put ourselves forward for membership of those never-ending, non-achieving panels, but we must contribute to drawing up those guidelines. If we do, I believe that we stand to gain a little power. If we don?t, then I believe that we deserve what we get.

I felt that I should draw your attention to this immediately. Call me a cynic (and I will be delighted), but is it a coincidence that East Riding have already drawn up their Draft SCI without consulting us, and that the consultation period is to be, (yes you?ve guessed), Aug. 8th ? Sept. 9th

I believe that we in the East Riding must make our contribution to Hull?s SCI as well as our own, and vice versa. I will pass details to Ian to put on the website as soon as I know what I myself am going to do. National FOE have produced a useful list of questions to be considered.

I will be delighted to share my thoughts with you. But, it is essential that you act, both as members of Hull FOE, East Yorkshire EYE, and other organisations, and most important, as individuals.

Contact me. Me? I?ll probably be back doing what I enjoy most, attempting to confound my favourite council.

Barry Robinson

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Thu, 28 Jul 2005
News Release
Green Party of England and Wales

Greens worry about racist implications of ?shoot-to-kill?

Would Menezes still be alive if he had been white? Greens call for public debate.

"If this is Blair?s vision of Britain in the 21st century, where innocent people can be shot because they look or act differently to a norm, then it is a Britain that neither Greens nor British Muslims would want to live in." - Khalid Hussenbux, Green Party national executive.

The Green Party issued a warning today that Britain could resemble a racist police state if issues surrounding the death of Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes are not openly addressed in public debate. Yesterday it was claimed that not only was Menezes not wearing a "bulky" jacket, but that he had not in fact leapt over ticket barriers after all...

Khalid Hussenbux, a Muslim member of the Green Party?s national executive said ?Day-by-day the balance of evidence seems to be tipping away from the presumption that police were protecting the public towards a realisation that a terrified innocent man was hunted down and shot repeatedly in the head, with little justification, in front of horrified fellow passengers.?

Khalid Hussenbux said ?Obviously, Menezes was not white. What Greens want to know is how this factor heightened police suspicions and therefore cemented Menezes' fate. Would they have shot him so easily if he had been white, if he had not arguably looked Muslim?

"If this is Blair?s vision of Britain in the 21st century, where innocent people can be shot because they look or act differently to a norm, then it is a Britain that neither Greens nor British Muslims would want to live in.

"Greens do not want to see a parallel of the stop-and-search phenomenon, which has so disproportionately affected black males, becoming not only an everyday but a potentially lethal value judgement put upon innocent people - especially Muslims - by the police and by their fellow citizens.

If Labour cannot understand the pressure and distress that this puts on British Muslims and those from other minority ethnic groups, then they are not fit to govern this country in these complex times."

ENDS

Interviews and Comment, contact Green Party press office on 0207 561 0282 press@greenparty.org.uk

Ian Ibbetson

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Mon, 25 Jul 2005
Dear Friends,

I have sent the letter below to Charles Clarke, and modified it to Diana Johnson. You may feel inspired to, too.

NO2ID Cards meeting - tnite, 7.30pm - St Cuthberts Church hall , Marlborough Ave. (down right, behind church)

Regards
Martin

Diana Johnson - johnsond@parliament.uk
Alan Johnson -
http://www.locata.co.uk/cgi-bin/
webdriver?MIval=commons_mail&id=241
John Prescott, Deputy PM -
http://www.locata.co.uk/cgi-bin/
webdriver?MIval=commons_mail&id=239 Charles Clarke, Home Sec -
http://www.locata.co.uk/cgi-bin/
webdriver?MIval=commons_mail&id=334
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Dear

What happened on Friday with the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes was a tragedy. Everyone will accept that the police have a difficult job - but it should remain difficult. There are no shortcuts to justice in a society that truly wants to regard itself as free and fair.

From what I have read and heard so far I do not accept that his death was an 'unfortunate accident'.

Despite the threat from bombings that we have seen recently, and the stubborn refusal on the part of some to see these as related to international events, I do not want to see Britain descend down the path of 'guilty until proven innocent (posthumously)' or of 'summary executions on suspicion'.

My first suspicions from reports on Friday have been confirmed.

Will you support the carrying out of a full investigation? Do you expect the outcome likely to be just and fair to the memory of Mr Menezes? By this I am expecting that the officer(s) concerned do not remain immune from prosecution.

However, if we were to agree that suicide bombers should be stopped at any cost then at what stage do we blow up the entire block of flats in Stockwell? (If you think this an exaggeration let's remember it's routine to drop a 500lb bomb in whatever general area is identified to be the origin of a mortar round - by our allies in Iraq).

Would you tend to agree that it is not proportionate to chase a dark skinned man and put 5 bullets in his head. On suspicion. This way we can end up justifying anything and losing everything worth fighting for.

Please remember too, the predecessors in the Home Office, who in a similar 'serious-minded' reaction presided over proceedings which found 4 then 6 Irish men guilty of bombings in Guildford and Birmingham. They were all innocent.

Just as ID cards won't stop suicide bombers, neither will the use of fatal force by the police on innocent civilians. The indications so far clearly point to inadequate ascertaining by the police as to the true nature of this good and decent man. It hardly needs saying that the officer who shot him was white, nor does it need pointing out that the victim was of darker skin. Quotes today seem to be putting society on notice that more of these shootings are on the way. Please undertake to work against this.

Yours sincerely,

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Thu, 21 Jul 2005
Carbon - fiddling whilst resources burn
Barry,
As we all know, when 1 tonne of refuse is burnt, 1 tonne of Carbon Dioxide is produced and enters the atmosphere. About 2 tonnes of Nitrous Oxides can also be produced.

Some questions to your councillors:
When an incinerator is operated, who is responsible for the cost of carbon emissions. Is it the operator, the local authority or the taxpayer?

Carbon Trading - it could cost ?15 per tonne of carbon dioxide produced and carbon stable storage could receive ?10 per tonne. Has your county/waste operator planned to pay carbon taxes for the ?15 times the tonnage burnt? Will this appear on council taxes?

Is there any scientific evidence to prove that the burning of plastic (oil based product) can be classed as "renewable energy"? (Carbon Fiddling)!

Nitrous Oxides can causes many health problems, and is reported to be a stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Again who is responsible for these emissions. Is it the operator, the local authority or the taxpayer?

Chris

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Thu, 21 Jul 2005
Carbon - fiddling whilst resources burn
"Chris Reynell" c.reynell@btconnect.com wrote
As we all know, when 1 tonne of refuse is burnt, 1 tonne of Carbon Dioxide is produced and enters the atmosphere. About 2 tonnes of Nitrous Oxides can also be produced.

.. take care over such figures - rather more than a tonne of CO2; also costs can be quoted as tonnes of C within the CO2, which is 12/44 times less. ...much less than 2 tonnes of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, not nitrous oxide N2O) especially when NOx abatement is working (as required).

Max Wallis

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Mon, 18 Jul 2005
Dear Friends, A few items -
1 Bombing and dissent
2 Make Poverty History - Speakers in Hull - Tues Aug 2nd
3 PEACE TAX 7 - hearing imminent
4 CONGRATULATIONS - 10,000 sign NO 2 ID pledge!

Bombing & Dissent 2 minutes for the dead last Thursday ought to translate as 88 hours silence for 100,000 Iraqi dead. But there won't be silence for them, there will only be the rainbow rhetoric of Blair and his acolytes 'extending hearts in sympathy for the (British) bereaved', and "condemning terrorism" (though not ours) and calling on Muslim leaders and parents to drive fanaticism from their communities.

But it doesn't take much to subvert the rhetoric and show it for what it is. Just replace "Muslim" with "Christian". We call on all Christian leaders and parents to drive out the fanatics! Yes please! Fanatics who would lead us to war, so committed to war they lie and lie and lie, so committed to war that they spend more on their military than the entire remainder of the world (USA, 2004/5), so committed they are prepared to strike with nuclear weapons first.

They will make the most of it they possibly can. Tony Blair, Charles Clarke and Jack Straw, today, ludicrously suggesting our illegal/immoral attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq, had nothing to do with the London bombings. It's an easy claim, "they are attacking our way of life". But whose way of life? Tony Blair's way of life certainly is not mine. I would not dream of joining George Bush and his wars, or keeping Britain number two in the arms trade, nor support sanctions on Iraq, now reliably estimated to have killed 1.5 million Iraqis, half of them children. (UN)

Their words are like rat poison, Tony Blair, Clarke, Straw, the others. They are PR men for the Empire. Do they all have Bush's speechwriter nowadays? You don't have to listen to them. Feel free to turn off your TV or radio. Listen to your own instincts. Write your own speech! Send it in.

Martin

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Tue, 19 Jul 2005
Dear colleagues.
I understand that the above document may be vitally important, as (so I understand), it indicates the steps our councils intend to take in involving us, the residents in the planning process.

The very idea that we should be considered intelligent enough to take part in such a process fills me with awe.

However, having experienced, over the last six years ,the seeming efforts of our officers to make sure that we have no role, I suggest that we grasp the opportunity, cut through the hype, and TRY to have some influence on the matter.

Our draft 'Statement of Community Involvement' went before the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet on 14th July. It will appear on council's website on 21st. Open for consultation in August. I?m afraid that I don?t know anything about Hull?s.

Thanks to whoever it was who drew my attention to it. As usual, (WHY do they do it?), I expect it to receive minimum publicity. I had no idea this was at all important, nor that it was in the pipeline.

Will all local campaigners in Hull and East Riding note that we need to take part in the consultation.

Barry Robinson

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Tue, 12 Jul 2005
On Friday the 5th August, there will be an opportunity to listen to and ask questions of Tony Juniper, FOE executive director. He will be talking about climate change, public participation, rights and redress as the keynote speaker for the Friends of the Earth Rights & Justice conference, at the Northern College, Barnsley.

Why not stay for a social after for a while?

Contact: Tim Sander tims@foe.co.uk, or ring 0113 389 9954

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Tue, 12 Jul 2005
The Leeds office (which is the regional headquarters for FOE) regularly send out information to local groups about forthcoming events etc.
If anyone would like to be on the list (rather than relying on me forwarding information around), please would they contact Carole Zagrovich (the regional campaigns coordinator for Yorkshire & the Humber). Her email is. CaroleZ@foe.co.uk.
Best wishes

Sue

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Fri, 8 Jul 2005
Dear friends
We wondered if anyone had any photos they would like to send us re yesterday at Menwith Hill and Scott Ritter please? We forgot to take the camera and would like to put some on the CAAB website - of course accredited to taker of photos!
Best wishes

Lindis and Anni

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Thu, 7 Jul 2005

Dear Friends
It may seem a little insensitive to raise this subject today but Alisdair and I have been working to arrange a start up meeting for a Hull based campaign against the introduction of ID cards for a couple of weeks now and had already fixed the date.

The fact is that there is little evidence to suggest that ID cards are effective in combatting the sort of terrorist outrage seen in London today. Unfortunately that is unlikely to prevent the government from using today's tragedy to leverage their plans to promote a police state in the UK at our expense.

If you are concerned about this issue please try to make it on Monday Evening, or contact either myself or Alisdair.

Regards

Ian Ibbetson

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Tue, 5 Jul 2005
Friends of the Earth will be recruiting supporters on the streets this week in your local area. See below for further detail about when and where. As some of you know, it would be great to give you more notice about this.
I saw them in town this morning and thought, "If the media had contacted me about this I would have looked a right idiot (even more than usual)".
It would have been essential to give us notice!

Stephen

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Mon, 4 Jul 2005
Friends of the Earth will be recruiting supporters on the streets this week in your local area. See below for further detail about when and where. As some of you know, it would be great to give you more notice about this but unfortunately it is not possible so apologies if some of you are reading this post event. If you have any concerns or if something particular is happening in the local area that you think they should be aware of please don't hesitate to let me know as soon as possible.

Tues 5th - Bournemouth, Hull and Bury
Wed 6th - Poole, Skegness and Oldham
Thurs 7th - Bournemouth, Alford, Mablethorpe, Prestwich and Radcliff
Fri 8th - Bournemouth, Grimsby and Olham
Sat 9th - Wareham, Wimborne, Ferndown, Hull, Chadderton and Royton

Many thanks for all your hard work and best wishes,
Lou

Lou Krzan
Fundraising Officer
Direct Line: 020 7566 1613
Switchboard: 020 7490 1555 Ext 0123

Louise Krzan

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Mon, 4 Jul 2005
Monday 4th July - Menwith Hill Station, noon. Celebrate Independence FROM America Day at the foremost US spybase in the Northern Hemisphere. Commended for its role in 1991 Gulf War, MHS now watches everyone, 2 million intercepts per hour. For American advantage. Hear Scott Ritter (ex UN Weapons Inspector). Hear Chumbawumba, acoustic. Dress UP! MHS is 15 mins outside Harrogate on the Skipton Road, A58. See www.caab.org.uk

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Mon, 4 Jul 2005
Hello !
What a great day yesterday in Edinburgh was - MAKE POVERTY HISTORY - Saturday July 2nd !!
Hundreds of pictures coming soon at http://www.thisisull.com Up Now - hundreds of pics of the Gig in the Gardens - 18th June world music event.
Cheers,

Martin

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Mon, 4 Jul 2005
Friends of the Earth will be recruiting supporters on the streets this week in your local area. See below for further detail about when and where. As some of you know, it would be great to give you more notice about this but unfortunately it is not possible so apologies if some of you are reading this post event. If you have any concerns or if something particular is happening in the local area that you think they should be aware of please don't hesitate to let me know as soon as possible.

Tues 5th - Bournemouth, Hull and Bury
Wed 6th - Poole, Skegness and Oldham
Thurs 7th - Bournemouth, Alford, Mablethorpe, Prestwich and Radcliff
Fri 8th - Bournemouth, Grimsby and Olham
Sat 9th - Wareham, Wimborne, Ferndown, Hull, Chadderton and Royton

Many thanks for all your hard work and best wishes,
Lou

Lou Krzan
Fundraising Officer
Direct Line: 020 7566 1613
Switchboard: 020 7490 1555 Ext 0123

Louise Krzan

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Mon, 4 Jul 2005
Worried about climate change? Think the Government isn't doing enough?
You're not alone. Write to your MP at:
http://www.thebigask.com

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Mon, 4 Jul 2005
Hi All,
43 people filled in post cards to send to their MP pressing for more government action on Climate Change, at the Avenues Open Gardens event yesterday, virtually everyone who stopped at the stall outside my house.
I'll be doing the same thing from 1pm on next Saturday 9th July at the Ella Street Festival, outside Tim Stimson's house at 84 Ella St. and at my house 170 Victoria Ave from 1pm on Sunday 10th July at the Avenues Open Gardens again.
Help would be greatly appreciated; contact me or just turn up. If you want to take part in a really easy Day of Action this is it!

Hilary

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Sun, 3 Jul 2005
COMMUNICATION REVIEW
The Resource Use and Waste Team is undertaking a communication review, which was mailed out in the form of a questionnaire to all members of the Friends of the Earth Waste Network. The questionnaire covers all the communication channels that the Resource Use and Waste Team use, including Waste News. We would greatly appreciate your input in this important exercise, the deadline to return the completed form is 22 July 2005. Please note that although there is no specific space for respondents to give their name and group, it would be helpful for us if you did.

WASTE STRATEGY REVIEW ACTION
The Government is reviewing the national waste strategy for England this year, Waste Strategy 2000. As part of this review they are reassessing the national and local recycling targets. We want higher national targets put in place and further targets set for local authorities so that recycling rates continue to improve. Please take part in our MP email action at: http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/waste/
press_for_change/ recycling_targets/index.html Together with a number of other NGOs we have also written a joint statement of policy recommendations for the Waste Strategy review. Here is a link to the press release we put out:
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/ call_for_radical_change_to_01072005.html
and to the statement: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/
briefing_notes/waste_to_resource.pdf NORTHERN IRELAND'S DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT LAMBASTED
The Northern Ireland Audit office recently issued a report on the region's Waste Management Strategy, which was described by Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland as the "Final nail in the coffin for some senior Department of the Environment (DOE) managers". The report identified numerous important failings of the Waste Management Strategy, even lamenting the DOE's own poor record on recycling. Declan Allison, of Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland responded to the report by stating that: "Once again the DOE's failure is clear for all to see. How many times must we hear about poor co-ordination, delays in implementation, targets not being met and funding being withheld before some-one takes responsibility? Whatever happened to three strikes and you're out?"

To read Friends of the Earth Northern Irelands press release, please visit:
http://www.foe.co.uk/northern_ireland/
press_releases/ 2005/waste_strike_three.html

The attacks on London by suicide bombers on July 7 and July 21, together with the killing of an innocent man by police on July 22 have led to a major increase in tension throughout the country.

This situation imposes new responsibilities on the anti-war movement in articulating the desire of the majority of the British people to see an end to the occupation of Iraq and the ?war on terror? and to preserve our fundamental civil liberties in the face of both terrorism and the palpable risk of an authoritarian backlash by the state.

The Stop the War Coalition has condemned unequivocally the bombings and attempted bombings in London. No disagreements with government policy can justify these acts. Those killed and maimed are not the authors of that policy, nor its instruments, nor its beneficiaries. Their killing is as unjustifiable as the killing of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere, killings StWC has always condemned.

We have likewise condemned the death of Jean Charles de Menezes. He committed no crime other than having the wrong coloured skin and wearing the wrong clothes. His death is in large part attributable to the anti-Muslim hysteria whipped up by sections of the media, allied to disastrously faulty police intelligence. There can be no question of any support for a ?shoot-to-kill? policy implemented in such a climate and in such a fashion.

Regrettably, it is more than likely that we have not seen the last of either suicide bombing or police killings in this country. Under these circumstances, the critical issues we all face are the need to continue to address British foreign policy, to prevent any backlash against the Muslim community and the broader defence of civil liberties.

We reject any attempts to close down debate on these issues, any tendency for analysis to be equated with appeasement, debate with treachery. The search for the root causes of the present problems is not merely defensible, it is essential. Those supporters of the Iraq war in government or in the media who are presently trying to deny debate, lest it implicate the policies they have advocated, are not serving the interests of the British people.

85 per cent of the British people now believe that there is a connection between the London bombings and the Iraq conflict. This linkage is acknowledged by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the famous Chatham House think tank, amongst others. This argument is all but over.

The invasion and occupation of Iraq is shorthand for wider concerns about Anglo-US foreign policy, as well as being a catastrophe in itself. These other concerns include the failure to secure justice for the Palestinian people, the occupation of Afghanistan, the imprisonment foe years without trial at Guantanamo Bay and the continued support for despotisms like that in Saudi Arabia, as well as earlier problems such as the immense suffering caused by the sanctions regime against Iraq. We repeat that none of these issues can justify what was done on July 7 or attempted on July 21, but nor can they be ignored if there is to be any hope of avoiding a repetition.

We reject the view that the terrorism is rooted in Muslim fanaticism. This mistakes form for content. It is no more real than saying that George Bush is following a ?Christian fundamentalist? foreign policy, or that the IRA was animated by Catholicism rather than the Irish national question.

The attempt by the Prime Minister to locate the problem as simply ?evil ideology? stokes the danger of a violent backlash against British Muslims, as well as being a wholly inadequate explanation of events. It may be convenient for Tony Blair to avoid confronting the part played by his own mistakes, but this rhetoric can only add to the climate of panic. The Stockwell shooting is the most extreme _expression of this panic to date. It must be said loud and clear: neither Muslims nor Islam are the problem. Terrorism is rooted in real problems here on earth.

In particular, the StWC expresses its solidarity with the Muslim Association of Britain, our partners in the anti-war movement. Major attempts are being made to demonise MAB, no doubt because of its active political role in opposition to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Immense pressure is presently being placed on British Muslim leaders to back the government?s policy in this crisis. This seems to have less to do with the security situation and more to do with giving the government shelter from criticism of its policies which have contributed to the disaffection of large numbers of people, both Muslim and others.

It is totally unacceptable for ministers and media pundits to now assert that Muslims must ?choose between democracy and terrorism?. British Muslims have already overwhelmingly rejected terror for democracy. It was the government itself which ignored the views of the British people when it took this country to war against Iraq in defiance of majority opinion. Hundreds of thousands of British Muslims marched on February 15, and protested around the country against the war, most for the first time. They were ignored, democracy was denied. This contributes to the conditions that drive desperate and foolish people to commit terrible criminal acts.

Today, the unity of the anti-war movement is more vital than ever. We must stand up for peace and freedom. The trade unions, peace and human rights organisations, socialists, liberals and Greens, the nationalists in Scotland and Wales, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu and other religious groups must stand together for our common values.

We must stand with the Muslim community in its time of trial and resist panic legislation which will do little to make people safer while handing vast new powers to the state and the expense of individual and collective liberties.

Above all, we must redouble our campaign to secure the complete withdrawal of British troops from Iraq. We should not do this because of July 7, but because it is right.

It is right because of the 100,000 civilian deaths recorded since the occupation began, many of them violent, and most of these attributable to the occupying forces. Right because of the terrorism that has mushroomed in Iraq since Britain and the US unlawfully constituted themselves the authority there.

Right because of the terrible economic and social dislocation after two years of occupation. Right because of the torture and degradation of civilians carried out by British and US forces at Abu Ghraib and Camp Breadbasket. Right because the reasons advanced for the war have all been shown to be false, because the war was illegal, and the occupation is a continuing affront to international law. And right because of the 92 British soldiers killed, and the hundreds wounded, in the course of this adventure which has demonstrably failed to make our country safer.

We must campaign for the troops to be withdrawn no later than Christmas this year. This is the policy of many trade unions, of the Liberal Democratic Party, of many other political forces and a considerable body of Labour opinion. It is also supported by most of the country.

This campaign cannot be silenced by the tragedies in London. It must be redoubled. That must be the priority for our great people?s movement for peace and justice.

Martin Deane

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Wed, 20 Jul 2005
Statement of Community Involvement:
Excuse me if you are already aware of 'Statement ogf Community Involvement'. I have just learned of it, as our council discreetly gets ready to slide it under the carpet. The idea seems to be brilliant. It seems to be a Government attempt to allow us a say in planning. I may have got it wrong, but what I see fills me, (well almost), with hope that we may have some influence on things like incinerator planning applications, BEFORE the officer / Big Business mafia, get their grubby hands on things. Ours went before Council Cabinet 14th July. The draft document goes on their website next week. Then consultation starts Aug 8th for five weeks I believe. I don't know about Hull, but you can find out details. I have been looking at Chester's details. It may still be open for consultation. There are a lot of other Authorities SCIs on the web as well. I simply looked on Yahoo using, Statement+community+involvement.

It is clear in Chester's that they like the idea of tick boxes. You know, you don't put in anything useful, you just tick airy-fairy ideas. BUT, the 'Soundness of the Statement will be examined by an Inspector at an independent examination' So get in there. Send in your comments along with your tick box list. Demand to be allowed to contact the Inspector. Then demand to be allowed into any meetings..

This may be OUR opportunity to get things done as we want them. If we act half-heartedly, then it will be the last chance w ever get as the mafia are just waiting.

If anyone wants any help then I'll be happy to help.
Time is probably very short. Tell all to get involved.

Barry Robinson

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Mon, 18 Jul 2005
MPH Speakers in Hull
Hello to everybody who took part and those who missed the Jubilee 2005 MPH cycle ride on the 27th June. I hope those of you that came along on the Monday enjoyed the mornings events. The Jubilee 2005 cyclists certainly did, so much so that John Beardmore who cycled the rest of the way to Edinburgh from Hull with the group (well done John) has managed to persuade Margaret Hanson & Roger Harrington, two of the cyclists who travelled through Kenya and Tanzania, to talk at a Make Poverty History public meeting at the Friends Meeting House, 4 Percy Street, Hull city centre at 7pm Tuesday 2nd August '05. Both are very informative and entertaining speakers and are able to convey the underlying causes of poverty in Africa, around the world and the role of the G8 in a manner not short on fact or lacking in humour, don't miss John's rap!

With the tragedy of the London bombings coming so quickly after the euphoria of the winning Olympic bid it has been all to easy for the cause that brought millions of people together around the world in a common ideal to fade into the background, some E.U. governments are already being accused of reneging on or watering down promises made at Gleneagles. We all know that they were only prepared to go as far as they were being pushed in the first place, but hey, the door is ajar and i for one won't be removing my toe just yet.

So, where do we go from here? Well, i will be going along to the Make Poverty History meeting on the 2nd August for a start, hopefully you wiil to. If you can't make the meeting stay in touch, anyone with ideas for actions to keep MPH high profile in Hull and surrounding areas please let me know. Cheers,

Bryan Berue

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Thu, 16 Jun 2005
Hull Pagans Events


Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice Picnic Celebration. 1pm Beverley Westwood. Meet at the gate near Burton Bushes opposite the race course. Saturday 18th June.

Also remember...

Hull Pagans Online:
http://hullpagan.proboards40.com/
News and disscussion web forum run by Amy.

* Saturday July 9th. The Suppressed Goddess. The Goddess hidden in Christian texts, Black Madonnas, forbidden gospels...Talk by Pippa (01482 492230).

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Sun, 29 May 2005
Hull Pagans Events


REMINDERS and UPDATES
In particular note Exploring our Sacred Grove
11am at Beverley Westwood on Sunday June 12th (Coordinated by Tim).

LAND FUND
See info at the end of this message.

FOR SALE:
Nick is selling an Oak Gothic Bookcase/cabinet at half price - 300 pounds ono. (07773896826)

HULL PAGANS ONLINE:
http://hullpagan.proboards40.com/

Pub Moots

Next Spring Bank Tavern Moot - Monday 6th June, from 8pm as usual.
Also every Thursday at The Avenue on Chanterlands ave from about 9pm.

Sacred Grove

*11am at Beverley Westwood on Sunday June 12th
Exploring our sacred grove - a visit to our usual open ritual site for a closer look at the trees etc in the vicinity (forming a deeper conection, looking at the natural history, sacred lore of the trees there etc), possible meditation. Coordinated by Tim . The trees nearby include oak, beech, silver birch holy, hawthorn. The more people know something about these to share with everyone the better! Bring a picnic. This day will also feature the into to Kim's magical tool workshop.

* Saturday July 9th. The Suppressed Goddess. The Goddess hidden in Christian texts, Black Madonnas, forbidden gospels...Talk by Pippa .

Open Rituals

Does anyone want to organise a Summer Solstice open ritual? If so let me know the details an I will send a message to everyone.

Quite a few of us will be at oakleaf for Lammas and there will be a ritual there. If people who are staying in Hull want to organise an open ritual I can pass on the details to everyone. Just let me know.

It has been suggested that we do a ritual on a beach for the Autumn Equinox (we have done a beach ritual before and it was great). Not more details or ideas yet.

For Samhain the curent idea is to move from house to house in the Avenues area, singing "The Soul Song" and picking up people as we go.

Forthcoming Moots
(dates not confirmed yet)

* August - We usually do not have a moot in August as it is peak holiday time, but if anyone wants to do something please let me know. Actually here may be a mask making moot at the end of June, bu this is yet to be confirmed

* September - Making magical tools - talk/workshop by Kim

* October - Celtic Deities - talk by Ron

Trips

Camping at Anglesey and North Wales 13 June --19 June.

Oakleaf Camp

In the past few years quite a few of us have gone to the Oakleaf Camp(and had a great time there). The following information is taken from the Oakleaf web site. Note that this event is not organised by Hull Pagans. Their web address is www.oakleafcircle.org. (oakleafcircle@aol.com)

"The next Lammas Camp is on the weekend of the 30th/31st July 2005, on a farm near Ripon in North Yorkshire. Although the Camp is officially on the Saturday and Sunday, people can arrive and set up from Friday noon onwards, and pack up and leave on the Monday morning. We haven't yet set ticket prices.

Tickets have been or are being sent out around now. If you sent off an application a while ago and hav not got tickets yet it would be a good idead to contact oakleaf by email.

New on-line discussion group for Hull Pagans!

Amy has set up a new on line discussion group (to replace the yahoo one).
Go to http://hullpagan.proboards40.com/ and sign up!
(Amy is working hard to set this site to set this site up, so please take a look). Note that I will be continuing to send out emails about house moots etc to this private list and house moot details will not be posted on open web pages.

The Land Fund Debate

This is an attempt to document (in no particular order) the key issues for debate (written by Philip and Ian)

For a while now we have (somewhat on and off) been raising money for what we call the "land fund" or sometimes "tree fund". From the very first moments of the idea being discussed (and the first money collected) in a Sping Bank Monday Moot different people have had different ideas of what it was about.

After Tony's recent talk on Dion Fortune we discussed some of the issues relating to the land fund and it was clear that there was a range of opinions on the matter. It was decided we should have a meeting for eveyone interested in being involved in the project (including fund raising, "committee work", work with whatever land we might eventually obtain/use).

Before the meeting we thought that it would be a good idea to write a paper describing all the issues, options and ideas so that it could be circulated and everyone would well informed before the meeting. Philip started writing the debate summary and I have added a few bits to it.

Is the site primarily for use as a ritual site or for nature conservation? Levels of use/access we may consider: i) untouched conservation/wildness; ii) managed conservation; iii) conservation and ritual; iv) conservation, ritual and other uses and v) ritual and other uses with no specific conservation effort.

If it's for nature conservation, wouldn't it be better to donate the money to one of those organisations (such as the Woodland Trust) who are doing this already, know what they're doing and can do things on a much larger scale? On the other hand if people have the time and enthusiasm we could probably learn how to manage a site for conservation and this may be a way of "connecting with nature".

Could we work with a conservation group? joint ownership and/or management?

If the site is for nature conservation should it be managed or simply be allowed to "grow wild". Most conservation groups manage their land to improved biodiversity and improve habitat for less common or more sensitive species. Particularly high quality (for a conservation point of view) sites can occur spontaneously on so called "waste ground", but this is relatively rare. But maybe "quality" conservation is not a primary issue and it would be preferable to allow some kind of "wild state" (whatever happens to grow/live there).

Is there a problem with dual use (ritual and conservation)? Assuming only we had access to the land, ritual use would probably result in quite a small level of access/disturbance (e.g. compared to nature reserves open to the public). Also, we could stop use/access at particular times if we knew it was necessary (e.g. breeding season of sensitive species).

We could go further with use of the land. E.g. coppice trees, harvest berries for ritual wine and herbs for magic, practice woodland crafts etc. This should of course be done in a spirit of living with/connecting with the land in a sustainable way.

If the site is used for ritual will some kind of booking system for different groups be needed? Who gets priority when? Would we need a rota? Would everyone want access at the same time (seasonal celebrations, lunar cycles). Will this cause disharmony? But, if the site was large enough it may accommodate more than one group at a time?

Should the site be somewhere in Hull or somewhere out in the East Riding? If it is Hull how would the site be protected? Would it too easily be used as a rubbish tip by non-pagan residents of Hull?

Should it be an existing area of woodland or, in view of the fact that the East Riding is one of the least wooded counties, should we get a piece of open land and turn it into a wood either by planting trees (quick) or just leaving it for 50 years (slow - perhaps too slow for some of us!)?

Then there are the boring things like whether we need to establish the fund formally, have a committee, constitution, bank account, etc.; also, the question of insurance will need to be raised. If our land is adjacent to a public road and a tree fell down on someone we would need to be insured.

Then again, do we need land anyway? Many pagans feel that one of the advantages of paganism is that we don't have buildings to upkeep, like the Christian churches for example, and that we can just go out into the countryside and find somewhere to do a ritual: we don't need to own the land. Philip, for example, has performed many rituals in the countryside but never been stopped by landowners or gamekeepers. On the other hand, maybe owning the land would help us interact with it more deeply, so it maybe would be more than the equivalent of a church building?

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm