Organic Food & Farming Talk by Ulrich Schmutz

100% organic food and farming - the future for a post-oil-based farming industry?
A talk by Ulrich Schmutz

Monday February 16th

Ulrich’s career as a researcher in organic farming and horticulture shapes his take on the possibilities – and possibility - of total organic farming. He will draw on several projects he is involved with and other current and published research. He will outline the strength and weaknesses of the organic approach, and look at the fossil-fuel (aka carbon footprint) issue and other environmental economic issues of current conventional food production.

As everybody has to eat, and many grow their own food and even have some farming links, Ulrich is hoping for a lively discussion - as some of his organic-scenario thinking will demand personal lifestyle changes!

Ulrich Schmutz worked at Berlin University in Germany and as farm business consultant in East Germany before joining the HDRA research charity (new name - Garden Organic) at Ryton as an environmental economist seven years ago. He has been working on research projects with various UK Universities (including Warwick University’s organic research facility at Warwick HRI Wellesbourne). He is also visiting Professor for Organic Farming at Bolzano University, Italy.

http://www.cafescientifique.org/leamington_spa.htm

Low Carbon Day

LOW CARBON LEAMINGTON EVENT

Saturday 31st January, 2009 - 10 am – 1.00 pm

Wolseley’s Sustainable Building Center, Harrison Way (Spa Park)
Leamington Spa CV31 3HH

Confused by how you can make a contribution to a more sustainable future? Not sure what are the best ways of reducing your carbon footprint?

Leamington Spa is working towards being a Transition Town – a place where all its residents are less reliant on oil and other scarce and increasingly expensive resources. To achieve this it is important that everyone in our community is aware of the sustainable alternatives that are readily available and affordable.

Royal Leamington Spa Town Council has joined with Wolseley, the UK’s leading distributor of plumbing and heating products and a major supplier of construction materials, to provide an opportunity for everyone to see the various energy efficient products now available and obtain advice on how to use these to maximise energy conservation and financial saving. Fittingly this event will be held at Wolseley’s Sustainable Building Center at Spa Park. This
exemplar building is a UK first and showcases the latest sustainable products and renewable technologies in their working environment, all of which are available now, through Wolseley’s nationwide branch network.

Go along to their “Low Carbon Leamington” day on Saturday 31st January between 10 am and 3 pm to find out more.

MICHAEL ROADS ON TOUR 2009

2-DAY WORKSHOP AT GARDEN ORGANIC RYTON, WARWICKSHIRE

Sat 4^th - Sun 5^TH APRIL 2009, 9.30-5.30pm

“CONSCIOUS GARDENING AND THE POWER OF LOVE”

Spiritual author and teacher Michael J. Roads makes his only stop in the UK on his European tour 2009. With a huge following on the continent, Michael is now being discovered in his homeland.

During this 2-day seminar, Michael will take participants on a journey through his own experiences of communicating with nature to the realisation of consciousness connecting with love. The seminar will be a combination of talks and experiential inner-exercises.

It is also possible to attend for 1 day.

Cost: Full 2-day seminar £110, 1-day: £60

(Includes tea and coffee. Organic lunch may be purchased separately at Garden Organic’s restaurant and coffee shop.)

For bookings and further information please contact Julia Wright, email: jwright@bananahill.net Tel. 01926 316962

****PLACES LIMITED****

See Michael’s website: www.michaelroads.com

2009 Burn's Night Ceilidh!

A special message from one of our members, Steven, who is organising this year's Burn's night ceilidh:

'It's a special year for Burns' night in 2009 as it is the 250th anniversary of the great bard's birth!

For this read "even bigger excuse than usual for ceilidh fun and extreme spinning"

Details below of the Burns' Night ceilidh in Leamington on the night of the 24th January and tickets available in advance from Steven at stevenahunt@hotmail.com or call on 07811 127741 to arrange.

Dress-code – anything you like, but a flash (or more) of tartan encouraged!

Hope to see you there!'