Blog Feed: Ruscombe Green

Films of GlosVAIN incinerator talk in Randwick

Published on 2013-01-02 01:00:00

Yesterday I uploaded 2 films to Stroud Community TV of the talk in Randwick Village Hall (see poster left) about the proposals for an incinerator at Javelin Park - nearly 70 people came along and there was a lively discussion - these films are highli

Why deadwood is important; make a pile now!

Published on 2013-01-01 01:00:00

Happy new year to all my blog readers! To start the eyar I'm talking deadwood....Some will be familiar with the Randwick Woodfuel project which I started and is now part of Transition Stroud. My film here covers some of what we get up to, but an issu

Porritt incinerator public meeting details confirmed

Published on 2012-12-31 07:30:00

Before Christmas I noted a public meeting was planned (see here) to look at the proposals regarding the incinerator - well below are the details of this key public meeting - meanwhile the new e-petition against the incinerator is at: http://epetition

Stroud Winterfest 2012 film just out

Published on 2012-12-29 00:30:00

Just wanted to note that I've uploaded a film I've put together of all the wonderful stalls and projects at Transition Stroud's Winterfest....it was a great event with lots of inspiring people and projects that are making a real difference to Stroud.

Domestic abuse script writing course

Published on 2012-12-27 04:00:00

While I was making the film about the Goodwill evening I also managed to meet up with Sorcha and John and do a quick advert for their script writing course. See film on Stroud Community TV at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/write-a-domestic-abuse-drama-co

Fuel Save offers may cost you more!

Published on 2012-12-26 04:00:00

View across to Bread St, Ruscombe A wee while ago I noted my small part in getting £12m for fuel poverty and renewables in Stroud District - see here - well here's a related issue....Green party colleague, Gerald Hartley, sent me a note before Chri

Merry Christmas!

Published on 2012-12-24 10:00:00

Frosty view across Painswick Just a note to wish all my blog readers a very merry Christmas and all the very best for 2013.

My film of Stroud Goodwill Evening 2012

Published on 2012-12-24 00:00:00

I'm not a film maker but do enjoy trying to capture some of the wonderful community events we have in our area - here's one I made of the Goodwill evening now on Stroud Community TV:  http://stroudcommunity.tv/stroud-goodwill-evening-2012/ Merry Ch

Gas Mains replacement to Bread Street at last!

Published on 2012-12-23 01:00:00

Local residents will have received a DVD about the plans to dig up our roads to replace gas mains in Bread Street. It was therefore with great concern that I saw Highways repairing large sections of the road in Bread Street....I asked if they were aw

Whiteshill Post Box saved

Published on 2012-12-22 04:00:00

SNJ report I never thought there was much of a chance to save the Victorian post box in a wall on The Plain as another box is not so far away - but it is historic and an important part of the village. All credit to Parish councillor Peter Hood for l

Randwick Parish Council last night....

Published on 2012-12-22 02:30:00

Thursday night was the Parish Council meeting - and presentation of cheques to local groups like the Revellers  - Sue Ryder had sent a representative who made a presentation as to how the money was spent - in particular at Leckhampton Court - see th

Calls for public inquiry on incinerator; meeting and petition

Published on 2012-12-21 12:45:00

View across to Bread Street, Ruscombe There is huge public concern over the potential building of a large waste incinerator at Javelin Park. Greens have long seen the incinerator as a huge mistake. Cllr Sarah Lunnon has been leading the challenges a

Heritage hedge lost at Cashes Green

Published on 2012-12-21 05:30:00

Gabion I've had some correspondence with local residents about the loss of the hedge at Cashes Green Hospital site - see photos here. Sadly there appears to have been a revision to the planning application....the developer wanted to change the hedge

Last Scrutiny meeting...

Published on 2012-12-21 05:11:00

Whiteshill This blog is a bit of a catch up of scrutiny that I've missed what with Christmas and all.... Scrutiny was back on 6th December covered a number of issues like the launch of the Task and Finish group on seeking more info re allotments, p

Incineration opposition growing all the time....

Published on 2012-12-19 01:00:00

Greens protesting at Javelin Park Monday night a couple of weeks ago nearly 70 people in Randwick Village Hall turned up for a talk from GlosVain about the incinerator proposal at Javelin Park - less than 3 miles from here. I hope to have  a film

12m for renewables and fuel poverty in Stroud

Published on 2012-12-18 01:00:00

Last night was Housing Advisory Panel at Ebley Mill where tenants, officers and councillors come together - a key discussion was the Asset Management Strategy. The paper represents a long history of work with tenants, officers and councillors....more

Temporary cabin for Randwick/Ruscombe chicken 'farm'

Published on 2012-12-17 07:43:00

Gold Laced Orpington I have been asked by local residents to publicise the following application: 'S.12/2365/FUL  Land At The Lane, Randwick, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Application for the Erection of a Temporary Agricultural Worker's Dwelling.'Indee

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council meet and drinks

Published on 2012-12-16 17:50:00

Recycling up in the District: still a way to go! Well as noted in the last blog I went along to the Parish Council on Thursday - the first 90 minutes was discussing planning issues with Head of Planning and Chief Exec from the District Council. A nu

Big cat on Whiteshill Playing Field

Published on 2012-12-14 02:21:00

Last night was Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council meeting - more of that in another blog but firstly the food was great - Parish councillors had produced a great variety of delights - anyway one item I have forwarded to the Parish relates to the

Stroud to knit a 7 mile scarf!

Published on 2012-12-11 16:27:00

Stroud's Jaine Rose has come up with a great idea....a 7 mile scarf....well Randwick may hold the record for the longest bunting (see film here) - well it would have done if it had been officially verified - anyhow now Stroud is set to create one of

Small Sparks for Stroud?

Published on 2012-12-10 03:49:00

Key elements from the 'In Community' by In-Control The aim of a small sparks project is: "To develop a way to fund very small neighbourhood projects using an application form that is so straightforward it could be written on a napkin."The idea first

Sheffield Carol Singing leads to Whiteshill singers?

Published on 2012-12-08 17:19:00

The ‘Sheffield Carol Singing’ that I organised at The Star on Wednesday night was wonderful – big thanks to all who made it so good - especially the Rodborough-based Prince Albert Consort pub carollers who joined us to show how it is done. We

Film: Ageing Naturally Together

Published on 2012-12-06 02:22:00

Ageing Naturally Together (ANT) is a new lighthearted musical play, developed by Stroud District Council and the NHS, that aims to highlight self awareness of health messages in groups of older people and those with learning disabilities. I made a

Community determine our Health & Wellbeing

Published on 2012-12-04 23:00:00

A couple of days ago I noted the Fit for Future consultation looking at health in Gloucestershire.....well here's the Haygarth Lecture 2012 by Cormac Russell that clearly spells out why it is Community Assets that determine our Health and Wellbeing f

Smokery launch film - another inspiring local project

Published on 2012-12-04 01:30:00

On Friday I went to the launch of The Smokery at Ruskin Mill and heard about their partnership with Tipputs Inn and more - see my film with voices of the people involved: http://stroudcommunity.tv/the-smokery-launch-ruskin-mill/

New Open Mic Night

Published on 2012-12-03 02:00:00

A new weekly Open Mic session at Stratford Park Leisure Centre Cafe/Bar will run every Friday 7.30pm - 10pm. It's free to everyone.

Smokery opens near Nailsworth

Published on 2012-12-02 01:30:00

Opening Smokery Ruskin Mill College opened their new smokehouse and food processing facility on Friday afternoon. It was funded by the Local Food Fund - an application I supported at the time, so I was delighted to join the cutting of the ribbon by

Fit for the Future is not fit?

Published on 2012-12-01 04:30:00

Local authorities take over public health responsibilities from 2013. The challenges will be immense. Sadly the county is seemingly already off on the wrong foot: their consultation, entitled 'Fit for the Future' looks at their health and social serv

Move to committee system agreed

Published on 2012-11-30 04:32:00

Ebley Mill Council Chamber Last night at Full Council (meeting was cancelled last week due to weather) the key item was the change to a Committee system for the District Council set to come at AGM in 2013. I am very hopefully that a return to this s

Cornhill Market Square should not have access closed

Published on 2012-11-30 01:00:00

Cornhill Market Square There is a proposal to close Cornhill Market Square in Stroud on weekdays, which apparently came from the police to counter anti-social behaviour. I have sought, without joy so far, to gain information on the nature of the pro

More on badgers...

Published on 2012-11-29 14:18:00

Last week...leaves going going.... Well when this blog entry goes live I'll be deep in a Full Council meeting....this blog is a couple of letters that local campaigner Martin Hancox has written to local press. He asked it he could publish them on th

Quotes time again...

Published on 2012-11-28 14:18:00

Last week - leaves going, going..... Here are some more quotes that caught my eye - click the tag below to catch up on previous quotes - the days seem busier and busier - locally a fair few Parish issues - two local planning problems at the moment,

Cuts/changes to local Mobile Library Service

Published on 2012-11-27 01:00:00

International Cuisine at the More Hall Convent Winter Fair.

Published on 2012-11-26 01:00:00

Collaborative Consumption; the coming revolution

Published on 2012-11-25 01:00:00

Great TED talk:  See more here.

Gladman survey not from SDC

Published on 2012-11-24 05:05:00

Russ cartoon re Baxter's Field It seems some folks in Randwick locally have been asked to complete the Gladman housing survey - below is press release from the Council that explains it is not a District Council survey....indeed Baxter's Field is a v

BuyLOCAL magazine: Winter edition out now

Published on 2012-11-24 01:30:00

The Autumn edition of the BuyLOCAL magazine featured me in that page about local people - I've managed to avoid doing that sort of interview in the past but did share this time - do reckon this magazine is a great addition that covers lots of our won

Road Safety Week - a dismal affair?

Published on 2012-11-23 01:00:00

Last night Full Council was cancelled due to the weather forecast - but the Green group of councillors still met to discuss a range of issues and approached - particularly with the budget coming up....but this blog is about a comment to the press by

GCC on flue cleaning and badgers

Published on 2012-11-22 01:30:00

Wow what a day yesterday - poor folk travelling - I gave up trying to get to Gloucester with 18 inches of water on the road at Tuffley, but this evening did manage to get to Cheltenham ....anyway I just got copied in this press notice after the Glos

23 and Black Book

Published on 2012-11-21 01:00:00

No 23 Nelson Street has seen two new venues open for eating and I enjoyed my first visit to both of them on separate days last week....6 months ago No 23 Bar and Bistro opened with it's tapas and more - really not sure why it was only last week that

Book celebration in Stroud

Published on 2012-11-20 01:00:00

My Ten Favourite Books: a central exhibition in Stroud’s Old Town Hall, showcasing the 10 Favourite Books of selected Stroud residents talks and debates presented by leading authors and people involved in making books workshops on the processes an

Discussion 30th Nov: Can Red Be Green?

Published on 2012-11-19 08:38:00

The next Coffee House Discussion, complete with coffee (of course!), all kinds of other drinks and scrumptious cakes, is at Star Anise cafe in Stroud, (behind the Old Painswick Inn, Gloucester St.), on Friday, November 30th from 7.30-9.30 pm. Here's

24th Nov: can you help our Whiteshill and Ruscombe Playing Field?

Published on 2012-11-19 07:55:00

The Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council Playing Field Working Party are having a morning on the Playing Field to carry out maintenance especially on the trees and shrubs around the play area.If anyone is willing and able to help out someone will b

Randwick Parish Council meeting

Published on 2012-11-19 01:00:00

Last Thursday was the monthly Randwick Parish meeting - they alternate between the Village Hall and the Five Ways Children's Centre - this time it was the centre. One issue that was brought to the Parish by a member of the public was about the possi

An intro to Stroud Community TV

Published on 2012-11-18 04:00:00

Here's a quick film I've put together saying more about Stroud Community TV: http://stroudcommunity.tv/an-introduction-to-stroud-community-tv/

The Vine Tree: goodbye to Naomi and Scott

Published on 2012-11-17 19:30:00

I had every intention of going along to The Vine Tree for the Naomi and Scott goodbye do last night....sadly that wasn't poss....hope it went well....here's the Randwick Runner reports in this week's edition that gives some background: After 10 succ

Congrats Martin Surl

Published on 2012-11-16 11:18:00

So the results are out - see here - Independent Martin Surl beat the Conservatives to second place. Martin is a former superintendent with Gloucestershire Police - congrats to him - fears with a Tory in post were that they would privatise large parts

Randwick talk on incinerator: why should we oppose?

Published on 2012-11-15 01:00:00

Click on the picture to enlarge - free talk on Monday 3rd December at 7.30 in Randwick Village Hall. Click on tag and scroll down to see previous blogs on incineration.

Energy strategy finally passed

Published on 2012-11-13 18:07:00

Phone box still has 31st Oct spider over it! After going to give my monthly report to the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council meeting on Thursday I went opn to the District Councils Exec meeting. There one of the items was the Tenants Energy Stra

Today is World Kindness Day

Published on 2012-11-13 05:43:00

Great piece in The Independent today..."UK's first-ever Close the GAP (Give Appreciate Participate) day. The idea is simple: today on 13 November (also World Kindness Day) spend a day being nice to people. The card claims "doing good does you good"

Woodfuel and Ash Die Back

Published on 2012-11-13 01:30:00

Boot of my car On Saturday it was time for the Randwick Woodfuel group to meet up again - I'd missed a couple of sessions so it was good to catch up with people - we met up at that sharp bend in the road that goes to Edge one way and the Beacon the

Ruscombe Brook Action Group's AGM 2012

Published on 2012-11-12 01:00:00

Last week we had our AGM at The Carpenters Arms in Westrip - amongst much discussions about the ways forward we elected new officers....our new chair is Chris Uttley, secretary is Clive Buckley and our Treasurer is Geoff Hilton. It is the first ti

Sheffield Carol Singing at The Star, Whiteshill 5th Dec

Published on 2012-11-10 14:20:00

Russ poster Here's an event I've coordinated.....Come and join 'Sheffield Carol Singing' at The Star, Whiteshill, 7.30pm on Wednesday 5th December.The Sheffield Carols have been described as one of the most remarkable instances of popular traditiona

Object to the incinerator: have you done it yet?

Published on 2012-11-08 08:00:00

No blogs this week yet!

Published on 2012-11-07 15:46:00

Russ image/thought... Yes I know I've dried up - no blogs as I've been crazily busy...in terms of Council stuff this week I was at Forest Green Rovers conference centre on Monday 10am to 3pm to discuss the Sheltered Accommodation review - I sit on t

Why is there so much debt?

Published on 2012-11-03 16:02:00

Positive Money have come up with a great 3 minute video about debt - well worth a look. Here is what they write: Individuals and families in the UK have a total of £1,170 billion of debt. But who did we borrow all this money from? Was it from an

Share Spray: A New Way To Do Everything

Published on 2012-11-02 16:47:00

Great video...

Fun video re Barclays and food speculation...

Published on 2012-11-01 02:30:00

Click on the link to see the video and the action: www.wdm.org.uk/barclays Barclays is estimated to have made up to £500 million from speculating on food prices in 2010 and 2011.  WDM are releasing this film this week ahead of a key meeting on 13 N

Oldbury Deal Leaves Risk with Glos: Gov Subsidy heads to Japan

Published on 2012-10-30 20:00:00

Oldbury site Oh dear, oh dear the news yesterday was dire re nuclear - here's the press release Greens sent out - Green District councillor Simon Pickering will be on BBC Glos after 7am this morning......   Green Party: “We Need to Take Control of Our Own Energy” The announcement that Hitachi will pay to take control of the so-called Horizon project has been greeted with deep concern by

191 road schemes planned: madness!

Published on 2012-10-30 02:00:00

The Campaign for Better Transport's email to me earlier this week highlighted the madness that we are planning more roads.....Here is what they wrote: "191 road schemes. 772 miles of big new roads (that’s longer than the distance between Lands’ End and John O’Groats). Potential damage to four national parks, seven areas of outstanding natural beauty, 39 sites of special scientific interest,

Help a Hedgehog Hospital needs your support

Published on 2012-10-29 02:00:00

By local artist Russ The Help a Hedgehog Hospital based in Brimscombe is doing wonderfully well.  They have managed to increase the population of hedgehogs in and around Gloucestershire substantially, infact so much so that they had the busiest Summer ever with over 95 orphan hoglets going into them.  They are working on a google map at present and have successfully started new populations at

Caroline Lucas leads debate that defeats gov badger plans

Published on 2012-10-28 06:00:00

After leading the debate in the Commons, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas gives her thoughts on the defeat of the government's plans to implement a badger cull: The Government suffered an embarrassing defeat over its plans to cull badgers as MPs voted for the policy to be scrapped in a debate led by Green MP Caroline Lucas. The Brighton Pavilion MP had tabled a motion calling on the Government

Gloucestershire QE II Fields Update

Published on 2012-10-28 04:00:00

The response nationally to the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge has been positive with over 1400 fields nationally applying to become a QE II Field. Both Whiteshill and Randwick applied and were successful - to date 32 fields have been nominated in the county which makes Gloucestershire one of the highest proportion of protected fields in the country. Each field receives a permanent plaque

Stroud Potato Day: a potato needs your support

Published on 2012-10-27 04:00:00

Stroud potato eaters from local artist Russ I've just been updating the Stroud Potato Day blog site - the date for your diary is 2nd Feb - but I've also just added a post a couple of days ago regarding a potato that needs financial and other support - see here.

NHS cuts...add your name to letter

Published on 2012-10-26 01:00:00

As this blog noted yesterday I am delighted by our win to keep the NHS in Glos. In this blog I wanted to highlight that the claim Ministers have made that our NHS would be protected from cuts does not seem to be stacking up.....there are so many stories of rationed care, increased delays and shocking safety issues. It seems clear our NHS is being hit by big cuts and damaging private sector

Triumph for the people: Glos NHS

Published on 2012-10-25 01:30:00

March meeting re NHS  I was away for some days when the news was announced regarding our hospitals - it really was wonderful to see the earlier decision overturned and a rejection of the option of opening health services up to private sector bids. At the time we were told this was just not possible but the campaign was launched. Do read the press release below as it tells the story - huge

Incineration awareness campaign on Saturday

Published on 2012-10-24 12:08:00

The first of a series of Incineration Awareness Campaign Events is on Saturday 27th October and campaigners need your help to make it a success! They will be at The Cross in Gloucester Town Centre from 11.a.m. to 4.00 p.m., handing out leaflets and collecting signatures. The key publicity hour is between 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. Some will be wearing scary masks. If you know that you can go

Firework rules....

Published on 2012-10-24 05:45:00

A resident asked me last night what are the rules regarding fireworks in gardens....well basically my understand it that no fireworks may be fired before 07:00 and after 23:00 except on 4 days in the year. There are 4 basic exceptions - Fireworks may be fired until 01:00 on the day following the first day of Chinese New Year, the day following Diwali and New Year’s day, and

Apple Day in Stroud

Published on 2012-10-23 16:25:00

Apple Day in Stroud went ahead despite a dire harvest in our local orchards as Stroud Apple Town organised a weekend of apple-y festivities. Sadly the usual Whiteshill and Ruscombe event didn't happen due to so few apples but elsewhere many events still took place (see film of last year here)....Click here for a report by District councillor Andy Read and below is one from Stroud Valleys

Whiteshill and Ruscombe vote for 20 mph

Published on 2012-10-22 15:59:00

Citizen last year; many of us have been campaigning for years! I don't know full details of the count which took place today in the Village Shop, but I understand 83% of those who voted were in favour of 20 mph. All residents of Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish was sent polling cards and this looks like we are now another step closer to 20 mph - Randwick have already agreed. Both Parishes need

GM and coffee!

Published on 2012-10-21 09:07:00

By brother helped design these bags! The next Coffee House Discussion, complete with coffee (of course!), all kinds of other drinks and scrumptious cakes, is at Star Anise cafe in Stroud, (behind the Old Painswick Inn, Gloucester St.), on Friday, October 26th from 7.30-9.30 pm. This month’s topic is:GM Crops-Are they already being used in our food and textiles?-Are some worse than others? Are

Stroud springs.....

Published on 2012-10-20 02:30:00

Ruscombe Brook Action Group walk of the brook Now here is an interesting new blog that looks at Stroud's springs. In the Ruscombe Brook Action Group (RBAG) the issue of springs has come up a few times as they have moved or ebbed and flowed over the years.....this idea to map them is very interesting and I will keep an eye on it. Meanwhile at RBAG we are due for our AGM soon - 6th November -

Why are House Prices So High?

Published on 2012-10-18 01:30:00

Thought it was because there's too many people and not enough houses? This 2 minute video explains why house prices are really so high...go to:http://www.positivemoney.org.uk/consequences/house-prices/

Badgers: what a mistake govt are making

Published on 2012-10-16 11:49:00

Photo sent to be by local constituent of Wallbridge graffiti Regular blog readers will know locally we have campaigned lots to stop a cull of badgers - nationally too the Green Party have strongly opposed the new badger-cull pilots on the basis of the scientific evidence and significant animal-welfare, public-safety and ethical concerns. I have to say I've barely been able to write on this

Blog Action Day: The Power of We

Published on 2012-10-14 21:30:00

Founded in 2007, Blog Action Day brings together bloggers from different countries, interests and languages to blog about one important global topic on the same day. Past topics have included water, climate change, poverty and food with thousands of blogs, big and small, taking part. This year Blog Action Day, today is on 'The Power of We'.....what a great title. People are coming

More quotes

Published on 2012-10-13 09:01:00

Tree along Ruscombe Brook Every so often I add a few quotes that I came across...here's a few more.... "We don’t need services; we need community" and "We are not disabled, we are 'dis' but we are disconnected". Pat Worth was labeled retarded as a child and was living on a park bench when he decided to organize people who shared his experience. This led to a national organisation in Canada."

Ruscombe resident at TEDxCheltenham

Published on 2012-10-12 03:30:00

Ever wondered how the natural way we use language relates to computers and vice versa? Ruscombe resident and Computational Linguist Rachel Cotterill will be speaking at TEDxCheltenham, to help us find out a little more: "In particular, she is interested in how we negotiate our social roles and relationships in an online environment, where linguistic style has to take on the role usually

No2TV

Published on 2012-10-11 00:00:00

It might be thought of us strange but a few weeks ago I wrote a piece about some of the down-sides of television - why strange? Well because with a colleague I started Stroud Community TV which now has 2,500 unique visitors each month and getting on for 600 films....see the bit I wrote here.

When will our politicians wake up to climate change?

Published on 2012-10-10 02:00:00

Cartoon that has been around a while but still good There is an Early Day Motion that recognises the need to act on climate change - sponsored by Caroline Lucas and others (click read more to see in full). Sadly Neil Carmichael MP does not feel he can support this.....meanwhile we have Labour also going virtually silent on green issues.....see the extent of that in an article here. Here's a

Share a lift in Gloucestershire

Published on 2012-10-09 02:06:00

Last week was national lift-sharing week....Car-sharing (also called liftsharing, ridesharing and carpooling) is when two or more people share a car and travel together. It allows individuals to benefit from the convenience of the car, whilst reducing the costs and alleviating the associated problems of congestion and pollution. Fuel prices are still on the rise so this is perhaps the time

20mph; make your vote count in Whiteshill and Ruscombe

Published on 2012-10-08 00:00:00

Time for a 20 mph speed limit in our villages: please support Well the consultation in Whiteshill and Ruscombe is nearly over on the 20 mph - I urge folk to take their votes to the ballot box in the village shop. Randwick have already had their consultation - Whiteshill and Ruscombe have gone a step further with a full ballot of the electorate which closes on 20th October. We have come such a

Green Suggestions for the Local Plan

Published on 2012-10-07 02:30:00

Scrutiny meeting on Thursday

Published on 2012-10-06 00:00:00

You can see the webcast here - this blog is just a taster of the issues... We discussed the health service changes very briefly - have now set aside a meeting to look at these in more details on 25th October; hopefully with the NHS - and hopefully time to look at strategies coming out of the County. We also had the Total Place project - this was down in Dursley and showed that by better

Unanimous action on High Street Credit Agencies

Published on 2012-10-05 01:30:00

Click on read more to see the motion re High Street Credit Agencies that received unanimous support at Council on Wednesday night.

Regional pay for public sector workers rejected

Published on 2012-10-04 03:30:00

Full Council talk housing numbers

Published on 2012-10-03 17:53:00

Well this evening we voted on the numbers of houses in the District - See here - I wont go into details other than to say that the Tories made a very surprising move and put forward a different proposal - I say surprising as they had not given any indication for this and to be honest had very little evidence to support their case - certainly no papers at the meeting and I can't see how they can

Sheltered Accomodation Review

Published on 2012-10-01 06:21:00

Last chances to vote to keep NHS public in Glos

Published on 2012-09-28 16:46:00

Public meeting earlier in year Matt Archibald, Stroud film maker was at the protest to capture some of the voices outside Gloucestershire NHS Primary Care Trust’s board meeting at Sanger House - see his 45 second film at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/keep-our-nhs-public-protest-at-sanger-house/ Please make sure you vote if you haven't - closing date 3rd October - Gloucestershire are currently

Last day for this offer

Published on 2012-09-26 20:00:00

A colleague sent this - I've not looked at details but it is the community renewal heat project in Herefordshire. It has a share offer out until tomorrow - worth a look? The project aims to support wood fuelled heating and locally source the wood used. There is further information athttp://www.woolhopewoodheat.org.uk/http://www.youtube.com/embed/aMmAOW5xKEw?rel=0http://www.sharenergy.coop/

Apple Day in Painswick

Published on 2012-09-26 04:00:00

See details of the Apple Day on 30th September at the link below - also their Community Orchard blog. I'm slightly jealous as in previous years we've organised juicing, apple games and all at Humphreys End (see film here) but this year there are no apples.....anyway see more about the Painswick Day at: http://painswickcommunityorchard.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-new-2012-apple-day-poster.html

Liberty Festival - disability awareness in Stroud

Published on 2012-09-25 00:00:00

Saturday 15th September saw a great day at the Sub Rooms in Stroud - I was there all day helping and also filming - to get an idea of the day - see my film of the highlights incl organisers of the event, Rob Rees, Deaf Diva Caroline Parker, GDance, Peter Reed, workshops and more: http://stroudcommunity.tv/liberty-festival-highlights-of-the-day/ I've also now sorted all films from the day -

Full Council

Published on 2012-09-24 01:30:00

Council Chamber Last Thursday saw another Full Council meeting - you can see the webcast at: http://www.strouddc.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/73524 It seems a busy time at Council....Budget preperation time, the Local Plan, Scrutiny and the on-going inquiry into Sheltered Accomodation....too many meetings so apols but no big comments on Full Council this time....

A million ponds?

Published on 2012-09-23 02:00:00

Details of phase two for a million healthy ponds to be created in the UK are being announced to combat decades of neglect. Spearheaded by Pond Conservation, Phase 1 of Million Ponds constructed more than 1000 ponds for many of the most endangered freshwater species in Britain. The Million Ponds Project was launched in order to develop a new approach to protecting life and increasing biodiversity

Food on the agenda

Published on 2012-09-21 08:03:00

I managed to join part of the Food Group Strategy group meeting chaired by Transition Stroud which is a mix of folk including Down to Earth Coop, local farmers, academics, councillors and more. Stroudco Foodhub were also represented - do look them up if you don't know about them - Gerb from the Farmers Market was also there. Anyway the turn out to the meeting was low but the group was looking to

Avaaz petition for Glos health

Published on 2012-09-20 09:03:00

Avaaz write: "The government’s plans to privatise and fragment our NHS are taking shape in Stroud. Local doctors are forming a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for the area. They’re going to get new powers to decide what health services you and your neighbours are able to access and who provides them. Whether it’s treatment for diabetes, skin conditions, a broken arm or depression,

Local bits and pieces

Published on 2012-09-20 08:04:00

Mains Water Leak in Ludlow Green: Water has been running down the road for many days and Severn Trent have said they will not act until 30th to stop the mains leak. Residents, the Parish Council, myself and Highways have also been made aware. I hope that action can be taken; three residents have already contacted me directly. One of them, a regular cyclist says the water on the bend in the road

Singing in the name of peace...want to join in?

Published on 2012-09-20 01:00:00

A course of powerful, provoking, uplifting and inspiring songs in the name of world peace led by Rob Carney is set to run for 8 weeks starting Tuesday 25th September 7.30pm-9.30pm at Paganhill Maypole Village Hall, Stroud, GL5 4AN (next to Tesco Express near the Maypole on Stratford Road, car parking at rear off Matthews Way). £7 per session or £48 for the full 8 weeks. Book in advance or turn up

Gold for 'Stroud in Bloom'

Published on 2012-09-18 23:30:00

Well done to all organisers - it was also great to see that the judges wrote: “Stroud has even pre-empted the RHS theme for 2013 Edible Gardens. Where Stroud leads the RHS follows!” See more about the Edible Gardens project by Transition Stroud at: http://www.edibleopengardens.org.uk/ See films from last year and this at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/tag/edible-open-gardens/

Two films of Sat: Peter Reed and Liberty Fest opening

Published on 2012-09-18 03:11:00

Here's the film of Olympic Gold Peter Reed in Stroud on Saturday: http://stroudcommunity.tv/olympic-gold-rower-peter-reeds-homecoming-stroud-2012/ And here's the first of a few films about the Liberty Festival on Saturday: http://stroudcommunity.tv/introducing-strouds-liberty-festival/ More coming soon....

Film: The Towering incinerator at Javelin Park

Published on 2012-09-16 01:00:00

GlosVain have made a film that premiered on Thursday night in Stroud. It looks at the size and other aspects of the incinerator. See the film at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/the-towering-incinerator-at-javelin-park/ See Citizen report here.

Incinerator decision - bah!

Published on 2012-09-15 01:00:00

By local artist Russ So GCC have agreed to sign the contract.....Following on from that decision by Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet Sarah Lunnon (Green Stroud East) commented: "GCC has faced the consequences of its own actions. The decision to opt for a 25 year residual waste facility contract, the cabinet champion Stan Waddington explained, would mean high interest rate charges for

My film re Glos Wildlife Trust's play to save water voles!

Published on 2012-09-14 05:00:00

Glos Wildlife Trust presents….The Wind in the Willows by the Dreamshed Theatre Company @ Stroud Festival of Nature, Stratford Park, 8th Sept 2012. This film has some of the highlights of the 45 minute long play plus some interviews. See: http://stroudcommunity.tv/save-the-water-vole-glos-wildlife-trust-presents-the-wind-in-the-willows/

Highways planning simplification could be detrimental

Published on 2012-09-14 03:00:00

The County Council intend to publish draft Standing Advice in respect of highway considerations for small scale residential development accessed from certain types of highway. This is an issue I raised last night at the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council meeting. It is argued that this reflects the need for the County Council to concentrate its resources on those types of development that

Big Cats at Festival of Nature

Published on 2012-09-13 03:00:00

The 8th September Stroud Festival Nature drew large crowds, with children and families engaged in creative activities across the different stalls and demonstrations. I have made a couple of films of the day - one of the Eco-Zone stalls - see blog on Monday for link - and the other of the Wind in the Willows play which should be ready very soon... It was certainly a great atmosphere - huge credit

Whiteshill, Ruscombe and Randwick 20 mph consultation begins: my letter to press

Published on 2012-09-11 02:00:00

Headline years ago when we called for 20 Here's a copy of letter to local press sent last week and hopefully in some of local papers tomorrow. The Parish Councils want to ensure everyone has a chance to be involved and have their say. Details of the proposals will be published in the Randwick Runner and the Whiteshill Warbler newsletters. In addition, there will be two information events to

Join Incinerator demo on Wednesday morning in Gloucester

Published on 2012-09-10 12:28:00

There is a demonstration organised by GlosVain against the Javelin park incinerator on Wednesday 12 September at 9.20, at Shire Hall, Gloucester. The aim is to protest against Gloucestershire County Council finalising a 25-year waste deal with Urbaser Balfour Beatty (UBB) to provide an energy from waste facility. For more information about the campaign go to: https://sites.google.com/a/

Film of Installers Fair @ Festival of Nature

Published on 2012-09-10 01:00:00

What a great Festival of Nature in Stratford Park on Saturday - Transition Stroud were there with their installers fair - you can see my film at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/the-installers-fair-festival-of-nature/ Also see more about Stroud's Eco-Renovation Open Homes and the 12 homes that will open next weekend, 15th and 16th September 2012: http://www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Green Party Conference: Natalie Bennett's speech

Published on 2012-09-09 05:43:00

Natalie Bennett newly elected Green Party leaders give her debut speech at Green Party conference in Bristol this weekend. Great atmosphere. See part two here: http://youtu.be/3UqxLglepoE Also worth seeing is Caroline Lucas' outgoing speech: http://youtu.be/xIZYNag4k8k

My cousin's blog

Published on 2012-09-07 03:30:00

This is worth a look: http://justroundthecorner.typepad.com/ Her films are also on Stroud Community TV at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/tag/magnus-and-granny/

Incinerator: meeting to hear about impact

Published on 2012-09-06 03:00:00

The Crisis of Civilisation film

Published on 2012-09-05 02:30:00

A week or so ago I had a film on this blog looking at Peak Oil and fracking - one comment I had rightly pointed out that it didn't talk more about climate change....well here's a film - full length documentary which links together key issues in a refreshing way....although it is at times more like a lecture...See it at: http://crisisofcivilization.com/watch/

My mum took thalidomide

Published on 2012-09-04 03:30:00

The German company that invented thalidomide has, after 50 years, apologised to thousands of people born with disabilities after their mothers took the drug. My mother was amongst those who took this drug in the heaviest doses and for a long period but I was amongst those who didn't end up with disabilities caused by the drug. The drug was sold in the 1950s as a cure for morning sickness,

Wonderful Otesha were in Stroud

Published on 2012-09-03 03:00:00

The youth theatre group travelling by bicycle around the South West made Stroud their first stop a couple of weeks ago - I went along and they were kind enough to let me film - here are some of the highlights: http://stroudcommunity.tv/otesha-project-bring-theatre-to-stroud/ Listen to them also on Stroud FM Transition Show for a couple more weeks: http://podcasts.stroudfm.co.uk/index.php?id=827

Scrutiny update

Published on 2012-09-02 10:42:00

At Scrutiny on Thursday the agenda was decidedly short and with little content (although we were still there from 6 to just after 9pm)....indeed a fair few councillors were absent completely.... The County Community Safety panel looks set to go completely as the moves towards Police and Crime Commissioners so there was no proper update on that. We did get a detailed update re the Health,

Liberty Festival in Stroud Saturday 15th September

Published on 2012-09-01 06:30:00

The Stroud and District Access Group are putting on what could be the first Liberty Festival outside London. It is all about disability awareness and rights....'Deaf Diva' Caroline Parker who performed at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics will be here in Stroud to perform. There is also a host of other activities planned including storytelling, Cotswold Chef Rob Rees, wheelchair dance,

Drive on: fossil fools, fracking and Peak Oil

Published on 2012-08-29 02:50:00

Here's a video from Richard Heinberg who some years ago spoke to Stroud District Council as well as the Transition conference in Nailsworth: "In recent months we've seen a spate of assertions that peak oil is a worry of the past thanks to so-called "new technologies" that can tap massive amounts of previously inaccessible stores of "unconventional" oil. "Don't worry, drive on," we're told."We

More quotes

Published on 2012-08-26 15:59:00

 Some more quotes on things that caught my eyes - click on quotes tag below for more.  "To see what is in front of one's nose is a constant struggle." George Orwell "True generosity consists precisely in fighting to destroy the causes which nourish false charity. False charity constrains the fearful and subdued, the "rejects of life," to extend their trembling hands. True generosity lies in

A busy week again....I join Project Board re sheltered accommodation

Published on 2012-08-24 04:30:00

Community Kitchen garden before work began Isn't August meant to be quieter? This week has, among other things, seen me finish work for a local charity after 4 years and 4 months (v sad to leave colleagues) and start work at another which looks set to be challenging and exciting, make a film of Sunday's fun creating a garden at the new Community Kitchen in Stroud, (see film here and photo left

PROTESTS about ATOS and cuts to disability benefits

Published on 2012-08-22 13:54:00

On Wednesday 29th August and Saturday 1st September. Please join Stroud Against the Cuts on two upcoming protests they have organised to coincide with the Paralympics - the Games are being sponsored by ATOS Healthcare – the company responsible for taking benefits and support away from people with disabilities (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/may/21/

Petition for better climate change reporting on the BBC

Published on 2012-08-21 15:29:00

See more here In an Impartiality Report submitted to the Trust in 2008 the Executive noted “Given the weight of opinion building up around the IPCC it makes sense for us to focus our coverage on the consensus that climate change is happening, is serious, but is manageable if tackled urgently…” Since then the scientific evidence for climate change has only got stronger, yet a few

Eco-Renovation Open Homes 15th and 16th Sept

Published on 2012-08-19 02:00:00

For the 5th year running Transition Stroud will be bringing together householders, individuals and organisations across to Stroud Valleys to celebrate ‘fit for future’ homes. Last year’s open homes event was a roaring success drawing in hundreds of visitors. During the event visitors were able to learn from homeowners and get lots of ideas about how their home can be more energy efficient

13th September: Javelin Park latest info

Published on 2012-08-17 18:28:00

Click on poster to see details of meeting.

Paul Hawkens' Address to students at University of Portland

Published on 2012-08-15 07:38:00

View of Stroud I was recently sent on the Stroud Transition discussion list a copy of Paul Hawkens's Commencement Address to 2009 year to students at University of Portland Oregon. I urge you folks to also read it. "And here’s the deal: Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required. Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be

Council Tax benefit public consultation gets underway

Published on 2012-08-13 02:30:00

Stroud District Council's Ebley Mill viewed from side Here's the District Council's press release on this...Stroud District Council, and all the other local authorities in Gloucestershire, are asking residents for their views on a new locally-determined Council Tax Support scheme which would come into force in April 2013. As part of the Government's welfare reforms the current Council Tax

Pam Warhurst: How we can eat our landscapes

Published on 2012-08-12 02:30:00

Inspiring talk on edible landscapes...

Stroud Festival of Nature 2012: Eco-renovation Open Homes are part of it

Published on 2012-08-11 04:50:00

The fifth annual Stroud Festival of Nature takes place on Saturday 8 September from 11am until 6pm in the beautiful grounds of Stratford Park, Stroud. It remains just one of two festival’s of nature in the UK and attracts visitors in excess of 2,500.This is a free event where the public can not only learn about what is happening in the countryside around them, but also engage in family friendly

Exhaustive Study Finds Global Elite Hiding Up to $32 Trillion in Offshore Accounts

Published on 2012-08-10 03:00:00

So here we have it - more on the banks - DemocracyNow.org write: A new report reveals how wealthy individuals and their families have between $21 and $32 trillion of hidden financial assets around the world in what are known as offshore accounts or tax havens. The actual sums could be higher because the study only deals with financial wealth deposited in bank and investment accounts, and

Four Edible Open Gardens films I've put together

Published on 2012-08-09 13:09:00

Here are four films from the Edible Open Gardens weekend... The first looks at a garden in Chalford and talks about Permaculture, Forest Gardening, mushrooms and edible flowers: http://stroudcommunity.tv/edible-open-gardens-2012-film-one-lean-house/ Next is the Permaculture workshop - a short introduction to what permaculture is all about: http://stroudcommunity.tv/edible-open-gardens-2012-

We like Stroud!

Published on 2012-08-08 13:07:00

The latest OPNS survey highlights the strong sense of place that Stroud people have. In 'Belonging', Stroud comes 17th out of 352 areas nationally – highest in Gloucestershire. In 'Volunteering' we are 14th out of 352 - again the highest in Gloucestershire and in Civic Participation we are 26th out of 352 – along with Cotswold significantly higher than other parts of Gloucestershire. This is not

Vote for Glos NHS Now!

Published on 2012-08-06 04:08:00

Keep NHS Public event earlier this year NHS Gloucestershire are currently asking DO YOU WANT: 1)  a standalone NHS Trust to run health services, or 2) a ‘tender process’ open to private companies to takeover? • Vote in the official survey: http://www.nhsglos.nhs.uk/get-involved/engagement-and-consultation/148-2/future-management-of-nhs-gloucestershires-community-health-services/ (or pick

More on nuclear: even industry says it can't be defended financially

Published on 2012-08-05 01:00:00

Oldbury viewed from Randwick Jeff Immelt, General Electric chief executive, told the Financial Times that nuclear power was “really hard” to defend financially, and most countries were moving to a mix of gas and renewable energy. Many of us have been saying this for a long time but now even the industry is saying it; the costs of renewables keeps coming down while nuclear overruns budgets and

Ivy clad buildings are green!

Published on 2012-08-04 01:00:00

I came across this from a Green colleague recently....most interesting.....English Heritage commissioned a team of Oxford University academics to research the likely effects of ivy on historic buildings.  In the three-year project, Oxford researchers analysed the effects of ivy growing on buildings in five different parts of England and discovered that the plant plays a protective role.  They

20 mph update: value to public health

Published on 2012-08-03 01:00:00

Russ cartoon It looks like 2nd October will be the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish consultation re introducing a 20 mph zone to nearly all the Parish plus Randwick. I have written many pages and reports on the value of 20 mph and don't intend to repeat here - check out previous posts by clicking 20 mph label below - however here is something new.... Bristol’s 20mph report on the 2 Bristol 20

Who Cares?

Published on 2012-08-02 04:45:00

Here's a piece that appeared in the national Green Party magazine Green World: There have been huge changes in both the funding and approach to care since the 2010 general election. Philip Booth and Bob Rhodes look at the underlying issues

Hello there strangers!

Published on 2012-08-01 01:30:00

Well the blog has been quieter over the last weeks and probably will remain so over the next few weeks.... I had a wonderful few days in Cornwall last week but have also been to a whole host of meetings which I've not really covered including Green party, Parish, RBAG, Edible Gardens, Transition Stroud and more...two key Council meetings last month, a Scrutiny and Full Council, but reckon it is

Update on Glos libraries

Published on 2012-07-31 11:56:00

Here is the media statement issued today by Friends of Glos Libraries - well done to them for keeping this key issue alive: In November 2010 Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) announced plans to close eleven public libraries, to reduce opening times to three hours per week at seven, and to axe the entire mobile library service. As a direct result of Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries' (FoGL

Govt pushing right to buy just when we need more social housing

Published on 2012-07-29 10:40:00

I've had a few days away so just catching up but had to blog on this issue....at a time of acute shortage of social housing the government has just set up a new website with a national helpline to encourage right to buy. Makes you want to weep.  Already councils provide info about the sale of houses, why duplicate? Councillor Andrew Cooper , Chair of the Association of Green Councillors said

More quotes

Published on 2012-07-26 01:30:00

View from Thrupp Here is another collection of quotes; as noted I'm taking a bit of a break from regular blog.....hope all you folks are having a good summer... “Not being able to speak isn’t the same as not having anything to say…” Author unknown“Everyone needs to know where it is they are needed and what for.” John O’Brien“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is

Whiteshill and Ruscombe TV

Published on 2012-07-25 15:51:00

Folk will know I've launched Stroud Community TV with a few others to record and celebrate the Five Valleys. Well now with over 470 films uploaded we are dividing them to create channels for each area....one of those being Whiteshill and Ruscombe - see: http://stroudcommunity.tv/tag/whiteshill-and-ruscombe/ Check out the other tags like Painswick, Randwick and Stonehouse. If you know more

Tricorn House; bid for improvement

Published on 2012-07-24 01:30:00

Nuclear updates: are government trying to wreck renewables?

Published on 2012-07-22 11:44:00

Oldbury A Chinese/French consortium has declared its interest in reviving the scheme at Oldbury where the plant shut down at the end of February after 44 years in operation. The whole situation is in my view quite extraordinary.... As Spinwatch 17th July 2012 write: "The Coalition Agreement between the Tories and Lib Dems pledged to not subsidise nuclear power. Despite this, the Secretary of

Petition re rail renationalisation

Published on 2012-07-21 02:18:00

Labour are again talking renationalisation of our railways although I'm not convinced.....Prescott and Blair promised it in 97; rail subsidy was £1 bn before nationalisation, in real terms; now £4 bn. Maybe they can see what makes sense now? Sign this petition if you would like the railways across Britain to be re nationalised and merged into a single organisation:https://

'Building and Equal Society' conference

Published on 2012-07-19 01:51:00

Date: 21st July 2012   Venue: Forest Green Rovers, Nailsworth. Time:  10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.  Promoted by Stroud District Green party and Stroud Labour Party. 'The rise of neo-liberal political and economic thinking in the 1980’s and 1990’s meant that

Wheelie bins update

Published on 2012-07-18 01:30:00

I've had several calls from folk re the wheelie bins - either wanting them or not wanting - I understand there will be a review in 6 months but we are having to work with the system as it is now....amazingly recycling rates are already up 40%!!! The system was put in place by the previous administration but it is the current one that is taking the flack for changes - I suspect it would have been

Ruscombe Brook update

Published on 2012-07-17 01:30:00

The Ruscombe Brook Action Group met again yesterday evening to see what can be done re a problem re poaching by cattle, the run-off pipe from Wheelers Walk and the Puckshole culvert already starting to silt again (see photos by local resident left)..... I wont go into the details here but we will meet again in September where we hope to have replies to some letters and more. It is also

Edible Gardens success

Published on 2012-07-16 05:32:00

Photo yesterday by Maggie Booth This weekend I was fortunate to go around to quite a few of the wonderful gardens and workshops - all open for free - if you missed the project see my earlier blog here.  Numbers look set to be up on last year - I will put together some films of some of the gardens/workshops but with work commitments i suspect it will be a wee while before they are available...

Whiteshill and Ruscombe: Runner Up in 'Most Healthy and Active Community'

Published on 2012-07-13 07:18:00

Vanessa Price, Parish councillor with Whiteshill and Ruscombe emailed saying last night at the Vibrant Village awards we picked up the Runner Up award in the category  "Most Healthy and Active Community" We were awarded it because of The Jubilee walk, playing field, after School activities, the Forest School and the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Scout Hut Activities. There are only 7 awards given out

'Wind in the Willows' with a twist comes to Randwick

Published on 2012-07-13 02:00:00

Click on the image to see more details about this 'Play by the Lake' on 4th August 3pm and 6.30pm - the Glos Wildlife Trust are organising this outdoor event and I've just talked to one of the organisers and it that sounds like it will be excellent. Of course there is also 'The Pickwick Papers' on 14th and 15th July also by the Lake. Those Jenny Wren productions are just fantastic so my

Drama and Arts for people with learning disabilities

Published on 2012-07-12 12:30:00

The Mad Cows and Stroud Farmers Market both celebrating their 13th birthday

Published on 2012-07-12 01:30:00

On Saturday after helping out with the Jubilant Stories project I went along to the market....see my short film of music sensation The Mad Cows and Stroud Farmers Market both celebrating their 13th birthday; http://stroudcommunity.tv/mad-cows-farmers-market-13th-anniversaries/Please tweet and facebook 'like' Stroud Community TV! Thanks!

Music, Dance and Song At More Hall this Saturday

Published on 2012-07-11 03:00:00

Randwick Runner’s 50th Birthday

Published on 2012-07-10 16:14:00

On Sunday just over a week ago I went to the Randwick Runner's 50th Birthday - see here - well while I was there I made a film about the party with some of the voices of those who've made it possible: http://stroudcommunity.tv/randwick-runners-50th-birthday/

Deep hole in Stroud canal finances

Published on 2012-07-09 17:45:00

Picture in Stroud museum I was very very disappointed indeed to hear at the Scrutiny meeting this evening that finances for the canal seem to have gone seriously astray....we did not get the details at the meeting as they will be published in a paper coming out in about a week... however it is clear there are some really big questions to answer. One of plans for Brimscombe port This

Jubilant stories treasure hunt in Stroud

Published on 2012-07-08 13:52:00

Allotment in Thrupp on Saturday On Saturday I had the pleasure of joining the Jubilant Stories team who were in Stroud collecting 'bumping places' and 'stories' - this is all about how we build and strengthen communities - to understand what I'm talking about see my short film all about it here. The film was rather hurriedly thrown together as I've had a busy few days - Thursday night saw

Half CQC inspected services failing essential standards: not another Winterbourne please

Published on 2012-07-05 01:00:00

Art spotted in Norway One year on from the BBC’s Panorama programme, which exposed abuse of people with a learning disability at Winterbourne View, a privately run hospital near Bristol, people with a learning disability continue to remain in large, out-of-town institutional-style services for long periods of time, isolated and at risk of abuse. Mencap have launched an e-action asking people

Edible Gardens opening for free!

Published on 2012-07-04 01:00:00

Transition Stroud's Edible Open Gardens weekends 7-8th July and 14-15th July Over 40 edible gardens and allotments will be opening free to the public plus 10 free workshops to encourage people to grow and learn more about food. There will be vegetables, fruit, herb and kitchen gardens, chicken keepers, pigs and more in various communities including Stroud, Whiteshill, Stonehouse, Bisley and

Volunteer libraries: can they lend books?

Published on 2012-07-03 01:00:00

Public Lending Rights are payments made to authors when their books are loaned out by public libraries. Glos County library campaigners have drawn it to the attention of the media again that the 7 libraries set to be volunteer libraries in Gloucestershire fall outside of the statutory provision and so they do not come under the PLR rules. I am wondering how this effects Painswick Library? This

Peak Oil: still a way off?

Published on 2012-07-02 16:10:00

George Monbiot writes of a new report just out talks of an oil boom: "The facts have changed, now we must change too. For the past 10 years an unlikely coalition of geologists, oil drillers, bankers, military strategists and environmentalists has been warning that peak oil – the decline of global supplies – is just around the corner."  This is to say the least bad bad news....as Monbiot

Film of Down to Earth Coop projects: inspiring stuff

Published on 2012-07-02 01:30:00

I've made a film about Stroud's Down to Earth Cooperative last week while I was at their AGM - I'm a member and think the group are doing some great stuff - it was also a lovely evening where we ate shared food and saw the wonders of the Selsley Community Garden - a complete transformation has taken place there over the last year. Anyway see my short film on Stroud Community TV at: http://

Randwick Runner: World's longest running weekly village newsheet?

Published on 2012-07-01 14:34:00

Today there was a celebration of the Runner in Randwick...The Randwick Runner has been going for 50 years - a huge achievement - a great way for the village to communicate. Rumour has it that it maybe the longest running weekly village newsheet? Is this true? It was a great afternoon with loads of cake, tea, bubbly and chat....the usual strange games that Randwick seems to excel at...a short

New recycling starts

Published on 2012-07-01 06:25:00

The District Council has had many calls re recycling - it is clear many find change difficult - it is hard to satisfy all....I have never been a fan of the wheelie bin - ugly and unwieldy but part of the problem is that our houses have never been designed to accommodate them unlike many countries in Europe....and what is the alternative if we are to maximise our use of resources and minimise

Concert in Minch for Linda Carty who faces execution

Published on 2012-06-30 04:26:00

Click on image to enlarge On Sunday at 3.30pm Holy Trinity Church will ring out to 'Amazing Grace' for the British Grandmother, Linda Carty who faces execution in Texas. You can see more about this astonishing miscarriage of justice at: http://www.reprieve.org.uk/events/savelindacarty/ On that weblink there is also a film - and scroll down to sign the petition and more stuff you can do. I'm

Petition to call on Government to withdraw Barclay's Banking Licence

Published on 2012-06-30 01:30:00

The recent revelations about Barclays are deeply shocking. Indeed it is hardly believeable - it seems the Big Four banks all admit to mis-selling interest rate swaps! The Telegraph reports that The idea behind this petition by local Green councillor Molly Scott Cato is to mobilise energy behind the proposition that Barclays' executives are not fit and proper people to hold such a licence. There

Exec, walkabout and Puckshole road closure

Published on 2012-06-29 13:31:00

Ah well last night the Labour, Green, Lib Dem Exec (Cabinet as it used to be called) had their first meeting in public at Ebley Mill.....the first time for many years that the Tories don't hold the balance of power. It was a pretty unexciting agenda which saw only 4 Tories turn up to watch...indeed some of the budget stuff was all set up by the previous administration - hopefully their will be

Green MP bid to protect Forests

Published on 2012-06-28 02:15:00

See Forest of Dean campaign here There are worrying rumours of a behind-the-scenes effort to revive plans to sell off England’s woodlands. We may have less than a week to stop them and keep our forests safe for future generations. Next week, the government's forest panel will publish a new report on the future of our woodlands. Rumours are circulating that some panel members want to clear the

Finn's Way now owned by Randwick Parish Council

Published on 2012-06-27 01:30:00

Rio: greatest failure of leadership since WW1

Published on 2012-06-26 12:38:00

I've already expressed disappointment over Rio.....here's Monbiot's take in The Guardian..."It is, perhaps, the greatest failure of collective leadership since the first world war. The Earth's living systems are collapsing, and the leaders of some of the most powerful nations – the United States, the UK, Germany, Russia – could not even be bothered to turn up and discuss it...." See the rest

More quotes

Published on 2012-06-25 16:32:00

Bread Street verge, Ruscombe In my round of occasional quotes here come a few more.... 'Royalty, "in the propaganda apparatus of society as it is", had four functions: to foster the illusion of national unity; to preserve the hierarchy of honours and titles by which representatives of the workers are subjected to the most insidious form of corruption; to supply a fertile source of diversion;

Stroud Permaculture Design Course Autumn 2012: book now!

Published on 2012-06-24 10:13:00

Sarah Pugh will be the lead teacher and we will have several local permaculturalists also helping with the teaching. The course will run on Thursday evenings starting on Sept 13th and running until Dec 6th with a break for half term. Rodborough Community Hall is booked for the evening sessions. There'll also be various field trips. Stroud Permaculture Group website has the details: http://

Rio+20: oh dear...

Published on 2012-06-22 04:39:00

I've neglected this blog a little over recent weeks...yes I know I've still been blogging but missed feedback about Parish, Green and Scrutiny meetings....and sorry you wont get them now... ...but did want to get a mention of Rio...all rather depressing....just seen film of Nigerian Activist Nnimmo Bassey who is Chair of Friends of the Earth International and gives a view...see here....and why

Trident: unauthorised yet MoD announces £1bn contract

Published on 2012-06-22 04:05:00

I have been itching to write something about Trident but then saw earlier in the week Caroline Lucas had sent out a press release re Trident. It basically says alot better than I was going to about the position by the MoD to go-ahead and spend £1bn without even approval for Trident.....see below....another blog worth looking at is by a Green colleague Richard Lawson - see here his steps to

Stroud's Young Film Makers Showcase on Stroud Community TV

Published on 2012-06-21 01:00:00

Last month it was the Third Annual Young Film Makers Showcase at SVA; now on Stroud Community TV we have 9 of the 24 films that were shown. Well done to all those who organised and took part. Enjoy!!! http://stroudcommunity.tv/tag/stroud-young-film-makers-2012/

Glos Pride: Rainbow flag flies at Ebley Mill

Published on 2012-06-20 01:00:00

Well Stroud District Council's Ebley Mill flew the Rainbow flag on Saturday - this is something I've requested since 2007 and has received support from the Council each year. Sadly there was a mix up so the flag didn't get to fly on the Subscription Rooms but I 'm assured next year it will! Anyway I didn't make a video this year - see my film from last years here - but I did see this one and

Aung San Suu Kyi finally gets Nobel Peace Prize

Published on 2012-06-19 01:00:00

I watched over the weekend The Lady' about Aung San Suu Kyi - despite having followed Burma closely over the years I still found the film harrowing and shocking - it is therefore wonderful that Aung San Suu Kyi was finally able to deliver her Nobel Peace Prize lecture, 21 years after receiving the award.....although there is a long way to go.... Aung San Suu Kyi  used the lecture to make an

Film of Saturdays protest in Stroud; Keep Our NHS Public

Published on 2012-06-18 04:23:00

Great to see so many people turn out on a very wet and windy day. See my short film here with link to how you can help the local campaign.

Stroud College art show excels again

Published on 2012-06-16 01:30:00

We are fortunate to have many great art events locally but one I always enjoy is at Stroud College - open until Friday 22nd - see here. I went along to last nights opening and enjoyed the range of stuff on show. Well worth a visit. One project was Queen Booth - no relation to me! I did have my photo taken in it with Elizabeth trying to challenge her re land ownership - extraordinarily

Environment fallen off list of Government's priorities completely

Published on 2012-06-15 04:41:00

Depressing indeed. Here is Jonathon Porritt writing in The Independent: Two years into this Government, it's now clear that if the environment was any further down its list of priorities, it would have fallen off the bottom. Any thought on the part of our NGOs that "working the corridors of power" is still the best way of defending the environment is folly. Regrettable though it may be, it's

Gloucestershire Pride 2012 Sat 16th June

Published on 2012-06-14 11:23:00

Ebley Mill I've just had confirmation to my requests that Ebley Mill and Subscription rooms will again fly the Rainbow Flag this weekend. I made the initial request in 2007 that Stroud supports Glos Pride and have been delighted that every year they have flown the flag - with the exception of last year when there was a mix up and they forgot! Pride started in 2006 and I was there with the

Randwick Throne Racing

Published on 2012-06-13 09:08:00

There is a short film that I have thrown together showing highlights of the Throne Racing afternoon at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/randwick-throne-racing/See other Randwick films at:http://stroudcommunity.tv/tag/randwick/Indeed we are now developing on the site areas so Whiteshill and ruscombe, Painswick, Nailsworth etc will all have their own sections. And do please continue to send Stroud

One of the smallest galleries in the world opens in Ruscombe

Published on 2012-06-10 04:21:00

Opening of box photo by Steve Price Just added to Stroud Community TV some more films I made and others.... The opening of Ruscombes’ Diamond Gallery in the newly restored telephone box; the first exhibition is largely from Whiteshill Village School with a Jubilee-esque feel - go see it: http://stroudcommunity.tv/ruscombe-telephone-box-amongst-the-smallest-art-galleries-in-the-world/ See

Environment Agency consultation on Javelin Park

Published on 2012-06-08 01:00:00

The Environment Agency's (EA) consultation on the Javelin Park incinerator continues until 6th July. It will be for the EA to decide whether or not it will grant a license to Urbaser Balfour Beatty to operate the incinerator proposed for Javelin Park. See GlosVain for how you can take part here and my letter to local press last month here. See Sue Oppenheimer in Citizen on Wednesday here.

NHS lobbies and Pride this Saturday

Published on 2012-06-07 02:17:00

'Keep Gloucestershire's NHS Public' rallies are taking place in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, and Stroud. The Stroud rally is meeting at 12 noon at Stroud Hospital, GL5 2HY. See more at: http://keepglosnhspublic.posterous.com/protest While in Gloucester, Gloucestershire Pride 2012 kicks off at the same time, 12 at Shire Hall  - see more at: http://www.glospride.org.uk/ and my film of last

Our Village party on film

Published on 2012-06-07 01:00:00

I've just uploaded - 14 hours it took with my broadband for a 15 minute film! Anyway it is up now and ready to see in HD or poorer quality depending on your own broadband connection. Any feedback about film and editing welcomed!! See it at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/whiteshill-and-ruscombe-village-party-2012/ Also uploaded was a film of Selsley Beacon being lit - really beautiful views and lots

Lake at The Lawns party film

Published on 2012-06-06 01:00:00

Here are some film clips from the Victorian party which I've put together - it includes stuff about the restoration and history of the site - as folk know the Lake is where the Ruscombe brook flows before going into canal:http://stroudcommunity.tv/the-lake-at-the-lawns-party-history-and-renovation-3rd-june-2012/     

Guest Blog: Kenya and the International Criminal Court

Published on 2012-06-05 04:32:00

Busy weekend

Published on 2012-06-03 04:32:00

It's certainly a busy weekend of events - yesterday's Whiteshill and Ruscombe's party was great - a film coming soon of that - today think I might go to Stroud on Water and the Lake at The Lawns Victorian party this afternoon...... I did upload last night a short film I made of the new cafe in Uley - see here. Don't forget 3pm Throne Racing in Randwick on Monday and the new walk at 10am in

Randwick beats world bunting record

Published on 2012-06-02 05:42:00

On Wednesday I joined the folks counting our bunting - Randwick beat the world record - the bunting is now up through the village - and of course on MOnday there will be throne racing at 3pm - you can see the film of the bunting at:http://stroudcommunity.tv/randwick-beats-world-record-with-longest-bunting/ Meanwhile don't forget the Whiteshill and Ruscombe party on the playing fields from

Feeding of the 5000 in Stroud in July

Published on 2012-06-01 00:30:00

The 5K Feast is about promoting awareness of the new foodbanks in Dursley, Stonehouse and Stroud. To this end, the Marah Trust and the Stroud District Foodbank are after some help to try and end food poverty in the District. They plan 5000 people to take part in a series of meals in July organised by local community groups, businesses and individuals. Can you organise a group? It could be a

Have you a jubillant story to tell?

Published on 2012-05-31 02:42:00

Do you have a jubilant story to share about how people in you community have come together to make life better? If you do, the new Jubilant Stories project in Gloucestershire would love to hear from you: www.jubilantstories.org info@jubilantstories.org They have already uploaded a piece about Randwick's bunting - see here on Stroud Community TV - and are also planning a piece on the

Threat to Ruscombe and Callowell grows

Published on 2012-05-28 14:03:00

Ruscombe Valley by Mike Gallagher News today is that following the public enquiry earlier this year up to 200 new homes are now possible on nine hectares of countryside at Sellars Farm in Hardwicke. See short film about the development here. This is a serious blow and opens up possibilities of development in other sites like Callowell and Ruscombe Valley. As Cllr Andy Reed Writes on his

Nuclear meltdown: Fukishima global risk

Published on 2012-05-26 03:48:00

I blogged and sent letter to press about our nuclear policy being in meltdown (see here) but it seems Fukushima is far from sorted and we may well see a serious meltdown - various news agencies are reporting the extreme risks - see for example here and here. A nuclear inspector has just said that the fate of Japan and much of the world depends on Fukushima's Reactor Number 4. If this damaged

Full Council AGM, Future Now and Youth Film Festival

Published on 2012-05-24 17:02:00

Always liked this view of building by station Back from the SDC AGM that was largely postponed from last week - this evening was not a lot of excitement - indeed most were aware that Greens, Lib Dems and Labour were developing an agreement which means we now formally run the Council. Greens take a Cabinet post - or rather Executive post for Environment - Simon Pickering is stepping into that

Game Over for the Climate

Published on 2012-05-23 02:00:00

I read earlier this week 'Game Over for the Climate' by James Hansen in the New York Times - he directs the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. It was depressing as Hansen says: "President Obama speaks of a “planet in peril,” but he does not provide the leadership needed to change the world’s course." We urgently need that leadership. GLOBAL warming isn’t a prediction. It is happening.

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Village Diamond Jubilee party

Published on 2012-05-22 01:30:00

Last years win in Tug o'War Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Events Group will be holding a 50’s theme Diamond Jubilee Village Party on Sat 2nd June from 2-10:30 pm at Whiteshill Playing Field. At last year’s Royal Wedding village event we had a visitor intake of around four hundred. With an extended programme and timetable, we hope to significantly increase that figure for celebrating the

Glos NHS Anti-Privatisation Battle heats up

Published on 2012-05-21 11:24:00

Here is press release from campaign website below - at last all our campaigning is paying off: GLOUCESTERSHIRE ANTI-PRIVATISATION BATTLE HEATS UP LOCAL CAMPAIGN IS FRONTLINE IN BATTLE FOR FUTURE OF NHS Having forced Gloucestershire health bosses to scrap previous outsourcing plans, through six months of campaigning (1) and Judicial Review proceedings (2), anti-cuts groups across the

Crown Prosecution drops Marjoram census case

Published on 2012-05-21 01:00:00

My district councillor report for Parish AGM meetings

Published on 2012-05-20 00:30:00

Help Save Captain Watson from Extradition to Costa Rica!

Published on 2012-05-19 03:59:00

From Sea Shepherd website In shocking news, German officials have decided to proceed with the extradition of Captain Watson to Costa Rica - Captain Watson has been Sea Shepherd's captain for 31 years, has run for Parliament in Canada for the Green Party.    Statement from Captain Watson: In our efforts to defend the lives of whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and fish we have made some

Nuclear energy policy is in meltdown

Published on 2012-05-19 03:00:00

Incinerator objections hidden

Published on 2012-05-18 08:15:00

Protest at incinerator plans My recent letter to the press re incineration here has been making headlines in the Waste Management trade news - see here. I wanted to note that Stroud District Green Party have submitted our objections to the incinerator a wee while ago - they are now on our website here. However they are still not on the county website - indeed I emailed the County a while ago

Last night at District Council

Published on 2012-05-18 08:03:00

I've had a fair few queries about last night....Well in short it looks like some new administration is set to take over control of Stroud District Council from the Tories. At the Council’s AGM last night Geoff Wheeler (Labour) was voted in as the new leader - the Tories have been in full control since 2000. The Administration looks like it may now consist of Labour, LibDems and Greens. However

Brimscombe's Help a Hedgehog Hospital: 3 min film

Published on 2012-05-17 02:13:00

Selsey Common Tonight is District Council AGM and may well be very interesting as the Conservatives no longer hold a majority. More of that after the meeting... Here is a short film about the Help a Hedgehog Hospital who had a stall at the Wap on Saturday.http://stroudcommunity.tv/help-a-hedgehog-hospital-brimscombe-randwick-wap/The main film of the Wap that I made has now had over 100 views

See film and sign petition to eradicate ecocide

Published on 2012-05-16 01:00:00

I've just uploaded a couple of days ago a short film about the letter being sent to David Cameron to get him to go to Rio and get international law to eradicate ecocide. See film and link to sign petition at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/rolls-to-rio/

Randwick Wap film: interviews, procession, cheese rolling and more

Published on 2012-05-15 00:00:00

Big thanks to all the comments so far about the film I put together at this weekend's Wap - another triumph for the community - amazing how people pulled together to make the day happen. See film at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/randwick-wap-2012/ A couple more films of Wap coming soon!

'Superfast' Broadband update - could be good news!!!

Published on 2012-05-14 05:36:00

Ruscombe Valley Big thanks to Ben for a comment alerting me to the latest Broadband news for this area....see my blog post a long while back here - since then there has been much work campaigning and lobbying for change from many groups in the county 'Superfast' broadband has come to Stroud. OpenReach have already begun accepting orders for those cabinets which have already been installed

Open Studios weekend: 3 local artists

Published on 2012-05-13 13:32:00

Wap movie coming very soon but this blog entry is about the wonderful, wonderful Open Studios that were this weekend and will be again on 19th and 20th May. Well I managed to get around a few between various other bits and pieces including catching up on the allotment....see http://www.sva.org.uk/ for full programme... Photos: all with kind permission of artists - apols for layout but pics

Glos Old Spot comes to Fuzzies

Published on 2012-05-12 03:00:00

View from top of Ash Lane - not far from Fuzzies Today the Wap in Randwick - starts at 1.00 plus of course loads of Open Studios....but for this blog entry it's pigs... Julia Currie writes in the Randwick Runner: Very soon Randwick residents will be able to order truly local Gloucester Old Spot pork products from pigs soon to be moved to the Fuzzies at the top of Sandpits Lane. Popes pigs,

Letter calling on County to listen re waste

Published on 2012-05-11 01:00:00

Protest last year This week I wrote to Neil Carmichael seeking his support for MBT now that he has come out against an incinerator.  I hope he will be able to support this  - meanwhile I've also sent the letter below to local press. Dear Sir/Madam,It was great to read that Neil Carmichael MP has come out in opposition to a Mass Burn Incinerator at Javelin Park. His concern regarding the

Rob Hopkins on Transition Totnes

Published on 2012-05-10 02:00:00

Here's a 20 minute video of Rob Hopkins talking about Transition Totnes - some of the ideas we've already long developed in Stroud but there's loads more we could be doing...do you feel inspired to get involved - already this year a number of new projects like developing a Food Strategy for the District with a focus on actions, the Yes project working with all schools in the District, plus old

Queens speech: 'deafening silence' over climate crisis

Published on 2012-05-09 12:16:00

Ruscombe valley Here's Caroline Lucas' comment on todays speech: - Green MP slams absence of leadership to address climate change and manage transition to a green economy - Welcomes Water White Paper but calls for more powers to hold water companies to account The Government has squandered a vital opportunity to put action to tackle climate change and the growing environmental crisis at the

Children of the Elements

Published on 2012-05-08 01:00:00

Communicating sustainability is a huge challenge - I get all sorts of cold calling emails from various projects and proposals for me to highlight on this blog. I have to say I could fill every day with several such entries but most get deleted....however here's one that interested me more....a brother and a sister working on an interactive children's story for iPads: Children of the Elements.

Election results

Published on 2012-05-06 07:22:00

View of Ebley Mill from near Ash Lane Very disappointing to lose Nailsworth Green councillor on Friday - the swing to Labour meant Tories slipped in - plus Lib Dems stood for the first time in years - I have no doubt we will win the seat back. Overall Greens were up 11 councillors across the country - and Jenny Jones beat the Lib Dems into third place in the London Mayoral elections! Great

Diary date: Badgers meeting 2nd June

Published on 2012-05-03 01:30:00

View from Selsey across to Ruscombe A wee while ago we had the District Council meeting where along with many others I spoke against culling - the motion was passed - see more details here. Well coming up next month is a public meeting to look more at this issue - see details below: STOP THE COALITION GOVERNMENT KILLING BADGERS SATURDAY 2 JUNE 2012 1030-1230 at THE OLD TOWN HALL, STROUD

Glos Broadband survey results

Published on 2012-05-02 02:00:00

The Borders Broadband project is using Government and local authority funding to attract commercial telecoms suppliers to provide the infrastructure for high-speed internet services. Well the results of the Broadband survey are out - see more at: http://www.gfirstbroadband.co.uk/#anchor See my some of my previous blogs on this here. In Gloucestershire, 5,960 questionnaires were completed.

Carnival time in Stroud

Published on 2012-05-01 13:55:00

View across to Stonehouse and new small turbine An amazing Saturday - the procession and carnival were wonderful - big thanks to all the organisers - heres' my video with some of the highlights: http://stroudcommunity.tv/carnival-day-at-goods-shed-site-festival-2012/ The Saturday also saw the Woodfuel project in Randwick where we started on new site - helping tidy near the old campsite plus

Cashes Green Community Land Trust website launch

Published on 2012-05-01 01:00:00

Hey have you seen the new website? http://www.cashesgreenclt.org.uk/ If you are interested in this exciting scheme then have a look at the site - there is also a meeting tonight at the Cashes Green Community Centre. It is great to see progress on the site - as you know there have been many years of frustration over this site - it is great that a developer, that is prepared to properly listen,

Glos NHS campaigners go back to the law

Published on 2012-04-30 10:56:00

Local artist Russ' view on our NHS In my last blog earlier today  I noted the NHS protest last week - see here. Anyway I wanted to note that at the Full Council meeting last Thursday Martin Whiteside followed up on questions to GCC Scrutiny that I have raised - see here. The answer came that we will write again to the county calling on them to properly consider the impact of the NHS changes

NHS protest taken to Carmichael's door

Published on 2012-04-30 10:33:00

Stroud Life report Last week there was a small protest in response to Neil Carmichael claiming on Stroud FM that the public don't care who provides healthcare. I missed the protest due to a work meeting but did pass by the office as the last protestors finished. See brief film of protest on Stroud Community TV: http://stroudcommunity.tv/protest-outside-neil-carmichaels-office-keep-nhs-public/

Are you a homeowner with solid walls?

Published on 2012-04-29 01:00:00

View from near Ash lane Here's part of a press release from District Council: Owners of older houses within the Stroud District are being encouraged to take up grants being offered by a joint initiative between Stroud District Council and British Gas whilst the offer remains. The project launched in January to offer grants to improve energy efficiency of houses with solid walls, which

Whiteshill & Ruscombe Village Shop: best year ever!

Published on 2012-04-28 01:30:00

The Greens saw the double dip recession coming

Published on 2012-04-27 09:04:00

Stroud Green party District Councillor Molly Scott Cato, who has a great economics blog, has been quoted in The Economics Voice about how the Greens saw the double dip recession coming. It is very worth a read indeed - how politicians see council or government spending as an ‘expense’ that must be minimised and why this is mistaken. See full article here and Molly's piece here.

Stroud District Council say no to badger culling on their land

Published on 2012-04-26 18:20:00

Stroud District Council demands GCC halt plans for an incinerator

Published on 2012-04-26 18:02:00

Briefing regarding Glos County Waste Procurement Project

Published on 2012-04-26 18:01:00

Tory/Lib Dem Coalition to encourage tax havens!

Published on 2012-04-25 23:30:00

Russ cartoon when George realised rich avoid tax? Then again maybe he didn't get it! This blog has covered some of the fight to tackle Tax Havens - I've also written to our local MP who made reassuring noises but very little fact in his reply. Well below (click read more) is Caroline Lucas' blog in The Guardian on the Finance Bill and tax changes which will benefit multinational companies. In

Cigarette warnings

Published on 2012-04-25 02:00:00

Local artist Russ sent this image through - as someone who doesn't smoke I had not appreciated the price had gone up so much - he wonders if a warning like that might help folk give up? What do others think?

Election time

Published on 2012-04-24 01:30:00

3rd May is election day - but not for Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe ward. See here details of all the Green candidates standing - we really could do with getting some more Green voices elected - and as always note the comment at the very bottom of this blog re elections.

More quotes and an update

Published on 2012-04-23 13:53:00

View from Randwick to Stonehouse Well a busy few weeks - election canvassing has been going on and I've not managed to write up recent meetings like the two Parish Councils I've been to... In brief the 20 mph working group is making great progress and should have costed proposals very soon, there was a theft of a SatNav from a car in Ruscombe last week, Doublespout (one of the Ruscombe Brook

Eileen Lister

Published on 2012-04-22 11:16:00

I was sorry to hear that Eileen Lister passed away in Pitchcombe aged 89 - here she is pictured at More Hall Convent fate in 2007. I only met her a few times but many may know her as the Stroud District councillor for this ward 1979-1983 and 1986-1989. A Requiem Mass was held for her on 20th April at More Hall Convent followed by a cremation in Gloucester.

In memory of Margaret Cooke aged 111

Published on 2012-04-21 12:41:00

I have been very fortunate to have known Margaret Cooke who lived in Beaconsfield - she died aged 111 years old on March 18 being the third oldest person in Britain. She was born on 15th September 1900, when Queen Victoria was still on the throne. Over 30 years ago, I was helping organise holidays a couple of years running down in Rottingdean to which Margaret Cooke came - at over 8o then she

Stroud Stagecoach changes: 93 to run every 30 mins

Published on 2012-04-19 06:00:00

Click here instead! Stagecoach and the County Council are not great at getting news out about bus changes - how many times on this blog have I said that - anyway the great news is that the 93 will now run twice every hour - see timetable here - still no proper later evening service but at least this will be great for regular commuters - and see below other local changes. "I use the above bus

Another visit to Wessex Water

Published on 2012-04-19 05:27:00

As noted I am Stroud District Council's rep to Wessex Water - yesterday in Bath we had a meeting - I wont go into all the details as I've just written a brief summary for the annual report for other councillors - click read more to see it. One issue I don't mention in that report was the feedback we got from a large survey looking at Customer Expectations - a fascinating insight that shows

Randwick's World Record Longest Line of Bunting Attempt

Published on 2012-04-18 02:28:00

Here's the news from the Randwick Hall website: As part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Randwick is attempting to break the world record for the longest continuous line of bunting. The current record stands at 3,427.94 metres.  It is planned the length of bunting will stretch from Whiteshill shop, through Ruscombe, the length of Bread Street, past More Hall Convent, down to

Call on Cameron for 30% target

Published on 2012-04-17 14:48:00

Local artist Russ cartoon I've been at Parish Council meetings, a Policy panel, Transition Stroud Council meeting, Stroud Community TV meetings and more.....all too busy to blog at the mo but did want to highlight this 38 Degrees campaign.... Right now, behind the scenes in Europe, big decisions are being made about climate change. Experts say what’s needed are targets to reduce emissions by

Wallbridge to remain closed!

Published on 2012-04-14 18:24:00

Many of us campaigned for the Wallbridge road to remain closed - see my film at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/stroud-against-the-gyratory/ Well the good news is that it will be - read in the SNJ here. At least some sense - the vast majority of the 300m people in the consultation called for it to stay closed - it is astonishing that anyone could even contemplate opening it... ooohps! As someone has

Email MP about cuts to legal aid

Published on 2012-04-13 12:31:00

View from top of Ash Lane I've had a couple of hours at the allotment today - loved that - well I've written lots on this blog about the cuts to legal aid - on Tuesday, MPs will vote. Over the last few months, the House of Lords have made some vital changes to the plans. Their changes would protect children, domestic violence victims and disabled people from the worst of the legal aid cuts -

End:Civ with Director in Stroud

Published on 2012-04-12 09:18:00

Local artist Russ' latest image James Beecher has organised a showing of End:Civ on Sunday - I've seen the film and it is hard going in places and challenges some of my views around peaceful protest...worth a watch indeed - especially as the Director will be there to talk about it. Here's what James writes: I have been able to convince film-maker Frank Lopez to make an additional stop on his

Very real concerns re extradition not answered

Published on 2012-04-11 02:30:00

So the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that five terrorism suspects, including Babar Ahmad - a British citizen who has been held without charge or trial for over seven years - can be extradited to the US. Well it is not so simple as that - and in much of the news the whole story seems to have been missed. See Caroline Lucas' press release here - she called for a public enquiry into

Hate Crime In Glos: 4 films look at the issues

Published on 2012-04-10 01:00:00

Picture on wall at the conference I recently attended the Gloucestershire Hate Crime Conference on Saturday 24th March 2012 In Gloucester to raise awareness of hate crime. Well this weekend I put together bits of films from the presentations - they hopefully give a flavour of the day - but if you want to see an excellent film that covers the issues then do not miss the acclaimed film by

Support for two new turbines

Published on 2012-04-09 05:09:00

The new turbine near Westrip, Randwick I've been meaning to write to share my support for two small turbines going up Wickwar/Kingswood way. Having visited the site a while ago I am very supportive of this venture that will also benefit the community. Click 'Read More' to see my comments - the last date for comments is tomorrow. The address of the Stroud Planning portal is below. http://

Green Party's Election Broadcast

Published on 2012-04-08 02:00:00

There is another way. There is an alternative. The Green Party Election Broadcast for the Local Elections and London Elections on May 3rd 2012. Help us Make The Difference. Produced and promoted by Martin Bleach on behalf of Jenny Jones and London Green Party candidates, all at Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT.

Occupy Stroud supports eradicating ecocide

Published on 2012-04-07 04:34:00

Next Saturday Occupy Stroud are trying to help the Ecocide campaign - a local eco poet is working on a poem for the Saturday meeting in the High Street at 10.30am and more planned. For background on the issue of ecocide see my film of the talk at Stroud Sub Rooms, 10th March 2012. See highlights and how to take action at: http://stroudcommunity.tv/eradicating-ecocide-talk-stroud-sub-rooms/

Robin Hood Campaign grows.....

Published on 2012-04-06 01:30:00

Here's part of their recent campaign email with an appeal to write to your MP: David Cameron calls it ‘madness’. And George Osborne would rather let the rich pay less than tax the banks. But millions of people know that the Robin Hood Tax makes sense. So thanks for staying with us. It’s been an amazing two years – and 2012 is full of opportunity. This email is longer than ususal but it's time

Poem about a couples visit - by Brenda Brookson

Published on 2012-04-04 01:30:00

View across to Ruscombe from Selsey Ruscombe resident, Brenda Brookson, sent a copy of her poem to me about a couple who visited her home - I asked if I could pop it on this site. As regular blog readers will know I am happy to make this space available for all sorts - adverts for local events, new local businesses, exhibitions and more....anyway here is the poem....a lovely story that is a

Glos new library strategy: more than disappointing

Published on 2012-04-03 01:30:00

Well the libraries strategy is to say the least disappointing - the consultation was not great and the new strategy is well...rubbish..... First see here comments from Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries on the library strategy consultation. For example GCC state: "The concept of using volunteers in libraries was also supported by 82% of the people questioned in the telephone survey and

Burma; a tiny tiny step towards starting to move towards more democracy

Published on 2012-04-02 12:17:00

Here below is a message from the Burma Campaign: Today you will be seeing the wonderful scenes in newspapers and on TV of people celebrating Aung San Suu Kyi’s election victory. It looks as if the National League for Democracy has won most, if not all, of the 44 seats they contested.  In the past we always thought that Aung San Suu Kyi entering Parliament would be the final step on the path to

Nuclear companies pull out of Oldbury

Published on 2012-04-02 02:00:00

Russ cartoon Well I had a few days away in Cornwall last week - very nice they were too - even got to enjoy a genuine pasty - although I wont be bragging about that too loudly... Well one item in the news while I was away was that npower and Horizon pulled out of plans to build a new nuclear plant at Oldbury - see article in Huffington Post here. I can't say I'm disappointed - nuclear just

Can you help with the Ruscombe phone box exhibition?

Published on 2012-04-01 01:30:00

Ruscombe Telephone Box is to become a community Gallery and Art Space. The First exhibition at the Ruscombe Telephone Box - becoming a Community Gallery, is to be a local celebration of the Coronation of the Queen, Silver Jubilee and now the Diamond Jubilee..   What we need: Any local photos, pictures, diary extracts, memories about the Coronation Day or Silver Jubilee. If you would

Drive Aid??!!

Published on 2012-03-31 01:00:00

See hapless pro-biofuel campaigners promote 'Drive Aid' on the streets of London. Please sign the petition to make the UK government and EU to stop supporting biofuel production - http://www.actionaid.org.uk/driveaid

Sign pledge to keep our Glos NHS Public

Published on 2012-03-30 15:50:00

The "Keeping the NHS Public" is a major part of the work that Stroud Against The Cuts" is engaged with and amongst other groups the Green Party is totally supportive - and represented on the steering committee. I noted the new pledge here but would like to urge again that people sign up:http://www.pledgebank.com/PledgeToKGNP

Protest song workshop for Stroud

Published on 2012-03-30 01:00:00

This poster highlights a new workshop and possibly hopes for a new group. This looks like a very interesting development that I am happy to promote here. It reminded me that the Centre for Political Song at the Glasgow Caledonian University exists to promote and foster an awareness of all forms of political song. At a meeting back in 2007 at Safe Water Campaign AGM we were treated to a

Brazillian Community Development Expert advises Stroud Greens

Published on 2012-03-29 01:00:00

Ed Davey's dash for gas will not help UK meet carbon targets

Published on 2012-03-28 02:00:00

View across to Randwick from Selsey The title of this blog post was the title of Caroline Lucas's lblog last week for The Guardian. It can be seen below as I think it raises many crucial issues taht thsi Government are failing to address. It can also be found at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/mar/21/ed-davey-gasAs one of his first major announcements, climate secretary's

Vote for Neighbourhood Planning project

Published on 2012-03-27 15:06:00

Stroud Town Councillor Ben Spencer has posted an idea up for the Ordnance Survey’s Geovation challenge. It is about neighbourhood community planning. If you could spare 2 minutes to register then vote/comment on it that would be great. Here is the link: https://challenge.geovation.org.uk/a/dtd/Collaborative-neighbourhood-community-planning/108431-16422

Satish Kumar talks

Published on 2012-03-26 04:23:00

Last week I got to the University of Gloucestershire's lecture - a free public lecture by Satish Kumar that was part of the Uni's Sustainable Landscape Series lectures. For those who don’t know, Satish is the editor of Resurgence magazine as well as one of the founders of the Schumacher College in Devon. He is a former monk and long-term peace and environment activist (http://

Free Composting Workshop Wednesday

Published on 2012-03-24 10:53:00

Wednesday 28th March 2012 1.30- 2.30pm / 4 – 5pm Come and learn all about composting! SVP’s Get Growing project is running 2 free composting workshops in partnership with Down to Earth Co-operative. I have been tiold there are still several places available on this course - Amanda is excellent - see her on video at the Edible Open Gardens workshop: http://stroudcommunity.tv/

Call for Scrutiny of NHS changes

Published on 2012-03-24 03:00:00

Local artist Russ' take on recent NHS Bill Last September Stroud District Council called for the Health, Community and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to scrutinise the changes to our NHS. They didn't really listen. We've since then had the court case. The options to stay within the NHS are now back on the table.NHS Glos have agreed to consider a wide range of options, including entering

Send in your OBJECTION to the Incinerator Planning Application

Published on 2012-03-23 18:24:00

GLOSVAIN have made objecting to the incinerator easier - see: http://www.glosvain.info/what-can-i-do/Objection-Letter

Stroud Community TV's first newsletter

Published on 2012-03-23 02:00:00

Last week I sent out SCTV's first newsletter - copied below but you can sign up free from the Stroud Community TV website - leave email in box in right hand column. Welcome to our first newsletter. We have already had 547 unique visitors in March and over 8,200 page views!! If you 'tweet' and 'facebook' then please encourage even more folk to find our site. You can also 'like' our Stroud

Sign the pledge to Keep Glos NHS Public

Published on 2012-03-21 19:00:00

The Daily Mirror said it all yesterday. Well a NEW PLEDGE for all of you to sign and pass on to friends, colleagues, neighbours and members of any other groups you are in: http://www.pledgebank.com/PledgeToKGNP See my most recent blog here with links to the films I put together re the talk last week - also has link to Caroline Lucas' blog. Here is list of how MPs voted - you will see Neil

Caroline Lucas on the Budget

Published on 2012-03-21 10:51:00

Caroline's comments below but see also New Economics Foundation here. As their chart shows left Osborne’s focus on public sector debt (the yellow area) is wholly misplaced. The debt held by the private financial sector dwarfs all other kinds, and is perhaps the biggest single threat to the UK’s continuing economic stability.There is an alternative. An economic approach that focuses on

Feedback and quotes from the Big Cat discussion

Published on 2012-03-21 07:40:00

Big Cats - are they out there? As some will know there was a Big Cats talk and discussion in Stroud  15 March 2012. It was sadly the same night as the big NHS talk so I missed it but the organisers have kindly let me write up the feedback on this blog. So below you will find the feedback and quotes from those participants who were happy to leave their comments. The event was hosted by Stroud

Stroud strike money will not go to voluntary groups

Published on 2012-03-13 09:30:00

Selsey fields Remember the public sector strike last year? Well many at the District Council took part. I heard that in Newcastle they estimated that the money from unpaid salaries totaled about £300,000. Well Newcastle City Council pledged to transfer all the salary savings it made from the strike action into its voluntary sector budget. I wrote officially to Stroud District to see if they

Highlights of Saturday's Eradicating Ecocide talk

Published on 2012-03-12 13:18:00

One of the posters around the room On Saturday we had an interesting talk at Stroud Sub Rooms about the campaign to make ecocide a crime. I made a quick video - used a new bit of software - not sure if it works - three people said great, one disliked and one hated the news-like approach! Anyhow the video includes highlights of the talk by Joe Hall, Head of Campaigns for Eradicating Ecocide

New email group for people with disabilities

Published on 2012-03-12 02:30:00

Ruscombe Valley at risk? Time to complete online consultation

Published on 2012-03-11 01:00:00

First slide of parish presentation On Tuesday Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council held a public meeting about the threat to our valley - in particular the two sites - Ruscombe Valley (labelled in the consultation as 'land behind Farmhill Lane') and Callowell fields. Both are threatened with development under the alternative strategies being proposed. While in some ways this is unlikely as

Burma sanctions are working; don't relax them now

Published on 2012-03-10 02:05:00

Below is my letter to our MP. You can write to your MP from this website: www.writetothem.com Dear Neil,I am writing to ask you to sign two cross-party Early Day Motions (EDMs) about Burma. As you know there has been some good news in Burma in the past year, but as Aung San Suu Kyi has said, there is still a long way to go. Human rights abuses have actually increased in the past year, aid to

Solution for pot holes!

Published on 2012-03-09 05:38:00

Holes Of Happiness is a short documentary looking at the reactions of the public to some pothole gardens that have been popping up around East London. http://www.thepotholegardener.com

Library Budget cuts are double the amount admitted by GCC

Published on 2012-03-09 03:00:00

Much has been said and written about our County libraries - however it is disappointing that the County are not talking a key factor into account when they make more cuts - that key factor is thatb already the service has faced massive cuts. John Holland has (5 March 2012) written to the press - see letter on Friends of Glos Libraries website here or letter below: Dear Editor, According to

Meetings, meetings, 'Stroud Standard' and prayers

Published on 2012-03-08 16:31:00

Council Chamber, Ebley Mill I have not had a chance to catch up on this blog with a whole host of meetings I've been to in the last couple of weeks - a few mentions but a lot of misses - like the Full Council meeting on 23rd Feb - that was more a rubber stamp of what had been decided at the previous Council meeting re Council Tax rates - see here and minutes on the SDC website.  One

Another Forest sell-off U-turn?

Published on 2012-03-08 11:00:00

Caroline Lucas writes: "Is the government planning a further U-turn on selling our forests?" This is how it continues: When I challenged the government in January over its incoherent plans for the forestry estate, I was dismissed as "hysterical" by the Defra minister for forests, Jim Paice. A little discourteous, to say the least. But far more worrying was the fact that the minister, in

Vegan back issues online

Published on 2012-03-08 04:30:00

A regular Ruscombe Green reader noted that the Vegan Society has put all their back copies(back to 1945) of their magazine online. Even if you are not Vegan it is worth a look;http://www.vegansociety.com/resources/magazine/Back-issues.aspx

Stroud Community TV launched!

Published on 2012-03-06 22:00:00

Stroud Community TV is a not for profit independent online channel by the people of Stroud and for the people of Stroud. It launched on 1st March 2012 and now we are now after more of your YouTube or Vimeo videos about Stroud or by Stroud people that can be linked to our website. For some months I have been working on this project with a number of others - the idea came out of a

Recycling: changes coming in July

Published on 2012-03-06 16:47:00

Go Grow Nailsworth

Published on 2012-03-06 11:00:00

Go Grow Nailsworth has been around since 2009 and is indeed growing - selling local garden produce from a market stall, getting a new mini-orchard going and more - if you don't know about this local project see their website which also has details of their event on 10th March at the Arkell Centre in Nailsworth which includes a talk by a local author, seed swap and comedy film based on a true

Flooding and insurance meet in Stroud; over 800 properties at risk?!

Published on 2012-03-05 20:30:00

Click on poster to see Judy Gibson (Community Flood Consultant) and Mary Dhonau OBE former CEO of The National Flood Forum and Chair of Know Your Flood Risk in the Stroud area joined the last Stroud Valleys Water Forum meeting. As noted in my write up of that, a meeting was planned for this Thursday. It is not quite what we had hoped in terms of tackling the causes of flooding but

'HBOS Whistleblower' Paul Moore on Banking Reform

Published on 2012-03-05 01:30:00

It is Move Your Money month - see more at: www.moveyourmoney.org.uk/ Well Occupy Stroud were out on Saturday publicising the month - if you need any further evidence about the banks do look at this extraordinary video.... Paul Moore, former Head of Group Regulatory Risk at Halifax Bank of Scotland, whose claims about risk taking at HBOS led to the resignation of its former boss Sir

Sardines, human rights and Western Sahara

Published on 2012-03-04 01:30:00

Congrats to the Coop - more of that in a mo but first - the UN mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO) remains the only contemporary UN mission that does not monitor human rights. Last year the Western Sahara Campaign led the world wide campaign for the MINURSO mandate to include human rights monitoring. This was partially successful; though monitoring was not included, language on human rights was

Oldbury closes at last

Published on 2012-03-03 06:22:00

On Wednesday Oldbury nuclear plant closed after 44 years of operating - at last - many of us have long argued it should have closed many years ago. It will take 100 years to clean up and indeed is a very tough job....for many hundred years after that it will still need to be kept secure. It is estimated the cost of taking Oldbury out of action and clearing the site will be £954 million....of

'Save Our NHS' at Sub Rooms 15th March

Published on 2012-03-03 02:00:00

Click on poster to see full size and print off Today Greens will be out in Stroud leafleting on the latest news re the NHS - this blog post is notice of the forthcoming public meeting, 'Save Our NHS', at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, on Thursday March 15th, 7pm doors and bar, 7.30 prompt meeting start. Tickets for this Stroud Against Cuts event, are free but it is recommended you book/

How we are bailing out the banks again

Published on 2012-03-02 10:30:00

Irish economist David McWilliams from Punk Economics explains the ECB's massive cash for trash scheme - bailing out banks with your money. Well Transition Show presenter on Stroud FM James Beecher tweeted re this film and I agree it is a great way to get across difficult issues.... <p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp

Green Party conference

Published on 2012-03-02 08:00:00

I missed the conference last weekend in Liverpool - a handful of Greens went from Stroud and lots of positive reports about the workshops and all - particularly the look at what it means to be Green - see here - worth a look are the speeches from Leader and Deputy. See speeches at: http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/Caroline-Lucas-Green-Party-Conference-Liverpool.html http://

Standish Hospital update

Published on 2012-03-02 07:04:00

I have had several queries from local residents over the last month regarding the Standish Hospital site - apparently as of January a plan was still being worked on with a bidder - the details remain confidential but the delay is, I suspect, not unexpected given the economy and changes to both GCC and NHS structure and many people's job changes. However with further NHS changes possible and the

Meet one of Latin America's leading alternative currency organiser

Published on 2012-03-02 02:00:00

Stroud's Molly Scott Cato is organising a conference exchange between UK and Latin America to try to learn from their experiences - the challenge of reconciling a right to human development with the need to avoid dangerous climate change and the unsustainable depletion of resources. The conference is in Liverpool - see more here - but one of the key organisers of alternative currencies in Latin

Fairtrade week is underway

Published on 2012-03-01 16:51:00

There are a number of local events for Fairtrade Fortnight - in Stroud this Saturday see poster for Country Dancing and in Nailsworth on 12th March they are 'Celebrating Sweet Justice' at the Arkell Centre, Forest Green 7.30 pm with a Traidcraft speaker and two short films - Free entry and free samples of Fairtrade honey etc. All Welcome! I am hoping Stratford Park Leisure will also be

Another gas leak in Bread Street

Published on 2012-03-01 01:30:00

Last year we heard news that the dire old gas pipeline in Bread Street would be replaced - see here - but nothing has happened - this is despite assurances of a replacement before April this year. I reported another gas leak at the gateway to the field at the entrance to Bread Street (Convent end) this week and spoke with the company - residents here have faced many gas leak incidents and I have

Bishop of Gloucester joins calls to stop legal aid cuts

Published on 2012-02-29 17:44:00

It was good to see this evening an online article by the Bish of Gloucester highlighting the impact of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill which is soon to be debated at Report Stage in the House of Lords, of which he is a member. He notes around 3,000 people in Gloucester will be left with no way of enforcing their rights when faced with employment, welfare benefits

Good SNJ article on Glasman visit

Published on 2012-02-29 17:21:00

Decent write up in SNJ online this week and in the SNJ today of the talk in the Sub Rooms by Maurice Glasman - apparently he did not please all and was not great on climate change but nevertheless it sounds like he gave much food for thought and spoke very much from the heart....refreshing...sadly I missed as was at the Full council meeting. See link or click read more. http://

Ruscombe and Randwick springs run dry

Published on 2012-02-29 02:00:00

Some rivers are currently lower than the 1976 drought - springs have dried up in Ruscombe and Randwick - something that is not known in the lifetimes of people locally. Water flows are very low on the brook itself - local farmers that have contacted me are very concerned. How will cattle manage? Will this mean troughs will be needed in all fields? The Telegraph reported last week farmers already

More exaggerated turbine photos!

Published on 2012-02-28 02:00:00

Back in April last year it was found that campaign groups against wind turbines in Berkeley Vale had used photos that exaggerated the size of the turbines - see here - well now it seems the same has happened down in Sharpness. The proposal at Sharpness Docks for a single turbine - see here - has, I understand, also had around 600 leaflets delivered in that area with the picture seen left. The

Taxcast; worth a listen

Published on 2012-02-27 12:51:00

This is worth a listen: The Taxcast is a15 minute monthly podcast with the latest news, research and analysis of global events in tax evasion, tax avoidance and the shadow banking system. It features headlines, analysis with economist Richard Murphy of The Courageous State and a mini-documentary. In February's Taxcast: Are City of London Police really serious about prosecuting financial

Article: Global Warming: real and human caused

Published on 2012-02-27 04:06:00

Pine Glacier cracked October 2011; likely to create a 350sq mile iceberg Rob Hopkins tweeted this article - and it is worth a read as it dismisses those unscientific and deeply damaging arguments that the press keep printing - 'How We Know Global Warming is Real and Human Caused' by Donald R. Prothero. See here: http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/12-02-08/#feature

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Telephone Box to become a gallery?

Published on 2012-02-26 03:00:00

A series of old-fashioned telephone boxes are to be placed around London over the summer. The boxes - nearly 100 in total - will not have phones in them or be red in colour - instead they will be decorated by artists and designers - see BBC short news item here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17047805 Well locally for some months Parish councillors have been working on what to do

Carmichael says no to release of secret NHS report

Published on 2012-02-25 01:30:00

On Wednesday, MPs voted on a motion to force the government to release their secret report into risks facing our NHS. Over 60,000 of us emailed our MPs before the vote. Sadly only four government MPs rebelled and voted the right way (see here) - Neil Carmichael wasn't one of them. A further 15 Lib Dems added their name to a separate statement calling for the risk register to be published. So

Polly Higgins in Stroud 10th March

Published on 2012-02-24 01:00:00

Don't forget Polly Higgins in Stroud - see previous blog here. Governments can no longer claim to have no knowledge of the adverse  impact of fracking, land grabbing and mining. Our right to life is being put at risk by dangerous industrial activities. Europe is switching from coal to to natural gas without regard of impact to health of all life on the earth. THIS CAMPAIGN FOR AN  International

Occupy Stroud call 'Move Your Money'

Published on 2012-02-23 07:02:00

Barclays protest last year in Stroud I mentioned the campaign on this blog, Move Your Money. The website is now up: www.moveyourmoney.org.uk and Occupy Stroud who held the first public event last Saturday have adopted the campaign as part of their actions. See SNJ report of the event here. The campaign has 4 suggestions:1) Signing up to the PLEDGE to move your money atwww.moveyourmoney.org.uk

Support national safer cycling petition

Published on 2012-02-21 02:37:00

Oh dear last week I had a tricky situation - I've used the same number on my combination lock since I was a wee lad - of course now I have a sooooper doooper strong lock - well it gave up last week when I was locked on a fence outside the Canal Centre - no amount of twisting and turning and retrying unlocked it - I borrowed massive bolt cutters but they were broken - in the end Travis Perkins

New nukes to be built on false info

Published on 2012-02-20 02:30:00

Oldbury - site of possible new nuclear build Here is a copy of my email last week to the Environmental Audit Committee and Public Administration Select Committee plus Neil Carmichael MP. This really is shocking...You may have heard of about the Report called 'Corruption of Governance' launched in the Houses of Commons on 31st January 2012.  I have now read this shocking easy to read report

Food Strategy for Stroud District

Published on 2012-02-18 02:50:00

Allotments, farms and all to be part of plans Will there be a food crisis? This was the topic of a Coffee House Discussion last year - see my videos of the two presentations here - it is clear we are heading towards some very very challenging times. I don't need to spell out to regular readers of this blog the impacts of peak oil, climate change and a host of other challenges. A Sunday Times

Big Cats in Glos; evidence and implications

Published on 2012-02-16 02:30:00

Big Cat photo? Some might have seen The Sun coverage of Stroud 's Coryn Memory filming in Summer 2010 what looks like a Big Cat - see here. There is apparently lots more than these edited highlights here. Well you can hear about this and more at a talk coming up.... Indeed basically this post is a bit of publicity for the illustrated talk by Rick Minter and Frank Tunbridge: Rick Minter is

Two days left to stop Wallbridge Road reopening

Published on 2012-02-15 01:00:00

The chicken was out as part of Stroud Against the Gyratory - see photos by Ruth Davey of the fairly new local business LOOK AGAIN (Photography, Film, Vision) - see my previous blog post with my video and details of the consultation here. Basically many of us think the Wallbridge road in Stroud should remain closed and we all have a chance to vote at the Cotswold Canal Centre until 17th

Petition: Save BSL Interpreter Service for Glos Deaf

Published on 2012-02-14 02:00:00

Deaf people in Gloucestershire are petitioning NHS Gloucestershire for a return to a local BSL interpreter service for doctors appointments. Please support them and Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA): http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-local-bsl-interpreter-provision-for-glos-deaf.html Last September NHS Gloucestershire moved to consolidate its PCT interpreting and translating

Brewery Bridge opened

Published on 2012-02-13 08:09:00

I was out last week and managed to see Princess Anne opening the Brewery Bridge - happened to be in town so no special trip but great to see so many people marking this key step in progress. Indeed crowds were there despite the snow Meanwhile we have until Friday to vote regarding the Wallbridge road  reopening - see my previous blog post with my video and details of the consultation here

Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe 20 mph update

Published on 2012-02-12 01:30:00

I've not had a chance to write up quite a number of recent meetings like Parish Councils, Green councillors and more - I'm not sure I will now as have another busy week with meetings every night - but I did want to add a note about the recent Working Party looking at 20 mph within the two Parishes. For those interested in the long history click on the 20 mph label - for me the story goes back 7

Energy, climate and a wasted £50bn

Published on 2012-02-11 02:18:00

New shock for solar - see here Yesterday's Independent covered Greens three point plan on energy - I've copied it below - it is extraordinary - we have rising carbon emissions especially from home heating - and now by the government's own admission, loft lagging will fall by 93% when the Green Deal starts!!! The fact that a six-month shutdown of the Sizewell nuclear reactor was partly to

Homemade artisan bread in Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe

Published on 2012-02-10 00:30:00

Fresh artisan bread delivered to the door - this is a fantastic service - a couple of slices are a meal in themselves - quite unlike the supermarket breads. Yes I know I've mentioned this bread project before (see here) and a similar one (see here) - well it has now launched this week - I had two loaves from the first bake-off delivered to me on Monday morning. Both loaves were delicious - I had

Glos NHS Services Escape Privatisation after High court Drama

Published on 2012-02-09 13:03:00

Great news - NHS bosses have backed down - this afternoon options for community health services in Gloucestershire are set to remain within the NHS consultations. Stroud Against the Cuts who have been supporting this write: "This is what the people of Gloucestershire wanted. This outcome shows what can be achieved, and gives the people of Gloucestershire

How ethical is your bank?

Published on 2012-02-09 01:00:00

In a moment Mary Poppins but first a campaign is being launched that seeks to encourage individuals, organisations and enterprises to move their money from the major high street banks to more ethical, local and socially useful alternatives including the cooperative bank, building societies and credit unions.  A similar campaign in the US has resulted in over 4 million people switching current or

Big Butterfly Count starts on 16th

Published on 2011-07-05 01:40:00

In previous years I've participated in the Big Butterfly Count - see for example last year here - well this year it will be even bigger as it is extended over two weeks. You can count butterflies as many times as you like from 16 to 31 July. See Butt

Glos libraries campaign make Channel 4 news

Published on 2011-07-04 11:37:00

If you missed it you can catch up on the Channel Four News item about the legal challenge from Saturday here. In addition to Lechlade speaking out against Cllr Hawthorne's claims that people want to run their own libraries (which he again claims in t

Make a submission to panel on our forests

Published on 2011-07-04 01:19:00

A while back I blogged on the review of our forests - See here my comments. Well there is still time to make comments and it seems our forests could still be at risk. As noted when the government abandoned their forest sell-off plans, they said they'

Stroud's Edible Open Gardens launch video

Published on 2011-07-03 05:12:00

Here is a video of the Edible Open Gardens launch in Stroud yesterday that I have put together to advertise the weekend of 35 open edible gardens, guided walks and workshops on 9th/10th July 2011. It is all about growing more food locally. In this vi

Garden Notes: July

Published on 2011-07-02 23:21:00

Here is the last set of my Garden notes...for the other sets click 'Label below and scroll down. July Notes Top up ponds and bog gardens in hot weather - thin excess plant growth and remove blanket weed initially to the edge to allow trapped crit

SNJ and Gazette to go to Tetbury?

Published on 2011-07-02 01:00:00

The US newspaper company Gannett is to fire 700 newspaper staff, some 2% of the company's total work force. The job reductions will affect the company's community publishing division, which consists of about 80 daily papers. The implications for o

This month's rankings for top environment blogs

Published on 2011-07-01 12:52:00

Three Glos blogs remain in the top 20: Porritt at 7, this blog at 15 and Molly's Gaian Economics at 18. Even the Little Green blog has articles from the Forest-based 'My Zero Waste' blog so does that count as three and a half in the top 20? 1Bright

Lavender Bakehouse excels!

Published on 2011-07-01 12:38:00

What a lucky fellow am I...you see I had to be in Cirencester this morning but came back early and managed to meet up with my partner at the Lavender Bakehouse and Coffee shop in Chalford.... It was there I had a second breakfast - a favorite of hob

Nuclear at any cost: does government really care about safety?

Published on 2011-07-01 12:24:00

Oldbury viewed from Randwick It seems British government officials approached nuclear companies to draw up a co-ordinated public relations strategy to play down the Fukushima nuclear accident just two days after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan an

Call for police to investigate A-10's at Fairford Tattoo

Published on 2011-07-01 01:48:00

Peace pole: is this something we want in Stroud? I like the idea! The Sponsored bike ride at Fairford Tattoo is getting lots of interest - see their Facebook site here and my previous blog here. I understand the cyclists are talking to the police to

One of Oldburys nukes shuts forever

Published on 2011-06-30 14:24:00

One of the two nuclear reactors at Oldbury Power Station, 16 miles from Stroud, is to be shut down permanently at midnight. Reactor 2, which has been operating for 43 years, will generate electricity for the last time on Thursday.  See BBC report he

Library campaign update

Published on 2011-06-30 06:55:00

Reading the local papers I could get the impression that all is well with plans for community run libraries - GCC Leader Mark Hawthorne reports of the plans, that 'people are saying this is what they want'. I have to say I have not come across a si

NHS: government plans will still damage NHS

Published on 2011-06-30 00:27:00

I wrote to the local press recently about my concerns regarding the NHS - see here and I also wrote to our MP here. Well I've now had a reply yesterday from Neil Carmichael - and I hugely welcome the significant changes made to the original plans by

Vote for two canal schemes today

Published on 2011-06-29 08:29:00

Voting takes place today, 29th June, for The People’s Millions from 9am to midnight. Stroud Canals Connections, a project creating canal footpaths and more, is wanting our votes - TO VOTE PHONE 0871 62 68 128. Calls are 11p from a landline and you

Parish Plan groups start to form

Published on 2011-06-29 05:54:00

Following the Parish Plan Questionnaire that was circulated at the beginning of the year the parish council are now looking to try and progress a number of the projects proposed in the resulting Parish Plan Document. They are holding an Open Forum at

Stroud's health profile

Published on 2011-06-29 05:12:00

As a councillor we get many papers and reports sent along with all sorts of emails. One of those that arrives each year is the 'Health Profiles' produced by the English Public Health Observatories. This gives an overview of health for each district i

Stroud Greens support for public workers' strike

Published on 2011-06-28 13:22:00

Stroud District Green Party has expressed support for this week's public-sector workers' strike. The income gap in Britain is growing - we should not be about transferring wealth from the poor to the rich. I hope the strike on the 30th will draw atte

Squatting rights threat: criminalising vulnerable people

Published on 2011-06-27 01:41:00

"Only a truly uncivilised government would make it illegal to stay in empty buildings, while making people homeless." Ellie Mae O'Hagan I haven't yet got into this tweeting thing but have managed to occasionally check out other tweets and

Edible Gardens launch on 2nd July

Published on 2011-06-26 01:04:00

Here's the press release that I sent out this week - see also additional items that were not in our leaflet. .....On Saturday 2nd July on the forecourt at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud, 10am to 2pm, there will be a very wonderful display about foo

Andy Read blogs: County blocks food waste to heat pool and more

Published on 2011-06-25 01:35:00

Andy Read (pictured right with John Marjoram) is the Independent district councillor and former Mayor of Stroud - Greens didn't stand against him in the recent elections - a rare event indeed but Andy has demonstrated leadership on many key 'green' i

Circus vote win!

Published on 2011-06-24 12:05:00

Yesterday evening, MPs voted to back a ban on circus animal cruelty. It was very close. The government tried to stop the vote from taking place by bullying MPs to toe the line. One of the MPs who called the vote, Mark Pritchard MP, was offered a gov

Nuclear update: Oldbury to be extended despite risks

Published on 2011-06-24 01:10:00

Oldbury viewed from Randwick World Nuclear News report that almost half of the Oldbury nuclear power plant site has been declared free of the need for nuclear regulation. At the same time, Oldbury 1 has been granted approval to generate electricity u

Report finds 'major problems' with home care system

Published on 2011-06-23 01:41:00

Poppy field near Cirencester A new inquiry has found that the care of older people in their homes is so poor that their human rights are being overlooked. See BBC report here. I blogged about the Anchor 'Grey Pride' petition here - this is yet anoth

Julie Girling looks set to fail us on CO2 emissions

Published on 2011-06-22 11:54:00

I've just read that Tory MEPs plan to defy Cameron over greenhouse gas targets - see Guardian here. Julie Girling, our Tory MEP who lives in the Cotswolds, is one of those who has said she will not support the 30% cut that is needed. This 30% was a C

Cotswold Pride - yes another Glos Pride event

Published on 2011-06-22 00:05:00

Hot on the heels of Saturday's Gloucestershire Pride event in Gloucester - see my video here - we have, what is billed to be, an even bigger event. Cotswold Pride 2011 on 6th August is claiming to be the pinnacle event of the Cotswold Pride Charitabl

Roundup: Is the public being kept in the dark?

Published on 2011-06-21 01:58:00

A new report, 'Roundup and birth defects: Is the public being kept in the dark?', has been authored by a group of international scientists and researchers and was released earlier this month. It basically shows that the pesticide industry and regul

Westley Farm courses

Published on 2011-06-20 16:22:00

Poppy field near Cirencester Just a quick advert for a collection of courses at Westley Farm near Chalford - permaculture, rustic furniture making, charcoal burning and elm bark harvesting and weaving. It is great to see the range of courses we have

Press Complaints rule on library cuts video

Published on 2011-06-20 16:07:00

Some might remember I made front page of the Echo back in February and various other articles in other papers including even a small piece in The Daily Telegraph. What did I do? Well I made a comment on a video about Gloucestershire libraries - and p

Gloucestershire Pride 2011: YouTube of The Parade

Published on 2011-06-20 06:02:00

Saturday was Gloucestershire Pride 2011 - a great day - I have rather hurriedly thrown together this YouTube - great to see how Pride has grown in Glos since the first one in 2006 (see here).  A big thanks to all the organisers. Greens in Glouces

Fuel poverty: success at Cabinet

Published on 2011-06-19 17:18:00

I have been chairing an inquiry into fuel poverty at the District Council - see here. The report I wrote was passed by Scrutiny and so this last Thursday the report went to Cabinet. I had the morning off work to attend the meeting and add any additio

Stroud youth team at UN Commission on the Status of Women

Published on 2011-06-18 01:18:00

Yesterday evening I went to the District Council Chamber to hear the local youth team who attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women this March in New York. Wow they were impressive.  I am seeing whether the many great presentations can be p

Library closures on hold

Published on 2011-06-17 13:20:00

Well I've just heard the good news - library closures have been stopped so that courts can look at the legality of the closures. See below the Public Interest Lawyers press release. Many of us have long argued that the County failed miserably with it

More Hall Annual Garden Party 25th June

Published on 2011-06-17 08:35:00

Winning milking competition at previous garden party! On Saturday, 25th June, the residents, staff and friends of More Hall are holding their annual Garden Party. This year there will be the usual selection of stalls, including plants, cakes, Tombola

Peak oil: why did Labour deny the facts?

Published on 2011-06-16 11:31:00

Following a long battle using Freedom of Information it has been confirmed that the government was warned in no uncertain terms by its own civil servants two years ago that there could be "significant negative economic consequences" to the

Stroud: help us find our fruit and nuts!

Published on 2011-06-16 01:12:00

Down to Earth Co-Operative are currently undertaking a study in the Stroud District on the feasibility of running a Fruit and Nut Tree Guardianship Scheme. The aim is to tend trees and bushes, harvest them when the time is ripe and to produce delicio

Stroud Edible Open Gardens website launched

Published on 2011-06-15 00:45:00

Stroud Edible Open Gardens 9th and 10th July 2011. Here's our press release: Website and leaflet now available Helen Pitel, one of the organisers of the Transition Stroud event, said: "We have workshops over the weekend on chicken keeping, set

Green MP tackles tax evasion

Published on 2011-06-14 09:53:00

A new Tax and Financial Transparency Bill which could help the UK recover billions of pounds of lost tax by forcing companies to be more transparent in their accounting was on the agenda for debate in Parliament on Friday. The Bill, launched by the M

Concerns re how County libraries will work

Published on 2011-06-14 01:23:00

Poppy field near Cirencester Yesterday I covered the plea to raise money to take the County to court over the libraries - see here. Well have a look over at the Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries website - they have been trying to find out how comm

Volunteers wanted: village shop threatened with temporary closure

Published on 2011-06-13 14:38:00

Village Shop Our wonderful Village Shop is in need of help. I understand that there is a desperate need for volunteers who are prepared to donate 2 hours of their time a week to looking after the shop. Apparently there will be occasions this week whe

Help challenge County decision over libraries

Published on 2011-06-13 01:25:00

The Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries (FOGL) have been fighting cuts to Gloucestershire’s libraries throughout the year. A legal challenge has now been launched against the council’s plans, as they may be in breach of the Public Libraries A

Potato Day and the most pro-gm government yet!

Published on 2011-06-12 13:21:00

Well Caroline Spelman has said our government will be the most pro-gm yet. See blog here with details of the two trials re GM potatoes. It seems astonishing the government are still pushing ahead with all the evidence against GM.... And talking of p

Ruscombe brook: walk highlights action areas

Published on 2011-06-10 01:04:00

Just over a month ago the Ruscombe Brook Action Group walked the top half of the brook. We gained permission from the relevant landowners as we do each year to check out problems, improvements etc. It was a great evening where I learnt lots. Last ye

Nuclear updates

Published on 2011-06-09 01:37:00

It is a bit shocking to learn that the Japanese company that runs the Fukushima nuclear plant failed to let the world know that three of six reactors damaged by the tsunami actually suffered meltdown within days - as Porritt and others have said you

Local artists open their studios

Published on 2011-06-08 08:05:00

I blogged about the Open Studios opening this month - see here and picture left of preview exhibition in the Museum in the Park - but I didn't in that blog mention properly the local artists opening... Jackie Garner - world renowned wildlife artist

Make your views to Forest panel known

Published on 2011-06-08 01:06:00

The wonderful Hands Off Our Forest (HOOF) campaign to save the Forest of Dean continues. The deadline for submissions to the Government is 31st July but they would like them made by 13th June ahead of the panel's visit to the Forest of Dean. See more

Gloucestershire Pride: Sat. 18th June

Published on 2011-06-07 08:29:00

Gloucestershire Pride is coming up on Saturday 18th June - march starts at 1pm. It is a great atmosphere and the organisers invite folks to join in. See details at: http://www.gloucestershirepride.org.uk/ The Green party were amongst those in the fi

Green League tables: well done Glos Uni

Published on 2011-06-07 06:31:00

The University of Gloucestershire takes second place in the university green league tables. People and Planet have come out today with their yearly league table of which universities have performed best, on a variety of measures (Fairtrade, carbon, r

Letter re disasterous NHS and education changes

Published on 2011-06-07 01:23:00

Here is the letter to local press below that I sent at the weekend - but first the Gloucestershire public drop-ins re the NHS. Stroud's is on 22nd June 11-1 in the Sub Rooms. Photo: View across to Whiteshill Dear Madam, It is no wonder there have

Stroud arts festival: over 460 artists in 78 sites!!

Published on 2011-06-06 01:48:00

We have just had the wonderful International Textile Festival here in Stroud. Now it is time for the 15th Site Festival 2011 - see details here and download a programme here. It gets bigger and better - over 460 artists at 78 sites! Well on Saturda

Save the Slad Valley

Published on 2011-06-05 08:47:00

The proposed development at Wades Farm is understandably creating concerns from many.  Nearly 600 letters of objection have been made. Photo by Matt Archibald: taken from campaign website - see link below  For me this is proposed development is w

Salt doesn't deserve such a bad press!

Published on 2011-06-05 01:44:00

I've just read an article that makes alot of sense to me about salt. I've never been one for the 'refined, processed salt' since I learnt it was an industrial leftover - basically the chemical industry removes the valuable trace elements and heats i

For peat's sake listen!

Published on 2011-06-04 01:32:00

When will the Government phase out the use of peat in horticulture? The evidence is overwhelming - extracting peat destroys vital wildlife habitats and is responsible for loads of greenhouse gas emissions. Peat bogs are major carbon sinks - some es

Letter: cannot hear action on CO2 is impossible

Published on 2011-06-03 17:39:00

Here is a letter that I sent to Stroud Life newspaper earlier this week in response to a letter calling for Britain not to sign up to CO2 cuts: Photo: Ruscombe valley Dear Sir/Madam, John Parfitt calls on the Government to suspend targets to cut c

Support Grey Pride!

Published on 2011-06-03 12:19:00

Anchor housing launched 'Grey Pride', a nationwide campaign to petition the British government to appoint a Minister for Older People. Despite making up 40% of voters, there is no Government minister dedicated to the well-being of older people. It

Allotments sold off in past

Published on 2011-06-03 01:01:00

Just a quick note to say thanks for all the positive feedback re the allotments video. See video here. Having been delighted that the government have U-turned on plans to remove requirements to have allotments I was disappointed to learn that a gove

Sponsored bike ride to challenge Fairford Air Tattoo

Published on 2011-06-02 01:18:00

The possibility of Nailsworth Green, Kevin Lister, going to jail was noted here on this blog and his video about it is here. Indeed yesterday he relased a new video here which is also worth a look. Well there is no news on that yet - but I hear the s

Ruscombe Green 12th in top blogs

Published on 2011-06-01 13:46:00

Well here are the Wikio rankings for this month - Ruscombe Green slipped to 12th place from 10th earlier this year - amazingly I have just hit 3004 blog entries since I started! Still three Green Gloucestershire blogs in top 20 with mine, Porritt and

Garden Notes: June

Published on 2011-06-01 01:03:00

Here is the penultimate set of my Garden notes..for the other sets click 'Label below and scroll down. June Notes Water priority should be pots and shrubs planted last year, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, beans and peas - courgettes need water once

Fair Fares Now campaign

Published on 2011-05-31 16:21:00

I've been meaning to publicise this campaign - see: http://bettertransport.org.uk/fairfares/ We already have some of the most expensive train fares in the world, and each January we are faced with astronomical fare hikes. Now the Government wants

Now let's follow Germany

Published on 2011-05-31 11:32:00

Germany's coalition government has announced a reversal of policy that will see all the country's nuclear power plants phased out by 2022. Italy, Thailand, Malaysia and Switzerland have already said no to nukes recently. Kate Hudson of the Campaign

20 mph update: will County act?

Published on 2011-05-30 01:57:00

Well much has been going on behind the scenes re hopes for a 20 mph in the ward. Tony Blackburn, the local County Councillor, has been pushing hard to get a result. There have been meetings and many emails. First some feedback re the inquiry then mor

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Allotments Video!

Published on 2011-05-28 21:50:00

We have just had the opening of our allotments - see here - well below is a film about how we set them up and includes shots of the opening. What a wonderful space that has been created. Folk will be able to visit the allotments as part of the Edible

Neil Carmichael MP is happy to add poison to our water

Published on 2011-05-28 01:31:00

OK the headline is emotive but hexafluorosilic acid is a class 2 poison. In 2007 Neil Carmichael, Parliamentary candidate for Stroud, said: “My position is that much more research needs be undertaken and... I am sceptical about the effectiveness

Oldbury evacuation zone advert!

Published on 2011-05-27 03:52:00

Today's Bristol Evening Post apparently has an advert - a map. The Shepperdine Against Nuclear Energy group have created this map (see left) which shows the 30km evacuation zone which might have to be put in place if anything happened at the Oldbury

Threat to our buses: 230, 93 and more

Published on 2011-05-27 03:35:00

I wrote about the threat to our bus services here - well the county have now published details. See Stroud's here. You can make online comments here. It is total madness to be cutting public transport at a time when we need to be expanding it - we ha

First meeting of the Stroud permaculture group

Published on 2011-05-27 02:11:00

Well we had a great first meeting with 9 people - a third of those already signed up on the new permaculture email list - which is growing all the time (see last pic for email address). At the meet-up this Wednesday were Jenni from Springhill, Julie

Protest at the cuts to legal aid

Published on 2011-05-26 01:23:00

The proposed cuts to Legal Aid will threaten access to justice for millions of people, with legal areas such as medical negligence, employment, immigration, welfare and family law being affected or taken completely out of scope. How can this be ri

Whiteshill and Ruscombe gardens raise over £2,000!

Published on 2011-05-25 08:10:00

Sunday saw Whiteshill and Ruscombe alive with people when 13 gardens opened to the public - see here. Well I've just had a quick email from Vanessa Price, one of the organisers with some of the feedback. She has given me permission to copy it here:

Call for amendments to Energy Bill

Published on 2011-05-25 01:20:00

I wrote to our MP Neil Carmichael a while back re the Energy Bill. Well I didn't get a great answer so I've written again - you can also send an email calling for him to support crucial amendments to the Energy Bill by clicking here for the Friends o

End the war on drugs!

Published on 2011-05-24 11:04:00

Avaaz has launched a new campaign to end of the ‘war on drugs’! This expensive war has completely failed to curb the plague of drug addiction, while costing countless lives, devastating communities, and funneling trillions of dollars into violent

Colour: Travels through the Paintbox

Published on 2011-05-23 01:53:00

'Colour: Travels through the Paintbox'. Here's another book that I read a while back and loved - thought I would share. It's a great pleasure to join Victoria Finlay on her journey to discover pigments and dyes - loads of stories and anecdotes that b

Whiteshill and Ruscombe gardens open truimph!

Published on 2011-05-22 12:01:00

 Wow wow wow! What a success today - there were literally hundreds of local people and people visiting our villages to see the 13 open gardens - it was part of the national gardens open for charity scheme ('yellow book'). We are incredibly fortun

Guest Blog: Village Shop report to Parish AGM

Published on 2011-05-22 01:24:00

At the Parish AGM this week one of the reports was from the Village Shop (pic left). I've enclosed Mary Dunford's report below - see here for Village Shop advert earlier this year and last years report here. As I've said before it is the cafe with th

Blue and yellow does not make green

Published on 2011-05-21 01:32:00

Here is my letter in response to Neil Carmichael's column this week in Stroud Life: Photo:posh shop in London - go for growth/consumption even if it damages the environment seems to be the mssage from government I write taking issue with Neil Carm

Allotment threat averted

Published on 2011-05-20 14:50:00

Having raised on this blog the threat to allotments and raising it at the recent opening of our allotments, I have been meaning to blog that we won. The threat to allotments from the Government’s review of the 1908 Allotments Act has been averted.

Hope for badgers?

Published on 2011-05-20 12:15:00

The government's planned badger cull may not now happen. The BBC report that in an interview for the Politics Show South West, minister Jim Paice said there was a "question-mark at this moment" over a cull. The government confirmed that a

GCSE in British Sign Language

Published on 2011-05-20 01:28:00

Gloucestershire Deaf Association are seeking support for a petition regarding developing a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL). As the Petition says: "BSL is the first language of an estimated 70,000 Deaf people in the UK. A GCSE in BSL would g

District Council AGM this evening

Published on 2011-05-19 15:50:00

Back now from the meeting - Conservative Cllr Frances Roden was elected as Leader and then we went into voting for the various committees - Tories holding the majority were able to decide who chairs committees. Labour got a motion passed almost unani

Health Bill is fatally flawed and must be stopped

Published on 2011-05-19 01:13:00

The NHS Support Federation have been urging people to make submissions to the NHS Modernisation Listening Exercise. The government has at least “paused” its health plans, but are they willing to see that the health bill is fatally flawed. A healt

Make mud for swallows!

Published on 2011-05-18 11:03:00

In the news is a report that the warm, dry spring has meant that the birds are swallows and house martin's are struggling to find enough mud to make their nests. Indeed England and Wales have recorded the lowest rainfall in March and April since 193

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish AGM

Published on 2011-05-18 02:16:00

 Last night was the Parish AGM in the Village Hall (left) - below is the agenda and my scribbled notes of the two bits I did - as always it is a good evening when we find out what else is going on in the Parish during the year. The minutes will be

Latest: Tories no overall majority on committees in Stroud

Published on 2011-05-18 02:12:00

The Conservatives had at the election 25 seats, Labour 11, Greens and Lib Dems both 6 and there was one Independent and two Tory Independents well now one of those has returned to the flock while I've learnt this morning that it seems the other has r

Pip Pip and Wild: two of my favorite books

Published on 2011-05-17 01:16:00

I was fortunate earlier this year to hear Jay Griffiths read some of her book about the anti-road protests (see photo left). It was at 'Soundbites' at the Great Oak Cafe in Llanidloes in March - a bit like Stroud's Coffee House Discussions except the

Graduate Gardeners make gold at Malvern

Published on 2011-05-16 01:44:00

I was fortunate to have the day at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show - never been to such a show before. A little too much consumerism and shopping for my taste but still great fun - and especially enjoyed the two gold winning gardens....Graduate Gar

Our local bus threatened

Published on 2011-05-15 06:53:00

Bus routes are again under threat across Gloucestershire as the council plans cuts - our 230 also faces cuts as does the 93. Back in 2007 the bus route was changed to avoid the village centre of Randwick - this led to a drop in users. A campaign trie

Disabled marchers anger at £9bn cuts in welfare support

Published on 2011-05-14 22:31:00

Congrats to all who join London's biggest ever 'disabled march' to highlight the cuts. Up to 6000 protestors marched to draw attention and challenge the cuts. On the news reports I saw placards with slogans such as “Blame Banks Not Disabled People

Stroud Eco-Renovation Open Homes joins 4 other festivals!

Published on 2011-05-14 17:16:00

OK a few days ago I said I would say more re the Eco-Renovation Open Homes event....well follow the link for basic details about the event on 10th/11th September but here I want to announce that it looks like we will be joining the Festival of Nature

The Garden - inspiring film

Published on 2011-05-14 17:13:00

I've just seen the Garden on DVD - well worth a look - it is about the largest community garden in the US. It all started after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992 - gradually the South Central Farmers created a miracle by growing their own food and b

More quotes

Published on 2011-05-14 03:16:00

Some more quotes that inspire and made me think, smile or cringe - for more click on the 'label' below. Photo: rainbow over Ruscombe earlier in week  "Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open." James Dewar.

HSBC to fund nuke in earthquake zone!

Published on 2011-05-13 03:01:00

I just received an email from BankTrack - a member of Greenpeace - well while Japan has said this week they wont build any more nukes you would think others had learnt some lessons? Fukushima suffered the both earthquake and tsunami. As this blog ha

The Unofficial Video: Whiteshill and Ruscombe Village Party

Published on 2011-05-12 01:45:00

I covered the party in an earlier blog - see here. A video by John Kerry of the day is in production, but I also produced a short film, now on YouTube, to celebrate the day. It contains video clips and photos mostly from other people - most of the pi

Guide on how to run Open Homes now available

Published on 2011-05-12 00:40:00

As folk who read this blog will know we are into our fourth year of Eco-Renovation Open Homes this September. In fact this week had another planning meeting - hoping to focus a bit more on some of the cheaper solutions people can take to eco-renovate

AV - what happened?

Published on 2011-05-11 03:52:00

Well earlier this week I was at a meeting with Chris Owen, a Ruscombe resident who coordinated the local non-party political 'Yes' Campaign. Much of this blog is based on stuff he raised.....and as he noted this campaign was a victory for lies and mi

I'm one of 130

Published on 2011-05-10 17:04:00

In Stroud we re-elected our 5 councillors making 6 with me. See my blog here - and Stroud District Green party comment here. Well this evening we have just had a Green Party meeting debriefing and are already looking to local target seats next year.

'Climate Change Farm' on radio

Published on 2011-05-09 13:05:00

I just heard the BBC Food programme on the Climate Change Farm near Honiton in Devon. You can listen to it here. Well worth it - inspiring stuff about the Forest Garden there and the importance of perennial plants. See more at their blog: www.otterfa

Academies are not the answer

Published on 2011-05-09 08:28:00

Tom Johnson, a resident of Ruscombe, writing in the SNJ last week questioned the move to academies as they lack accountability. I totally agree. It seems locally Marling School are already considering the move. The Green Party has always spoken in

'Greenest Government Ever' claim is becoming a sick joke

Published on 2011-05-09 08:23:00

The government's chance of being the "greenest ever" - as the prime minister has claimed - is now "vanishingly remote". Jonathon Porritt, former head of the Sustainable Development Commission and Green Party member, carried out th

Stroud Edible Open Gardens - 34 gardens signed up!

Published on 2011-05-09 00:56:00

Last week we had a meeting to pull together plans for Transition Stroud's big Edible Open Gardens for 9th and 10th July - see previous blogs here. We now have 34 gardens signed up and on the weekend before we are planning stalls and more to publicise

Kevin Lister's video on Fairford

Published on 2011-05-08 10:59:00

A while back I reported on the Nailsworth resident who faces jail for a spoof website - see here. Well Kevin has now produced a video regarding Fairford and some of his legal case: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KhTCyHBiiI See more about his plans

New Stroud cycle report out

Published on 2011-05-08 03:12:00

A new cycling report was prepared for Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council, by John Franklin, a Cheltenham-based Government advisor and specialist in cycling skills and safety - he is also the author of the Cycle Trainer's Bible

Great Wap

Published on 2011-05-07 12:31:00

Today - another great Randwick Wap - big thanks for a great day. Some photos if you click on read more (sadly my camera playing up so I missed lots). Highlights were of course the procession, the falcons and of course the Vine Tree Mens versus the W

Red tape challenge still open

Published on 2011-05-07 07:57:00

I have mentioned the Governments Red Tape challenge website before - well it seems to be open despite some of the consultation closing - I strongly urge more comments to be made there: http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/crosscut/general

Legal Challenge : Cuts to Gloucestershire's Public Libraries

Published on 2011-05-07 07:52:00

This last week lawyers acting for a client in Gloucestershire have launched a judicial review at the high court, challenging Gloucestershire County Council's plans for severe reductions to the county's public library service. Public Interest Lawyers

Action on fuel poverty

Published on 2011-05-07 07:44:00

Some will remember I am in the process of driving improvements to tackling fuel poverty locally - see the inquiry report I chaired here. Well I've just emailed Neil Carmichael MP as it is the Second Reading of the Energy Bill in less than a week. At

Action on food speculation

Published on 2011-05-07 05:42:00

Last month I uploaded a film about food speculation following a Coffee House discussion in Stroud - see second film here. Christine Haigh who you will see talking in the video has now helped launch WDM's campaign on Barclays AGM last week. See my pre

Ruscombe Brook talk on video

Published on 2011-05-07 00:35:00

Some might remember I blogged about speaking last year at the University of West of England conference 'Learning to Live with Water: Flood histories, Environmental Change, Remembrance and Resilience' (see here) - well now you can see the video here

Green results in Stroud

Published on 2011-05-06 17:42:00

A very busy day so only now catching up on results - basically a successful round of election results - personally I had hoped we would take another seat - but a good result. The Council is now very evening split between Tories and other parties - th

Act now to stop further atrocities in Burma

Published on 2011-05-05 17:06:00

Last month there were reports from local organisations in Shan State, Eastern Burma that the Burmese Army has been gang-raping women, torturing villagers, executing them, and firing mortar bombs into their villages. Many are taken as slaves to carry

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Allotments Official opening!

Published on 2011-05-04 23:46:00

Tuesday 3rd May Twenty allotment holders gathered with Parish Council representatives and other local residents for the official opening of the new allotments at Humphreys End. Below are bits taken from stuff sent to the press... Photos: Me with Gre

Water Forum meets Swedish water boss

Published on 2011-05-04 10:56:00

Last week the Water Forum which I helped set up met - we usually meet every 2 months to discuss issues relating to the Frome catchment. Well we were in for a treat...Andreas Hedren, Head of Water, Kronoberg Municipality, Sweden, (see photo) was visit

Oldbury planned shut-down will mean radioactive releases

Published on 2011-05-04 09:46:00

Here is the press release that local press seem to have ignored... The latest Site Stakeholder Group meeting at Oldbury power-station on 20th April was told of a planned shutdown to reactor 1, on the tenth of May 2011, which will mean the release of

Plans submitted for ‘national first’ community-led housing scheme

Published on 2011-05-04 03:26:00

The local press have covered this last week the latest step in the plans to deliver sustainable, community-owned housing on the derelict Cashes Green hospital site. As regular blog readers will know this site has a long history and some of us have

Doubts still re Oldbury's future

Published on 2011-05-04 01:50:00

Horizon, the company behind plans to build a second nuclear power plant at Oldbury has said the project may still not go ahead. Well with the crisis in Japan and the economic arguments continuing to stack up against nuclear that is no surprise to man

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Village Party 2011

Published on 2011-05-03 01:20:00

Well Friday saw hundreds of us in Whiteshill and Ruscombe join the Village Party on the Playing Fields. This blog has some bits and pieces about the day but I am hoping a YouTube film will be ready later in the week. Photos: Ruscombe Mens Tug of War

Stroud International Textile Festival starts

Published on 2011-05-02 09:00:00

Well I've already highlighted on this blog that Stroud International Textiles festival is on it's way - well yesterday I managed to get to the museum - the exhibition only previewed Saturday night so it has only just got going...it is 'wonderful, won

Trashion Show wonders in Randwick

Published on 2011-05-02 04:39:00

Last Tuesday Transition Stroud's Trashion Show came to Randwick - well below is the video I've put together from other folks' video clips of the day - hope you enjoy!! There are some fantastic ideas about how to rejuvenate your clothes and more...a g

Garden Notes: May

Published on 2011-05-02 03:20:00

 Here is the next set of my Garden notes...it is strange seeing them in the light of the very different dry April we have just had....for the other sets click 'Label below and scroll down - also look out tomorrow for the opening of the Whiteshil

AV wont cost more

Published on 2011-05-01 00:19:00

Here is the letter I sent to Stroud Life last week which I hope might correct the editorial that suggested AV costs more: Stroud Life asks 'What's price of democracy with alternative vote?' Your editorial rightly identifies that AV is about improvin

YouTube: today's International Worker's Day march in Stroud

Published on 2011-04-30 17:56:00

Rather thrown together - but here it is covering today's march through Stroud - also coming in the week some clips of the Whitsehill and Ruscombe Party yesterday and the Randwick Trashon show earlier in the week - am awaiting some pics before I can p

Forests: U turn on U turn

Published on 2011-04-27 19:00:00

Yesterday I noted on this blog the U turn re PFI today I want to note the 40,000 hectares of forest still to be sold, with no guarantee on the rest. Photo: Stroud Green with Hands off our Forest poster at the Stroud march against the cuts Defra r

PFI: another U-turn by the coalition Government

Published on 2011-04-26 18:55:00

News that George Osborne is to press ahead with 61 PFI (private finance initiatives) when in opposition he denounced them as poor value for money is to say the least shocking. The 61 projects worth a staggering £6.9 billion have been taken forward s

25th Anniversary today of Chernobyl: haven't we learnt?

Published on 2011-04-25 23:54:00

Today is the 25th anniversary of the world’s worst nuclear accident at the Chernobyl power station in the Ukraine. It comes days after it is revealed in a leaked report that there have been three incidents at UK plants - two spillages of radioactiv

Nailsworth Green faces 10 years in jail

Published on 2011-04-25 11:58:00

Kevin Lister who stood as a Parliamentary candidate for the Green Party last year in the Cotswolds faces 10 years in jail for producing a spoof website - see my original blog here. He has been arrested but I understand not officially charged yet.  I

Great news re Hilton Hotels

Published on 2011-04-25 01:01:00

Hotels are the key location for where children and women are sold into slavery. A campaign targeted at Hilton Hotels to get them to sign up to a code of conduct did not seem to be going places....but slowly momentum has grown. Then an Avaaz campaign

Threat to allotments?

Published on 2011-04-24 12:47:00

The Government a while back announced a "Review of statutory duties", aimed at identifying and removing duties from local authorities which are a "burden". It closes tomorrow. One of the duties they are considering removing is the

Plans for Edible Open Gardens continue: Stroud permaculture group

Published on 2011-04-23 00:52:00

Plans for Edible Open Gardens continue apace - we have over 30 gardens opening the weekend of 9th/10th July - see more here. We have been meeting each month and it has been fun to also here about other projects which I thought I would share here....

Library campaign update

Published on 2011-04-22 06:45:00

So earlier in the budget Osbourne cut Corporation Tax. Well 521 libraries are due to be closed or are under threat. The average cost of running a library is £300,000.  This means that only 1% of the corporation tax being lost by the Exchequer would

Earth Day today

Published on 2011-04-22 01:40:00

See more at: www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011 What will your pledge be? Lots of great ideas and you can share your pledge or pledges on the website.

Green Party election broadcast

Published on 2011-04-21 11:08:00

Iceland money update

Published on 2011-04-21 01:20:00

It was a long while back now that Stroud District Council found it had £3m in the Iceland bank, Glitner - see here - well much has been said since then about the risks of investments and how Greens consider it would be better to use ethical banks/mu

Trashion Show comes to Randwick!

Published on 2011-04-20 01:37:00

Randwick Village Hall on Tuesday 26th April 2011 from 2pm is where Transition Stroud's Textile group will be holding demonstrations of spinning, weaving, felting, bunting and banner making plus plenty of other textile fun.  There will be stalls on

National Hanging Out Day today!

Published on 2011-04-19 01:59:00

Well it is in the US. Not sure it has taken off here but maybe that is something to think about...apparently every year, on April 19th, a group called the Project Laundry List joins together with hundreds of organizations to educate communities about

More quotes

Published on 2011-04-18 01:55:00

Some more quotes that inspire and made me think, smile or cringe - for more click on the 'label' below. Photo: River Frome “It may well be that more and more of what people bring before doctors and therapists for treatment—agonies of body and

Stop consultation on nuclear insurance

Published on 2011-04-17 11:10:00

The Government's current consultation on new proposals for nuclear insurance and areas of claim in the UK in the event of an accident needs halting. Photo: view of Oldbury from Randwick The consultation was launched before Fukushima. It is not reaso

AV: We need a yes vote

Published on 2011-04-17 01:06:00

This last week I've been out canvassing - as an earlier blog noted I was  on the campaign trail  to elect Simon Pickering again. Well I've also been in Nailsworth to support two more excellent candidates for the Green party there - Catherine Farr

Lottery boost for Transition Stroud

Published on 2011-04-16 05:15:00

Great news regarding Transition Stroud - as the SNJ reported we got a £9,000 boost from the lottery. The SNJ used a pic of our recent Potato Day (see blog and film here) to report it - the money will go towards a Development Worker to ensure we get

Guest Blog: Badgers irrelevant to cattle TB

Published on 2011-04-16 01:59:00

Badgers are completely irrelevant to solving cattle TB - that is the conclusion of local badger expert Martin Hancox. His views have been covered in this blog previously and as regular blog readers will know I have been very involved in the campaigns

Stroud discusses 'Will there be a World Food Crisis?'

Published on 2011-04-15 00:21:00

I noted on this blog the recent Coffee House Discussion looking at this topic - see my previous blog here. Well below are two videos that I have put together - the first is Martin Whiteside, Stroud Green Party Parliamentary spokesperson, introducing

Local wind-turbine group slammed by advertising watchdog

Published on 2011-04-14 10:52:00

BusinessGreen report the decision by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to ban the Save Berkeley Vale (SBV) campaign from using exaggerated photomontages of proposed turbines to campaign against the planned £9m project at Stinchcombe. The ad

Minister says 75% cuts coming

Published on 2011-04-14 09:43:00

Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change Greg Barker (left) was speaking at an event at a School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He is reported telling the audience: "We are making cuts that Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s

Christian Aid campaign: campaign to tackle tax havens

Published on 2011-04-14 08:54:00

This week the finance ministers of the G20 - the world’s biggest and most influential economies - are meeting to discuss the world's economic future. Christian Aid is part of a global coalition calling on G20 leaders to End Tax Haven Secrecy - thes

Money needed to fight nuclear case

Published on 2011-04-14 06:03:00

Judicial review proceedings have now started by a man who is opposed to the plans for up to 20 next-generation reactors at eight sites around the country. They include as many as three on land next to the existing Oldbury atomic station, near Thornbu

Local elections: on the campaign trail

Published on 2011-04-14 02:06:00

This blog covers local campaign, SW Greens, the huge success in Germany and AV... Slade campaign in Stroud This week I've joined the campaign to elect Simon Pickering again - he is standing in Gwen's seat - see more here. It was good to have a cha

Put food into mouths not cars

Published on 2011-04-13 02:41:00

Today is the launch of a biofuels campaign by Actionaid -  it is timely as with oil prices rising there is even more interest in biofuels - Actionaid estimate that biofuel production could push a further 600 million people into hunger by 2020. As th

Banks escape any real reform

Published on 2011-04-13 02:17:00

The government's Independent Commission on Banking have released their half time report, where they laid out their favoured approach to banking reform. The headlines have banks sighing with relief - see Guardian here: "More than £1bn was adde

Scrutiny meeting

Published on 2011-04-12 05:30:00

Well I have already blogged on the inquiry I chaired to tackle fuel poverty in our housing - see here. The rest of the meeting had a few other items of interest - in my haste here I can't really do justice... Photos: Randwick woods look stunning at

Canal to provide water for SE is a big mistake

Published on 2011-04-11 08:25:00

The local papers report that the Cotswold Canals Trust Chief Ken Burgin is delighted by news that Thames Water will look at taking water from the Severn area via the canal to supply the South East. While Stroud District Deputy Leader, Cllr Keith Pear

Nuclear: a gamble we don't need to take

Published on 2011-04-11 02:10:00

Sadly Fukushima is still not under control with emissions of radiation to the environment from the damaged reactors expected to continue for month - 11,000 tons of radioactive waste water discharged into the sea. Below is my submission to the NII.  

More wood for the burner helps blue butterflies

Published on 2011-04-10 01:49:00

Yesterday we had the last session of the Randwick Woodfuel project for this year - we've had three pilot sessions that have gone so well we will establish the project this September again - basically it is doing conservation work in return for a boo

Success re step to tackle fuel poverty in Stroud

Published on 2011-04-09 08:30:00

As regular blog readers will know I am keen to see lots more done regarding the deeply shameful figures of fuel poverty in the District (see recent post here) - while they are not really worse than other Councils in the South West, at 15.6% of househ

Anger at incinerator decision

Published on 2011-04-08 12:54:00

Angry, disappointed and disillusioned are the sum of my feelings regarding the decision by the County to go for an incinerator - this blog has covered all the twists and turns since 2006 and even argued against those who said the County want an incin

Launch of election campaign

Published on 2011-04-07 03:00:00

Stroud District Greens have launched our campaign - here is the press release we sent out at the beginning of the week - see my last blog re those Greens standing down - oh but first let me publicise this event in Gloucester - Green Parties in the co

Three Stroud Greens step down

Published on 2011-04-07 02:06:00

Big changes ahead of the local elections. We have three Green party District councillors stepping down - more of that in a mo but the good news is we are having some quite excellent candidates to stand in their seats....They include...  Photo: John

Journey to Planet Earth: Not Bourne Supremacy

Published on 2011-04-06 01:23:00

This film below has Matt Damon doing some of the talk overs - but this is not part four of that Bourne Trilogy - although we can at times perhaps wish for a 'hero' to sort out the mess.... this 90 min film is just released and based on Lester Brown

NHS: keep the pressure on Coalition

Published on 2011-04-05 11:51:00

The papers are full of news about Andrew Lansley's NHS plans and it is great to see that the government is having second thoughts - there plans are quite ridiculous. 'Dangerous' and 'risky' was how leading doctors described the government's health bi

Sacred Light: don't miss!

Published on 2011-04-05 01:29:00

"SACRED LIGHT. CHRIST & A GATHERING OF SAINTS." Exhibition by Greg Tricker at Gloucester Cathedral from 5 March – 5 May 2011.   Over the weekend I was fortunate to be in Gloucester Cathedral to see the great number of works by Nailsw

WWF resign from Zero Carbon Homes taskforce

Published on 2011-04-04 06:06:00

I have long feared that zero carbon home targets would be watered down - see previous post here where I also point out the dangers of absolute targets. Well WWF-UK resigned on Friday from the taskforce tasked with greening British homes - they resign

Stroud International Textiles: an astonishing festival

Published on 2011-04-04 03:16:00

From 30th April to 22nd May the festival returns and seems to get bigger and better each year - last year was wonderful - I didn't get to as much as I would have liked - this year I will plan better! It is great to see this happening particularly as

Launch of Smogometer

Published on 2011-04-03 00:43:00

London's air pollution is the worst in the country and among the worst in the EU. But did you know that if they have more than 35 “bad air days” in a year we get whacked with a £300m fine? In the past 5 years we've failed to get London below t

The Coronation Express steams through Stroud!

Published on 2011-04-02 13:02:00

The train, the 6023 Edward II passed through Stroud today so fast that you hardly see it! It is the first journey in almost 49 years after a long restoration. I was lucky enough to see it as it went on to Swindon and when it came back...at least that

Garden Notes: April

Published on 2011-04-02 03:10:00

Here is the next set of my Garden notes..for the other sets click 'Label' below and scroll down. April Notes Sow parsley - according to tradition this is best done on Good Friday - germination is speeded by soaking seeds overnight in warm water

Food prices caused by speculation: Tories stopping safer system

Published on 2011-04-01 14:46:00

Friday a week or so ago I went to the Coffee House Discussion on Food Security - sponsored by the Green party but also for the first time in conjunction with WDM. Martin Whiteside, the Green Party parliamentary spokesperson who works with development

Ruscombe Green at number 10 this month in Wikio charts.

Published on 2011-04-01 09:34:00

Well this blog has moved up to number 10 from 14 last month in the Wikio blogs for April - below is a sneak preview. Three Glos blogs are still in the top 20... Pic: local cartoonist Russ on previous Ruscombe Green blog awards with Total Politics.

Stroud MP is new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in 2020

Published on 2011-03-31 16:36:00

This evening I saw 'Power' by the local HEXAGON THEATRE COMPANY - they have two more nights of their play - go see it - a look at what could happen in the not too distant future... The play explores human emotions and relationships involving govern

Three new local businesses

Published on 2011-03-30 02:12:00

A green PC company, a company of of Positive ideas and a CranioSacral Therapist....I've not tried any of these yet but as noted before this blog is happy to give plugs to local businesses Well first up is PC Techniques with Greg Dance in Whiteshill

Transition Stroud's Cycle Trainers

Published on 2011-03-29 02:54:00

Here's another video I've put together for a Transition Stroud colleague, Helen Royall. I'm not directly involved in this project but it will hopefully be playing an increasing role in encouraging more of us to cycle.

Climate Change week highjack?

Published on 2011-03-28 15:47:00

So we have just had Climate Change week - it is meant to be a 'week of action' - it finished yesterday - Stroud District Council celebrated this with a press release - however they rather cheekily say that 'Stroud District Council and SWEA partnershi

Should you move frog spawn?

Published on 2011-03-28 13:32:00

I had always thought it wasn't too much of an issue to move spawn. However Froglife - the main UK charity for frogs do view it as "risky".  Others are stronger in their language saying never do it. Basically there is a risk of transferrin

Libraries and Tory claims

Published on 2011-03-28 12:06:00

Tories are claiming victory in a party flyer for saving a library - library campaigners are understandably furious as not one Tory spoke up at the County meeting to stop library cuts and it is of course the Tories that are closing the libraries - see

12 go into the Woods with Loppers!

Published on 2011-03-27 19:42:00

I have been trying to set up this Randwick Woodfuel project for over a year - see here Feb meeting last year with details of other project proposals! Our first project this year has been to assist in restoring a limestone grassland where some trees

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Village Shop advert!

Published on 2011-03-27 07:47:00

Here are some myths: ·      VILLAGE SHOPS ARE EXPENSIVE ·      VILLAGE SHOPS ONLY OFFER A VERY LIMITED RANGE ·      VILLAGE SHOPS DO NOT SELL FRESH BREAD Photos taken on visit a couple of weeks ago Yes, the above does apply to

Randwick Street lighting update

Published on 2011-03-27 05:29:00

Randwick Parish Council have been moving quickly now on street lighting - after some long delays it seems much has been happening - Parish Councillor, Vernon Williams has met with GCC and already all the lights have been converted to part-time night

Cuts March today - budget was for bankers

Published on 2011-03-26 01:59:00

Today many thousands will be marching in London and demonstrating across the country. See my video of the march in Stroud here. There is an alternative to the cuts as that video showed. The Guardian also have a video here about alternatives to the c

Guest Blog: Cut Inequality Not Public Services

Published on 2011-03-25 09:46:00

The following article by Stroud-based Molly Scott Cato, Reader in Green Economics, Cardiff School of Management and Green Party Economics Speaker was to appear in a local paper but I've not seen it yet. The important points it raises need wider airin

500,000 companies fail to pay tax or file accounts!!

Published on 2011-03-25 02:03:00

While I was away for a few days in Wales a press release re the tax haven videos I made was sent out - see below - meanwhile the Government are cutting Corporation Tax - agh! As Johann Hari says in the Indy following the budget  "I doubt there

Incinerator plan is a disaster for Gloucestershire

Published on 2011-03-24 10:38:00

Depressing news indeed. Javelin Park just over the hill from us will get it's waste incinerator. Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet gave the £500 million project the green light - but it is far from green. As the local press reported Gree

Fukishima: time to say no to nuclear

Published on 2011-03-24 03:32:00

I've been away from this blog for more than a week and much has happened in the news - I had been planning to update re nuclear but the situation in Japan completely changes the focus of what I was going to write - the nightmare of polluted water and

Spirit of Transition

Published on 2011-03-21 02:42:00

Rob Hopkins recently had a blog of photos capturing 'the spirit of Transition' - you can see his blog entry with the photos here. It included one of our recent Potato Day here in Stroud. See more at: http://stroudpotatoday.blogspot.com/ See also 'Tr

'Supporting People' cuts make no sense

Published on 2011-03-19 03:37:00

A couple of weeks I signed a letter along with many other councillors across the country to express anger at cuts to Supporting People - in Gloucestershire it could be as high as 43% with some Councils across the country suggesting 50% cuts. See my e

Why are Greens opposing the new high speed rail link?

Published on 2011-03-18 01:56:00

Opposition is growing to the high speed rail project - see The Independent here - it seems the Government, at the time of writing this, are undaunted by a backlash in Tory heartlands, over plans for the 225mph London-to-Birmingham line. But there are

Tax Havens part 6: Comments and Questions: Boots, Treasure Islands and the Joy of Tax

Published on 2011-03-17 02:53:00

It is great to see the Tax Haven videos that I put together following a talk by John Christensen getting coverage on allsorts of websites. I hadn't come across VisionOntv before - worth a look - they are about videos for social change - some excellen

More quotes

Published on 2011-03-15 02:03:00

Some more quotes that inspire and made me think, smile or cringe - for more click on the 'label' below. Photo: Ruscombe valley "Peace as a goal is an ideal which will not be contested by any government or nation, not even the most belligerent

Transition Heathrow project

Published on 2011-03-14 02:44:00

Really nice video with interviews and beautiful shots of the amazing Transition Heathrow project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWDerzFiqOo I also came across this website, 'A Growing Culture' that has a list of great sustainable agriculture film

Tax Havens part 5: Interview with John Christensen

Published on 2011-03-13 03:06:00

This is part 5 of 6 videos that I've put together after the talk in the Stroud Sub Rooms - see all 6 here. It is an interview with John Christensen that sums up the horrors of Tax Havens - there is an alternative to the cuts. I also note that George

Stop Blood Money

Published on 2011-03-12 09:38:00

The government are trying to sell off our national Blood Service. People give blood to save lives, not to make money for big bosses. As someone who has given blood on a number of occasions I am appalled to think that folk will be profiting from the

Second Randwick woodfuel session

Published on 2011-03-12 09:06:00

Today was our second go in the woods with the National Trust - well actually in a pasture clearing some wood to restore the special biodiversity of the site - see here details of last time and a Youtube coming before the end of the month hopefully.

Scrutiny last night: report rejected

Published on 2011-03-11 07:44:00

Last night the Performance and Overview Scrutiny at Stroud District Council unanimously rejected a report for the first time in anyone's memory. It was a report looking at the process of procurement of an innovative renewable energy scheme. It appear

EU support Robin Hood Tax

Published on 2011-03-11 01:50:00

Bankers bonuses of £7billion - that's just their bonuses!!! Taxing the bankers bonuses makes sense economically, environmentally and socially - see a short youtube graphic that illustrates the point here with what else we could spend that money on.

Citibank contract is another nail in coffin for PO

Published on 2011-03-10 01:53:00

I just want to make a quick blog here to vent my anger that Citibank will now provide over the counter service for welfare payment disbursement from 2012. This move will surely be the final nail in the coffin for Britain's network of small community

The Tax Haven videos

Published on 2011-03-09 02:11:00

Transition Stroud and Stroud Commonwealth organised the recent talk 'The Rise and Rise of Britain's Tax Haven Empire' - John Christensen from the Tax Justice Network (see photo) speaking in Stroud's Subscription Rooms on 20th January 2011. Well mys

Tax Havens part 4: Cause of the Financial Crisis and Solutions

Published on 2011-03-08 03:35:00

Here is the fourth part of John Christensen's talk in Stroud which I've put together with a friend. This looks at some of the solutions. See 'Tax Havens part 1: Alternative to the Cuts' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsjJR4Fmzwg See 'Tax Ha

Prisoners voting

Published on 2011-03-07 14:51:00

Neil Carmichael managed to get front page of the SNJ a couple of weeks ago saying he hopes prisoners will get the vote - basically as he says this will mean we wont be liable for the fines. Yet when it came to the vote he voted the opposite way?!!

Tax Havens part 3: Trusts, Evasion and Grolsch

Published on 2011-03-06 18:45:00

Here is the third part of John Christensen's talk in Stroud which I've put together with a friend. See 'Tax Havens part 1: Alternative to the Cuts' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsjJR4Fmzwg See 'Tax Havens part 2: Britain is the Biggest Pla

Murdoch takeover not good news

Published on 2011-03-05 23:29:00

So Jeremy Hunt has announced he wants to give Murdoch's BSkyB takeover the go-ahead. We have three weeks to challenge the deal. We need to get MPs speaking out right now, and telling Jeremy Hunt that it's obvious that this deal is whitewash. Photo:

Tax Havens part 2: Britain is the Biggest Player: How Bananas Help Us Understand Tax Havens

Published on 2011-03-05 05:20:00

Here is the second in the series of videos on the talk on Tax Havens in Stroud - see the first one here showing there is an alternative to the cuts.

News catch up

Published on 2011-03-05 04:05:00

Well another busy week where I've missed a few bits... Photos: walk along canal at weekend Full Council: I've not managed to write up last week's Full Council meeting - although to be honest there was little at it - indeed the shortest one I've ev

Stroud Valleys Water Forum: should homes say no to individual flood protection?

Published on 2011-03-05 03:33:00

Well there was lots to catch up on as we had not met for a few months - this Stroud Valleys Water Forum is the group that I set up a couple of years ago with the other brook and water action groups in the area. We started the evening meeting on Thurs

Stroud's Edible Open Gardens weekend 9th and 10th July

Published on 2011-03-04 05:37:00

Here is the latest on a project we have long been seeking to get off the ground. This week we had a meeting and funding has been confirmed. Volunteers will run the event but we needed money for publicity and more - it will run similar to the Eco-Reno

Ruscombe Green makes 14 in new chart

Published on 2011-03-04 03:01:00

Three Gloucestershire blogs, Jonathan Porritt, Gaian Economics and Ruscombe Green make the top 20 Environment blogs in a new listing that will be published tomorrow on Wikio. 1Environment blog | guardian.co.uk 2BLDGBLOG 3Bright Green 4Better Nation

Randwick couple exhibit

Published on 2011-03-03 02:15:00

There was a nice piece in Stroud Life yesterday about Randwick residents Lesley Hayes and Ralph Boyer. See Ralph's exhibition last year here. Ralph oil paints on large canvases mystical and fantastical worlds while Lesley makes smaller pictures than

Stroud meeting to say Yes to AV

Published on 2011-03-03 01:45:00

I blogged on the 'No to AV' poster campaign a few days ago (see left) - well by all accounts the campaign has been plunged into chaos. A leaked Treasury document demolished their key argument on the posters. The report shows a senior government minis

Call for windfall tax on banks

Published on 2011-03-02 01:16:00

Stroud last week saw protests as part of UK Uncut's 'Big Society Bail-In' (see left). Barclays were first to be targetted after their recent announcement of an enormous bonus pool of £3.4bn, with a personal bonus of £9m to go to CEO Bob 'the time

Alternative to the cuts - a short film about tax havens

Published on 2011-02-28 18:38:00

Back at the end of January we had a talk by John Christensen about tax havens. Here is the first video that I have put together with a friend - it is only 4 mins long - more to follow later this month.

Garden Notes: March

Published on 2011-02-28 18:17:00

 Here is the next set of my Garden notes..for the other sets click 'Label below and scroll down. March Notes Sow seeds undercover - use old guttering for peas and beans then when the plants are large enough they can be slid out as a complete row

Rights of Children

Published on 2011-02-28 05:51:00

News from Save the Children that about 1.6m children in the UK are living in severe poverty is indeed a "national scandal". We just don't seem to get it right here. I was at a parents evening last week and the headmaster shared this inspiri

Hitler and Gloucestershire libraries

Published on 2011-02-28 00:52:00

I was sent a link to this campaign video about our libraries: it is an adaptation of a national campaign video about libraries. Please be aware that this contains a 2004 war film of Hitler's last days. There is no intention to diminish or disrespect

Green party conference: Caroline's keynote

Published on 2011-02-27 06:07:00

Well I missed the Green party conference this weekend - a great pity as it was only down the road in Cardiff. I've already had a number of reports come through (incl from Stroud Greens) and it sounds like it is a great event. The Daily Express wrote:

County dub library campaigners as not real people!

Published on 2011-02-26 04:14:00

This is extraordinary...library campaigners have recently submitted a Freedom of Information request. Well the minutes of a meeting between County Officers and the Council Leader are now available on their website here. Here is one line: "We dis

Legal challenge over Glos libraries

Published on 2011-02-25 01:03:00

The government is facing a legal challenge over its plans to raise tuition fees to £9000 a year. Public Interests Lawyers are seeking a legal review on behalf of 2 sixth form students due to start university in 2012, the year the higher fees are int

Forests not safe yet!

Published on 2011-02-24 01:30:00

I gave a cautious welcome to the U-turn on the Forest sell-off. A review into Forests by the government is forthcoming, but in addition to concerns about what the review might throw up there are also renewed threats to our ancient woodland. The big c

A menu for health and the planet

Published on 2011-02-23 08:54:00

Scientists from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health at Aberdeen University have produced a report of the ideal diet to balance healthy eating with sustainable food. Certainly eating to tackle climate change, can be overwhelming with so mu

'No to AV' stoop low

Published on 2011-02-23 02:16:00

If this poster is the 'No to AV' campaigns arguments then it confirms the need for re-invigorating our democracy. A while ago I blogged on 'What is the Alternative Vote?' and in that I noted that are some rational reasons why folk might not wish to s

Stroud art among Britain's best

Published on 2011-02-22 14:47:00

That was the headline in The Citizen this week about Randwick artist, Jackie Garner - here is the article... EGYPTIAN artwork painted in Stroud will soon be hung alongside Britain's best in London. Work by artist Jackie Garner, pictured, whose Old C

Community Energy solutions?

Published on 2011-02-22 01:57:00

At our recent Green Party AGM in Stroud over 60 people gathered to hear a talk by Roger Uttley about the proposals for Community energy supplies in Bisley. You can see more about it on their website here.Photos: from the eveningRoger started with a l

Well done Greenpeace today!

Published on 2011-02-21 04:21:00

Last month this blog covered the don't buy Princes tuna campaign - see here. Well today Greenpeace have scaled Princes HQ and released a banner - you can see more on their blog here. At that site you can also develop a slogan for Princes tuna - it s

Stroud Potato Recipe book by mail

Published on 2011-02-21 01:59:00

Stroud Potato Day, a Transition Stroud event announces that the popular book, "Pan-fried, Peeled and Proud Potatoes from Stroud. A Recipe Book" will now be available by post. The book has some 40 recipes from local people and restaurant

Woodfuel project launched: great fun!

Published on 2011-02-20 07:38:00

On Saturday we had the first morning of the new Randwick Woodfuel project. This is about doing conservation work in the Randwick woods in return for taking some wood away. I have been trying to set up for over a year - see here Feb meeting last year

How to fill in the Census?

Published on 2011-02-20 01:57:00

Several years ago the Green party had a campaign to try and stop the £450 million census (see my blog here). Well the day, Sunday March 27th 2011 is now rapidly approaching. Interestingly it seems that virtually all now agree (incl Whitehall) that t

Open Gardens, Scrutiny, Heavy Arts, Forests, parishes and more

Published on 2011-02-19 04:52:00

Well this is a bit of a ramble of bits and bobs over last couple of weeks - it has been another busy patch so this is a bit of a catch up...Great news re the Edible Open Gardens project - I and some fellow Transition Stroudies have nbeen meeting to p

Good lives that don't cost the earth

Published on 2011-02-19 01:12:00

nef fellow Nic Marks, former psychotherapist and founder of the Centre for Well-being, has a great little video here based on looking at how to create good lives that don't have to cost the earth....he says: "How crazy is it that GDP, our domina

County plan to cull 10 councillors

Published on 2011-02-18 04:22:00

I reworked a previous blog to send to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) - see blog here and details here of proposals. The consultation closes on Monday but it looks like they have already decided to cut councillor numbers

Western Sahara update

Published on 2011-02-18 01:21:00

I recently responded to Neil Carmichael's column at Christmas time where he talked of his break in Morocco - he timed it just as a national campaign started to ask people not to go there due to the suppression of the Saharwi people - see my letter he

Threats to funding for disabled people

Published on 2011-02-18 01:15:00

The charity Scope sent an email a wee while ago to me: "Thank you for taking positive action by contacting Paul Burstow MP and supporting Scope’s campaign to ensure that spending cuts do not adversely affect local disabled people. We greatly a

Vampire squid banks sucking our economy dry

Published on 2011-02-17 04:28:00

Earlier this week I linked to a good new very short film re the banks - well here is another below. We’re told that bank profits are essential to the UK economy. But are they? To find out nef asked whether big banks were benefitting from hidden sub

Feed-In Tariffs: more confusion

Published on 2011-02-17 03:42:00

Well first the good news I have been seeking funding for this years Eco-Renovation Open Homes weekend and we now have in place the first lot and also a coordinator to organise the project. So we are a goer! The weekend will no doubt be of great inter

Library cuts: a bad day for democracy and our communities

Published on 2011-02-16 12:03:00

All Conservative Cllrs voted for, the rest against the cuts to the library service. To add insult to injury one Conservative councillor is reported saying: "The public should leave the cabinet leader and cabinet member alone as they have been wo

What is the Alternative Vote?

Published on 2011-02-16 01:51:00

Banks get £130bn subsidy per year

Published on 2011-02-15 08:35:00

The Coalition government are making some the harshest spending cuts in history. They are wrongly telling us that this is “unavoidable”. According to Positive Money we could make one simple spending cut that could make all others unnecessary: we

Lobby re libraries tomorrow

Published on 2011-02-15 01:47:00

The Friends of Gloucestershire website has loads on it that is worth looking at - Marcus Moore emails councillors to see if they will be working in libraries - see here. See satirical film re library cuts (incls swearing) here. See here a piece re

Afghanistan: renewed calls for withdrawl

Published on 2011-02-15 00:26:00

On Saturday the Guardian carried the letter below regarding Afghanistan with an email action that I've already taken. War on Want have released a disturbing report here. The current war in Afghanistan has now entered its 10th year - longer than both

Don't Go Breaking My Art!

Published on 2011-02-14 05:43:00

Arts face massive funding cuts - see my previous blogs here and here the question is posed as to whether politicians understand arts. Well today, St Valentines Day, I was delighted to read that civil servants will stage a "love-in" as part

Stroud Greens tell MP "forests not for sale!"

Published on 2011-02-14 04:00:00

Well, as noted yesterday on this blog, I got a reply from Neil Carmichael in response to a series of questions I raised re the sell off of our forests (see here). However for all his words, he did not vote to save our forests, but rather voted with t

Seed Swap!

Published on 2011-02-14 01:02:00

Stroud Valleys Project have just released their latest list of events - you can see them here. Here are two to give you a flavour:Seed Swap - they are having a seed swap at their Eco Shop, Threadneedle Street, Stroud Saturday 5th March, 2 – 3pm. th

Court decision brings threat to Gloucestershire's water

Published on 2011-02-13 12:26:00

The High Court has just ruled that South Central Strategic Health Authority (SCSHA) was not acting unlawfully in seeking to add fluoride to Southampton's tap water. Basically the court has said that the health authority was not required to defe

Forest sale update: still no answers from Carmichael?

Published on 2011-02-13 11:17:00

We have news this week that 40,000 hectares of public forest has now been taken off the market due to concerns about access - but this will not apparently stop the much much bigger sale go-ahead. Neil Carmichael MP has also been writing in the local

Oldbury's life to be extended

Published on 2011-02-12 04:10:00

We are talking after-life here. Oldbury has limped on for so many years past it's closure date that I cannot believe there are not massive concerns within the industry - this is wing and prayer stuff - regular blog readers will know I have very real

No tax cuts except...

Published on 2011-02-10 18:30:00

George Monbiot writing in The Guardian says: "'I would love to see tax reductions,' David Cameron told the Sunday Telegraph at the weekend, 'but when you're borrowing 11% of your GDP, it's not possible to make significant net tax cuts. It just i

Stroud Budget: demonstrator dragged from chamber

Published on 2011-02-10 18:06:00

Well this last evening was the Budget at Stroud District Council. As councillors arrived we were met by demonstrators against the cuts - all councillors had also received a letter earlier in the week. There is a welcomed resistance to just accepting

Stroud Potato Day film

Published on 2011-02-09 18:29:00

The film-maker who was due to film on the day sadly had to cancel at the last minute, so I ended up trying to film at the same time as organise the day - it is at least a taster of the day. Double click to open in Youtube.Thank you to all who have ma

Bankers: morally bankrupt?

Published on 2011-02-09 01:36:00

The British Bankers Association spends £83,000 a week, every week, to protect the interests of the big banks. Positive Money show how well they are doing - in their 20 page submission to the government's Independent Commission on Banking they make i

More quotes

Published on 2011-02-08 01:41:00

Some more quotes that inspire and made me think, smile or cringe - for more click on the 'label' below.View: Randwick "In all debate on future energy policy, there is one central conclusion. The world is never going to run out of energy. Our fr

GM to come to GB

Published on 2011-02-07 12:28:00

The UK look set to back imports of animal feed with traces of GM crops in move to benefit US exporters. Read the Observer here.Photo: Potato plant on my allotment - not GM!As quoted in the paper campaigner Eve Mitchell comments: "This is a solu

Great new cafe in Nailsworth: Tete à Tete

Published on 2011-02-07 01:23:00

As an ex-resident of Nailsworth I do enjoy going back and when there usually stop at Green Spirit for a coffee - earlier this week I tried the newly opened cafe Tete à Tete - at the bottom of Market Street.Well Shelley Harris (pictured),who owns the

Dursley day service threatened

Published on 2011-02-05 23:55:00

Gloucestershire County Council has proposed shutting Dursley Training Unit that supports 21 adults with severe learning difficulties and physical disabilities - all in order to save £73,000. Those using the centre and their relatives are challengin

Potato Day success: over 4,600 potatoes sold!

Published on 2011-02-05 11:07:00

Wow what a success!! The aim wasn't specifically to raise money but rather awareness of Transition Stroud and growing your own.Well we have sold over 4,600 potatoes - which easily covers expenses of leaflets and posters, table hire, seed pots etc

Motoring costs down 14% since 1997 but we must move away from oil

Published on 2011-02-04 23:48:00

The Independent's article: "An opportunity to kick our fossil-fuel addiction" makes the case yet again for moving away from oil - and the 'green wise' online business site is now talking about rationing within the decade - see here. I know

Farming opportunity?

Published on 2011-02-04 06:07:00

Locally, this side of Stroud, a 38 acres tenancy has come up (see advert left). This is an opportunity for an individual or group to work with the community in a local food project?I have already written about my concerns at the sell-off of the Count

Gap Between Rich And Poor Named 8th Wonder Of The World

Published on 2011-02-04 04:23:00

Here is news below taken directly from a report in The Onion which consistently can raise a smile - but this story is very sad truth....made worse by reading in The Guardian about 200 billionnaires meeting in Palm Springs to effectively purshase demo

Bus services threatened

Published on 2011-02-04 04:06:00

Getting a lift into work yesterday I heard the radio say that bus services are to be culled - more than two-thirds of local authorities plan cuts to public transport budgets. I wrote last month on this blog about Gloucestershire - see here - it is s

Updates: Tricorn, MSA, 20mph, Turn Back Time, Street-lighting and more

Published on 2011-02-04 01:53:00

Well here is all sorts of bits of news that I've been meaning to update...Tricorn House - well I spoke with planning at SDC a couple of weeks ago and I guess a Compulsory Purshase Order by the Council to then sell to Ecotricity will have to wait mayb

Refugee Council cuts: what sort of world to the Condems want?

Published on 2011-02-03 04:20:00

The Refugee Council is to have its government funding cut by almost 62% with cuts to frontline services beginning "almost immediately" and fully implemented in three months' time.The charity, which relies on the UK Border Agency (UKBA) f

Forests sell-off will cost more than it saves

Published on 2011-02-02 14:14:00

As I came home today Radio 4 was full of the debate re the Forests sell off - one new issue is that an official Defra report has concluded that selling off England's public forests could cost the nation more than it would save!!!Photo: Stroud march w

Update on Severn Trent plans for Ruscombe sewers

Published on 2011-02-02 05:56:00

I have had an update from Severn Trent on plans in the Ruscombe valley and indeed down to The Lake at the Lawns. We raised two particular issues:Photo: Brook in recent snowRisks to biodiversity by relining works?The Severn Trent project scope was app

Garden Notes: February

Published on 2011-02-02 02:14:00

Here is the next set of my Garden notes...plus a look at the moon's influence - for the other sets of notes click 'Label below and scroll down.February notes Dig in green manuresDig in manure on fine days or if soil is frozen store in heaps where

Stroud in bottom 25 in recycling charts: plus mattress recycling

Published on 2011-02-02 00:57:00

First mattress recycling - I mentioned this on my blog a while back - Stroud still does not have a service although they will collect as part of their bulky items. Interestingly I got an email from a local resident saying: "We put the mattress u

Ward newsletter February 2011

Published on 2011-02-01 16:51:00

Annual newsletter: February 2011Dear Resident, I was delighted to be reelected last May with 68.5% (77.4% turnout). This is over half the residents of the ward voting for me. I am honoured to continue to represent this area. This report below is m

Why we must not cut libraries

Published on 2011-02-01 07:29:00

I've just watched this new youtube from the 'We Love Libraries' campaign. It was a wonderful piece that captures the madness of closing our libraries - well worth a watch. In fact I liked it so much that I have sent the link to my local County Counci

CO2-CUT: Join the video petition

Published on 2011-02-01 00:59:00

CO2-CUT is a PEOPLE POWERED POLLUTION PETITION starring YOU: all members of the movement for environmental and social justice! CO2CUT combines art and activism to effect change. They will deliver your brief signatures to world leaders demanding CO2 e

Time to look beyond GDP

Published on 2011-01-31 18:15:00

I had been meaning to write a letter about the nonsense of pursuing evermore economic growth in the way this government - and indeed the last - has done. Well our local Green Party Press Officer, Liz Hillary has saved me the job - see below her lette

GCC revise Library plans - but don't go far enough

Published on 2011-01-31 09:57:00

Gloucestershire County Council have announced revisions to their plans for the library service - but sadly they don't go far enough. The key points are:The cuts to the service will be reduced by £500,000 – This money has been ‘found’ as the Co

More on the Stroud Cuts march: latest on Stroud Library event

Published on 2011-01-31 06:28:00

Over 260 views so far of my video of the Stroud Against the Cuts march and speeches on Saturday. See it here. Thanks for all comments - I did throw it together and, as noted, my memory card expired so I didn't get the chance to cover the last speech

New kissing gate at last - but already vandalised

Published on 2011-01-30 15:44:00

I was for a while seeking improvements to the stile that leads out of Wheelers Walk into the Ruscombe Valley - see previous blogs here.Photos: Kissing gate and map of locationAt last we were able to obtain funding and get the gate installed. Unfortun

Video: Stroud Against the Cuts March today

Published on 2011-01-29 17:03:00

Well this is a bit of a mish mash but here is a video of todays' march against the cuts. My camera ran out of memory so I missed the speeches towards the end but it has some of the highlights of the day. Double click on movie to open in Youtube.See s

Great service

Published on 2011-01-28 16:15:00

Dear oh dear before Christmas I reversed into a wall at 5mph - how clever is that? No ice , no snow, no distractions - nothing to blame......Have only ever bumped the car twice and for the speed I can hardly believe the damage....anyway want to menti

Oldbury update

Published on 2011-01-28 16:10:00

The 220-MW Oldbury 2 reactor (see photo view from Randwick with the new reactors added) went offline recently very unexpectedly. Nuclear is not as reliable as folk would have us believe...but hey that wasn't what I was going to write about....first w

Nuclear subsidy U-turn by Condems

Published on 2011-01-28 01:09:00

Here is my letter to The Citizen/Stroud Life yesterday:Photo: View from Randwick with new nuclear power station added at OldburyThe Tory and Lib Dem U-turning on their commitment to “no subsidy for nuclear” is another betrayal of our democracy. E

District's food waste could power leisure centre

Published on 2011-01-27 12:17:00

For sometime Stroud District Council has been exploring an opportunity to set up an anaerobic digester facility, which would take household and commercial food waste and convert it into a useable energy source - one possible site for such a facility

GM: more harm than good

Published on 2011-01-27 08:58:00

The work of 400 scientists and 60 governments, headed by Dr Bob Watson, now Chief Scientist at Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture has concluded that GM was not the simple answer to poverty. In truth, it could even do more harm than g

National day of action against library cuts: 5th February

Published on 2011-01-27 08:38:00

Westonbirt also threatened by forest sell-off

Published on 2011-01-26 16:50:00

Below is a link to a map with the four sites that are threatened locally: Forest of Dean, Symonds Yat, Westonbirt and Mallards Pike. It seems many people hadn't appreciated that local sites other than the Forest of Dean were also threatened so though

Legal aid cuts make Thatcher look mild

Published on 2011-01-25 00:52:00

Ken Clarke's plans to reform civil legal aid I fear, will leave hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people facing debt, homelessness and miscarriages of justice with no access to legal recourse.Thatcher made some cuts to legal aid but this goes way w

Rodborough: green electioneering from Tory?

Published on 2011-01-24 06:53:00

There is a local election in Rodborough for the County seat and the political parties are getting their leaflets out. Phil Blomberg, who is chair of Rodborough Parish is standing for the Greens - see here.Photo: Tory leafletWell a leaflet by the Cons

20 mph: well done Tony Blackburn

Published on 2011-01-23 18:06:00

The County Speed Limit Task Group met a couple of weeks ago with it's final report - download here - and see conclusions below. The group is chaired by our local County Councillor Tony Blackburn and looks at 20 mph zones and limits - as he notes in h

Royal Mail sell-off is a mistake

Published on 2011-01-23 01:38:00

So MPs have now approved the sell-off of Royal Mail, with government majority of 81 - see BBC report here. This could mean 90% of it under foreigh ownership - it will also dramatically weaken the Post Office network. This move really makes no sense -

New banking crisis on the way and new Green leaflet

Published on 2011-01-22 16:22:00

Robert Peston, BBC presenter on everything to do with finance, actually used the words 'fractional reserve banking' on national television! Well that was the message I got in an email. It is so hard to get to grips with our banking system that I thou

Carmichael tries to suggest cuts not so bad

Published on 2011-01-22 00:51:00

The local papers were full of letters this week critical of Stroud MP Neil Carmichael for comments he made about public service cuts during a House of Commons debate. Basically Neil Carmichael reckons public spending cuts are not as bad as many of us

How long can the rich continue to avoid tax?

Published on 2011-01-20 23:20:00

Last night we were treated to the talk on Tax Havens entitled 'The Rise and Rise of Britain's Tax Justice Empire'. It was by John Christensen from the Tax Justice Network who kindly agreed to be filmed - so myself and a colleague will be putting som

Britain needs a "war footing" to tackle climate change and energy crisis

Published on 2011-01-20 11:07:00

I've just read the news release by Caroline about the new report she has launched with others. I think it is very important and have therefore copied it below:Britain must move to the equivalent of a "war-footing" if we are to overcome the

Public transport in Gloucestershire

Published on 2011-01-20 09:30:00

Train fares are set to go up by 25% over the next four years - that's £1,300 more for some season tickets. This is bad for business, bad for our roads, bad for the environment and bad for passengers. In response, the Campaign for Better Transport h

Library cuts to be debated

Published on 2011-01-20 00:36:00

Greens push for renewables: are others starting to wake up?

Published on 2011-01-19 23:09:00

I see my tax letter was in SNJ yesterday but I wanted to cover Green Party County Councillor for Stroud East, Sarah Lunnon, meeting with Neil Carmicheal MP at the end of November (see here). Sarah met to discuss energy security and this week Green c

One in three too cold in their home

Published on 2011-01-19 01:34:00

I am currently chairing an inquiry at the District Council into Decent Homes standards - the issue is being looked at due to concerns that while aiming for Decent Homes (a national standard) we are missing our own corporate targets to cut CO2 and ten

Food prices rocketing

Published on 2011-01-18 17:23:00

I've just watched the film The Battle of Seattle on iPlayer after a meeting was cancelled this evening. Made in 2007 the film depicts the historic protest in 1999 in Seattle, where thousands of activists protest the World Trade Organisation confere

Stroud march against the cuts

Published on 2011-01-18 08:59:00

Over the years, we in this area have had a good track record of saving public services for example saving the Maternity Hospital, Uplands Post Office and most recently the magistrates court. We can also be proud of opposing illegal wars in Afghanista

A new voice for people with learning disabilities

Published on 2011-01-18 00:57:00

I am helping get a group established as a social enterprise - at the moment I am one of the Directors (unpaid) of this new venture but I hope to be able to step down when the group is able to take over the reins....it is a very exciting project and

43% cuts to Supporting People programme in Glos

Published on 2011-01-17 03:39:00

Locally there are great campaigns to save the Forest of Dean from a sell-off and to try and reduce the destruction of our library services. This blog has covered lots on both those - but the voice of some of the more vulnerable members of our communi

Stroud District Budget: where was Carmichael?

Published on 2011-01-16 22:18:00

Well last Thursday was a busy day at the Council - a couple of meetings about standards of Council housing, an opportunity to visit 4 homes that had just been vacated by tenants and then an evening of Scrutiny. The main topic being the budget....well

NASA temperature maps

Published on 2011-01-16 16:37:00

Global surface temperatures in 2010 were 1.12 degrees Fahrenheit (0.62 Celsius) above the 20th century average, tying the record set in 2005, says the National Climatic Data Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. See here.

Gas delight in Bread Street

Published on 2011-01-16 01:12:00

Bread Street and some other parts of Ruscombe have had a series of gas escapes over previous months. This has been concerning to many of us. In some places the road has been dug up several times and on one occasion at 2 in the morning.Photo: dealing

Bits and Bobs: woodfuel, street parties, allotments, chippings and more

Published on 2011-01-15 23:14:00

Here is an update on various bits and bobs...Allotment pathsThis Saturday we had an Allotment meeting on site and managed to also do some work - ie extend paths with membrane and chippings. A little more to do. Next step then will be a fence - well p

Don't buy Princes tuna

Published on 2011-01-15 12:48:00

I have just managed to see Hugh Fernley Whittingstals' Fish Fight on line at Channel 4 on demand. The programmes are there for a couple of weeks more. The great news is that people have been signing up like mad to the anti-discards petition – at th

DLA faces savage and many cuts

Published on 2011-01-15 03:13:00

It is now Broken of Britain's blogswarm from 14-16 January. Basically it’s people getting together to all blog on a subject or a theme at a specified time to raise awareness and make more of an impact. Well the excellent "one month before

Forest sell-off is economic nonsense

Published on 2011-01-15 00:52:00

Ironically it's actually the UN's international year of the forest - I have just read a very interesting article in The Guardian - See here - it relates to the sell off of our forests. As regular blog readers will know I don't believe this makes any

Chocolate lovers action for Ivory Coast

Published on 2011-01-14 03:07:00

Avaaz have just launched another campaign. This time to try and prevent war in the Ivory Coast. Basically chocolate companies could play a critical role in stopping the bloodshed. Here's what they write:Despite losing elections in November and united

STROUD'S FIRST EVER POTATO DAY - restaurants join in celebrations

Published on 2011-01-13 17:09:00

Here's our press release that went out earlier this week....Transition Stroud members are organising the first ever National Potato Day in Stroud on Saturday 5th February 2011 (i).Philip Booth, organiser of the Stroud Potato celebrations said: "

Poor bail out banks and rich keep their billions

Published on 2011-01-12 11:59:00

Here is my letter to Stroud Life today in response to last week's coverage of the VAT demo in Stroud. I note I also have sent a response to the SNJ as I wanted to make two additional points in response to Neil Carmichael MP.Firstly the VAT increase

Potatoes for New Year eating!

Published on 2011-01-11 00:57:00

With Stroud Potato Day drawing closer I thought I could mention the potatoes I dug up on New Year's day. See blog post here.

Bee petition

Published on 2011-01-09 01:59:00

Avaaz have just launched a campaign regarding pesticides and bees. This is an issue I have covered a few times on this blog. I would urge people to sign this petition.Photo: Russ pic of beeAs they write: "Multiple scientific studies fault one gr

Trollope on Glos libraries

Published on 2011-01-07 16:16:00

Joanna Trollope writes in The Guardian about Glos libraries - it should appear tomorrow in The Guardian but you can see it here. The article is titled: "The library cuts in Gloucestershire go beyond necessity or common sense. The county council

Don't go to Morocco

Published on 2011-01-07 00:22:00

Here is my letter below to Stroud Life after Neil Carmichael wrote in his column that we can learn lots from that country. It was not that that angered me but rather his gloss over the very serious issue of Western Sahara.Photo: From the Western Saha

10,000 protest Glos library cuts

Published on 2011-01-06 01:21:00

Well the library petition exceeded all expectations - over 10,000 people signed the petition protesting at the planned cuts to Gloucestershire library service - the petition was handed to Gloucestershire County Council yesterday - but they are still

Is this the end of home help?

Published on 2011-01-05 12:35:00

As we know social care is one of the areas facing the prospect of deep cuts. The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that ‘virtually’ all councils in England and Wales will be forced to abandon home help for elderly and disabled people

3,000 march to save Forest

Published on 2011-01-04 16:48:00

The Hands Off Our Forest campaign is growing stronger all the time - huge congrats to them - 3,000 people marched on Monday. More than 115,000 people have now signed the petition against the coalition's proposed sale of all Forestry Commission land

Garden Notes: January

Published on 2011-01-02 23:10:00

Here is the next set of my Garden notes..for the other sets click 'Label below and scroll down.January Notes Clean pots & trays in very hot water to reduce diseases Make cabbage rootfly mats from old carpet, individual cloches from plastic bot

Tax Havens talk in Stroud

Published on 2011-01-02 01:29:00

Last month Stroud had an excellent talk about Money from economist Mary Mellor - see here - well now there is another talk in the series - 'The Rise and Rise of Britain's Tax Justice Empire' - a talk by John Christensen from the Tax Justice Network.W

Living Flood Histories presentations uploaded

Published on 2011-01-01 01:27:00

Welcome to 2011! Some might remember I was a speaker at a workshop at University of West of England (UWE) in Bristol before Christmas on flooding - see my blog here for full details. There were plenty of lively discussions - well now resources from t