The Movement for Compassionate Living ≈ THE VEGAN WAY ≈ New Leaves No. 106 October - November - December 2012

CONTENTS 01. Wishing Goodwill among all People and Nations 02. VON: Down – but not out – on the Farm 04. Creating Welhealth Co­op 06. Bangor Forest Garden 09. Quaker Tapestry Calendar for 2013 10. Introducing Sadhana Forest to MCL 12. Taking the Vegan Message to the High Street 14. Shambhu's 16. Update on Vitamin D 19. Declaration of Support for the Community of La Pastora, Paraguay 20. Events 21. War and Peace

The Movement for Compassionate Living 105 Cyfyng Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea SA9 2BT, UK Tel.: 01639 841223 e­mail: [email protected] www.mclveganway.org.uk The Movement for Compassionate Living - the Vegan Way founded in 1985 by Kathleen and Jack Jannaway NEW LEAVES is the quarterly journal of the Movement for Compassionate Living (MCL).

MCL promotes: • a way of life that is free of the exploitation and slaughter of sentient beings, that is possible for all the world's people and that is sustainable within the resources of the planet.

• lifestyles that depend as much as possible on locally produced goods, thus avoiding the resource wastage and pollution of unnecessary transport and packaging.

• Vegan­organic methods of horticulture and agriculture that use no animals or animal by­products and are free from artificial fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.

• the planting of trees, especially on the land freed from livestock farming.

Trees absorb CO2 and store the carbon as wood, thus checking global warming; ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) emit methane, a far more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2.

Mature trees of appropriate species produce maximum food per acre.

Wood from trees can be used for many constructive and productive purposes.

Woodland industries can provide livestock farmers with alternative sustainable incomes.

Global warming and nuclear war threaten the survival of all life. Politicians may have the sense to avoid nuclear war but they cannot stop global warming unless people change their lifestyles.

Our herbivorous ancestors turned predators aeons ago when the forests dried up and they lost their food supply. The forests grew again but humans remained victims of their killing habits. Now vegans have proved that we do not need to kill animals for food. Land should go back to the trees. New Leaves is produced quarterly and distributed in January, April, July and October. The Editors do not necessarily agree with articles published. WISHING GOODWILL AMONG ALL PEOPLE AND NATIONS

We are approaching that time of year when people wish each other Peace and Goodwill, and Season's Greetings. Should we not wish that for all our days and all our seasons? And indeed, that has been a wish of countless people over the years. The Olympic Games were in part a response to a question posed by a king of Greece in 774BC to the Oracle at Delphi: “How can we end the perpetual state of war between the city states of Greece?”. And this year, over 2000 years later, we still wage wars all over the world. And invent more and more devastating ways to kill and torture and maim.

One of the latest technologies to wage war has been the development and deployment of drones/robots/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The UK's only testing site for these horrors is here in West Wales at Aberporth, where the Welsh Government has spent millions on its development and maintenance. US and UK military forces have used drones in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Gaza and Libya, killing thousands of people, many of them civilians. One name for these drones is 'fire and forget missiles'. They have no one inside them; the pilots fire the bombs from the control station in Nevada. Up to the end of September 2012 the UK has carried out 300 strikes in Afghanistan. There are plans to double the UK's fleet and open a control station at RAF Waddington in late 2012. (www.medact.org and http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/)

Protests against the drones are increasing worldwide as people get to know more about them. A US peace group visited Pakistan recently to show solidarity to the victims there and to show that there were people in the USA against the use of these weapons (and against the war). In the UK just this last week saw many events against the drones organised by the Drones Campaign Network (DCN). They have made a short film explaining what drones are and how they are used. (See page 21 for a link to it on YouTube.) Medea Benjamin has written a book Drone Warfare which drew the following comment from Ann Wright, a retired US Army colonel and former deputy chief of mission for US embassies in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and elsewhere, “Benjamin’s Drone Warfare is the first book that reveals the vocal international citizen opposition that challenges the legality and morality of America’s extrajudicial execution drones before they kill here at home.”

So, as this season of peace approaches and we attend all the various fairs and festivals, let us remember those who live under fear. However let us not just remember, but take some action too. We can all buy a white poppy for peace (see page 15). We can also join and/or support in some way some of those organisations who work to end the horrors of war. There is good will among people as I witnessed only this last Saturday taking part in a street collection for Animal Aid. Season's Greetings from Ireene­Sointu 1 REPORTS FROM MCL FUNDED PROJECTS VEGAN­ORGANIC NETWORK THE CENTRES NETWORK DOWN – BUT NOT OUT – ON THE FARM

Hardwick Centre for Agroecology Iain Tolhurst is one of the most respected horticulturists in the UK and abroad, a long­standing member of the Vegan Organic Network, and the first farmer to be certified as stockfree organic in accordance with the Stockfree Organic Standards set up by VON. His farm has been entirely stockfree organic since 1997 and is the longest running organic horticultural stockfree organic unit in the UK and probably in Europe. Iain has proposed, in a detailed paper, that his farm becomes a central part of the Hardwick Centre for Agroecology. This is an exciting and potentially crucial development for stockfree organics nationally and internationally. To say the least this is good news for VON!

Briefly these are some of the main areas that the Hardwick Centre for Agroecology will deliver. All these are entirely compatible with the objectives of the Network.

• A realistic, working and long established example of agroecology

• A site for trials and experimentation into various aspects of agroecology

• A demonstration of stockfree organic farming methods

• A place to meet, talk, look and experience agroecology

• A place to learn through seminars

• A place of agroecology inspiration

• And especially important, a place where food and land based products, are grown for community use. This continuation is essential.

In August this proposal was discussed at a meeting at Iain's farm in Pangbourne, with Iain, his wife Tamara, and VON members Graham Cole, John and Ziggy 2 Curtis, Nicole Vosper, David Graham, and Rod Skinner. It was agreed that specific funds should be raised so that a consultant could be paid to explore the viability of this proposal, and to research and set up the infrastructure for this project.

There is little doubt that if we can help to get this centre established it will develop both the ethic and practice of vegan organics nationally and internationally. If you would like to receive the proposal and minutes of the follow­up meeting please let me know.

Growers income and the recession There are mixed reports from stockfree organic growers. Because of the recession many of the growers are experiencing a significant loss of orders from their box scheme customers. One established grower is now renting out his house to obtain a decent income, and living in his barn. Another farmer has seen his box orders dwindle from 450 to 150. He now sells to hotels and other retail outlets thus severing the personal/family connections. This is not his choice.

Most growers however are surviving, though their incomes, that can ill afford to drop, have suffered. Jenny, of Fir Tree Farm, welcomes people with disabilities on to her holding where they benefit from helping, which is both therapeutic and raises their self esteem. Though demanding, this is one ethical and constructive method of making extra income. Others may think of more ways of diversification for this purpose.

The Farm in Tennessee, USA, and Nicole Vosper's Wild at Heart permaculture smallholding in Somerset, are two additions to the Directory. VON is in discussion with others that we hope will meet the Stockfree Organic Standards criteria.

Austria – Stockfree Organic: Gabrielle Christen, a VON life member, also on the board of the Swiss animals rights organisation, regularly helps Jann, an Austrian vegan organic farmer.

Horticulture / Agriculture Advisory Panel Maggi Taylor, David and Nicole are working together to reform this panel. Nicole has drawn up a questionnaire that will be sent to prospective advisers who will cover a range of growing issues. Let me know if you would consider becoming a panel member, you would be most welcome.

DVD VON's 40 minute DVD of Growing With Grace, demonstrating stockfree organic growing under 2 ha of glass, is now available free to MCL members – a donation towards p&p would be appreciated. Email [email protected] David Graham

3 CREATING WELHEALTH CO­OP REPORT SEPTEMBER 2012

Welhealth: A vegan gift economy co­operative, forest garden, agroforestry, permaculture farm project, under development to transition to achieve a totally moneyless shared resource for the farm community, local community, and wider community. An MCL STAVV and community orchard. If interested please contact [email protected]

MCL start balance = £2600, balances to be updated in the next newsletter.

House At present working on the windows and door. Still working on the window frames.

Polytunnel and Shed We finally started work on the shed at the end of the polytunnel (hooray), after clearing the ground to uncover the paving slabs we laid in 2004 along with the small metal posts we'd put in ready to be used to hold larger metal tubing to support the walls. All the walls were made from pieces of a large 60 year old chicken shed we obtained years ago. The join where the shed meets the polytunnel had to be worked out so future recovering of the polytunnel can be done easily, and the roof frame was made using spare water pipe, and this will hold the new visqueen roof. Putting the roof on is the next job to do, and this will mean that the new shed will actually look like an extension of the polytunnel. It is large: 19 foot by 27 foot. It’s going to be a really good space in which to finally dry store things which have been weathering outside, and I expect it will also provide a warm space in which to be working during the winter. We are ready to put the roof on when we get some good weather.

Tim and volunteers from Oakcroft came over and spent a great day clearing a large area to the side of the new shed of wood and overgrowth, and that newly opened up area will be the 'Hobbiton micro house construction area', as well as being used to store still good scrap materials.

Work done at Tyn Y Nant during this period Helpers: Vic, Naia, Frank, David, Jabier, Natalia, Elias, Polly, Ka, Steve, Raul, Maria, Tim, Isobella, Flavio, David, Marit, Jasmine, Caspian, Chris, Morag, James, Katie, Sian, Tim, Jody, Tony, Andrew.

I have been experimenting with growing oregano and rosemary from cuttings, and they all grow very well. You wouldn't believe growing can be so exciting! The 4 buddleia butterfly tree that completely died in the bad winter last year has grown like a phoenix (from new shoots) to be higher than it was before it died, in one year! We had awful trouble trying to get about 20 cows out who'd got through the fencing, and had some good help from neighbours with getting them out. Some animals which have been spotted recently are common lizards, who love the polytunnel, and crested newts, and also a new animal, a hedgehog caught in a cage trap laid to catch a rabbit to send it back to its family in the forest. The hedgehog scarpered out into the hedges when I went further away from the opened trap to give it safe space. I'm so pleased we have hedgehogs! (The rabbit I saw going out the gate a few days later, hooray, gone, phew!) We have a raspberry forest, which is gradually growing to encroach and smother the other trees, but it is so easily managed by treading it down to form great ground mulch. We are planting lots of comfrey into the forest garden as it conditions the soil wonderfully and it is so easy to scythe. We are advertising free forest garden plants in shops, local villages, and on the local community website, and via emails to various groups. There has been lots of maintenance work and mulching around the trees in the forest garden. Mulching for soil enrichment and holding back encroachment is the main job to be done in a forest garden.

Summer savoury is a good herb that we were first given by Oakcroft Organics last year, and it grows well in the polytunnel. We collected the seeds, and are now drying the herb. It’s a main ingredient, along with oregano and thyme, of a famous French herb mix called Herbes de Provence which is fantastic in nut roast. The Virginia tobacco is growing well, nearly five foot tall so far. It’s worse than rhubarb! But I've packed up smoking recently. It makes good pesticide for the gooseberries though.

A laminated poster has been made which shows the whole seven acre garden plan, as well as a poster describing forest gardening, and the MCL poster showing the many uses of trees. Recently more have been made describing our other projects, and explaining the Gift economy. These have been mounted outside near to the entrance in order that visitors and volunteers can more easily understand what we are doing.

In August we had a lot of volunteers, and got a lot of fantastic work done. We moved the solar panel on the cottage to the rear, where it gets more sun, and replaced the 10 watt panel with a 50 watt. The whole plant stock area has been cleared of overgrowth, and four rows of jostaberries taken out and planted along the ends of the remaining five rows, so as to widen them and allow more space. Redcurrants have been planted there as well. Stock plants are those from which to 5 take cuttings to grow new plants. Now the area is cleared of overgrowth and ready for us to start growing grafted apples and pears in the spring.

A lot of work has been done in the nursery, and more than 1000 plants potted up. Five garden seats were made from thick wood stored for that purpose. A little pre­ packed shed bought 12 years ago (which was too overpoweringly complicated to put together) was built in a day by four volunteers, hooray! Nine hundred little jostaberry cuttings were planted out ­ these were taken from the prunings of the jostas that were replanted, and it will be interesting to see how many take and survive into next year, as these were planted later, in August. The wet weather has meant there has been much growth overall, and the watering is good for germinating plants such as these. Two hundred and forty rhubarb seeds were planted at the same time. Two 45 gallon plastic barrels have been turned into liquid compost bins, one holds pee and nettle juice (acidic, nitrogen fixing), the other comfrey juice and other plant material (alkaline, for potash, potassium). Frank Bowman

BANGOR FOREST GARDEN PROGRESS REPORT JULY ­ SEPTEMBER 2012

Sunday 8th July 2012 Working: Charles, Frank, Tom, Rowan, Dave, Mary, Nathan, Pete, Jane, Alan, Erick, Stella, Anton, Alexandre, Connor

Picked some blackcurrants and gooseberries. Cut back bamboo and cleared the area around the thornless loganberry and the cherry plum. Weeded around the sedum. Weeded the herb tea bed, and the propagating bed down by the willow circle. Large gage plum tied to a support. Biochar spread around the bases of fruit trees. Had a visit from members of the Rainbow gathering. Everyone finished early to go to the open day at Moelyci. The next Wednesday workday, we will be making gooseberry jam and blackcurrant jam. 6 Wednesday 25th July 2012 Working: Mary, Dave, Tom, Rowan, and Frank

We had a jam feast today! The weather was sunny. Dave has done a great job putting a top on the long raised pallets that we are going to use for keeping propagated plants we have for sale. Tom and Mary gathered 1.5 kg of ripe gooseberries, and Frank got the jam making equipment together and made a bread dough. The jam was gooseberry with elderflowers, and it was delicious with the fresh baked griddle buns. We have kept one jar back for the BFG. Other work was clearing around the sedum, pruning the cherry plum by the almond, and mowing all the paths. Growth coming onto the pathways was cut back. Tomatoes were tied up. Weeded around the gooseberries, and bay tree ­ and the bay tree cut back to open up space there. Weeded around the raspberries by the Italian Alder. Overgrowth was cut back around both of the benches.

Sunday 12th August 2012 Working: Alison, Tom, Dave, Mary, Pete, Stuart, Annie, Marika

Dave mowed the main path and Tom strimmed the grass edging and around the propagating area which is the old vegetable raised beds. The rest of us freed up trees and shrubs around their base and mulched them and sorted out the compost bays to help break down the more woodier materials. Need to get some pallets to re­do the compost bays.

Wednesday 29th August 2012 Working: Raul, Maria, Lisa, Alison, Mary, Dave, Tom, Rowan and Frank

We had another jam feast today! The weather was sunny and showery. We did a lot of work too! Collected fruit for the jam, which was mainly wineberry with Henfaes's John Downie crab apple and also the Laxton Fortune apple by the firepit. Dave and Raul pressure washed the yurt platform, and later Dave cleared the slippy surface from the compost loo steps as well, and mowed all the paths. Maria and Lisa tidied the tyre herb bed and planted sage in it. We collected lots of hazel cob nuts from the trees. We potted up goji berry, hazels, rhubarb, and some herbs. Collected lots of pallets donated by Henfaes. 7 Sunday 9th September 2012 Working: Alison, Marika, Dave, Tom, Mary, Jane, Peter, Charles, Ken and Rowan

What a great day! Dave and Tom mowed the main circular path, trimmed the edges with the strimmer, and strimmed the grass areas by the pond, soon to be reinstated as a green woodworking area, and around the old veg raised beds, now propagating beds. Marika cut back bramble overhanging the main path and gave the struggling Concorde pear a special mulch of comfrey leaves. Mary, Tom, Jane and Peter got stuck into repairing the compost bays. First Jane shifted the well­made compost from the bays to a bag next to the potting table for more propagation. Tom and Mary worked on clearing and sorting the rest of the composting bins and immediate area. Peter found enough upright posts to slide in the pallets that we collected at the last wednesday BFG session and divided the bays.

At lunch we all had sweetcorn grown by the Albistons in their polytunnel, raw, grilled and boiled, then we discussed the premature yellowing of the willow dome, deciding that it wasn't the ‘rust’ fungus on the leaves but that it was suffering from a lack of water. Alison decided to have a go at making artist's charcoal out of the willow, Rowan came and we all got involved in how to make it. Charles showed a video that he'd made of the vintage tractor he did up with a friend. The Albistons brought spare Jalapeno chillies in pots and tree saplings.

I just want to add a big thank you, that MCL gave the BFG a grant of £1000 to pay for running costs for two years from 2009. And with that and the subscription income and donations for sharing plants and use of yurt we will have managed to last through four years into 2013. So thank you so much for your support MCL. Next year we will hopefully be able to run independently. (Mind you, now we are thinking of applying for grants from somewhere. This would be for three good durable awnings for rain shelter in the propagating area, the new woodworking area and the firepit picnic area. Watch out – we may ask you for some money to help us do that!) Frank Bowman http://www.thebfg.org.uk

8 QUAKER TAPESTRY CALENDAR FOR 2013 ON ANIMAL WELFARE

In 2007, Jill Greenway, member of Sidcot Quaker Meeting and of Quaker Concern for Animals (QCA), had the idea of Animal Welfare as the theme for a future Quaker Tapestry Calendar. She had already spent a week as a volunteer at the Quaker Tapestry in Kendal in 1997 with her late husband Richard; then, when visiting the Tapestry Panels on­tour at Worcester Cathedral in 2007, she read that the Publications Committee were always looking for new themes for future calendars, so Jill suggested Animals. Bridget Guest, the Manager of the exhibition, welcomed her suggestion, and after the idea was approved, asked her whether she would like to write the text.

Just in case anyone doesn’t know about the Quaker Tapestry, the design is based, in a broad sense, on the Bayeux Tapestry. In this case, there are 77 separate panels of modern embroidery illustrating Quaker history and beliefs, stitched by 4,000 men, women and children from 15 countries.

Drawing on themes which appear in the panels and which show that there has been a consistent strand of concern for animals among Quakers over centuries, Jill selected relevant images from the panels and wrote the text for each month. The research and writing up took more than 4 years, rather longer than she expected, but it has now finally come to fruition.

Attractively illustrated with images from the Panels, topics covered over the twelve months include: humane research, farming, animals in war, the work of the poet UA Fanthorpe (lately patron of QCA), whaling, Kathleen Jannaway (an early keen environmentalist), slavery and Anna Sewell. ©Quaker Tapestry The Quaker Tapestry calendar, priced £5.95 plus p&p, can be purchased online via the website www.quaker­tapestry.co.uk, by mail order, or by visiting the gift shop at the Exhibition Centre in Kendal.

Quaker Tapestry Exhibition & Cafe Friends Meeting House Stramongate Kendal Cumbria LA9 4BH Tel: 01539 722975

Quaker Tapestry Registered Charity Number: 1035077 9 INTRODUCING SADHANA FOREST TO MCL

A vegan, gift economy, open­to­all community, committed to reforestation and sustainable living in India, and now in Haiti too.

Sadhana Forest started its ecological revival and sustainable living work on December 19th 2003. The vision of its founders, Yorit and Aviram Rozin, is to transform 70 acres of severely eroded, arid land on the outskirts of Auroville, India. In a spirit of human unity, their aim is to introduce a growing number of people to sustainable living and veganism. Their energy and resources are focused on the creation of a vibrant, indigenous Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF).

The main aim of this volunteer­based ecological project is to support the local rural villages. By retaining water and filling the aquifer, Sadhana Forest allows the villagers to cultivate their food, and prevents exodus towards nearby city slums. Sadhana Forest hosts around 1,000 volunteers per year, from over 50 different countries.

The main activities of Sadhana Forest are: Planting the indigenous plants that constitute TDEF, an ecosystem unique to this region, and one that is currently endangered. Currently we have planted more than 25500 TDEF plants of 160 different species with constant care, and achieved survival of 80% ­ 90%.

Water table recharge and conservation. More than 20 kilometers of trenches have been dug and eight earth dams have been built, altogether storing more than 50,000 cubic metres of rain water. As a result of this work the underground water level has risen by six metres from an average of eight metres deep during 2003 (before Sadhana Forest was started) to an average of two metres deep during 2007 after four years of intensive water conservation work.

Environmental education for all. We include as many children and young people in the process of ecological revival and sustainable living as we can. Our aim is to encourage them to share and propagate our vision of an ecologically responsible and sustainable way of living, and for them to help take urgent actions that are necessary for the future of their environment. Children and young people from nearby Tamil villages take an enthusiastic and active part in this project. They, of course, have no memory of the great, ancient, coastal forest that once extended from northern Tamil Nadu down to Kanyakumari in the south, a forest that was destroyed 10 many decades before they were born. Our dream is to create, with their participation, the opportunity for them to experience the original forest of their forebears. For most, it is their first ‘hands­on’ experience in sustainable living, an exciting and transformative experience for them.

Sustainable infrastructure is installed that can host local and international volunteers. All structures are built from local natural materials. A 5,000 watts solar power system, a 480 watts human powered bicycle generator, 16 dry composting toilets, and a grey water system have been installed. Water infrastructure has been built that enables the watering of trees on 30% of the land.

On April 8th, 2010, Sadhana Forest Haiti, a daughter community on the other side of the globe, was started, sharing the same values and commitment to human unity. Sadhana Forest Haiti, located in Anse­a­Pitre, focuses on creating long­term food security for 25,000 people living in the south­eastern corner of the country, near the border with the Dominican Republic. The community has already planted more than 40,000 indigenous food growing trees and created valuable local partnerships.

As one volunteer said: “May there be more forests to grow people!”

Please come join us, more information can be found at www.sadhanaforest.org

Nicholas Boyce

11 TAKING THE VEGAN MESSAGE TO THE HIGH STREET

When I volunteered to help at a Vegan Food Fair in Taunton, Somerset, during the summer I expected it to be an ‘alternative’ event: full of like­minded people, a feel­ good atmosphere but with few attending and doing little to change perceptions. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

When I arrived at the church hall that Saturday morning there were queues right through the car park out to the street. The organisers, Taunton Vegans, had promoted the event by advertising ‘free goody bags for the first 50 people’. This clearly had an impact. When the goody bags (contents supplied by many local and national companies) ran out, volunteers stood outside on the busy high street giving out free drinks and encouraging people to come into the hall to sample free vegan food.

Taunton Vegans estimate that up to 1,000 people may have attended – a tremendous achievement for an event, sponsored by the Vegan Society, Animal Aid, Lush, VegFund and Naturalife Wholefoods, which had been organised, not by a relatively well­resourced national charity or business, but by a handful of local people in their spare time.

The idea for the Vegan Food Fair came from Fairfoods, a vegan/veggie catering business in Cullompton, Devon, with the aim of promoting and raising awareness of veganism at the local level ­ not just food but other ethical businesses too. The first event was held in Taunton in 2010 and it was after this that Taunton Vegans was set up. The group organises regular events open to the general public.

Inside the hall there was a real buzz: loads of delicious free food samples, and a wide range of stalls ­ from organic veg and local organic bread to animal sanctuaries, vegan toiletries and clothing. Yet it wasn’t ‘weird’. I think the reason for this was the work put into engaging with people and drawing them in. Taunton Vegans had used alternative media to advertise the Fair but hadn’t ignored the mainstream, getting interviews with a local radio station and using the opportunity to discuss the benefits of vegetarianism/veganism. They had also got the support of a local councillor.

Taunton Vegans hoped the range of free food on offer ­ including a cupcake decorating stall ­ would help to “dispel any myths about vegan food being boring.” 12 It certainly achieved that. Most people I spoke to – those already veggie/vegan as well as those thinking of changing their diet/lifestyle ­ said they had found something new to try. In fact feedback was overwhelmingly positive and showed that people had visited from a wide area not just in the South West but from as far as London and Essex. One person said he felt “humbled” that people had given up their time and put so much work into organising the day.

Probably the most useful lasting thing to have come out of the Fair was the Taunton Vegan Guide, with information about vegan diet, reasons for becoming vegan, and recipes (download it at http://www.tauntonveg.moonfruit.com/#/recipes/4543887466).

Those who attended were asked to fill in a questionnaire. The results show the success of the Fair in reaching out and engaging with people. Of those completing the questionnaire who currently ate meat, three quarters said they would eat more vegetarian food in future, while of those not already vegan a third said they would eat more vegan food in future and more than ten percent said they were thinking of becoming vegan.

The organisers are looking for a bigger venue for next year’s event but this won’t detract from the central aim of reaching out and showing that being vegan isn’t about a hair shirt lifestyle.

For more information about Taunton Vegans see www.tauntonveg.moonfruit.com Fairfoods is at www.fairfoods.org.uk Anne Elliott­Day

M C L E N V E L O P E S T I C K E R S Global warming can be checked and people Available for £1 per 100 better supplied with food and other necessities or 1p each from if we use land for trees that absorb CO2 MCL, 105 Cyfyng Road not for livestock that emit methane Ystalyfera a much more powerful green house gas. Details from Swansea SA9 2BT MCL, 105 Cyfyng Road Ystalyfera, Swansea SA9 2BT Cheques payable to MCL www.mclveganway.org.uk and send s.a.e.

13 SHAMBHU'S

I had seen Shambhu's name mentioned as a vegan caterer in London for some events there, but never thought more about it until the plans for my son's wedding in London got under way. First let me tell you about those plans, as they were the most wonderful wedding plans I thought possible – apart from the one Midge Francois told us about in the letters section of New Leaves no 104. The invitations were by word of mouth and by internet. The ceremony was to take place in a registry office. The celebration was to be a picnic in the park behind the registry office, where everyone was invited to bring food and drinks. That was until I changed it: I offered to order vegan food for everyone. That is where Shambhu's came in.

I found their website and looked at their selection of food which was quite extensive. I contacted them through the website and got a reply to my email. I was really pleased about that as I am not very keen on making telephone calls (I am much happier answering telephone calls). The whole process of choosing the food and paying for it was made very easy. My perusal of the weather forecasts before the event, on the other hand, did not show similar ease. As it turned out the weather favoured our celebration.

I chose hot food to be eaten immediately when the order was delivered to the park, and some sandwiches for later. I also could not resist ordering some of their cheesecakes which looked so delicious on the menu – just like all the items there. The hot food choices were influenced by the bride's nationality as I wanted to show that it was possible to have good vegan food based on Italian ingredients. Most of the guests at the wedding were non­vegans. In fact the only vegans apart from me were my two daughters, my little grandson, and one of my son's friends who had become a vegan at the beginning of this year.

Shambhu's was started in October 2005 by Nishma Shah who, with her husband Mahersh, are from the UK Jain community which has at its heart the principle of Ahimsa or non­violence to all life. The company was named after their dog Shambhu. The name means “abode of happiness” / “causing happiness” / “giver of joy”. Etymology: from Sanskrit “śam” meaning auspiciously / happily, and Sanskrit “bhu” meaning being / existing. They are based in north­west London and will deliver to London and the home counties. Anything further than that would incur additional cost. The minimum order is £50. An order of up to 50 meals can be delivered hot in insulated boxes to addresses in the north, central and inner London areas. For registered customers there is a small order (less than £50) delivery run in London. 14 The food is inspired from cultures around the world and made using organic, fair trade and UK produced ingredients as much as possible. Cutlery and napkins are supplied on request and they use strong eco­friendly plastic­like forks and spoons, made of vegetable starch and hence compostable. The paper napkins are eco­ friendly ones made of recycled fibre.

I heartily recommend Shambhu's for any event where outside catering is required. Our celebration was truly wonderful, made even better by the delicious food from Shambhu's. (Their cheesecakes are available from some shops around the country – I really hope Health & Herbs in Swansea will get them soon.) Altogether a good time was had by all. You can sample the food produced by Shambhu's at Compassionate Derby on Saturday 24th November in the Darwin Suite of the Assembly Rooms, and at Animal Aid's Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre on Sunday 2nd December at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London, W8. Ireene­Sointu Shambhu's Vegan Caterers www.shambhus.co.uk 020 8931 0030

ON REMEMBRANCE DAY WEAR WHITE POPPIES FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE The Peace Pledge Union has been distributing white poppies for peace since 1934. JOIN US ON REMEMBRANCE DAY, 11th November, to lay a wreath of white poppies. 12.00 am Tavistock Sq, London WC1H The white poppy was born out of fear [that WWI would be followed by an even worse war] as a symbol of our inability to settle conflicts without resorting to killing but also of hope and commitment to work for a world where conflicts will be resolved without violence and with justice. PEACE PLEDGE UNION 1 Peace Passage London N7 0BT, Britain. phone +44 (0)20 7424 9444 fax: +44 (0)20 7482 639 http://www.ppu.org.uk 15 UPDATE ON VITAMIN D

It is quite clear from all I have read that many people are deficient in this vitamin which is vital for our health. “A nationwide survey in the UK showed 50% of the population has 'insufficient' levels of Vitamin D and that 16% experience Vitamin D deficiency during spring and winter.” (http://www.vitamindproject.co.uk/­vitamin­d­ project­test/why­vitamin­d­project­.html) In the USA it is claimed to be “epidemic throughout the entire United States, through all age groups” (Healing Power of Sunlight & Vitamin D ­ .pdf document free to download from http://www.naturalnews.com/rr­sunlight.html). “In 2002, Dr. William B. Grant published an article claiming that 23,800 premature deaths occur in the US annually from cancer due to Vitamin D deficiency. This is higher than 8,800 deaths that occur from melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Other research estimates that 50,000 ­ 63,000 individuals in the United States and 19,000 ­ 25,000 in the UK die prematurely from cancer annually due to insufficient Vitamin D. The latest research study from Dr. Richard Setlow of the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York shows that Vitamin D appears to protect against tumours of the breast, lung, colon and prostate.” (http://www.androv­medical.com/page/uvb_light_phototherapy)

In the UK we do not have enough UVB rays in a year to give us an adequate supply of vitamin D (actually a hormone and not a vitamin) to last the whole year. My own experience this summer is a good example. I stopped taking the supplement in the early summer thinking that I would get enough by getting out in the garden every time the sun was shining around midday. Although we have not had a very good summer there were enough sunny days, or so I thought, to give me enough of this vital hormone to keep me healthy, and particularly to avoid the pain I had before. This was not the case. Early autumn I started having the beginnings of the same pain I had before, which had disappeared on taking Vitashine, the vegan vitamin D3 supplement. I immediately started taking the supplement again and the pain went away.

One reason for the fact that my vitamin D was not adequate could, of course, have been that with ageing, my skin's ability to produce enough of this hormone has diminished. Another reason could be that my supplementation over the winter and spring months had not been enough, and the summer sun was not quite sufficient to keep my supply adequate. Recently I have come across a couple of recommendations for higher doses than the ones I mentioned in my previous article. One source reports that 3800 to 5000 IU’s per day is needed for maintaining vitamin D levels, but people deficient in this vitamin or those with problems with the absorption are likely to need higher doses. (http://www.easy­immune­ health.com/Vitamin­D­Requirements.html#ixzz28oH31Rpp)

The absorption problems can arise with any diseases affecting liver or kidneys, as 16 those are the organs which modify the vitamin D we get from the sun. It first goes to the liver to be modified to 25­hydroxy vitamin D. This circulates in our blood stream, but is not active. This form is modified in our kidneys to its active form 1,25­dihydroxy vitamin D which is needed for our bone health. Other tissues in our bodies like the prostate, breast, colon and many others can also activate 25­hydroxy vitamin D. Throughout our bodies, in most if not all of our cells, this active vitamin D controls and regulates cell growth.

There are two different levels of vitamin D deficiency: severe and low. The severe one can cause rickets in children and in adults a disease called osteomalacia, and can be a precursor to osteoporosis. Low vitamin D can also have very serious consequences as there is growing evidence that it is connected, but not necessarily causally, to many serious diseases like various cancers, asthma, high blood pressure, heart failure, the health of our teeth and gums, depression, Alzheimer’s, etc. It may even be possible that vitamin D can help reverse Alzheimer’s, as it has been shown to clear amyloid­β plaques that develop in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. However, the damage to the brain may not be reversible. (http://gaia­ health.com/gaia­blog/2012­09­29/skip­alzheimers­by­sunning­skipping­ sunscreens/)

Obviously the sun is the best source of vitamin D but it is important not to be too long in the sun to burn. And remember that UVA rays cause damage also. UVA rays go through glass, which UVB rays cannot do. Older people may not be able to produce as much vitamin D as younger ones, and need a longer time in the sun. Darker skin needs more sun than lighter skin. Overweight people also need more exposure to the sun as some of the vitamin D gets trapped in the layer of fat. Not enough of it will get to the liver, and then to the kidneys and other tissues in the body, where it is modified to its active form and made use of.

In the UK summers are not long and sunny enough for us to get enough of this vital vitamin to supply our needs for the whole winter. The second best source from all my reading comes out to be sunbeds. It is important to check that the sunbeds are good for this purpose, and also to take all the same precautions as in actual sunbathing. Used incorrectly, or using sunbeds which are not good enough for the purpose, can lead to cancer. I have read that some sunbeds have more UVA rays and not enough UVB rays which are needed for vitamin D production.

For me personally, a supplement has been a good alternative, and I shall continue using it. Shirley­Anne Hardy mentioned in the article in the last issue of New Leaves that some sources recommend not to use any sunscreen. I have since then come across this recommendation in a couple of documents. Some very light skinned people may find this recommendation unacceptable. For them it is important to find a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB. Also make 17 sure it has no toxic ingredients. It should be made with natural ingredients and not with petrochemicals. I personally have never used any sunscreens, and have burnt myself only very occasionally (and never really badly) when younger, although actual sunbathing has never appealed to me.

There are some nutrients, apart from vitamin D, which protect us against the harm the sun can cause. The antioxidant astaxanthin is said to be one. “Currently, the primary natural source for astaxanthin is the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. It seems to accumulate the highest levels of astaxanthin in nature.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astaxanthin) I think I have read somewhere that some vegetables have some astaxanthin in them also, but cannot remember for certain. Viridian Nutrition produces a vegan supplement with astaxanthin which they recommend for use from April onwards. Viridian Nutrition is a vegetarian company which produces many vegan supplements. As far as I can see they do not use any toxic additives in their supplements. (Viridian Nutrition, 31 Alvis Way, Royal Oak, Daventry NN11 8PG. Tel. 01327 878050, http://www.viridian­nutrition.com) Apart from astaxanthin, eating a lot of berries in the summer months is supposed to be protective against the harmful effect of the sun's rays. This may have been a protecting factor in my childhood. As children we used to eat a lot of berries in the summer months: strawberries, raspberries and blueberries ­ all wild in the fields and woods ­ and also berries and fruits from our gardens. Ireene­Sointu COMMUNITY CIRCLE ­ WEDNESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

Sumac Centre, 245 Gladstone Street, Nottingham NG7 6HX Tel.: 0845 458 9595 / 0115 960 8254 It's so simple... We meet once a month at the Sumac Centre, share some food and talk to each other. Then we form a circle and introduce ourselves with an emphasis on being positive together. People are invited to think about what they need and what they might have to offer.

All kinds of things have been asked for: baby clothes, help with finding a tradesperson, advice on sorting out benefits, someone to talk to, help cleaning out a shed... The need is spoken with no expectation of it being fulfilled ­ people in the circle respond if they feel it. Then people go around again and make offers, something they would like to share with no expectation of it being accepted.

We are trying to allow a space for everyone to be comfortable, so if you wish to come for the first part, socialising with a bit of food and a cuppa, that runs from around 6.45. Or if you feel more comfortable coming later for the go­round of needs, wants, and offers, then that starts around 7.30. All Welcome! 18 DECLARATION OF SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LA PASTORA, PARAGUAY

Paraguay is experiencing serious environmental destruction as a result of the growth and export of soy for feeding livestock. However, the municipality of La Pastora is taking conservation measures ­ the majority of its inhabitants carefully preserve their culture, agriculture, native seeds, and their natural resources. They are seeking methods of environmental protection which guarantee sustainable management of their land, and the 'Committee in Defence of the Environment of La Pastora' was formed in 2010. Since then they have started a process for the development and implementation of a land use plan. A decree approving the land use plan has been issued by the local municipality, and recently an environmental licence was granted by the Ministry of Environment.

Friends of the Earth Paraguay has joined this initiative to strengthen the process and prevent the use of extensive GM soy monocultures that would lead to deforestation and pollution of the water sources and wetlands of La Pastora. They are asking that that all environmental and social organisations and individuals concerned about socio­environmental issues affecting the planet join them in supporting the municipality of La Pastora ­ so that it can continue to be "an agro­ecological municipality that defends life in all its forms".

They are asking people to sign a declaration of support for La Pastora at http://www.sobrevivencia.org.py/v1/?p=2568 E­BOOK by DULCIMER NIELSEN on AMAZON KINDLE (no need for a Kindle device, use a downloadable Kindle­reading application)

“Am Vegan – Will Travel” ­ Easy meatless meals – on the road or on the run. Quick, easy recipes that can be prepared “on the road”. You don’t have to be travelling or vegan to enjoy them! They are great when you’re “on the run” – and who isn’t, these days? Cholesterol­free, healthy, economical and no animals were harmed in the making of these recipes. A number of travel destination photos are included with comments about select spots in the US, UK and Europe and the recipes are designed to be easy to prepare at home, motels, RV’s, or camping. http://www.amazon.com/Am­Vegan­Will­Travel­ ebook/dp/B00913PH50/ £4.58/$7.39 Dulcimer Nielsen, PHD. 19 FREE VEGAN FOOD

1st November – 3rd November 10.30am – 5pm Free Vegan Food 62 Eastborough, Scarborough, Yorkshire YO1 11NJ www.c­a­l­f.com

3rd November 11am World Vegan Day Tastings Day 82 Queens Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1RL [email protected]

11th November 11.30am – 4pm Animals In Need Free Food Fair Pine Tree Farm, London Road, Little Irchester, Northamptonshire, NN8 2EH

17th November 11am – 3pm Truro Free Vegan Food Fayre Truro City Hall, Boscawen Street, Truro TR1 2NE [email protected]

OTHER FAIRS & FAYRES

10th November 11am – 4pm Lincoln Veggie Fayre Trinity United Reformed Church Hall, Garmston Street, Lincoln LN2 1H

17th November 10.30am – 3.30pm Leicester Vegan Autumn Fair 174 Avenue Primary School, Leicester LE2 3EJ www.leicesterveganfair.com

24th November 11am – 5pm Compassionate Derby The Darwin Suite of Derby Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby DE1 3AH www.compassionatederby.com [email protected]

25th November 12pm – 3pm Xmas Fayre @ Pine Tree Farm Pine Tree Farm, London Road, Little Irchester, Northamptonshire NN8 2EH Contact: 01933 278080 or admin@animals­in­need.org

15th December 11am – 3pm Glastonbury Vegan Fair Town Hall, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EL

ANIMAL AID'S CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CRUELTY FAYRES

24th November 10am – 4.30pm South West Christmas Fayre Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter EX1 1BW

2nd December 10am – 5pm 20th Annual London Christmas Fayre Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/ACTIVE/events_diary/ALL///

20 WAR AND PEACE

WAR The Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) is due to return to London's Docklands in September 2013. Its website (http://www.dsei.co.uk) declares “DSEI is the largest fully integrated defence and security show in the world, featuring Air, Naval, Land and Security show content. Based in ExCeL, London every two years, the event provides unrivalled access to key markets across the globe.” In 2013 the drones section will be more than double the size it was last time in 2011: “The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has increased its support of the Unmanned Systems Showcase which now covers more than 21,000ft² of floor space at the venue. This compares with the 8,000ft² used last time during DSEI 2011”

PEACE East London Against Arms Fairs (www.elaaf.org) organises a Musical Protest against the threat of another Arms Fair every month. The next one is held on Saturday 17 November from 2pm to 5pm at ExCeL London Exhibition Centre, One Western Gateway Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL

“More musicians and singers (all styles) are welcome to join us. You can also join in if you are not musical. We need people to collect a petition, hold up posters, give out leaflets etc.” East London Against Arms Fairs CIU, Durning Hall, Earlham Grove, London, E7 9AB [email protected]

Campaign Against Arms Trade (www.caat.org.uk) works to end the international arms trade. It has a list of relevant events on its website. Unit 4, 5­7 Wells Terrace, London, N4 3JU. For all telephone enquiries call: +44(0)20 72810297. MORE WEBSITES Shut down the world's largest arms fair DISARM DSEI http://www.dsei.org/what­is­dsei The Fellowship of Reconciliation http://www.for.org.uk/ http://www.stopthearmsfair.org.uk http://dronewarsuk.wordpress.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10at2lymAnw&list=HL1349300930&feature=mh_lolz 21 M C L A D D R E S S E S General Contact­Membership­Treasurer­Editorial Collective Contact Scheme Ireene­Sointu, MCL, 105 Cyfyng Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea SA9 2BT, UK Tel: 01639 841223, e­mail: [email protected]

Publications can be ordered online or by mail from MCL c/o The Sumac Centre, 245 Gladstone St., Nottingham NG7 6HX, UK Tel: 0845 458 9595, e­mail [email protected] CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEXT NEW LEAVES TO BE RECEIVED BY 21ST DECEMBER should be typed or clearly hand­written and marked 'for New Leaves'. Any press cuttings/references should be recent and identified with name and date of the source publication. Food items promoted in articles and recipes should be appropriate to MCL's policy of encouraging use of produce that can be grown in the writer's local region, rather than imported crops. ADVERTISEMENTS No responsibility taken by MCL for accuracy or reliability of advertisers. 10 words for 50p then 10p a word. Copy for the next issue by the same date as other contributions, please. Please make cheques payable to MCL. The Vegan Society, inventors of the word and established since 1944, The Animal­ Free Shopper, our comprehensive guidebook of vegan products, just £4.99 + £1.50 p&p. Donald Watson House, 21 Hylton Street, Hockley, Birmingham B18 6HJ. See www.vegansociety.com. Email: [email protected] or phone 0845 458 8244. For help writing to local newspapers etc. please email Amanda: [email protected].

Vegan Views, an informal forum for vegan views and news, subscription £5 for three printed issues (now in colour) – and the magazine is also freely available online. See www.veganviews.org.uk or write 1 Church Hill, Woodlands, Dorset BH21 8LW. Winter issue (No 126) out late November includes an interview with John Davis of the International Vegetarian Union, plus articles, letters, recipes, etc.

Back issues of New Leaves, available free for local distribution to friends, libraries, waiting rooms etc. Contact [email protected] (or 0845 458 9595) for specific issues or a random selection. 22 Veggies and Sumac Centre: All­vegan catering for animal and social justice campaigns (and family celebrations); People's Kitchen shared meal every Saturday; vegan­organic community garden; distribution of MCL booklets & leaflets. 245 Gladstone St, Nottingham NG7 6HX.Tel: 0845 458 9595. www.veggies.org.uk

Wales Vegan/Y Figan Cymreig, bilingual (Welsh­English) magazine, £3 for 3 copies a year. Bron Yr Ysgol, Montpellier Park, Llandrindod, Powys.

Ley Hunters – Newsletter of the Network of Ley Hunters, £5 (bank note) for four issues a year to Laurence Main, 9 Mawddwy Cottages, Minllyn, Dinas Mawddwy, Machynlleth, SY20 9LW.

Sarah Two welcomes women & anyone interested in growing fruit (field turning slowly into orchard) & vegan permaculture. Le Village, 09600 Dun, France. Tel. 00335 61604688.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

Fern Tor vegetarian and vegan guest house. Relax in 12 acres or explore Exmoor, North and Mid­Devon. Cordon vert. En suite, non­smoking. “Vegan paradise”. Tel: 01769 550339, www.ferntor.co.uk.

Vegan & vegetarian visitors to west Cork. Self­catering apartments for singles, couples and families, in peaceful wooded surroundings. Organic vegetables and vegan wholefoods available. Reasonable rates. Green Lodge, Trawnamadree, Ballylickey, Bantry, County Cork. Tel: 00353 2766146, Text:353861955451, Email: [email protected] Website: http://homepage.eircom.net/~greenlodge.

Ranworth Guesthouse, Church Road, Ravenscar, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 0LZ. Telephone 01723 870366. Serving only vegan and vegetarian food. Established 1985. Pets and children welcome.

Michael House, vegetarian and vegan guest house, Treknow, near Tintagel, North Cornwall. Near beach and coastal path. Delicious food, relaxing atmosphere, en­ suite, open all year. Tel: 01840 770 592, e­mail: info@michael­house.co.uk, www.michael­house.co.uk.

23 GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS Would you like New Leaves sent to someone as a gift? Do you think a friend or family member would enjoy reading about compassionate living? Do you know someone who is thinking about changing to a vegan lifestyle? Just fill in the form below with the person's details and complete the Gift Subscription line, then send in with the subscription payment and we will provide them with the next 4 issues of New Leaves as your gift to them. HOW TO JOIN MCL

For those who can afford it, we suggest an annual subscription of £5.00 for UK residents (overseas subscribers – please add a further donation to cover extra postage costs). Less will be accepted, however, and more will be welcomed – this will help us to send New Leaves to those who will read it and hand on the ideas but who cannot themselves afford a subscription. Such donations also help with the costs of stalls and meetings.

Payment by UK postal order or stamps, sterling cheque from a UK bank, or International Money Order. Please make payable to MCL.

Please complete the following (or a copy) in clear writing and send with your subscription payment to the Treasurer: MCL, 105 Cyfyng Rd., Ystalyfera, Swansea SA9 2BT, UK

Name(s):

Full Address incl. postcode:

Telephone:

E­mail:

I/We enclose £...... for one year's subscription to MCL.

Signature(s): Date:

Gift subscriptions: Please complete the above with the details of who you would like New Leaves sent to, then print your name clearly below:

GIFT SUBSCRIPTION FROM …...... 24 P U B L I C A T I O N S BOOKLETS (for bulk orders contact address below first) Abundant Living in the Coming Age of the Tree £2.50 Self­reliant Tree­Based Autonomous Vegan £1.50 Villages (STAVVs) Recipes from "New Leaves" £1.50 More Recipes from "New Leaves" £1.50 (includes quinoa and acorns) Recipes for a Sustainable Future £1.50 Growing Our Own, Vegan­Organically £1.50 Food for Everyone (with pictures for posters) £1.50 Familiar and Unfamiliar Saladings £1.50 For Vegan Parents £1.50 Pioneers of Compassionate Living £1.50 LEAFLETS (Can be viewed, downloaded and printed from the MCL web site) (1) MCL handout; (2) Introducing MCL; (3) Food 58p & Agriculture; (4) Protecting the Environment; each or (5) Trees for a Future; (6) Feeding the World; £1 for full set (7) Animal Exploitation; (8) Health, Diet & incl.UK Nutrition; (9) A Vision for a Compassionate World p&p Prices above include UK postage and packing. Europe ­ Abundant Living £4, all other booklets £3 each, full set of 9 leaflets £2.50 each set. Rest of the world ­ Abundant Living £5, all other booklets £4 each, full set of 9 leaflets £3.50 each set. Please send the items ticked above to: Name: Address:

Telephone: Cheques to MCL (UK stamps welcome). MCL c/o The Sumac Centre, 245 Gladstone Street, Nottingham NG7 6HX Tel.: 0845 458 9595 E­mail: [email protected] VEGAN­ORGANIC VEGA NETWORK Vegetarian Economy and Green Agriculture 14 Woodland Rise Greenford Showing the world how food Middlesex UB6 0RD can be grown without harming people, animals, or the VEGA is a scientific, environment! research and information Enquiries to: organisation that focuses VON 11 St Mary's Road on the treatment of animals Disley and on human nutrition. Cheshire SK12 2AH

01663 766 366 Please see website [email protected] www.vegaresearch.org [email protected] www.veganorganic.net

VEGFAM c/o Cwm Cottage Cwmynys, Cilycwm, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire SA20 0EU Telephone 01550 721197 Vegfam raises funds to provide sustainable overseas projects: vegetable growing, fruit & nut trees, safe water. Helping thousands HIPPO works to encourage and of people worldwide. facilitate the use of plant protein foods Every donation will make a difference to instead of animal foods, and to help someone's life. poor communities to produce their own Please support our projects. food and to be self­sufficient. HIPPO website: Churchfield House Weston under Penyard www.vegfamcharity.org.uk REGISTERED CHARITY Ross­on­Wye HR9 7PA No. 232208 [email protected] REGISTERED CHARITY Est. 1963 No. 1075420