October 2011 No. 286

Bromley FoE: inquiriesewsletter to Birch House, Grays Road, Westerham TN16 2JB email: [email protected]; website: www.bromleyfoe.co.uk

October Meeting

Friends Meeting House, Ravensbourne Road, Bromley

Food Security: Rural and Urban Policies Our present and future prospects for securing enough In this Issue: food for us all Diary Dates 2 Marinet AGM 8,9 Dr Howard Lee, Lecturer and Sustainability champion Invest Bromley 2 LRCND NTAG 10,11 Hadlow College FoE conference rept 3,9 CND activities 11 September mtg rept 4 FoE / FoE Europe 12,13 Golf course opposed 4 CAAT News 14 Tuesday 4th October - 7.30pm. Campaigns info 5,9 ReUser items 14 Everyone welcome – bring a friend Transport info 6,7 Bromley FoE contacts 15 Global Poverty 7 Non-members section 16 Copy for the next Newsletter must be with the Editor by SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER. Contact details inside front cover.

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 1 “As always, the conference was excellent” – see page 3 Diary dates:

Oct 4th (Tues) Bromley FoE’s October meeting: Dr Howard Lee from Hadlow College on Food Security Oct 15 (Sat) Bromley FoE campaign stall, Bromley High Street, outside Caffe Nero, 2-4pm Nov 1st (Tues) Bromley FoE’s November meeting: Richard Priestly on Global Problems: Global Solutions Dec 6th (Tues) Bromley FoE’s December meeting

Invest Bromley Conference, Tuesday 20th September

It’s too late to go and you probably wouldn’t have wanted to pay the entrance fee of £225 + VAT but here’s a taste of what you missed:

The Localism Bill: Planning Reforms Enabling Growth – Speaker Rt Hn Bob Neill, MP for Bromley & Chislehurst & Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government

Bromley: a planned approach to development - A Strategic and Local Perspective on Development Opportunities – Speakers Cllr Stephen Carr, Leader, London Borough of Bromley, John Lett, Strategic Planning Manager, Greater London Authority, and Marc Hume, Director of Renewal and Recreation, London Borough of Bromley

Outer London : A Driver for Growth – Speaker Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

A Once in a Generation Opportunity: Introducing South London’s biggest new retail development opportunity: Churchill Place – Speaker Neil Parlett , Senior Director CB Richard Ellis Limited.

So, it looks as if The Future Is Growth. Don’t you just wish you had known about it sooner ??

Next Newsletter - copy details:

Any news, articles, poems, questions, views etc for the next Newsletter must be with the editor by SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER: by post to John Street, 82 Babbacombe Road, Bromley, BR1 3LS by phone to: 020-8460-1078, by email to: [email protected]. The editor reserves the right to shorten contributions for space, or other, reasons

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 2 Report from FoE Local Groups Conference – Dan Sloan

This was held at Nottingham University Levy (Marinet), Stephen Eades Friday 9th - Sunday 12th September. (Marinet) and Tim Atkinson (FoE)

As always, the conference was This seminar discussed the dreadful excellent, leaving the delegates feeling condition of our seas and the Food inspired and empowered as they left Security Issue (the ability to feed on Sunday evening. ourselves for 12 months of the year, year on year on our national catch of Friday - Biomass fish - in fact, currently we only six The first Friday afternoon workshop I months of the year, everything else is attended discussed the pros and cons imported) of developing biomass energy generation. The workshop was Marinet had carried out very valuable presented by Brighton Friends of the research into to numbers of fish in our Earth. Many of the attendees were waters, and produced a very telling there because there were proposed graph showing fish decline since the biomass power generators proposed in 1880's. Interestingly there were three their regions. The big question being, peaks when fish stocks recovered are they sustainable? substantially, these were after the two world wars, and the third in the 1970's The major concern is that rather than (which was thought to be when the use local material to provide the fishing of herring was banned, this in power, timber would be imported from turn provided more food for other fish) far and wide, this hugely increasing the carbon footprint and completely One further problem that was disregarding the object of small local highlighted was that fish did not get the power generation. The consensus was chance to grow to full maturity, that fuel for local biomass generation therefore they ages of fish stocks was should be sourced within 100 miles of becoming younger and younger, so the power station, however, for many the breeding stocks were very of us this is still far to large a radius - immature - the equivalent of the 20 miles would seem far more "local". human race being sustained by ten year old children! Cod mature at 6 There is not a specific department in years old there are not cod left by the FoE to deal with the Biomass question, time they attain the age of six. so it was agreed that further study should be carried out undefeated the To start the evening on Friday we had umbrella of the Biofuel team. It is the a light hearted question and answer general policy of FoE not to support session with the current (Andy Atkins) large scale schemes. and four of the former directors of Friends of the Earth, Tom Burke, Friday - Will there be any fish left Jonathon Porritt, Charles Secrett and The second seminar I attended on Tony Juniper. This session was very Friday afternoon was "Will There be ably chaired by Elaine Gilligan. Any Fish Left", presented by David /continued on page 9

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 3 September meeting report, from Graham Hemington

The Big Energy Conversation (Glyn fired stations when the supply of gas is Thomas, FoE Underwood Street) decreasing.

BIG because of the involvement of as Investment in renewable sis preferred, many people as possible. ENERGY along with improvement in the because it’s about the forthcoming insulation of homes (The EU has energy campaign. CONVERSATION proposed an energy saving of 20%.) because FoE wants to know people’s energy priorities and their interest in a clean green energy future. Golf course development opposed – Ray Watson In a prelude to the forthcoming energy campaign, questions about the choice Bromley FoE is supporting residents in of energy were first put to 120 FoE Biggin Hill and surrounding districts groups. Perhaps not surprisingly, who are opposing a major renewables and insulation came out development at Cherry Lodge golf top, with nuclear energy attracting little course. The project calls for major re- support. shaping of the course itself, together with new buildings and a driving range. Support for renewables has led to the However, the main objection is that the feed-in tariff scheme which pays work will take up to two years and will people to generate their own green involve a fleet of huge lorries delivering energy but now the government has soil and other materials. reduced its subsidy. Glyn quoted an example: a church in Birmingham fitted Residents say there could be up to 70 with solar PV panels paid for by a local lorry movements a day, which, they organisation and the government claim would result in air and noise subsidy. Then the subsidy was pollution, road damage and add to reduced by 50% making the project no road congestion because they would longer viable, yet this type of have to negotiate steep hills in the community action is just what the area. They also claim that the golf government has been encouraging. course and adjoining fields are rich in wildlife, including deer and bats, which FoE sees its role as persuading the would be disturbed. government not to decrease subsidies, not just for community projects but BFoE’s submission calls for an also for small businesses which environmental impact assessment and otherwise would go bankrupt. demands that, should the scheme be approved by Bromley planners, there FoE will also be petitioning 100,000 should be restrictions on lorry people for further evidence of energy movements. preferences. Equally important, to inquire into the intentions of the six A decision is likely to be made towards bog energy companies, e.g. to the end of the year. challenge their proposals to build gas-

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 4 Campaigns information – from Ann Garrett

The next Bromley High Street stall is process was certainly worthwhile, on October 15th from 2.00 - 4.00 pm generating much useful discussion, outside Caffe Nero or in the Mall and creating awareness of ecological outside Argos if the weather is bad. demands we are facing. There will be petitions and leaflets for the next stage of the Big Energy The work of Glyn Thomas at national Conversation. Many thanks to those FoE is proving valuable in helping people who have already agreed to organise the materials for this help. campaign.

Results of Big Energy Conversation Climate and Energy questionnaires 36 survey forms were completed in Planning Bill total (13 FoE members and 23 Conservationists and green members of the public). campaigners are urging ministers to rethink planning reforms. They are 1. Most important energy issue facing worried that the new proposals of ' a the UK? - highest results - 11 voted for presumption in favour of sustainable dependence on imported oil and gas development ' in the new National and the impact of our energy system Planning Policy framework, will on climate change and 10 for undermine the government's own availability and supply of oil and gas. 7 creed of 'localism'. The danger would expressed concerns about the safety be that major projects such as of nuclear power plants. incinerators and factory farms could easily be approved. 2. The UK needs to invest billions to keep lights on and reduce dependency FoE campaigns director Craig Bennett on oil. Where should the money be has stated that the proposals threaten spent ? - highest results - 19 voted for the countryside, whilst doing little to making energy savings in homes, curb climate change or carbon businesses and industry, and 17 for emissions. He has emphasised the power from the sun, waves and wind. importance of developing the UK's huge energy potential and in building 3. Do you think more green energy more fuel efficient and affordable should be generated locally? - 33 homes. voted yes. There was 1 no and 2 don't knows. Climate Change and risk of civil wars The results of questions 2 and 3 were Scientists have warned cyclical climate very positive. Grateful thanks to those changes double the risk of civil wars who completed the questionnaires and with analysis showing that 50 out of to people who helped on the three 250 conflicts between 1950 and 2004 stalls (Bromley High Street, Keston were triggered by the El Nino cycle. Countryside Day and Cudham Fair) to consult the general public. The /continued on page 9

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 5 Transport information – from Ray Watson

Stating our case Bromley is not that far from Redhill, so Bromley FoE has worked with other perhaps our council should be taking an residents groups in the borough to interest in the proposal. They might produce a document that has been sent also note that, like nearly all of Biggin to the government about Biggin Hill Hill Airport, Redhill is in the Green Belt. Airport’s role in the future of aviation. The submission is part of a broad Forgotten fence consultation process that will eventually Another question for Bromley Council – result in the publication of a White and we have asked them – concerns Paper outlining how the government will the boundary fence at Biggin Hill tackle the problems of handling a Airport. This arose when it was growing number of passengers. revealed that the owners of Lydd Airport in Kent, currently the subject of The Bromley submission outlines the a public inquiry into its development case against expanding the airport demands, had not mentioned in its because of its location - the flight path plans the requirement for a 9ft 3in is over thickly-populated suburbs - and barbed-wire topped security boundary also deals with wider questions such as fence for its two-mile perimeter. helicopter and other noise, air pollution and traffic congestion. It also suggests Apparently, such a fence is required by that passenger growth could be slowed European law and by Britain’s own if huge tax subsidies enjoyed by the National Aviation Security Programme. industry were cut. So, is Biggin Hill subject to these rules as well? We shall see what the council Redhill row looms replies. Gatwick Airport environmental group has unleashed a formidable answer to Meanwhile, at Lydd, the public inquiry recently-announced expansion plans by may well be delayed while the nearby Redhill Aerodrome – and it is information on the fence – or lack of it - absolutely nothing to do with Gatwick is collected. worrying about a potential rival. It is also worth noting that Lydd is No, the group’s main concern is that among Kent airports bidding for Redhill’s plan to replace its grass strip additional flights for next year’s with a hard runway and take up to Olympics. 85,000 movements a year, will lead to safety problems, more noise and further Un-fare? expansion due to a potential need for a The figures behind the rail fare new control tower and more hangars. increases of up to 13 per cent from The airport denies all this and a battle January are quite staggering. For will be fought, probably at a public instance, an annual season ticket from inquiry, once the local authority has … voted on the Redhill project. /continued on next page

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 6 Global Poverty Project

This was sent to Ann Garrett recently. UK have already seen the presentation, and with leaders like you I am writing to you from the Global we will reach another 100,000 people Poverty Project, an organisation face to face with this message. whose vision is to see a world without extreme poverty within a generation. Apply to become an Ambassador or We exist to mobilise and inspire nominate someone you know. (This people to take action to end extreme email was sent to Ann three days poverty. before the closing date for nominating these ambassadors.) I am contacting you to inform you of an exciting opportunity which you and Applications close on Friday 9th your fellow Bromley Friends of the September, and successful applicants Earth group members may be will undertake training with the Global interested in. Poverty Project's team of experts in London on 24th September 2011. We are launching the Global Poverty Ambassador programme, a not-for- Please do not hesitate to get in touch if profit grassroots scheme in which you would like further information members of the public are trained to about the Ambassador programme. become leaders in their communities You can do this on 0207 921 4235 or and to inspire those around them to by contacting Lana Simpson at join the movement to end extreme [email protected]. poverty.

Find out more and apply to become a Transport info, continued Global Poverty Ambassador today Bournemouth to London could rise by (http://globalpovertyproject.com/pages/ £705 to £6,129 – a huge sum that ambassador but applications are must make our local commuters feel a currently closed and this website says little better. that they will reopen in November.) Equally, it is not generally appreciated As a Global Poverty Ambassador we that the train operating companies will give you the skills you need to pass on this extra revenue to the inspire people and raise awareness of Treasury so it can reduce the amount the reality of extreme poverty through of subsidy paid by the taxpayer to aid delivering a series of 1.4 Billion investment in the railways and to keep Reasons presentations and actions rail fares down. And how much is that from October to December 2011. subsidy? No less than a staggering £4.6bn annually. 1.4 Billion Reasons shares the story of how each of us can play a role to end However, that does, in part, help keep extreme poverty. From Guernsey to commuters off the roads. Aberdeen, 33,000 people across the

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 7 Report on Marinet AGM held at FoE Conference

This is a short update on events, largely Bill Rigby (Beverley FoE) has stepped relating to our AGM and the FoE down from the position of Secretary conference over the weekend. after long service of several years, and the AGM has wished to thank him for Firstly, you will be very pleased to learn this long service, hard work and that our booklet The Ocean Planet won commitment to MARINET. I am certain an award as the most powerful that Bill will remain engaged with the communication over the past twelve network, and indeed he is giving a talk months. This is a great tribute to the about our work to two Cornish FoE author, Deborah Wright, and to the Local Groups later this month. network as a whole. It was clear from the conference that MARINET's work is The AGM has also recorded its thanks appreciated, and there is strong support to Denis Walker (South East Essex for the CFP Reform campaign and the FoE) and Haris Livas-Dawes (Hull FoE) work you are doing on this. who have stepped down as co-opted members of the Steering Group. Their We are now moving into the next stage assistance with our Marine Reserves of the CFP Reform campaign, and I campaign has been greatly would like to send my personal thanks appreciated. to all members who have let me know how your MEPs and MPs have been The Steering Group governs and replying. I have not been able to directs our work in the period between respond to you all yet - the number has AGMs, and consists of the four elected been too great - but I have been officers and the two Underwood Street reading and logging all the replies that officers. In addition, we have developed you have sent in. the practice of co-opting members who have a particular interest or expertise With the aid of these replies we are which can assist the network in now planning our next step in the connection with current campaigns and campaign, and we will be in touch in the work on other issues. near future to explain to you how you can help the campaign further in order The Steering Group meets around four to secure the real reform that is so times a year, and we have taken a essential. In the meantime, look at: decision - endorsed by the AGM - to http://www.marinet.org.uk/latestnews.ht open up its work to all members so that ml#mifs. you can become involved, either by attending, or listening in by a telephone The AGM elected new officers for the link or via Skype. We want to next twelve months: encourage you to become involved, so Chairman, David Levy (North Wiltshire if you would like to be informed of these FoE), Secretary, John Bassendine meetings so that you can attend or link (Sevenoaks FoE), Treasurer, Malcolm in, please let me know. Scott (North Tyneside FoE), Co- ordinator, Stephen Eades (North /continued on next page Wiltshire FoE). Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 8 Marinet AGM, Local Groups Conference, Campaigns - continued

Marinet AGM, continued Campaigns info, continued

The CFP Reform campaign, and Hot and dry conditions in tropical securing its success, is now our major nations cut food production and lead to objective over the next twelve months. outbreaks of violence. Other factors The campaign is focused on could include rises in unemployment persuading MEPs throughout the EU and natural disasters. to use their new voting powers on the CFP to secure real reform, and to The research team at Columbia persuade our UK Fisheries Minister, University, New York are doing Richard Benyon, to do the same. important work in monitoring this in relation to progressing understanding Therefore lobbying of your MEPs and of the drivers of human social MPs will remain most important, and I'll behaviour. be letting you know about the next stage in this lobbying campaign very Oil surcharges soon. If you have any thoughts or Green groups are pressurising UN ideas on how or where to focus our climate negotiators to consider a fuel campaign in order to achieve its surcharge on international shipping success, please do let me know. firms to partly finance a $100 billion annual pledge to help developing countries meet the challenges of global warming. Local Groups Conference, cont’d Oxfam and the WWF (World Wildlife Then, later on Friday night we heard Fund) are suggesting a levy of $25 how FoE is managing in other parts of (£15.60) per tonne on fuels that power the world, with a presentation by the global merchant marine, which Nnimmo Bassey, chair of FoE transports 90 % of the world's trade International, and Jagoda Munic, and contributes an estimated 3 % of activist with FoE Croatia. This session the world's greenhouse gas emissions. was chaired by Vanessa Baird, Editor of the New Internationalist, Jagoda Delegates from 193 countries will showed us a very amusing slide show convene to make decisions in Durban, of how they carried out their South Africa for two weeks from campaigning - some very interesting November 28th. Editor’s Note – This and bold techniques meeting is COP17, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which We didn't relax until 22.00, by which consists in part of: the 17th time most of us were totally exhausted Conference of the Parties (COP), and and missed the disco heading straight the 7th Conference of the Parties to bed. serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP).

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 9 London Region CND’s Nuclear Trains Action Group

Olympic runners after all? railway line through Stratford during the 2012 Olympics provided they are carried Article written by David Polden. We out in full compliance with the reported in the last Nuclear Trains that regulations covering the transport of the authorities had at last admitted that radioactive materials. If there were the nuclear trains that run through the concerns over either the safety or Olympic would be "suspended" during security of these shipments then the the Olympics themselves. Since then, powers provided by the relevant we have seen a letter from the regulations would be used to prevent Department of Transport that throws them." doubt on this. This last seems at first sight a clear Let us review the evidence: contradiction to the previous two 1) On 16th March a spokesperson for statements. But note that it does not Transport for London said that during actually say that the shipments will the Olympics, "Freight traffic will be continue to use the line through scheduled so as to release capacity for Stratford during the Olympics, only that passenger trains and the Nuclear Waste they will be "allowed" to do so. Moreover Trains will be suspended." (Quoted from the alleged suspension is presented by minutes of meeting of Transport Liaison the spokespeople for both TFL and DRS Consultative Group of Waltham Forest (however implausibly) as a purely Council.) operational matter, which as such would not require government intervention. 2) In its July 21st edition, Hackney Gazette reported that a spokesperson As I reported in the last edition of for Direct Rail Services (DRS) had Nuclear Trains, nuclear trains through "confirmed" to a Gazette reporter that the Olympic Site that had stopped nuclear trains through the Olympic Site running since April 19th resumed on would be "suspended" during the 12th August. They have continued Olympics "following discussions with the running since then at the rate of two ODA and Magnox Ltd" The DRS trains a week, usually carrying two spokesperson "stressed the decision flasks of nuclear fuel rods each. This had nothing to do with terrorist fears... it has prompted NTAG to switch its next was to free up more space for planned stall on September 24th from passenger trains because of increased Wembley Central to Stratford. demand during the 9-week period of the Olympics and Paralympics." At this stall we will hand out leaflets publicising this resumption, saying that 3) However, a letter from the though we welcome their suspension Department of Transport dated 1st during the Games, continuing to run August, sent in response to a Freedom them before the Games will still provide of Information (FOI) request said: "In a possible terrorist target - a successful answer to your specific FOI Question, attack in the vicinity of the Park would … shipments from Sizewell power station will continue to be allowed to use the /continued on next page

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 10 Some info on forthcoming CND activities

October 3rd: Mass Blockade at CND Vacancy: Press Officer Hinkley Point CND is looking for an experienced and Demonstrate your energy against new dynamic Press and Communications nuclear power stations at the first site Officer to join its staff team. CND's planned for new build. Come to Press and Communications Officer is blockade or support the blockaders. responsible for promoting the Campaign's policies and activities in CND is a member of the Stop New the media and for co-ordinating the Nuclear alliance organising the servicing of CND's national and public blockade. See the website for info on campaigning with accurate, up-to-date the weekend camp, non-violent direct information. action training events and pledge your support. For a full job spec and details of how to apply, see www.cnduk.org/jobs. 8th October: Anti-war Mass (Note – deadline for applications is Assembly at Trafalgar Square, Monday 3rd October.) London 12 noon We went to war in Afghanistan 10 years ago and we're still there now. Come to Trafalgar Square to show Nuclear Trains Action Group, cont’d your opposition. With music, film … require mass evacuation for a shows, performances, art installations, considerable period and almost and much more. certainly make it impossible to use the Olympic Park for the Games in 2012. Sign the pledge to be there:http://antiwarassembly.org. On September 13th, the opening day of Organised by CND, Stop the War and the Westfield Shopping City at the British Muslim Initiative Stratford, we leafletted the crowds coming out with leaflets asking: Countdown to Zero If you haven't yet seen the "Did you know that Direct Rail controversial new film, Countdown to Services who run nuclear trains Zero, now is your chance to buy the through Stratford have agreed to DVD at a discount directly from the film suspend them during the Olympics distributors. For the next two weeks, and Paralympics next year?" CND supporters get 20% off their purchase at the Dogwoof store if they and making the point: use the promo code: CNDRedemption. "If these trains are far too dangerous To find out more about the film and to be allowed to go anywhere near purchase a copy, go to athletes and spectators attending the http://shop.dogwoof.com/products/cou Games, then they are far too ntdown-to-zero dangerous to be allowed to go anywhere near Westfield shoppers or people living in Stratford."

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 11 What FoE and FoE Europe had to say

FoE says - More than 80% of people throw away, which is good news for think slop buckets are trouble-free our bank balances as well as the environment. More than 80% of people with food waste collections say they're no "As food prices rise it's more important trouble and should be provided by all than ever that we cut waste and councils, according to new research recycle the scraps that can't be eaten - launched by Friends of the Earth and we can make genuinely renewable today, rubbishing claims by a energy from what's left over. “ David Government Minister that Cameron must build on the success householders don't want to use slop and popularity of recycling by setting a buckets. goal to halve the rubbish England throws away by the end of the The new research, 'Storm in a Slop decade." Bucket', reveals that the overwhelming majority of those who have food waste bins at home don't have a problem with them. 82% say they're not a FoE says - Council carbon cuts due nuisance compared to 56% of people to recession not green action who don't have one, strongly suggesting that the actual experience The fall in carbon dioxide emissions in of separating food waste dispels local council areas announced recently concerns. is mainly due to the recession, not green policies - which means Only 143 of England's 322 local emissions will rise when the economy authorities currently collect food waste picks up and local areas are missing and just a handful more are planning out on green job and business to do so, leaving England lagging opportunities, said Friends of the behind Wales, where all 22 local Earth. authorities provide food waste collections. The environmental campaigning charity also welcomed yesterday's The research also found that more Government announcement that it will than 80% of people have become ask the independent Committee on concerned about the increasing cost of Climate Change to advise on local food in the last two years. authorities' role in tackling emissions as a step in the right direction - but Friends of the Earth's Waste said this must result in local councils Campaigner Julian Kirby said: doing their share to meet UK targets "It's a load of rubbish that food waste for tackling climate change. collections are smelly and unpopular - most people think they're hassle-free Government estimates for 2009, and want all councils to provide them.” published today, show carbon … Weekly food waste pick-ups can help us cut down the amount of food we /continued on next page

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 12 What FoE and FoE Europe had to say, continued

FoE Europe says Europe’s resource The Roadmap contains some welcome reduction plan doesn’t measure up commitments that FoE Europe now wants to see implemented: A plan unveiled to tackle Europe’s dependency on imported resources - Europe needs to move towards an does not go far enough to end the economy based on re-use and region’s over-consumption of the recycling, with residual waste close to world’s water, land and other zero, and focus funding on recycling materials. and other approaches which minimise waste; The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe acknowledges that major - Further measures on resource use of increases in Europe’s resource products, including on the broader efficiency are needed to compensate environmental footprint of products, for growing competition for the world’s though these proposals are currently resources. However, it is vague about vague. how this transformation is going to happen, leaving most of the substance for future policy processes. FoE on Council Carbon Cuts, cont’d Ariadna Rodrigo, resource use … emissions assigned to local campaigner at Friends of the Earth authority areas have fallen by almost Europe, said: “Europe’s resource 13 per cent since 2005. Councils have consumption is amongst the highest in influence over about 80 per cent of UK the world. Our dependence on imports emissions. from the rest of the world is expensive for companies and consumers and is FoE’s senior parliamentary harming the environment and campaigner, Liz Hutchins, said: communities in the global south. "Disappointingly, the sharp fall in Europe urgently needs to cut out emissions councils have influence over waste and focus on quality of life, not is largely due to the recession - not excessive consumption • today’s green policies which could boost jobs roadmap doesn’t measure up to the and businesses at the same time. task at hand.” Councils have a vital role to play in meeting UK climate targets - but Friends of the Earth Europe is pushing unfortunately most aren't doing for Europe to measure the entirety of enough. its global land, water, carbon and material footprints, and then reduce "Independent advice from the them. The European Commission’s Committee on Climate Change on plan to develop indicators for these council action to slash emissions is a four areas is welcomed, but there must significant step forward - but this must be no further delay in deciding precise lead to councils playing their part in indicators. meeting UK climate targets."

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 13 News from Campaign Against Arms Trade

Last week the arms industry Book now for our gathering showed its ugly face (http://www.caat.org.uk/events/national Thousands of weapons buyers and gathering/index.php) to get the latest sellers came together in London's East on the arms trade and all you need to End for a massive arms industry take action; the Gathering is at the jamboree at DSEi, the world's largest Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, arms fair. London, WC1.

They tried to keep it quiet, but Stay around in the evening and campaigning exposed the event for support CAAT to raise much needed what it was. funds at our comedy gig. We are CAAT put pressure on the UK delighted to be joined by brilliant government to publish its invite list, comedians including anti-cuts activist revealing that 14 authoritarian regimes and stand-up Josie Long, Radio 4's had been invited to shop for weapons Robin Ince, TV's Kevin Eldon, Kate – including countries that the Smurthwaite and clown with a government itself has said have “the conscience Joe May. most serious and wide-ranging human rights concerns” ReUser Item (1) We helped Caroline Lucas expose the companies illegally promoting banned Two nearly new high quality 15” CRT cluster munitions – showing how the computer monitors available for a arms fair organisers can't, or won't, small donation towards Bromley FoE. control the deals that might be done at the fair. Contact Peter Gandolfi, 01689-831826

Join us at CAAT's National Gathering in London on 29th October... ReUser Item (2) Hear from guest speaker Will Self and take part in diverse workshops including 'A crash course in creative Wooden chairs available. They are not action', 'Film is my weapon of choice', suitable for long periods sitting at the and 'Drones and the playstation computer. mentality'. The day will be a great chance to meet like-minded Two wooden chairs with metal frames, campaigners and share ideas, and will two wooden chairs with PVC seats, include an open session where you and four wooden chairs that are can set the agenda. It's just £7 to book unsafe to sit on, but the wood could be (£3 unwaged) and the cost includes a used for something else. delicious vegetarian lunch. Contact Tamara Galloway, 01689- 855352

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 14 Bromley Friends of the Earth - List of Contacts

Co-ordinators: Merchandising: Sheila Brown 01689-851605 Anne Clark 020-8289-8483 email – [email protected] Teas: Ann Garrett 020-8460-1295 Anne Clark / Ivy Smith [email protected] Campaigns – Campaigns Organiser: Ann Garrett 020-8460-1295 Transport: Secretary: Ray Watson 01959-571566 Ray Watson 01959-571566 [email protected] Climate and Energy: Treasurer: Ann Garrett 020-8460-1295 Debbie Witherick [email protected] Food and Ethical Farming: Press Officer: Peter Gandolfi details below vacant Planning and development: Programme Organiser: Tamara Galloway 01689-855352 Sheila Brown 01689-851605 [email protected]

Outings organisers: Waste and Recycling John & Sue Bocock 020-8464-5990 Annette Rose [email protected] [email protected]

Newsletter Editor: Bromley FoE web site: John Street 020-8460-1078 www.bromleyfoe.co.uk [email protected] Peter Gandolfi [email protected] Membership Secretary: Dan Sloan 01689-838819

Letters to the Editor Need a lift to meetings? Why not write us a letter if you have a strong opinion on If you require a lift to Bromley something or just want to share FoE meetings, please contact your thoughts. Send them in and Ray Watson or Sheila Brown on perhaps even start a discussion - the numbers shown above. who knows.

Disclaimer Please note that any opinion expressed in this Newsletter is not necessarily that of Bromley Friends of the Earth or Friends of the Earth.

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 15 Reuser Column Don’t throw It away - Reuse It!

If you have any items to sell, or anything that you require, please send details to the Editor. Items will be displayed for three months, the number in brackets after an item indicating for how long it has appeared. Could you please contact us if an item has been sold/obtained, so that it can be removed from the newsletter.

Any donations to Bromley FoE generated from this column gratefully received!

Non-members’ Section If you are not a member of Bromley Friends of the Earth, BFoE, then hello. We are an active local group affiliated to national Friends of the Earth concerned with promoting the understanding of environmental issues. We also campaign on these issues at a local, national and international level.

If you would like to know more about who we are and what we do please contact either of our co-ordinators, Sheila Brown (01689-851605) or Ann Garrett (020- 8460-1295); their email addresses are on the previous page. Alternatively, you can come along to one of our free monthly meetings held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Friends Meeting House, Ravensbourne Road, Bromley (that’s towards the bottom of the High Street and on the right going south). If you would like to join us then please fill in and send us the form below.

Membership Application/Renewal* Form (*please delete as appropriate.) Please return this form to: Bromley FoE, 2 Bucks Cross Cottages, Chelsfield Village, Orpington, Kent, BR6 7RN. Other enquiries regarding the group should be sent to: Birch House, Grays Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 2JB; phone 01959- 571566, email [email protected]. I wish to support Bromley Friends of the Earth and enclose my £8 annual subscription. I also enclose a donation (optional) of …….. To help towards the cost of producing and distributing the monthly Newsletter. Name…………………………………………………………………………. Address………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………… Postcode……………………………… Email Address……………………………………………………………….. Do you have any hobbies or interests that may be of use to the group? ………………………………………………………………………………...

Bromley FoE Newsletter October 2011 - page 16