Summer skills, play and activism

Hi there, just received a pot of honey from our local bees.  Can’t wait to try it.   Meanwhile, here’s a good mix of stuff to sample, whether you want to gear up with some serious activism, get the kids out to play, learn some green skills, challenge a climate skeptic, protect the NHS, or change your energy provider to a sustainable source.  Read on:

14th–20th August:  Reclaim the Power – Anti-fracking camp

Operation Mums and Grandmas occupied a proposed drilling site near Blackpool on Thursday 7th August – find out more about their inspiring action, and join the camp for social, environmental and economic justice. Support the community fightback; get skilled up and take direct action; build the world you want to see. See http://www.nodashforgas.org.uk/ for info.

Thursday 21 Aug: Family Allotment Playschemes

1pm-3pm, Firth Park Community Allotment
Playscheme activities for the school holidays include bug hunts, flower dyes, face painting, fruit smoothies, potato day, plus the usual activities – sand tray, mud kitchen, dino park, crafts, etc.
The allotment site is specially designed for those with young families and has just been awarded its Green Flag status again! . The allotment is at the meeting point of Vickers Road and Drive – just look for the big green allotment gates and follow the signs. Ring for more info: Dot 07985 421346, or see the Heeley City Farm website.

Thursday 21 August: Allotment morning at Meersbrook 

10am-1pm, Meersbrook Allotments, S8 9HX

This is a morning of shared cultivation activities at Meersbrook Allotments – clearing, rootstock planting, plus of course tea and cake!  Grow Sheffield has been invited to help develop this double-allotment for Permaculture-inspired activities. and this will be our first chance to see the site and talk about possibilities.

Meet at the lower entrance to Meersbrook Allotments on Carfield Lane (top of Meersbrook Road) at 10am.  If you’d like to come, please drop us a quick email via adamh.grow@gmail.com.  (Please give us a contact number too so we can get in touch.)

Mon 25 August:  Denying the Evidence – Why People Reject Science and What We Can Do About It

7.30pm, Farm Road Sports & Social Club, Farm Rd. S2 2TP  (This is a Skeptics in the Pub event held in the back room of the Club. Press the buzzer to be let in.)
Climate change is described as one of the biggest threats facing the world, so why is international action moving so slowly? Chris Hassall, a lecturer at the University of Leeds, has investigated climate change denial at a Canadian University. He will outline the science behind climate change, the interests that have sought to muddy the waters for various important scientific topics, and describe recent research that can guide efforts to promote science in hostile communities.  See more info.
Events are free and open to all although a £3 donation is invited.

Mon 25/Tue 26 Aug: People’s March for the NHS arrives in Sheffield

Sheffield will welcome the national People’s March for the NHS, organised by the Darlington Mums’ group, as it comes through the city. It will arrive on Monday, coming through Hillsborough at approx 3pm for a rally in Weston Park. On the next day the marchers will leave Sheffield Town Hall for a brief rally at the Hallamshire Hosital at 10:30 am before going through Nether Edge towards Chesterfield.
Come and show support in opposition to the threat of charges, and the disaster of privatisation and competition in health care. Check times and see updates