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Sun 12 August 2006: Visit to Steep Holm Island
by Catherine Greenland
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Having visited the island previously, Steep Holm
had certain expectations to fulfill. And it did. Although it was
slightly overcast and a bit breezy at times, the weather was kind
to us.
The crossing to the island was fairly gentle and the moderate temperature
allowed for pleasant walking on the island. While wandering around,
the natural and human elements of Steep Holm were explored. |
For such a small island, Steep Holm has been home
to many different people throughout history: Romans, rabbit warreners,
fishermen and smugglers. By far the most evident presence on this
rock is that of WWII soldiers and their searchlight and gun emplacements.
The ruin of the 12th century priory (currently under
investigation by archaeologists) is worth a look to remind you of
the quieter times on the island. The evidence of human habitation
on the island provides regular points of interest and places to
discover. |
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With the many plants and animals to be found in
the different habitats across the island and the number of rare
and unusual species it is no surprise to learn that Steep Holm is
a SSSI. The experience of learning about the flora, fauna and people
of the island was only enhanced with a good cup of tea in the visitors
centre!
The return journey passed without too many people getting wet.
But those that did get caught by the water certainly knew about
it! Steep Holm is a perfect place to indulge in wildlife and history
and a thoroughly good day was had by all. Well worth the visit! |

Thursday 18th May 2006
7.30 - 9.30pm. Conference Room. Blagdon Pumping
Station, Station Road, Blagdon, Bristol. BS40 6UN
“Bristol Water – the past
and the future?”
Presentation by Paul Hodge and a short film
on the subject matter: water resources in the Bristol area with changing
demands and a changing climate – a glimpse of the future! Question
and answer session, followed by a tour of Blagdon museum

Sunday 19th March 2006
2.00 - 4.00pm. Council House No.2 Meeting Room 44 Old
Street, Clevedon
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The End Of Suburbia – Oil Depletion and
the collapse of the American Dream
Suburbia and all it promises has become the
American Dream, but as we enter the 21st century serious questions
are beginning to emerge about the sustainability of this way of
life. What are the future prospects as the planet approaches a critical
era as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply.
World oil peak and the inevitable decline of fossil fuels could
well be upon us now. As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years
how will the populations of suburbia react to the collapse of their
dreams. Are today’s suburbs destined to become the slums of
tomorrow? What action can be taken now, individually and collectively
to avoid The End of Suburbia. The DVD "The End Of Suburbia"
was shown, followed by a discussion lead by Chris Vernon of PowerSwitch
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Eco-congregation:
making environmental issues accessible for churches
Global warming, Loss of biodiversity,
Increased risk of flooding, Rising sea levels, Species loss, Genetic
modification..
Eco-congregation is a project
designed to help churches get to grips with some of the pressing
issues of out times concerning the environment. It is designed to
fit in with church life, and to help point the church outwards,
involving the local community in caring for creation. To find out
more, see www.ecocongregation.org...
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Do you use Bristol Airport?
Do you live near it? Are you glad to have a busy airport in our
area, giving you access to destinations all over the world? How
do you feel about the airport's proposed major expansion plans,
considering noise levels, CO2 emissions
and road traffic in the area?
Visit www.stopbia.co.uk
to find out more, download reports, email your MP, make your feelings
known and keep up with the debate. |

Campaigners demand nuclear plant shut-down
Somerset County Gazette, 12th October
2006, By Chris Alder
ANTI-NUCLEAR campaigners have demanded the permanent closure
of Hinkley B power station after cracks in boiler tubes were found in
one of the plant's reactors.
September 2006: Oldbury Nuclear Power Station
to close
Oldbury shuts completely despite industry £5 million spent
on graphite tests.
Both reactors will shortly be shut as
safety regulators say they have seen nothing to persuade them that
Oldbury nuclear power station is safe to restart and despite the industry
spending more than £2 billion researching the safety of graphite
reactor cores. |
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Campaign for the Sustainable Communities
Bill
Reverse the trend towards 'Ghost Town Britain'. Your MP will voted on
this in November 2006.
Find
out more at www.localworks.org...

25 & 26 February 2006:
Sanders
Garden World Green Gardening & Recycling Weekend
TENONS members (LtoR) David Elsey, Dave Edwards and
Fred Parsons |
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| Members manned the TENONS stand at Sanders
Garden World's promotion on a garden chemical amnesty and a recycling
weekend. As part of our efforts to support other organisations who
share similar ideals we were very busy raising awareness of our own
Network as well as acting on behalf of Weston-super-Mare Allotment
Club and North Somerset Council's Waste Minimisation by giving out
information and advice booklets promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
This was a new venture for TENONS and the duty members thoroughly
enjoyed the opportunity of interacting with the public and other exhibitors
on "green" related issues. |
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