http://alt-sheff.co.uk The guide to Sheffield's radical, alternative, ethical business and groups 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#408 Sat 6 Mar to Sat 20 Mar 2010, Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James Street, S1 2EW (near Anglican cathedral) *** An exhibition giving examples of terrorism and peaceful action to tackle it. Non-violence requires creative thinking and activity - at street level, between communities, within countries and on a global scale. The need is to link together aspects of peace, security, development and the environment. Opening times: Monday–Thursday: 9am–5pm and 7pm–9pm, Fridays: 9am–4.30pmSaturday: 9am–2.30pmFor more details contact Frances Morgan tel Sheff 2560187www.sheffieldquakers.org.uk 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#396 Wed 10 Mar 2010, 7.30pm at The Quaker Meeting House on St James St. (near Sheffield Cathedral) *** Sheffield Amnesty International meets monthly. Actions on human rights and updates from various campaigns. Sheffield Amnesty International website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#398 Wed 10 Mar 2010, 7.45pm at St Mary's Church conference centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield S2 4QZ *** Sheffield Green Party meets on the second Wednesday of the month. Meetings are 7.45pm for 8pm, finishing at 10pm with a drink in a nearby pub afterwards.Full details of how to join, policies and activities on website www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#410 Wed 10 Mar 2010, 9.30-2.30 at SYAC Business & Enterprise Training Centre, 120 Wicker, S3 8JD *** OFFER (the Community Empowerment Network for Sheffield) is working with the City Council’s Community Assemblies Team to hold a series of workshops – one in each of the 7 Community Assembly areas across Sheffield over the course of Feb & March. This workshop is for people in the North East Community Assembly Area. Each workshop brings together local people to explore how local needs/issues/problems are identified and fed into the decision making structures (eg. Community Assemblies, City Council, Police Action Community Teams etc) by community activists. How is the communications process working?Attendance is free, lunch is provided and voluntary and community reps travel/childcare costs incurred can be can reimbursed.Full programme and booking at www.offer.org.uk/events Or tel OFFER on Sheff 2536730 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#427 Wed 10 Mar 2010, 7pm upstairs at Rutland Arms pub, 86 Brown St. S1 2BS *** Like other large cities, Sheffield is to hold an anarchist book fair this year. All welcome to this planning meeting. 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#435 Wed 10 Mar 2010, 6.30pm at Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, Sheffield S1 4SE *** On January 28th Bavwidi Mpanzu ('Djoly' to his friends) was arrested for working illegally after languishing for nine years waitng for an asylum decision. He was sent to Doncaster prison to wait for sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court in March or April. A campaign has been launched to defend Djoly, a well-known community activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Latest news is that campaign meetings for Djoly are being held every Wednesday. To check progress contact Africa Time for more information: Dama Safari: 07904 222467 or Pascal Bongongo: 07908 321788 or James Kazadi: 07961 761899 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#443 Wed 10 Mar 2010, 1pm-2pm Room G19, Elmfield Building, University of Sheffield *** A research seminar to explore the processes through which a network of militant suffragette activists was formed in the UK between 1903 and 1914, key structural features of the network and significance for theories of militant social movements.Arranged by Sheffield University Department of Sociological Studies with Professor Nick Crossley, Head of Sociology at University of ManchesterIf you would like to attend, please email s.midgley@shef.ac.ukto confirm your place.University of Sheffield seminars website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#415 Thur 11 Mar 2010, 7-9pm at The Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James Street, S1 2EW (near Anglican cathedral) *** Regular meeting of Sheffield Equality Group. Refreshments provided at the break. Agenda: picking up publicity, more publicity planning, other ideas and chat about equality. Voluntary donations to contribute to room hire. Sheffield Equality Group website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#446 Thur 11 Mar 2010, 7.30pm St Matthews Rooms, Carver St. Sheffield city centre (not accessible). *** An evening with Rich Wiles, author of 'Behind the wall' – photographs and stories of the lives of refugees of Aida Camp, Palestine. Rich is a British photographer and human rights activist who has lived mainly in Palestine since 2003. A chance to hear an in-depth account from an activist who lives and works alongside Palestinian refugees living under a brutal occupation.Sheffield Palestinian Solidarity Campaign website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#401 Fri 12 Mar 2010, 7pm upstairs at the Rutland Arms, Brown St. S1 2BS *** The Cuba Cycle challenge is 355 km ride over 6 days in Cuba in April/May. Sue Clarke and Ros Wollen are undertaking it, covering their own travel and accommodation costs. They aim to raise £2600 to be paid directly into the MUSIC FUND FOR CUBA to support two projects in Havana, for:(1) Essential educational and musical equipment for a school for visually impaired children.(2) The ongoing restoration of the Miramar community theatre. Join them for this fundraiser:7pm Delicious homemade Asian Cuisine: inclusive meal for £10 9pm Auction. Come and buy skills and items you so badly need and want! Auction list will be circulated. If you don't want to eat, then come along for a drink and the auction only.Tickets & info: Ros Sheff 2760831 or 07941 141126 Email: Click to email Roz or Click to email Sue'Music Fund for Cuba' website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#438 Fri 12 Mar 2010 at Library Theatre, Surrey St. S1 1XZ *** Chumbawamba love to use music to talk about history, politics and philosophy and yet they would be the first people to poke holes in the seriousness of this history, politics and philosophy. Excellent band, still political after all these years.Chumbawamba websiteBooking websiteOr tel 01274 588614 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#412 Sat 13 Mar 2010, Film: 12.00, Seminar 2-5pm *** 'Fresa y Chocolate' (Strawberries and Chocolate), a pathbreaking and acclaimed Cuban film exploring homosexuality and homophobia, will be screened at 12.00, followed by a public seminar with Steve Wilkinson, former editor of 'Cuba Sí' and expert on contemporary Cuban fiction. Refreshments availableVenue: St Matthew's Rooms, (St Matthew's Church) Carver St, Sheffield S1 4FEThe Cuba Solidarity Campaign website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#454 Sat 13 Mar 2010, 11am-1pm outside Hillsborough shops *** The BNP intends to stand 16 candidates in this year's local elections in Sheffield. They are also putting up one of their national leaders, Mark Collett, in the Brightside & Hillsborough constituency. He has been exposed by the Sheffield Star as a "Hitler admirer" (Click here for article). It is vital that we encourage all those who oppose the BNP's fascism and racist poison to use their vote. If the BNP is decisively defeated this year, it will make it impossible for them to use the 2010 elections to boost their prospects in next year's local elections. New local groups have been set up to challenge the BNP across the city. Please come to the meetings to organise local activities.Heeley constituency group on Tuesday, 9th March at 7.30pm, St Thomas of Canterbury Church Hall, 34 MeadowheadBurngreave group on Monday, 15th March at 7.30, the Yemeni Community Association, 2nd Floor, Firvale Centre, Earl Marshal Road, S4 8LAFirth Park group on Tuesday, 16th March at 7.30pm, the Methodist Church, Stubbin Lane, Firth Park, S5 6QNSharrow group on Thursday 25th March at 7.30pm in St Peters Hall, Woodstock RoadSee UAF activities webpage for details.Sheffield group contact Click to email or tel. 07782 149645 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#375 Mon 15 Mar 2010, 7pm at The Rutland Arms, 86 Brown Street, Sheffield S1 2BS *** Sheffield Social Centre is a non-hierarchical, anti-capitalist space based on a number of core principles which reflect the world its organisers want to see: co-operation and mutual aid, openness and inclusion, voluntary participation and shared responsibility, where discrimination of any kind is challenged in order to create as inclusive a place as possible. One way of achieving this is through open meetings like this, using consensus decision-making. All welcome.http://sheffieldsocialcentre.org.uk 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#400 Mon 15 Mar 2010, 8pm at the Red Deer pub, 18 Pitt Street, Sheffield, off West Street (upstairs meeting room) *** Friends of the Earth Sheffield Group are people from all walks of life who share a common concern for the state of the planet and a desire to do something about it. Membership of Sheffield Friends of the Earth is free if you subscribe to the electronic newsletter. Sheffield FOE website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#416 Mon 15 Mar 2010, 7pm St Matthew's Rooms, (St Matthew's Church) Carver St, Sheffield S1 4FE *** Inspiring hope and organizing for change in an unequal world. Sheffield Church Action on Poverty meeting. Speaker: Niall Cooper, National Co-ordinator of Church Action on Poverty 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#457 Mon 15 Mar 2010, 7.30pm Yemeni Community Association, 2nd Floor, Firvale Centre, Earl Marshal Road, S4 8LA *** New local groups have been set up to challenge the BNP across the city. Please come to the meetings to organise local activities. The BNP intends to stand 16 candidates in this year's local elections in Sheffield. They are also putting up one of their national leaders, Mark Collett, in the Brightside & Hillsborough constituency. He has been exposed by the Sheffield Star as a "Hitler admirer" (Click here for article). It is vital that we encourage all those who oppose the BNP's fascism and racist poison to use their vote. If the BNP is decisively defeated this year, it will make it impossible for them to use the 2010 elections to boost their prospects in next year's local elections. See UAF activities webpage for details.Sheffield group contact Click to email or tel. 07782 149645 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#461 Mon 15 Mar 2010, 9.30am-4pm, Town Hall Reception Rooms *** Launch of a scheme that will try to make equality a theme across the council, in response to legislation around gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality and religion. Given the importance of the gap between rich and poor for all these groups, not to mention that a socio-economic equality duty on Councils is being retained in the equality bill (www.equalitytrust.org.uk/node/316), you might like to have a say. The event is open to the public.Sheffield Equality Trust websiteSheffield Council webpage 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#462 Mon 15 Mar 2010, 6.30-8pm, Richard Roberts Lecture Theatre, University of Sheffield *** Debate in the style of the BBC Question Time programme. Panellists will address a range of questions related to issues such as youth radicalisation, terrorism and civil liberties, belief and politics, surveillance and privacy, as well as broader issues relating to the state of politics in the UK.Speakers Include:Dr Rhiannon Vickers, Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of SheffieldDavid Harsent, award winning poet and TV scriptwriterDennis Hayes, Professor of Education, University of Derby and founder of Academics for Academic FreedomKim Knott, professor of religious studies, University of Leeds; director, AHRC’s Diasporas, Migration and Identities programme; Austin Williams, director, Future Cities Project (chair)The event is organised by the Institute of Ideas Debating Matters Competition and Research Councils UK Global Uncertainties Programme and will create a space where ideas can be argued for and fought over without constraint. Free speech is allowed! Complimentary glass of wine at the drinks reception from 6pm.The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. If you are able to attend, please confirm as soon as possible: Email helenbirtwistle@instituteofideas.com or tel. 020 7269 9220 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#380 Tues 16 Mar 2010, from 7pm at The Riverside, 1 Mowbray St, Sheffield, S3 8EN *** A city-wide gathering - all welcome - Transition groups, Green Drinkers, community growers, eco-activists, Greens and many more get together for music, ale and chat. The Dry Stone Wailers (of Zero Carbon Cabaret & Ceilidh fame!) will be playingLocal real ale specially made for this event will be in the taps. Free entry. All Welcome. It'll be grand!Transition Sheffield website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#391 Tue 16 Mar 2010, 7.30pm, upstairs at the Old Queen's Head pub, by Sheffield Interchange (bus station) *** Everyone welcome (not just members). Regular educational talk and activities held almost every Tuesday, to check call 07706 710041 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#431 Tue 16 Mar 2010, 6.30pm at Cinema Syndicate *** Cinema Syndicate is an anarchist film collective, open to all, showing through political and activist film that we live in an unjust world, and it needs to change. Film shows are free, every Tuesday night at Lecture Theatre 2, Arts Tower, University of Sheffield.This week Reel News set of short films on the uprisings in Argentina, when this 'advanced' capitalist economy collapsed and mass movements and people's organisations took over.Full programme and details on Cinema Syndicate Facebook 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#458 Tues 16 Mar 2010, 7.30pm, Methodist Church, Stubbin Lane S5 6QN *** New local groups have been set up to challenge the BNP across the city. Please come to the meetings to organise local activities. The BNP intends to stand 16 candidates in this year's local elections in Sheffield. They are also putting up one of their national leaders, Mark Collett, in the Brightside & Hillsborough constituency. He has been exposed by the Sheffield Star as a "Hitler admirer" (Click here for article). It is vital that we encourage all those who oppose the BNP's fascism and racist poison to use their vote. If the BNP is decisively defeated this year, it will make it impossible for them to use the 2010 elections to boost their prospects in next year's local elections. See UAF activities webpage for details.Sheffield group contact Click to email or tel. 07782 149645 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#399 Wed 17 Mar 2010 at 7.15pm at The Quaker Meeting House, St James Street, Sheffield S1 2EW (near the Anglican cathedral) *** All welcome to CND's monthly meeting to discuss the latest developments in the struggle against nuclear weapons. Sheffield CND meets on the third Wednesday of each month, except August.On the agenda this month: feedback on the views of candidates for the forthcoming parliamentary elections from the main political parties in Sheffield on the issue of nuclear weapons and planning our campaign against Trident replacement prior to the forthcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty conference in May.www.sheffieldcnd.org.uk 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#413 Wed 17 Mar 2010, 7pm-9pm at South Yorkshire Energy Centre, Heeley City Farm, Richards Rd. S2 3DT *** Sheffield Renewables wants to spread the word about renewable energy and its plans, using the idea of a new One-to-One team. Do you like to keep up with the latest information on activities in your area whilst enjoying meeting and talking to people? If you have some spare time that you would like to use to benefit your local community and environment, find out at this first informal 'conversation' workshop.Find out more at: Sheffield Renewables volunteers webpageIf you're interested in attending please email cariad@sheffieldrenewables.org.uk or tel Sheff 2508367 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#436 Wed 17 March 2010, 7pm at Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James St. S1 2EW (near Anglican cathedral) *** Our bus service is an inadequate rip-off. If you're not annoyed, you're not a bus user, most likely. The elections loom and First Bus turns up the pressure with service cuts and price hikes. 'We Want Our Buses Back' invites all to this open meeting to get ideas together for really effective protest. Please spread the word, leaflets will be available nearer the date. Any thoughts on future plans, please get in touch.We Want Our Buses Back website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#440 Wed 17 Mar 2010, 7pm, Rutland Arms, 86 Brown St. S1 2BS *** Discussion on gender inequality in society and in the communist movement. Get in touch with Barry on 07543 652629 for more details. 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#444 Wed 17 Mar 2010, 10-11.30am Sovereign House, Queen Street S1 2DW *** A Summer of Sanctuary funding workshop to assist all those wishing to submit an application for funding for events or projects as part of Refugee Week (June) and Sheffield Summer of Sanctuary (June, July and Aug)If you would like to attend please confirm by contacting Craig Harper craig.harper@sheffield.gov.uk tel Sheff 2736612 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#450 Wed 17 Mar 2010, 3pm-6pm Sheffield University Students' Union, Western Bank, S10 2TG *** Sheffield Hallam Amnesty with Sheffield University Amnesty are protesting against Shell for their part in human rights abuses in the Niger Delta, in case anyone from your group wants to get involved in any way. Meeting at the Union for a briefing and to get changed into some lovely white suits for those who want to (like these: click for pic). Then off down to the Shell petrol station on Ecclesall Rd to tell people that we object to Shell's violations against human rights.Shell's damaging practices are stripping the people in the Niger Delta of their human rights and keeping them in poverty. Oil spills, gas flaring and pollution are all having a devastating impact on the land and rivers these communities depend upon. This has to change. Decades of pollution in the Niger Delta has led to serious human rights violations, driving the people of the region into poverty. The oil industry has failed to adequately prevent the impacts of its operations in the Niger Delta.www.protectthehuman.com/shellHere's the event facebook: Facebook link Or email Amnesty.International@sheffield.ac.uk 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#464 Wed 17 Mar 2010 Starting at ICOSS, 219 Portobello *** An urban afternoon safari of green and living roofs in Sheffield, with Dr Jeff Sorrill. Green roofs are one of the most easily accessible sustainable technology available. Their positive impact on water management and wildlife in UK urban centres is rapidly becoming more important. Sheffield has the largest number of green and living roofs in the UK, outside London, and this tour aimed at sixth-formers and members of the public will provide an informative and interactive experience of the social science behind them.Open to the public. For tickets contact: click to emailGreen Roof Centre website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#384 Thur 18 Mar 2010, 7pm-8.45 at Pennine Lecture Theatre, Sheffield Hallam University City Campus, Howard St. S1 1WB *** Curitiba is perhaps the best planned city in Brazil, a model of sustainable development, the result of strategic, integrated urban planning for a better environment.Presentation of the Video "Curitiba: A Convenient Truth" plus eye-witness update and discussion of what lessions can be learnt for Sheffield in terms of sustainable development, including mass transportation, flood control and waste collection.Organisers David Hayes & John Grant (SHU)Video: Curitiba 2006 (14 min.)Article: Curitiba's Urban Experiment 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#376 Fri 19 Mar 2010, from 7.30pm at Cafe Euro, 72 John Street, Sheffield S2 4QU *** Come and help raise money for Sheffield Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), presenting for your ears only:Pete David and the Payroll Union"From reverential faithfolk to uptempo secular hoedown and back again" www.myspace.com/petedavidandthepayrollunionStealing SheepLiverpool band combining folky sensibilities with angelic Scandinavian influenced harmonieswww.myspace.com/stealingsheepLaura (from Little Robots)Laura performs her first solo set singing the blues for Appalachia, Dublin and Sheffieldwww.myspace.com/mylittlerobotsDog on Wheels DJsTo tantalise your cochlea and make your ear drums purr all night long.Entrance: £5 / £4 concTickets are available from:Cafe Euro (John Street),the Rude Shipyard (Abbeydale Rd),Rare and Racy (Devonshire Street),New Roots-Ashram (Spital Hill).For more information on Sheffield Palestinian Solidarity Campaign: www.sheffieldpsc.org.uk/ 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#387 Fri 19 Mar 2010, 6-8pm at Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Norfolk St. Sheffield S1 2JB *** Major public meeting to question General Election candidates on their support (or otherwise) for asylum rights. Confirmed speakers so far: Sam (seeking asylum from Zimbabwe)Nick Clegg (Sheffield Hallam MP and Liberal Democrat leader)Paul Blomfield (Labour candidate for Sheffield Central)Jillian Creasy (Green candidate for Sheffield Central)Organised by SYMAAG , ASSIST, City of Sanctuary and Student Action for Refugees 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#379 Sat 20 Mar 2010, 10am-4pm at Centre in the Park, Norfolk Heritage Park, Guildford Avenue S2 2PL *** An event bringing together people involved or interested in food-related projects and organisations across Sheffield, to meet each other and learn about the current developments around food for Sheffield. The programme will include presentations on:A draft of the Sheffield food planPlans for the Sheffield food festivalInitial directions on a Sheffield food partnershipResults of the Sheffield area CPRE Mapping Local Food Webs researchFuture plans for Making Local Food Work in SheffieldSheffield's Green and Open Spaces StrategyFood related research at Sheffield Hallam UniversitySheffield's rapidly growing Transition movementUrban food growing and harvesting initiativesCo-operative working to create sustainable food systemsCity farms, allotments, leisure gardens, community supported agriculture and more...£7.50/5.50 concesssions including light refreshments (lunch available see cost/options)Admission price covers the costs of venue hire, refreshments and event administration. This event is organised by Regather local service co-op, which receives no funding or sponsorship and operates on an independent, co-operative, non-profit basis to provide a range of services to people and organisations who want to get things done.Info and tickets www.feeding500k.eventbrite.com 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#421 20 March 2010 *** The racist hooligans of the English Defence League have rescheduled their plans to descend on Bolton so Unite Against Fascism has called a national counter demonstration for all those who want to defend our multiracial society against the EDL's thuggery and violence, the EDL should not be allowed to terrorise ethnic minorities in Bolton or anywhere else. See BOLTON UNITY STATEMENT on Unite Against Fascism websiteCoach leaving Sheffield at 8am. Tickets £10 or £7 unwaged Phone 07545 197939 to book your seat.Sheffield group contact Click to email 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#402 Mon 22 Mar 2010, Norfolk Park, Sheffield *** The Cuba Cycle challenge is 355 km ride over 6 days in Cuba in April/May. Sheffielders Sue Clarke and Ros Wollen are undertaking it, covering their own travel and accommodation costs. They aim to raise £2600 to be paid directly into the MUSIC FUND FOR CUBA to support two projects in Havana, for:(1) Essential educational and musical equipment for a school for visually impaired children.(2) The ongoing restoration of the Miramar community theatre.Join Viv Ratcliffe for this fundraiser: for details Click to email Viv'Music Fund for Cuba' website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#392 Tue 23 Mar 2010, 7.30pm, upstairs at the Old Queen's Head pub, by Sheffield Interchange (bus station) *** Everyone welcome (not just members). Regular educational talk and activities held almost every Tuesday, to check call 07706 710041 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#465 Tue 23 Mar 2010, 6-8.30pm Doncaster Racecourse *** A Yorkshire Science and Technology Network (YSTN) event. The Copenhagen Summit in December 2009 demonstrated the complexity of establishing a global approach to climate change, leaving businesses unsure how to plan for an internationally regulated carbon emissions environment. This event will demonstrate how Yorkshire and Humber is leading the way in the innovation race to a low carbon economy and rising to the challenge of climate change.Join in to discuss the next generation of biofuels, investigate the contributions from our regional businesses and find out how to take advantage of these new opportunities. YSTN aims to increase collaboration between innovative local companies and the region’s higher education technology research base ...Strange how these whizz-bang enterprises don't seem to be able to keep a website going. Couldn't find anything online about this event. If you can help please email Alt-Sheff ! More info call 0113 394 9711/12 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#428 Wed 24 Mar 2010, 7.30pm at The Fat Cat pub, Alma Street S3 8SA *** The World Naked Bike Ride is becoming a global movement, to draw attention to oil dependency and the negative social and environmental impacts of a car dominated culture. Sheffield's event will be in June, this is a discussion meeting with DVD film show, all welcome, with clothes.World Naked Bike Ride websiteSheffield Naked Bike Ride website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#381 Wed 24 Mar 2010, 2pm-6pm at Sheffield Hallam University, Pennine Lecture Theatre, City Campus, Howard St. S1 1WB *** Guest speakers Michael Pawlyn and Alison Nimmo have been deeply involved in environmentally sustainable projects. Here they challenge the design and development industries to respond to climate change. Part of a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) lecture series. Free event, no need to book. Details: SHU webpage 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#459 Thur 25 Mar 2010, 7.30pm St Peters Hall, Woodstock Rd. *** New local groups have been set up to challenge the BNP across the city. Please come to the meetings to organise local activities. The BNP intends to stand 16 candidates in this year's local elections in Sheffield. They are also putting up one of their national leaders, Mark Collett, in the Brightside & Hillsborough constituency. He has been exposed by the Sheffield Star as a "Hitler admirer" (Click here for article). It is vital that we encourage all those who oppose the BNP's fascism and racist poison to use their vote. If the BNP is decisively defeated this year, it will make it impossible for them to use the 2010 elections to boost their prospects in next year's local elections. See UAF activities webpage for details.Sheffield group contact Click to email or tel. 07782 149645 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#460 Fri 26 Mar 2010, 6.30pm *** Sheffield Friday Night Ride offers a monthly evening bike ride with a theme, for everyone. Their motto? "We have nothing to lose but our chains!" (But bring locks and lights too, just in case).This time meet in the carpark of the West End pub to visit significant social housing in Broomhall, town centre, Wincobank, Norfolk Park and Heeley before finishing in Sheaf View or the Union pub.For more details FridayNightRide websiteemail: sheffieldfridaynightride@blueyonder.co.uktwitter: @sheffieldfnrTel: 07949 596702 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#449 27-28 Mar 2010, Nabs Wood, near Junction 37 of the M1 near Barnsley *** Have you ever looked at a dry stone wall and wondered how it was built? Come and try a dry stone walling course and learn an ancient craft. Course run by LILI - Low Impact Living Initiative. Click for full details 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#451 Sat 27 Mar 2010, 10am-4pm, Richards Road, S2 3DT (20 mins walk from city, bus 33 or 47) *** Spring Fayre to showcase Heeley City Farm's activities. Entry is free. Visitors can meet the varied assortment of animals, stroll the vegetable and nature gardens, visit the Iron Age roundhouse and be fed a succulent seasonal feast in the Farm Kitchen. South Yorkshire Energy Centre will be hosting a Family Fuel Busters Fun Day, packed with energy saving tips and environmental activities. Farming heritage workshops are set to include pole lathing , basket weaving and pottery. The peat-free garden centre will have organic compost for sale and special offers on its flowers. The farm is inviting stallholders to attend this event. There will be a minimal charge for pitch. Tables and canopies are available for hire, but in short supply so you're encouraged to bring your own where possible. Contact for further details. The farm is appealing for musicians, dancers and entertainers to perform on site throughout the day. A programme is being compiled and any interested parties should contact Helen on Sheff 2580244 or Sally on Sheff 3039981 ext. 3Heeley City Farm website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#455 Sat 27 Mar 2010, 11am-1pm meet outside New Roots *** The BNP intends to stand 16 candidates in this year's local elections in Sheffield. They are also putting up one of their national leaders, Mark Collett, in the Brightside & Hillsborough constituency. He has been exposed by the Sheffield Star as a "Hitler admirer" (Click here for article). It is vital that we encourage all those who oppose the BNP's fascism and racist poison to use their vote. If the BNP is decisively defeated this year, it will make it impossible for them to use the 2010 elections to boost their prospects in next year's local elections. Come and say hello at UAF's stall if you're near Burngreave and support the campaign against racism and fascism.New local groups have been set up to challenge the BNP across the city. Please come to the meetings to organise local activities.Heeley constituency group on Tuesday, 9th March at 7.30pm, St Thomas of Canterbury Church Hall, 34 MeadowheadBurngreave group on Monday, 15th March at 7.30, the Yemeni Community Association, 2nd Floor, Firvale Centre, Earl Marshal Road, S4 8LAFirth Park group on Tuesday, 16th March at 7.30pm, the Methodist Church, Stubbin Lane, Firth Park, S5 6QNSharrow group on Thursday 25th March at 7.30pm in St Peters Hall, Woodstock RoadSee UAF activities webpage for details.Sheffield group contact Click to email or tel. 07782 149645 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#453 Mon 29 Mar 2010, 7.30pm St Matthew's Church Hall, Carver St S1 4FE *** Ever wondered what the Green Party is really about? Here's your chance to find out. Speeches from your favourite local Green Party politicians, a stall, news from the campaign trail, that kind of stuff. Please tell your friends, relatives and people you meet on the bus and encourage them along to this unique event with 'GO CREASY' inflatable Green hands.. what??Sheff Green Party website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#463 Mon 29 Mar 2010, 7.30-9pm, 340 Glossop Rd (near University Tram Stop) *** The first official meeting of the coalition of people who are interested in making Sheffield's streets safe for everyone. Please note the meeting room holds 10 people comfortably - if more than 10 they will find a larger venue, so please confirm if you are coming by email: info@20splentyforsheffield.org.uk20's Plenty for Sheffield website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#393 Tue 30 Mar 2010, 7.30pm, upstairs at the Old Queen's Head pub, by Sheffield Interchange (bus station) *** Everyone welcome (not just members). Regular educational talk and activities held almost every Tuesday, to check call 07706 710041 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#437 Tues 30 Mar 2010, 1.30-3.30pm The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane S1 4FW *** With the general election approaching, Voluntary Action Sheffield is hosting a meeting to discuss policies of interest to the local voluntary and community sector, with local prospective parliamentary candidates from each of the three main political parties (Three? Who's eaten the Greens?)Refreshments will be served following the event, with the opportunity to network with other delegates. To book a place please complete a booking form and return to VAS Events Management team. Queries or further information, please email eventmanagement@vas.org.uk or call Sheff 2536623.Click for booking forms 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#448 Tues 30 Mar 2010 *** Local boycott action. Details to follow.Sheffield Palestinian Solidarity Campaign website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#433 Wed 31 Mar 2010, 11am–3pm, CONISBROUGH, nr. DONCASTER *** This is an open invitation to all organisations and individuals willing to contribute expertise to restore the site of the former Earth Centre as a national resource for researching, understanding and practising sustainability. Doncaster Council is working with RTTG (which still hasn't got a website ... early days, then).Email mike@therttg.org to register and receive full details. Outdoor wear recommended. 11am–1pm: Site assessment-Guided tour of land and all facilities of the former Earth Centre, Senior manager of Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council available to answer questions. Buffet Lunch 1.30–3pm: Discussion (Optional) Opportunity to identify areas of potential collaboration and site/operations development. The Earth Centre is conveniently next to Conisbrough railway station.See also for background info We Love The Earth Centre campaign website 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#445 *** Sheffield Local Exchange and Trading System - LETS for short, is a network of like minded people interested in trading goods and services for a virtual currency called 'Stones'. This not-for-profit group gives you the opportunity to trade your skills, local produce and unwanted items without the need for cash. Currently 60 members from all parts of Sheffield offer a wide variety of things from language tuition to cat sitting, plants to computer skills, alternative therapies to proofreading.The system can be described as a 'merry-go-round' of favours but unlike bartering, the trade does not have to be a two-way swap. If you are interested in finding out more see website www.sheffieldlets.org.uk or email info@sheffieldlets.org.uk or leave a message on 07987 038673. 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#452 Thur 1 Apr 2010, 6.30 for 7pm, St Andrews Church, High St. PENISTONE *** Election Hustings on Climate Change, Energy Security and the Environment. Candidates for the main parties are able to attend: Spencer Pitfield (Conservative), Angela Smith (Labour) and Ian Cuthbertson (Liberal Democrats) have all agreed. The Hustings will be chaired by Paul Bridges. Penistone Friends of the Earth would be delighted if you could attend and feel sure there will be some hot debating topics.... Tea and cakes from 6.30 which will give people time to submit questions to the chair. There will also be the chance to put follow-up questions and points during the meeting which is scheduled to end at 9pm. 1 http://alt-sheff.co.uk/#404 Sat 24 Apr 2010, details soon *** After Copenhagen, what next? Celebrate and share current local activities, activities for all ages, very creative and involving the broadest range of people and perspectives.The countries of the global South, least responsible for climate change, and hardest hit, are taking the lead and calling a big international "Peoples' Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth Rights" in Cochabamba, Bolivia, 19-22 Apr. SCACC is holding this parallel event in Sheffield to link climate justice, financial crisis, learning from the global South, green jobs, refugees, and our relationship with the Earth. Can you help to make this a vibrant, inclusive, creative and skill-sharing day of action? Please email: joanmiller1@hotmail.co.uk with offers of workshops, displays, stalls, creative input and involvement of children and young people.Sheffield Campaign against Climate Change (SCACC) website