Newsletter Summer 2006

It may have felt a bit like winter lately, but take heart - the season of summer is upon us! Many of you may remember last edition’s poetry, a gift of articulate vision that I cannot hope to repeat. While the anonymous poet remains with us, I have taken it upon myself to write a quick note to share news of the latest happenings here at BPEC.

Following months of development, we are pleased to launch the ‘3rd Age @ BPEC’ programme this month (see below for more) Our Development Education project is also moving forward at a rapid pace - see back page for details of our new school resources and recent conference where the children were creative in their demands for fair trade!

A very successful day of workshops was held at Coombe Road Primary School in Brighton on Wednesday 22nd March, linking in with the children's work on Fairtrade.

An assembly for the whole school highlighted the problems faced by producers in the developing world who have to contend with unfair trading practices. A display of fair trade products and a 'shopping bag' gave the children an idea of the choices they could make when shopping.

BRIGHTON GROUP FORGES FRIENDSHIPS IN TOUBAS REGION returned from a fact finding trip to Toubas, Palestine.

They witnessed first-hand the impact of Israel’s occupation on the everyday lives of Palestinians in the Toubas Region, and as a result have now launched the Brighton Toubas Friendship and Solidarity Group.

What is Brighton doing to combat climate change? Should it be doing more? BPEC would like to invite you to take part and make your thoughts known about the Brighton & Hove City Council draft Climate Change Action Plan. The Action Plan is a document that aims to address the issue of climate change in Brighton and Hove.

The Council website summarises the plan's role in illustrating the council's long term commitment, as a signatory of the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change, towards a sustainable future for the local, (and global), community. Further information can be found at the Council's website: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/sustainability