Local Interest

The Southampton People's Assembly

Quote: "Southampton People’s Assembly launch letter

Over the past month there has been media campaign to convince us all that the economy is, at last, on the road of recovery. This Government’s policy of austerity is working, we just need to stick with it. Even if this were true, and it is not, what are we being asked to accept?
A future of continuing attacks on our social fabric, NHS funding cuts in real terms; wages frozen whilst inflation does not freeze; for our youth a continuing future of high unemployment; employment numbers manipulated concealing over a million working zero hour contracts; years ahead of more funding cuts to local government; bedroom tax ripping people’s lives apart. The austerity misery list is endless. It means those that never created the financial collapse will have to continue paying for it.
The imminent launch of the Southampton People’s Assembly Against Austerity, will offer all who want to say NO to austerity, a voice. As their founding statement says:
“We face a choice that will shape our society for decades to come. It is a choice faced by ordinary people in every part of the globe.  We can defend education, health and welfare provision funded from general taxation and available to all, or we can surrender the gains that have improved the lives of millions of people for more than 50 years.”
Unite The Union, executive director for policy Steve Turner will be opening the meeting.
The statement and a programme of local actions will be put to the meeting, and a Southampton Peoples Assembly Against Austerity will form.
To read more about of the statement go to http://thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/draft-statement/, ......" (go to:http://thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/ )

Down to Earth

Quote: "Down To Earth Community Farm is set in the heart of Southampton. It aims to offer people the opportunity to interact with animals and the natural environment in a farm like setting. We are based on a 5 acre site made up of a farm, woodland area, growing area, pond, and a fully equipped building suitable for a range of indoor activities. We offer activities for vulnerable adults and other groups on set days. We organise open days  for the general public, and have facilities available to hire....

...We are open Saturdays & Sundays

The Farm is open to the general public every Saturday & Sunday. Come and meet Penny Pig, Velvet the cow, and all the other animals, feed the chickens, explore the gardens, bring a picnic and spend some time in our woodland area ,or even join in with any arts and crafts activities available.
Opening times are 10am-4pm BST 10am-3pm BWT.
Admission prices are £2.00 for adults and £1.00 for children. Under 2s Free

Down to Earth has received a £20,000 donation from The Barker-Mill Foundation.

The donation from the Barker-Mill Foundation will provide us with a new kitchen which will allow us to teach cookery skills, healthy eating and food production, as well as the opportunity to open a small café on site. There will also be increased disabled access throughout the farm, with renovation and enlargement of the small animal, craft and wood work rooms allowing for more people to use the facilities.
We would like to say a massive thank you for such a kind donation, we are truly delighted. To read more about this please follow the link to their website: http://www.barkermillfoundation.com/ " (go to:

www.downtoearthfarm.org )

Quote: "

Mayfield Nurseries

Mayfield Nurseries is a working plant nursery and a social enterprise and subsidiary charity of Solent Mind, located close to Southampton city centre within the walls of Mayfield Park.
Through the sales of their high quality plants, shrubs and consumables, they provide a place for people with mental health problems and learning disabilities to attend the nursery and develop skills and confidence to gain employment, volunteer, or make positive steps towards improving their mental health.
Whether you are looking for a friendly working nursery to buy your garden or commercial plants from, advice and practical learning on horticultural techniques, or information about any of the services that they offer, Mayfield Nurseries’ friendly staff and volunteers will be able to help you whatever your query.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30 til 16.00, Saturdays (April-June only) 10.00 til 16.00. Closed on Bank Holidays." (go to:  www.mayfieldnurseries.org.uk )

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