I am delighted to say that we have successfully recruited a new Maintenance Coordinator. Russell Fitzpatrick took over from Ian Moore at the beginning of October. Some of you may recognise the name as Russell featured in Volunteer Spotlight a few months ago.

Our meeting room prices have changed slightly. We now have two different rates available. Whilst our rates remain the same for voluntary and community organisations at £25 for a week day and £35 for a Saturday, we now have a separate business rate of £50 for a week day and £70 for a Saturday. These are still very competitive rates for a meeting room in the city centre. New flyers for the meeting room will be distributed to increase awareness of this facility and to raise funds for the rising costs of maintenance for the building. Please pass this information on to anyone who may be interested.

Lastly, whilst it is difficult to think and write about Christmas so early, BFOE has some new stock in its shop in reception. Items include beautiful handmade gifts from Madagascar, lunar 2008 calendars and a new line in greeting cards and postcards. We have also reduced our recycled coloured paper from £6.50 to £4 for 500 sheets. The One Earth Shop will be stocking its usual range of delicious chocolates in December and will be taking orders for gluten-free Christmas puddings, so please contact them on 0121 6326909 if you are interested in this service. The Warehouse Café has a mouth watering Christmas menu available with dishes such as wild mushroom, chestnut and red wine puff pastry pie and chocolate brandy torte. If you’re still stuck for gift ideas, then you could consider giving someone a year’s subscription to Birmingham Friends of the Earth. Please fill out the form at the back of this newsletter and, providing we receive it in time, we will send out the membership pack before Christmas.