Action Briefing Feb 2003 - Mar 2003
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Warehouse News

Having recently redecorated the meeting room, we’ve started on the kitchen (& toilets). Your donated paint has proved useful again! We’d plan to do some part tiling of the walls; and ideally we’d like to tile the floor. Is there anyone who could help or advise us about tiling floors?

The Government will shortly make final decisions, regarding changes to the laws governing Charities and other voluntary sector organisations. Preliminary proposals would mean that our charity (BEEP) would no longer be able to call itself a Registered Charity. Also, the designation ‘Industrial & Provident Society’ [Friends of the Earth (B’ham) is one of these] will cease to exist. These changes could have major implications for us. We’ll be looking for someone to advise us, or help with the changes, in the future. If you think you could help in some way, please contact Dave Clare, at the Warehouse.

Business Opportunity at The Warehouse
After over 12 years of running the Warehouse Cafe, Molly has decided to move on. So, she is going to sell the business. Enquiries to, and further details from, Molly on 0121 633 0261 (Cafe) or 0121 523 9046 (home).

The start of February sees a change of tenant. Carmen (Brides & Bridesmaids) is leaving, to relocate her business in a ‘proper’ shop in Handsworth. From my personal point of view, it has been a pleasure to have a ‘real’ small and local business in our building. For many years, we have, to a great extent, ‘preached’ our message to the converted, in splendid isolation. We need to converse with/invite/visit ‘real’ people. Brides and Bridesmaids has brought these people to our building. While she’s been here, Carmen has shown that it’s possible to take an active part in a community building, as well as earning a living. We’ve helped her - and she’s helped us. Isn’t that how things should be?

In her place, we welcome back Mr. Islam. He used to work for the Bangladeshi Advice Bureau, when they were tenants. Now he is running a Charity called SHABA, from an office here. The Charity runs various projects, in Britain and Bangladesh, mainly with children. By the way, SHABA means ‘care’.

Annual General Meeting
Friends of the Earth (Birmingham) Ltd
Mon 8th April 2003 7.30pm, The Warehouse
• Full report of the year’s campaigning activities
• Developments within and around the Warehouse
• Presentation of the Accounts for 2002-2003
• Appointment of an Auditor (if required) and election of Committee Members.

All Supporters are welcome. A buffet will be provided. For further information, contact Dave on 0121 632 6909.

Dave Clare